Is this right for you? Product Expert Kathleen M says:
Proportional brake controller installs anywhere in your cab and at any orientation. User-friendly, dash-mounted control knob with 10 tri-color LEDs creates a clean, OEM look. Easily adjust braking output, switch between modes, and view diagnostics.
Features:
Specs:
Whether you're a seasonal or weekend tower, you'll appreciate the out-of-the-way, easy-mount design and factory appearance of the Spectrum brake controller. The rotary knob allows for convenient adjustment, and it is lined with sleek, multi-color LEDs that provide valuable diagnostics.
With a proportional brake controller, you can get heavy-duty emergency braking, general braking, or slow-to-an-idle braking for your trailer automatically. The intensity with which your trailer brakes are activated and the rate at which they are applied are dependent on the deceleration of your tow vehicle. This means that, unlike time-delay controllers - which send the same amount of preset power to your trailer brakes every time - proportional controllers are able to adapt to every braking situation differently. So, if you slam on the brakes in your truck, your trailer brakes will activate with that same extreme intensity. And if you merely slow down as you approach a red light, your trailer will gradually brake in the same manner.
Once the Spectrum is mounted, it will sense - via an internal 3-axis accelerometer - how your tow vehicle brakes. This inertia-based sensor responds to the deceleration of your tow vehicle as you brake by signaling the controller to send out enough power to your trailer brakes so that they are activated with an intensity that matches. The result is uniform braking across your towing setup. No push-pull action - just smooth, proportional braking every time.
The Spectrum provides the smooth, precise braking action that you've come to expect from Curt brake controllers while allowing you to maintain the from-the-factory look of your vehicle. Make all of your braking adjustments from the dash-mounted rotary knob, which is equipped with 10 tri-color LEDs for simple monitoring. The LED lights change color to display different information about the controller, including which of the 4 operating modes is selected and multiple diagnostic indicator sequences.
To switch between modes, press the control button in the center of the knob.
Output: The output mode lets you adjust the maximum amount of power that will be applied to your trailer's brakes. You will need to adjust the output during the initial setup, but following that, you should only need to adjust the output control when the trailer load changes, if you switch trailers, or when road conditions change. Optimum output should cause your trailer brakes to function effectively without locking up.
Sensitivity: In sensitivity mode, you can fine-tune the power by adjusting the sensitivity of the internal sensor to get either more or less aggressive braking.
Boost the setting to get your trailer brakes to activate with more intensity right off the bat. This means that they will also reach maximum braking faster simply because they will start out at that higher intensity. This is particularly beneficial if you are towing a heavy load because the intensity required to stop that load may be far greater than that needed to halt your vehicle. Therefore, sending out more initial power to the trailer brakes - and causing them to reach maximum braking faster - allows you to better control the trailer so that it doesn't push your tow vehicle before coming to a complete stop.
You may need to adjust the sensitivity to accommodate for driver preference, trailer load changes, or changing road conditions.
Manual Control: Press and hold the button on the knob to activate the manual override.
Manual control mode is used to activate the trailer brakes independently of your tow vehicle. Doing this can have several advantages. Slowing the trailer down a bit as you travel can help to pull the trailer back in line behind your tow vehicle when you experience sway. You can also use the manual override to achieve a slow reduction in speed by creating just enough drag to slow your entire setup using only the trailer brakes. In addition, the manual override can help prevent a jackknife situation by limiting the momentum of your heavy trailer as you travel down steep hills.
When the manual control is pushed, the brake control will ramp up the trailer brakes until the maximum power output set is reached. If you realize that you need more power immediately, turn the control knob clockwise to reach maximum power faster.
The maximum power for the manual override can be chosen during installation via a small switch at the rear of the unit. The brake control unit is factory-set with the switch in the "ON" position, which allows 100% trailer braking power when manual control mode is actuated, regardless of the output control setting. When the switch is in the "OFF" position, the maximum override braking power will be determined by the output control setting.
The state of California requires that your trailer's brake lights illuminate when the manual override on your electric brake controller is activated. Therefore, to comply with state regulations, the Curt Spectrum offers a brake light activation feature. A small switch at the rear of the unit controls the unit's brake light activation feature, and it is factory-set in the "ON" position.
