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Curt Discovery NEXT Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Time Delayed
Curt Custom Wiring Adapter for Trailer Brake Controllers - Dual Plug In

Part Numbers: C84VV,C51438

Retail:$158.60
Our Price: $112.54
You Save: $46.06
Trailer Brake Controller

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Curt Discovery NEXT Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Time Delayed
part number: C84VV

An easy-to-read digital number display, 10 power levels, and a pinch-trigger manual override make this time-delayed brake controller easy to use. Installation is simple with no mounting restrictions. Activates brakes with a preset intensity.

Features:

  • Brake controller activates trailer brakes with preset intensity
  • Adjustable power output control lets you select the amount of braking force
    • Rocker switches located on left front of module for easy access
  • 10 Gain settings and 9 load settings allow you to adapt to various driving conditions
    • Select a higher setting for harder braking and lower for more gradual braking
  • Pinch-trigger manual override is within easy reach for controlling trailer sway or stopping in emergencies
  • Simple LED display shows the amount of power output
    • Self-diagnostics monitor trailer connection and check for shorts
  • LCD display shows power adjustments in 0.5 increments
    • Brightness is adjustable for optimal visibility
  • Auto-sleep mode prevents battery drain after 5 minutes of idle time
  • Quick and easy installation with no mounting restrictions
    • No need to mount level - install anywhere at any angle
    • Included mounting bracket and hardware designed to hold the brake controller flush against the dash
    • Plug-in, vehicle-specific brake control adapter (sold separately) available for select vehicles to reduce installation time


Specs:

  • Application: trailers with up to 4 axles (8 brake assemblies)
    • Compatible with low-volt, PWM, ABS, cruise control, and electric-over-hydraulic trailer brakes
  • Dimensions: 4" long x 3-1/8" wide x 1" tall
  • Limited lifetime warranty


Gain Adjustment

Gain control lets you set the maximum amount of power that will be applied to your trailer's brakes, adjusting in increments of 0.5. How much braking output you need is determined by the weight of your trailer; a heavier trailer will need more power to bring it to a stop. You want to go as high as you can without the trailer brakes locking up. Typically, the gain is only readjusted when you experience changing road conditions or if the weight of your trailer changes. To get more power to your brakes, press the upper orange rocker switch. To decrease the gain, press the lower switch. When you make your adjustment, the gain setting will show on the LED screen for 10 seconds as a series of bars and then go into sleep mode.


Load Control

Once you have the gain set, you can fine-tune your braking by adjusting the load control on a scale of 1 to 9. This controls the aggressiveness of your trailer's braking, meaning how quickly the brakes reach the maximum braking level. Load control can get the braking power to your trailer faster and with more intensity so that it doesn't push your tow vehicle forward. If your vehicle takes too long to come to a stop, increase the setting by pressing the upper black rocker switch. If it stops too abruptly, decrease the setting by pressing the lower switch. You can alter the setting to suit your driving preferences or to improve handling based on changing road conditions or varied trailer loads.


Pinch-Trigger Manual Override

The Discovery comes with a easy-to-reach, pinch-trigger manual override, great for stopping sway or controlling your trailer's momentum in emergencies. To engage the manual override, just push in the trigger. This will activate the trailer's brakes and brake lights without you having to apply the brakes on your tow vehicle, perfect for limiting trailer movement while you're cruising.


LED Display

The LED display on the Discovery is large and easy to read at a glance. It will show you what setting the brake controller is on as well as give you information for troubleshooting. You can adjust the screen brightness or trigger night mode so it won't glare obnoxiously on your dash. Press the control button to cycle through the different modes.


Curt Discovery NEXT

Quick Installation

Because inertia plays no role in the functioning of this controller, you do not have to mount the unit at any particular angle. Your mounting options are limitless, so long as you can still easily access the controller and the manual override. The included bracket is designed to mount the brake controller flush to the dash so it takes up almost no space at all.


If your vehicle already has a plug-in brake controller wiring harness, just connect the unit 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.


Note: If a custom brake control wiring adapter is not available for your vehicle, one of the following will be required:

20-Amp circuit breaker (9506P - sold separately) for 2- to 4-brake applications

30-Amp circuit breaker (38630 - sold separately) for 6- to 8-brake applications


See also 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.


