Can Curt Echo Mobile Brake Controller Be Used with 2019 Ford Ranger with Smart Tow

Question:

I see that you say the brake controller will continue to work, even if it loses its connection to the phone. Does that mean if once I set the controller up, say at 50, I wouldnt need to sync up again after I unhook and reattach the trailer? Or does this just mean if my phone loses connection in the middle of a drive, I wouldnt lose the settings? Also - I see that if my Ranger has the Smart Tow Package, it is more difficult to connect with the Curt. Is there a way to determine if the truck has the smart tow package? Thanks

asked by: Larry W

Helpful Expert Reply:

Curt has actually updated the Curt Echo # C51180 so that it is now compatible with the Smart Trailer Tow feature like what you have on your 2019 Ford Ranger.

The Echo used to not interact well with the Smart Trailer Tow feature (they essentially couldn't read each other well) so Curt started adding resistors inside the Echo and my contact at Curt said that the brake controller is compatible with that feature now.

If you lose connection to the controller from your phone it will retain the last settings and function like normal. It also retains last settings from power cycling as well so if you turned your vehicle off and then back on you wouldn't have to reset it. Also you have ability to save trailer presets as well.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Larry W.

6/25/2020

Thanks...thats very helpful. Is there a way to determine if the Echo Brake Controller I was sent is one of the new ones? Was this change made a long time ago, or is it possible I could have been sent one without this update (my order was shipped last week). Thanks again!

Chris R.

6/29/2020

If you just recently received (or placed) the order you'll get a current/updated Echo Controller # C51180. Just let us know if any other questions come up!