Long gone are the days of knocking your knees on your brake controller. The 2-piece Spectrum can be installed nearly anywhere, and at any orientation.
First, determine your preferred location for the control knob. This is where you'll make braking adjustments, so it will need to be easily accessible while you're driving. Whether the knob is installed in a blank panel switch, on an open area of your center console, or somewhere on your dashboard, the simple, subtle design will provide a clean, uncluttered look. And the knob sits flush against any flat surface with no parts protruding behind the mounting location. This means that there is less chance of interference with wires and instrumentation behind your dash or console, so you have more mounting options than you might with other similar brake controllers.
Once you have determined where to mount the control knob, you'll need to find a good place to install the main unit. The only mounting restriction for the unit is that the included 4' long plug-in cable must be able to reach between the main unit and the knob.
The triple-axis motion-sensing accelerometer that is inside the main unit detects the inertia of your vehicle and trailer, and it uses this information to recognize the direction of travel and any change in position. Because this feature can read the direction of travel, the main unit can be mounted at any orientation for greater flexibility.
If your vehicle already has a plug-in brake controller wiring harness, just connect the main control module to it. Otherwise, you will need to purchase a vehicle-specific wiring harness (sold separately) to plug into. If a harness is unavailable for your vehicle, hardwiring will be necessary.
Both the control knob and main module can be mounted using the included hardware or adhesive pads for fast and easy installation.
For assistance in properly wiring the Curt Spectrum, please refer to the diagram below:
See etrailer.com's exclusive 7- and 4-way brake-control installation kit (ETBC7 - sold separately) if you don't already have a 7-way plug at the back of your vehicle.
Note: If a custom brake control wiring adapter is not available for your vehicle, a 30-amp circuit breaker (sold separately) may be required for installation.
California residents: click here
Average Customer Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars (204 Customer Reviews)
Proportional brake controller installs anywhere in your cab and at any orientation. User-friendly, dash-mounted control knob with 10 tri-color LEDs creates a clean, OEM look. Easily adjust braking output, switch between modes, and view diagnostics.Everything installed great. The overall look of the knob if excellent. The direct plug in to the Ford OEM brake plug is excellent. Have not towed anything yet. P.S.: The screw-in base with well nut - which is the more secure option (not the adhesive option) for the knob... the screw prevents the knob from seating perfectly square... the base bottoms out just slightly on the screw. It does click in, the screw is a very flat pan head... perhaps there is a flatter screw or the there is more space in the knob undercarriage, but another 1/16" of space probably gets it just right. If the seating gets weird (i.e in cold weather may shrink cause plastic to contract slightly and lose seating, I can always use a machine screw and nut washer to clean it up... plenty of space to access the fastener from mounting place. 2008 Ford Expedition.
This controller is a really good concept but kind of challenging to get dialed in correctly for each load. When braking in a straight line it performs as expected but when braking while turning or on bumpy roads it often times surges the brakes making them lock up. I have been using this product for 1 year and am now figuring out ways to work around the surges. Best way I've found is to keep the sensitivity on high and only adjust the power setting. The 4 star rating on this product is for how small and sleek the adjustment knob is vs standard brake controllers installed In the dash it feels almost factory. Install took about 5 -10 minutes Overall I am happy with this purchace it's just not quite as user friendly as I'd hoped.
I'm very happy to have the ability to have (Brakes) on my trailer now since Jeep dident offer A brake controller . I just wish it was A little easier to adjust & dial in . I have somehow misplaced the pocket instructions & cant get it to adjust any better now . It would be nice if you could just turn it up & get more braking out of it ?? Not real pleased with all the sequences needed to get it to do what should be A Simple job !!!!
Heather A - 12/17/2021I bought this because I wanted a factory look. This was easy to install and looks great. You have to learn what the different colors and settings do but it’s not that difficult. Overall I am very happy with this brake controller.
Doug - 04/26/2021I knew I wanted to have something like this due to the look, function and size. The package was small. Installed pretty easily with minimal headaches. I just watched the videos online to see how others did it and how to steer away from making damaging mistakes. The booklet was also very helpful to make everything fit as it should while putting the steps in order. As I pull a trailer 90% of the time, I wanted something to have the easy manipulation for the brakes yet have an aesthetically pleasing look. This does just that. Brakes on one setting. Adjustable on two other settings. Very quick. Although I did have to play with the settings to make sure it wasn’t jerking me in my seat every time I pushed the brake pedal, after a day, smooth sailing. I do recommend you seriously think about this brake controller. Ease of install and the application is perfect.
