Will Curt Echo Brake Controller Work with 2018 Volkswagen Atlas with Factory Installed Hitch

Updated 06/02/2022 | Published 06/01/2022

Question:

I have a 2018 VW Atlas with a factory installed hitch. It has a 7-way plug for electrical connections to the trailer. I took it to my trailer rental company so they could test that it operates properly and will talk with the brake controller they will provide. The person who tested it said the lights all work fine, but the 12 volt connection light “pulsed” instead of showing a steady current. He is thinking I may need to go to the dealer to purchase a brake controller, but I’m thinking there may be another solution. Would C51180 solve this problem? Thanks!

asked by: Randy L

Expert Reply:

The Curt Echo Wireless Trailer Brake Controller # C51180 is a great way to keep from having to mess with anything on the interior of your 2018 Volkswagen Atlas and it only needs the basic trailer light and 12V power functions active to work properly.

I'm guessing that the "pulse" the trailer rental company rep found is the VWs way of checking to see if a trailer is connected as that's somewhat common. It should send full power back once it can sense that a trailer has been connected. The Curt Echo instructions call for pairing the controller prior to connecting the trailer 7-Way but in your case you may need to plug both the Echo and your trailer 7-Way in for the Echo to be powered and, in turn, for you to pair it with the app.

expert reply by: Jon G