Time-Delayed Braking

what is time-delayed braking

The Curt Discovery comes equipped with time-delayed braking. Every time you apply the brakes in your vehicle, a signal is sent - via the brake switch - to the Discovery. The controller then sends power out to your trailer brakes to activate them with an intensity set by you, at a rate determined by you. Both the amount of braking power (gain) and rate of application (load) can be adjusted to suit your preference, the road conditions, the type of trailer, and the weight of your load. To determine which levels are best for your application, test your towing setup and choose what feels right.



51126 Curt Discovery NEXT Time Delay Trailer Brake Control - 1 to 4 Axles

Replaces Curt 51120



Curt Custom Wiring Adapter for Trailer Brake Controllers - Dual Plug In
part number: C51438

Install your Curt electric trailer brake controller quickly and easily with this custom wiring adapter. Simply plug one end of the adapter into your brake controller and then plug the other end into the built-in port beneath your vehicle's dash.

Features:

  • Plug-in wiring adapter allows for quick, simple installation of your electric trailer brake controller
  • No cutting or splicing required
    • Custom connector end plugs into the built-in port beneath the dash of your vehicle
    • Other end plugs into the back of your electric brake controller
  • Compatible with time-delayed and proportional brake controllers from Curt
    • Brake controller must have built-in plug for adapter to connect - will not work on controllers with pigtail wiring harnesses
  • 2' Long, 12-gauge wires have protective covering to deter damage
  • Limited 1-year warranty


Installation of Curt Brake Controller Adapter

To install your Curt electric brake controller, you need to connect the wiring of the controller to your vehicle. Certain auto manufacturers offer pre-wired options, typically known as tow packages, wherein wiring is run for you from the dash to the trailer connector on the back of your vehicle. When this is done, a port is installed at your dash so that you can easily plug in a brake controller.


Brake-Control Adapter Port

This adapter plugs into the port on your vehicle's built-in brake control wiring harness. The harness is located underneath the dash, to the left of the steering column, and it is taped to another harness near the emergency brake pedal.


No hardwiring is required to install this adapter. After you plug it into the factory port, you simply plug the other end of the adapter directly into your electric trailer brake controller. Because there are no wires to connect, installation is not permanent. You can unplug and remove your brake controller at any time to transfer it to another vehicle or securely stow it away.



51438 Curt Quick Plug Brake Control Adaptor Harness

California residents: click here




Customer Satisfaction Score:


Customer Reviews

Curt Discovery NEXT Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Time Delayed - C84VV

Curt Custom Wiring Adapter for Trailer Brake Controllers - Dual Plug In - C51438

Average Customer Rating:  4.8 out of 5 stars   (61 Customer Reviews)

An easy-to-read digital number display, 10 power levels, and a pinch-trigger manual override make this time-delayed brake controller easy to use. Installation is simple with no mounting restrictions. Activates brakes with a preset intensity. Install your Curt electric trailer brake controller quickly and easily with this custom wiring adapter. Simply plug one end of the adapter into your brake controller and then plug the other end into the built-in port beneath your vehicle's dash.

by: John R05/24/2024

Took about 10 minutes to install. Have not made all the adjustments yet, but is easy to understand.



by: Jerry 04/25/2024

Tested . Work fine and advertised



by: Ethan 03/15/2024

excellent service and delivery.



by: Bruce09/23/2021

Ordered a Curt brake controller for my Toyota Tundra with the matching dual plug in. It installed easily, and worked perfectly. I later sold the Toyota and bought a 2010 Ram pickup. I transferred the Curt brake controller to my Ram pickup by ordering the matching dual plug in cord. It also installed easily, and works perfectly. Very pleased with everything. Excellent and prompt service, and helpful videos to help make installation effortless.



by: John07/12/2018
2010 DodgeRam Pickup

You wouldn't think an adapter cable to mate a CURT brake controller to a 2010 RAM, factory installed trailer brake cable would be difficult. But another online retailer and 2 (TWO!) local RV dealers sold me the wrong one..each the same; but wrong!