Evan - 11/10/2020I've had the brake controller in use for over a year in my 2012 Nissan Frontier. The install was easy and took about an hour. My truck is a 2WD model so I mounted the controller in the plug that is used to select between 2WD and 4WD on vehicles equipped with 4WD. So the install look like factory.
I installed it in a Jeep Gladiator. Easy install (the Gladiator is pre-wired so I just needed a harness). No problems at all!
The Curt Spectrum Brake Controller works great for my 2008 Toyota Highlander. I mounted it on the front of the console armrest compartment behind the cup holders (facing forward). I was easily able to route the wiring out the bottom of the console and access the module under the drivers seat (be very careful installing the pins into the clip, they are very fragile). Then I ran the wires under the bottom edge of the console and out through the fire wall (Be very careful drilling your hole through the firewall. I caused some damage I had to have repaired}. Also, the help I had from Yolanda, making sure the kits I needed were compatible, was extremely important because I was leaving for a cross country trip later that week. She was wonderful and everything worked great for my trip. Thank you etrailer. I'm a regular customer and will remain so.
This controller works very well. Installation on my Lexus GX460 was inconspicuous easy.and Once it was properly adjusted it did exactly what one would expect from a pricey brake controller.
The first time I tried, I messed up the installation even though I watched the video (installation on a 2020 Colorado which was essentially identical to my 2018 Canyon). I had problems wiring the plug connector to the led display and broke off the end on one of the wires. I contacted Curt and they UPS'ed a new unit at no cost (fantastic support for their product). I was able to complete the wiring the second time but only after carefully studying the installation manual, especially, Page 6 and PAGE 7. The issue that I had to address was how to properly insert the wires into the plug connector. There are two figures, namely, Figure 2 on Page 6 and Figure 2 on Page 7 which illustrate what needs to be done. Figure 2 on Page 6 shows how the wires are to be inserted with "metal crimp facing down." You also see a little notch facing up. I believe that IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO ALIGN THE WIRE IN THIS MANNER before trying to insert it into the connector. Even though the left hand side of Page 7 deals with uninstalling the brake control, Figure 2 of Page 7 illustrates how FAR the wires must be inserted for the system to work. Note that the wires must be inserted so that they are flush with left side of the connector when seen from above (with the latch up).
2019 Honda Ridgeline RTL AWD— The Curt Spectrum C51170 controller and harness C51392 was exactly as I had read it would be! All connections hooked up as described and all connectors fit! The knob works as described but I have yet to hook up trailer to get response from the accelerometer! I’m sure the quality shown it will work fine! Only problem I had was access under the dash. Thanks Bill and etrailer! Pictures attached!
George - 05/27/2020The compact remote control knob feature is a good plus for this product. Installation was really easy with the interface harness on the second generation Tacoma. I haven't had a lot of towing time with it but can offer the following insight. The control lights are easy to use and adjust. They appear to be dimmed with pulse width modulation so if your eyes are sensitive to it you might look at one before you buy. Hopefully they can go PWM-free at some point. The "white" color lamps appear as a mix of flashing red green and blue. Indicator lights are plenty bright in the daytime but the lowest dim setting is too bright. Perhaps this was done to minimize the PWM flashing at the dim setting. I had to locate the knob in the shadow of the steering wheel to keep the light out of my eyes at night. I've also noticed a single artifact light on many occasions after brake release (see pictures). So far the lamp color has been red, green, and blue however I have not yet seen a "white" one. One of these lights often come up in random positions on the dial. This lamp will continue to burn after I get out of the truck, and won't go out until I press the brake pedal again or push the knob. If I push the knob the output or sensitivity adjustment mode arc comes up briefly and it goes out after a bit (as it's supposed to). OEM brake control harness and grounding were sound with typical resistances around a milliohm or less. This controller is a considerable parasitic draw on the battery even with the lamps out and the ignition switch off. This could be an issue particularly if an artifact light is not noticed and the truck sits for more than a week(which mine sometimes does). A depleted battery made me look into this with a Fluke ammeter. You might consider pulling the fuse if the truck will sit or hook up a trickle charger. I tried to make contact with the manufacturer to see if they had any free convection requirements for air flow around the main module (air cooling at 100% duty cycle), and to understand what is going on with the controller and if there was something that could be done to fix the lights, perhaps a firmware update or something but never got any replies. The folks at etrailer maintained good communication and were excellent to work with but I don't feel the manufacturer is willing to support their product. This could be an excellent product if they can address these issues.
