Recommended Trailer Brake Controller For 2017 Ford Escape W/ Factory Tow Package

Question:

Can a separate battery be used for the electric brakes? I have factory tow package on 2017 Ford Escape, but want electric brakes on a small camper. I have read where you dont recommend using 12 v power outlets, but would a 100 amp battery in the hatch or attached outside the vehicle or on the trailer work and use a wifi controller to eliminate wiring issues?

asked by: Steven S

Expert Reply:

To install a 7-way connector on your 2017 Ford Escape with the factory tow package I recommend the # ETBC7L which will plug into your factory 4-way connector and will only require you to run one wire to the battery of your vehicle with the included 40 amp circuit breaker. You will want to use the main battery on your vehicle, and not a standalone battery. The reason for this is the main battery of your vehicle is charged by the alternator, where a standalone battery is not being constantly charged so it can be drained which would cause the controller to turn off.

The # ETBC7L was designed specifically for the Curt Echo Wireless Trailer Brake Controller # C51180 which will plug directly into your 7-way connector so you won't need to mount the controller inside of your vehicle, or run any wires into the passenger compartment. You will be able to control the # C51180 by using your smartphone.

If you have not already ordered the parts to add electric trailer brakes to your camper, just let me know the inner and outer bearing numbers of your current hubs and I would be happy to recommend everything you will need. The bearing numbers are stamped in the face of each bearing as shown in the included picture of the # L44649.

I included a video of the # C51180 for you to take a look at.