Only etrailer got it right and at a fraction of the cost of the "others"! Works fine.



by: Dustin09/18/2013
2012 DodgeRam Pickup

I purchased this product with a Curt time delay brake controller. My 2010 Dodge Ram has the 7 way plug and towing package on it already which made the installation of the product super easy. I looked under the dash by the parking brake and there was the plug. I plugged it in and plugged in the controller, mounted it and I was done! Installation took me less than 12 minutes and that included me checking the plug with a multi meter to ensure the power was getting thru. The best part is I can remove the controller when I am not towing my RV so that I keep my stock appearance. If you can use this part on your truck pay the little extra and get it. The shipping was super fast and easy! One of the best experiences buying online!



by: GreenEdgeLawnCare05/04/2023

Its a plug…. Not much else to say! Fit my 2010 ram 2500 and Curt TriFlex controller perfectly.



by: Cliff H08/25/2016
2011 Ram 1500

Cable was perfect, dealer wanted 5 times the price, has worked flawlessly since I purchased it. etrailer.com was great with information I needed, and shipped item immediately, great job George, thanks again, will definitely only buy from etrailer.com in future.



by: Sidney 09/21/2023

Like its compact size and simple operat ion.



by: Dusten09/21/2023

Very helpful, knowledgeable and friendl y!



by: ERIC M.09/22/2014
2012 DodgeRam Pickup

BRAKE CONTROLER & HARNESS WORK GREAT & ARRIVED ON TIME THANKS FOR THE GREAT SERVICE



by: Brian06/04/2017

The break controller was just what we need it.



by: Jason M02/08/2017

Great product, only thing I wasn't sure about was if the gain flashed while a trailer was not hooked up. I emailed etrailer and in a timely manner for a response.



by: tom b09/11/2016

Piece of cake installation. Installed in 10 minutes. Your company should install a shroud over the wires coming from the brake controller to the adapter to hide the single wires.



by: lj08/11/2015
2015 DodgeRam Pickup

I have 2015 ram 1500. Installation was simple. Might have taken 20 minutes. Setup and adjustment was simple just be sure and read directions. Much smoother braking than old controller.



by: Scott03/23/2017

Thanks Susan for helping me out. You found the correct part and install was a breeze. It took about ten minutes to hook up controller and connect harness. Thanks for working with me on the return issue. Looking forward to trying with my toy hauler.



by: James11/10/2017

This makes for a very installation. Instructions were very good. Brake controller installed and ready to use in 10 mins.



by: Steve B06/03/2016

Received order in good time, and have installed in truck. All went well and works as described. Very happy with the price and the service. Will buy again from E-trailer again.



by: Charlie G10/08/2014

Great product! Simple installation! The staff was very helpful and order was filled and shipped promptly. Will order from etrailer.com again!



by: Jamie D.08/02/2015

This product is high quality and easy to use and install. Especially for the price. The shipping was extremely fast and the ability to track packet was even better. I would highly recommend using this company and buying this product.



by: Jimmy C08/17/2015

Plug worked great, delivery very quick, priced right. Couldn't ask for more. Took literally five minutes to install the controller with this cable. Nice!



by: Brooke06/18/2013

Great product, installed within minutes. Very quick delivery. Thanks for the outstanding service.



by: Richard C.04/14/2015

service was excellent,everything went so smoothly
.parts ordered fit perfect.I will recommend and use your company
again. Thank you George



by: Dustin04/20/2022

Fit as expected and made installation quick and clean.



by: Willi Raabe06/18/2013
2011 Ram 1500

Worked like expected. Got to me in good time. Very satisfied! Would order from etrailer again.


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Ask the Experts about this Trailer Brake Controller
Do you have a question about this Trailer Brake Controller?


  • Is The Curt Discovery Trailer Brake Controller Supposed To Light Up When Vehicle Is Started
  • The Curt Discovery Trailer Brake Controller # C84VV is supposed to light up when you switch on the ignition or start your 2009 Chevrolet Silverado. With no trailer connected you should just see the period(.) on the screen.
    view full answer...

  • 7-Way Trailer Connector for 2004 Jeep Liberty with 4-Way Connector
  • Since your 2004 Jeep Liberty already has a 4-Way you just need to install the Universal Wiring Kit # ETBC7 for a fully functioning 7-Way. This comes with all of the wiring and parts needed to give you 12V power and brake controller power at the rear of your Jeep Liberty. You can use the No-Drill Bracket # C57202 to keep the 7-Way/4-Way connector right by your hitch receiver. If the brake controller in your truck is integrated or you would rather avoid removing it just to move your boat
    view full answer...

  • How to Properly Set Up Curt Discovery Time Delayed Brake Controller
  • To properly set up the Curt Discovery brake controller part # C84VV you first need to set the max output setting with the thumbwheel (number 2 in picture) on top of the controller. You want to adjust this to a setting that when you slide the manual override lever (number 4) all the way grabs the brakes as hard as possible right before locking up. Once that's set the next setting is the sync setting (lever on side number 3) which controls how fast the brake pressure ramps up to full
    view full answer...

