Can Curt Echo Brake Controller Work with 5-Way on Boat Trailer

Question:

Just picked this up for my 2020 Wrangler Unlimited. I’ve got a 7 pin on the Jeep side but the trailer is a5 pin pigtail. The brake line is not attached to the Jeep but all other wires have been tested and work fine. I use an adapter to plug my boat trailer to my Jeep. When I plug in the brake controller I have to use the adapter to plug into the trailers 5 pin pigtail. App paired easily, all lights on the trailer work including turn and brake lights but the brake controller stays solid blue. On the app I see no indication of the blue brake ring unless I hit the manual override button. The first time I pressed it there was an overload error. Any thoughts? My question is can you use an adapter to step down from the 7 pin echo controller to a 5 pin boat trailer? Or do I need to splice on a 7 pin pigtail?

asked by: Jay M

Expert Reply:

In order for the Curt Echo Wireless Trailer Brake Controller # C51180 to work properly you will need to install a 7-Way connector on your boat trailer. Typically the 5-Way connectors carry the standard trailer light functions plus the reverse light function so I'm not even sure if your current setup is able to provide power to brakes on your boat trailer.

I recommend using the Trailer Wiring 7-Way Upgrade Kit # HS381-9000 to accomplish this since it comes with a junction box that helps to make your wiring connections easier but you do need to make sure you install the box where it won't get wet when you back the trailer into the water.

expert reply by: Jon G