Does Curt Echo Trailer Brake Controller Affect MPG
Question:
I recently bought a Curt Echo wireless brake controller and used while towing a friends 5200 lb. travel trailer with my 2021 GMC Canyon. I was shocked with the gas mileage I had 8-12 mpg and my friend was wondering if there was something off with the sensitivity / max output settings where there was a gradual dragging of the brakes due to the app vs. hard wired controllers. I guess I just need a better understanding of sensitivity/ max output. I had the sensitivity at 4 and braking output at 6. Am I missing something? issues w/ Canyon braking system? It does not have the factory brake controller.
asked by: Kenneth B
Expert Reply:
Thanks for your purchase of the Curt Echo Wireless Trailer Brake Controller # C51180, and I can tell you for certain that a brake controller itself will not have any affect on your gas mileage. What does have a real affect on gas mileage is towing a trailer, due to the added force required by your Canyon's engine to move the added weight.
So neither the power output or the sensitivity you choose are going to have any drastic affect on your MPG. Power and sensitivity are unique for everyone and depend on their vehicle and load you are carrying. There isn't a "right" answer to how much you should have the power and sensitivity at, but you should be able to feel the difference. The power is just that - how powerful the braking action is - while the sensitivity is more about feel. If the stopping feels very sudden, turn down the sensitivity, or too slow, you want higher sensitivity to ensure safe braking for your trailer.
The app is just for the initial set up or manual override of the Curt Echo Wireless Trailer Brake Controller # C51180, so it won't have any affect while you are towing, it works the same as a hardwired controller in that regard.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Echo Wireless Brake Controller - 7-Way Plug Mount w/ Bluetooth App - 1 to 2 Axle - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Hidden
- Up to 2 Axles
- Smartphone Display
- CURT
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Continue Researching
- Article: How to Bleed Your Trailer Surge Brakes
- Article: Determining Trailer Tongue Weight
- Shop: Mud Flaps
- Search Results: electric hydraulic brake actuator
- Search Results: trailer tongue
- Q&A: Are Oil bath Hubs a Better Option for My 7,000 Lbs Axles Than Using Grease Hubs
- Search Results: rock tamers
- Q&A: Difference Between Oil Bath Hub and Grease Hubs
- Shop: Dexter Trailer Axle Beam with E-Z Lube Spindles - 95" Long - 7,000 lbs
- Shop: Dexter DX7.5 Drop-N-Go Brake Actuator - Disc Brakes - 2" Ball - Zinc Plated - 7,500 lbs
- Shop: Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension - Heavy Duty - Long Spindle w/ 4" Lift - 4 Bolt - 2K
- Shop: Dexter Electric Trailer Brakes - 10" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 3.5K
- Shop: Hydrastar Vented Marine Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator for Disc Brakes - OEM - 1,600 psi
- Shop: Truck Mud Flaps - Black Rubber - 12" Wide x 18" Tall - Qty 2
- Shop: Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension - Heavy Duty - Long Spindle - 4" Lift - 5 Bolt - 3.5K
- Article: Which Sway Control Hitch is Right For Your Trailer?
- Q&A: How to eliminate Trailer Sway that Occurs at 55 to 65 MPH Even With Sway Control
- Q&A: Weight Distribution System to Provide Best Possible Ground Clearance
- Q&A: Using Passenger Car Tires on Trailers
- Video: TryRyde Tang Type Replacement Spindle Washer Review
- Q&A: How Tight Should Castle Nut be on Trailer Hub
- Q&A: Proper Way to Tighten Trailer Spindle of Castle Nut
- Search Results: 25580
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Article: Most Popular Wheel Bearings
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: fender
- Video: etrailer Electric Trailer Brake Kit Installation
- Article: Trailer Tire Sizing