  • Can I Use the Curt Discovery Brake Controller in a 2021 Honda Pilot
  • Yes. You could use the Curt Discovery # C84VV on your 2021 Honda Pilot with the plug and play adapter # C51392 to allow for an easier installation that won't require cutting into any wiring. However, the Discovery is a time delayed brake controller, which means that it applied the brakes with the same intensity and with a slight delay in response to the tow vehicle's brakes being pressed. I do typically recommend going with a proportional brake controller, which uses gyroscopes and sensors
    view full answer...

  • Wiring Adapter for Installing Curt Discovery Brake Controller on 2014 Ford Explorer
  • To install the Curt Discovery # C84VV brake controller on your 2014 Explorer, you'll need the Curt wiring adapter, part # C51322.
    view full answer...

  • How to Install Curt Discovery Brake Controller in 2008 Ford F-150 With Factory 7-Way
  • The Curt Discovery brake controller part # C84VV that you referenced can easily fit your 2008 Ford F-150 with the factory 7-way by using custom install harness part # C51322. This plugs into the brake controller install port under the dash of your truck and then into the back of the controller and you're set.
    view full answer...

  • Troubleshooting Brake Controller Install Where Brakes Lock Up As Soon as Brake Pedal is Touched
  • Since your controller is not showing a connection and your brakes are locking up anytime the brake pedal is touched that means that instead of having the brake output circuit connected to the trailer brakes (blue wire of controller) you have a stop/turn signal circuit connected to the circuit instead. You can test this pretty easily by turning on either blinker and you should feel the trailer brakes lock up with the blinker getting activated. Since your brake controller would have been
    view full answer...

  • Recommended Brake Controller Wiring Harness For 2013 Toyota Tundra
  • If your 2013 Toyota Tundra has the factory 7-way installed, the Curt Custom Wiring Adapter, part # C51362 will be what you need to connect the Curt Discovery Trailer Brake Controller, part # C84VV. If you have a 4-way connector installed on your Tundra, part # C51515 is what you need. This harness is used on a vehicle that does not have a factory tow package or on one that has a brake control harness but is not equipped with a plug-in port. If your vehicle doesn't have a factory tow
    view full answer...

  • Curt Discovery Brake Controller # C84VV Generates Output Signal at All Times
  • Thank you for your recent purchase from etrailer of a Curt Discovery Brake Controller # C84VV and harness # C51515. The blue output wire on your Discovery brake controller should carry an output signal under two conditions: when the brake pedal is pressed or when the manual override slide bar is engaged. Since your unit generates output continuously without either of these conditions met this means that either the unit is malfunctioning or that the red input signal wire to the controller
    view full answer...

  • Troubleshooting Brake Controller that Doesnt have 12 Volts on Red Wire when Brakes are Applied
  • The red wire of the controller needs to be showing voltage when you apply the vehicle brakes otherwise the controller is never going to activate when you apply the vehicle brakes. You need to verify the circuit you are trying to connect that wire to has 12 volts when the brakes are applied. Issue could also be the connection isn't being made completely and you'd just need to make the connection better.
    view full answer...

  • Curt Discovery Brake Controller Is Only Showing A Dot When Engaging Manual Override
  • The Curt Discovery Trailer Brake Controller, # C84VV, should show only the decimal point dot when the controller is activated and a trailer is not connected. If it shows the dot all the time, the red wire is connected to the wrong side of the stop light switch or the wrong switch completely like the cruise control. If you have only the decimal point when the trailer is connected, the usual cause is that the brake controller does not sense the trailer brakes. This could be due to corrosion
    view full answer...

  • Recommended Trailer Hitch, Wiring and Brake Controller for 1994 Chevy C/K Series Cab and Chassis
  • The Draw-Tite Class V hitch, part # 41947 will most likely work for you. The hitch has a drop (distance from the bottom of the frame to the top of the receiver tube) that's adjustable to 6-5/8, 8-1/4 or 10-1/4 inches. One of these distances should allow your receiver tube to clear the bottom of the back bumper, but you'll want to measure the distance from the underside of the frame member to the lowest point of the rear bumper. For wiring, you'd begin with a 4 pole, provided by # 118315.
    view full answer...