So far so good. The install went well. The instruction were good. Install took about 4 hours, including a new 7 pin hook up at rear bumper. There is one thing that would have made for a cleaner install. We had to cut away the four pin connector and splice the wires in. if the male portion of the plug was provided, the install would have been nicer. Thanks for the product.
I chose this controller as the main module fits out of sight and does not have to be aligned or leveled. I attached it to the parking brake bracket on our Pilot. The LED rotary control knob fits nicely on the dash and after inserting the cable through a small hole in the dash, connecting the plug was simple with the pins that were attached to the cable. What was confusing was the instructions do not mention there are two base plates - one for adhesive mounting to the dash and the other for drill mounting (what I did). I tried to snap the rotary knob into the base plate I mounted, but it would not fit. I found out that the rotary knob actually comes with the adhesive mount already attached and you have to use a small screw driver to pry it off so you can use the other base plate. Luckily Curt has an installation video on their web site that showed removing the adhesive plate. I generally do not start taking apart precision gear without some hint of what should be done. Curt also has a custom cable that plugs into this unit and the port on my Pilot. When I get our trailer I will be able to review the performance of this controller.
Easy to use, install, & operate. I have to look in the mirror to make sure it's back there when I stop. 5 Stars from me Thanks etrailer
John B - 01/13/2022After knocking my knee into my brake control for the last 20 years with the new GMC Savana I wanted something a little different. Technology has moved trailer brakes forward quite a bit and Etrailer has an immense amount of information! I original looked at the Tekonsha Prodigy RF Wireless Trailer Brake Controller but it would take up a valuable power outlet with the control unit but it's kind of trailer specific as the control mounts to the trailer you never know when you might have to tow another trailer and was leery of the control wandering around the console, Next up was the Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Trailer Brake Controller but did not like the control mounting options. Then ran across the Tuson DirecLink Lite Trailer Brake Controller crazy amounts of technology in this unit but again concerns over the remote so after lots of head scratching the Curt Spectrum seemed like the best choice. Easy install very small control box mounted easily with the included double stick tape under the dash. I moved my traction control button to the left where a blank filler was you have to cut a little piece of it off to get it into the hole as the are "keyed" to specific locations I guess but worked perfectly! I left enough slack in the connection so I can simply disconnect the harness if I am not towing for awhile as the blue indicator lights come on every time you hit the brake if its disconnected. Just installed it so I will send an update after our first trip with the new rig but I'm thinking it will work as described. Thanks again etrailer fast shipping great information!!!!
Bob I - 01/13/2020Worked well in my Infiniti 2017 QX60 but install was not that easy. First unlike other etrailer products, I could not find an install video for my car. For other Infiniti owners out there, the brake controller connector is located along the wiring harness connected to the OBD connector. You cannot see it as it is lightly taped up, you just need to feel for it and pull it down. Secondly it is *capped*. The cap looks very much like the plug itself so don't be confused. Remove the cap and you can install. Make sure you get the right Curt adapter for your car. Secondly the install requires the user to insert the crimped controller wires into a connector for control module. There are videos on how to do this however it did not go as easy as shown. Maybe I had a defective part, but there is clearly only one way to insert the wires but I had to insert with significant force to get them in all the way. Once installed the unit worked fine with my 3,800lb RV trailer. A few nits: Occasionally the control knob will leave as one of its lights on after the car is turned off. Its happens occasionally and can be reset by pushing the brakes again but seems like a bug? Also the knob will *always* light up if you press the brakes even if you do not have a trailer attached. There is no way to turn this feature off and can be kinda annoying if you do not tow that much. Overall, works as advertised and like how it can be tucked away, but wish the install was better explained for my vehicle and didn't bother if there was no trailer attached.
