Functions Of The Curt Echo Brake Controller

Question:

Why is the orange button needed for emergency braking? Wouldnt the brake controller itself sense that the brakes would need to be applied? On a steep gradual decline would the proportional braking not sense the downward slant motion? My thoughts are that in an emergency braking situation the driver wont have the reaction to reach for a phone and begin using the phone while trying to control a vehicle in an emergency braking situation. Am I missing something? The video didnt really explain this adequately. Thank you.

asked by: John C

Expert Reply:

The orange button on the Curt Echo Wireless Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 2 Axles - Proportional
Item # C51180 is used for trailer sway. If you are driving down the highway and your trailer starts to sway you can push the orange button. This applies the brakes on the trailer without having to apply the brakes in the vehicle. In a sway situation if you apply the brakes in the vehicle, even though it applies the brakes on the trailer it can cause the trailer to sway more. Being able to apply the brakes only on the trailer will stop the sway and bring the trailer back to center.

Proportional braking means that the trailer brakes are going to be applied using the same amount of pressure you apply to the brake pedal in the vehicle no matter what setting you have chosen. If you are coming up to a stop sign or stop light and you gradually apply brake pressure in the vehicle, the trailer brakes are going to match that gradual pressure being applied. If you set the braking pressure to the trailer higher because you have added more weight to it, it is still going to gradually apply the brakes however, it will get to that maximum pressure your have set the controller to faster. These settings are so the trailer can slow and stop itself and you are not relying on the vehicle to stop both. If you find that the trailer is pushing or pulling on the vehicle a little when coming to a stop the braking on the trailer can be fine tuned by simply adjusting the sensitivity.

expert reply by: Shane H