  • Adding a 7-Way Trailer Connector and Brake Controller to a 2004 Nissan Xterra
  • I will be happy to clear up what all you will need to add the equipment to tow the trailer and activate the electric brakes. First, if your 2004 Nissan Xterra does not already have a trailer hitch you will need to add one. A popular option is Curt trailer hitch # 13183. This is a Class III hitch with a 2 inch receiver. The hitch itself is rated for 400 pounds tongue weight and 4,000 pounds gross trailer weight but limited to the vehicle capacity if lower. I also recommend etrailer
    view full answer...

  • Brake Stoplamp Switch Wire Color For Brake Controller Install on 2016 Ford F150
  • You'll be looking for a purple and white wire, but if you're wanting to install a brake controller there is a plug and play option that would require no cutting or splicing. If you look at the installation video I've linked for you, you can see that the brake controller connector is located behind the dash, all you'll need is the correct wiring harness to connect the controller and the vehicle and you'll be good to go. If you're using a Curt brake controller like the # C84VV, you would
    view full answer...

  • How Would Curt Brake Controller Install Harness Wire to Tekonsha Controller in 2017 Chevy Tahoe
  • So the Curt trailer wiring harness # C51451 that you referenced for your 2017 Chevy Tahoe can very easily be wired to your Tekonsha Voyager # 39510 by just matching the colors between the two harnesses. All of the color/functions are same so it's a really easy swap. Or you could use the install harness # 3016 which would plug straight into the Voyager and to the install port of your 2017 Chevy Tahoe for the brake controller.
    view full answer...

  • Parts Needed to Install the Curt Discovery Brake Controller # C51120 on a 2013 Dodge Durango
  • The Curt Discovery Trailer Brake Controller, # C84VV, and the Custom Wiring Adapter, # C51446, will work on your 2013 Dodge Durango without splicing as long as your Durango came with a factory 7-way trailer connector at the trailer hitch. The 7-way trailer connector would indicate that your truck has the factory tow package, which would include a brake controller plug under the drivers side dash. You should see a gray connector just to the left of the steering column. If your Durango
    view full answer...

  • Troubleshooting Brake Controller that Flashes When Connected to Trailer
  • It sounds like the problem is corrosion on the trailer 7-way brake output circuit which is causing the controller to only show an intermittent connection. Try cleaning off this pin on the 7-way with some fine grit sandpaper. Testing the brake controller is fairly easy. Sever the blue brake output wire near the brake controller leaving enough room to reconnect it and then apply the manual slide. Using a circuit tester like part # PTW2993, you should get output to the controller side of
    view full answer...

  • Curt Discovery Brake Controller Display Flashes with Left Turn Signal
  • It could be a wiring issue. Specifically, it is likely related to the brake controller red wire. If that wire is not attached to the correct circuit, it can cause some strange things to happen. The red wire needs to be connected to a brake switch wire that only has power when the brake pedal is pressed. If that same wire has power, then the headlights or a turn signal are on then it is not the correct wire. I have heard that the correct brake switch wire is the white wire so use a circuit
    view full answer...

  • Brake Controller Wiring Harness for Curt Discovery in 2017 Chevrolet Colorado
  • Brake controllers are not vehicle specific technically the Curt Discovery # C84VV will work in your 2017 Chevrolet Colorado. The # C51515 wiring harness is the correct one for the Discovery.
    view full answer...

  • Replacement Brake Controller that is More Reliable Than Curt Discovery
  • You have successfully diagnosed your Curt Discover brake controller part # C84VV as having an internal issue. It really is a bummer if this is the second one you recieved with an internal issue but I can't say I am too shocked since we've seen the Curt brake controllers be pretty problematic. The Draw Tite Activator part # TK90160 is a similar controller that is MUCH more reliable.
    view full answer...

  • Does Curt Brake Controller Adapter for 2010 Ram 1500 Fit a 2018 Ram 1500
  • The adapter that fits the 2018 Ram 1500 is part # C51458. The # C51438 that you used in your 2010 Ram only fits through 2012
    view full answer...

Info for these parts were:

Employee Leah B
Edited by:
Leah B
Employee Lindsey S
Written by:
Lindsey S
Employee Wilson B
Updated by:
Wilson B
Employee Kristina F
Updated by:
Kristina F
Employee Isabelle B
Updated by:
Isabelle B

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