The installation went very quickly and the end result was very satisfying. The location of the switch on the dashboard makes it hard to spot as an aftermarket add on. The whole installation took 1 hour start to finish. I can't wait to tow a trailer so that I can get the Cuurt Spectrum Brake Controller calibrated and dialed in. Thanks etrailer! Thank Curt!
I think that your brake controller is not made to plug into a 2021 Holiday Rambler. It has a six pin connector. The bad is I can't find an adaptor in Carson City. Your web site said this would fit! Now I leave tomorrow on a 8 day trip with no trailer brakes. This sucks!
Brooke M - 06/30/2021Etrailer.com - Awesome! Excellent customer service. Have dealt with them many times, Knowledgeable, Friendly and Helpful, great products at competitive prices. Highly Recommend. Curt Spectrum - Neat and clean, straight forward installation. Just make sure the wires to the plug connector are fully seated to the plug connector. Custom wire adapter makes installation plug and play. Picture is 2017 Silverado 1500.
Excellent customer service from etrailer. Followed up until shipment reached canada.
Excellent Product, especially if you want an OEM look. The heart of the system mounts out of sight behind your dash, while the control knob mounts wherever you can find a convenient spot. The Brake works great on my trailer as well as any that I have used in the past. So, the bottom line is that if you want a clean, OEM look and don't mind spending a little extra time with it's planning and installation, I highly recommend it,
Charlie - 06/27/2021Great product. Easy install in under 45 minutes to integrate into factory OEM harness. 2017 Land Ro er Discovery Sport with factory trailer tow package will be plug and play with this controller, and Curt custom wiring Adapter C51322. The factory brake controller integration harness is directly behind the OBDII connector on the driver’s side. Everything else is in place. Note: your factory OEM tow connection MUST be dealer activated in your vehicle. Without that activation, the body controller will not pass power to the brake module. There is ample space inside the dash on the left side, behind the left knee bolster to place the control module in a securable and protected location. This requires only 3 easy to remove panels, and 2 screws to reach. If oriented properly, the DIP switches are accessible in future by removing the dash side panel (zero tools required). There are multiple locations for the control knob. The look and style of the control knob fits perfectly with the design of the interior. Love the ability to use a drill or no-drill installation method. We haul our Forrest River travel trailer with this vehicle and previously used a time-based controller that “fought” with the vehicle’s integrated trailer stability control and anti-sway detection. This controller has solved this issue and gives complete control while integrating seamlessly with factory stability systems. Even with the output or sensitivity at high levels, this system still works perfectly with the vehicle trailer stability control. This was a vast improvement over our old time-based controller. Great function and fantastic look. For a non-OEM product, this truly does have an OEM look, function and ease of installation. Curt did a great job with this. My only nit is that both Curt and etrailer do not recognize the factory connection adapter harness as an option on the Discovery Sport. TIP: If you select the Land Rover Evoque (shares the same platform as the Discovery Sport) the options become correct for your Discovery Sport as far as factory adapter harnesses. Super fast delivery. Would be better if drop-ship items included an actual tracking number instead of only the user login web based tracking option. The web based tracking required logging in to monitor for delivery times. Some kind of automated text or email shipping updates for drop-ship items would make a great buying experience into a fantastic one.
Nice little unit. Really like the fact you only have the control knob showing. Was hoping it was small enough to fit in extra spot on Tundra next to the traction control button. Was a little large but found a great out of the way really factory looking spot for it. Have not had a chance to hook up trailer yet but as far as install goes it was super easy using the pigtail plug. True plug and play. Instructions were very easy to read and understand.
Installed on 2011 Toyota Sequoia - Wanted a controller solution that was not bulky or required drilling into the dash panel. This foot the bill. See photos - I was able to install without a single hole drilled into the dash panels. Mounted knob on left 4-switch panel which is easily accessible by driver and hidden away from passengers (so they are not bothered by the glow). VERY CLEAN LOOK.
Do you have a question about this Trailer Brake Controller?
Info for this part was:
At etrailer.com we provide the best information available about the products we sell. We take the quality of our information seriously so that you can get the right part the first time. Let us know if anything is missing or if you have any questions.
Thank you! Your comment has been submitted successfully. You should be able to view your question/comment here within a few days.
Error submitting comment. Please try again momentarily.