Electronic controller activates electric trailer brakes with a preset intensity when you apply the brakes in your vehicle. Power output and braking aggressiveness are easily adjustable. Includes easy-to-read digital display and manual override.
Features:
Specs:
The Discovery applies your trailer's brakes when the brake pedal in your tow vehicle is engaged. 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 (output) and rate of application (sync) can be adjusted to suit your preference, the road conditions, type of trailer, and size of the load. To determine which levels are best for your application, you must test out your towing setup and choose what feels best.
A time-delay controller is so named because there is a delay between the time that you initially apply the brakes in your tow vehicle and the time that the controller reaches maximum power output. Unlike a proportional brake controller, which activates your trailer's brakes based on the deceleration of your tow vehicle, the Discovery sends power out in the same way, with the same gradual delay, no matter the braking situation. Although this delay always exists, it can be adjusted by changing the sync setting.
The above diagram shows the controls and components of the Curt Discovery trailer brake controller.
During the initial setup process, use the thumbwheel control on top of the Discovery to adjust the output. The output control lets you set the maximum amount of power that will be applied to your trailer's brakes. Typically, the output is only readjusted when you experience changing road conditions or if you switch over from a heavy, loaded trailer to a much lighter, empty trailer, or vice versa. To get more power to your brakes, rotate the switch to the right. To decrease the power output, move it to the left. The output setting will appear on the digital display when you press the brake pedal or activate the manual override. This setting ranges from 0 to 10, with 10 indicating maximum output.
To adjust the aggressiveness of your trailer's braking action, use the slide-bar control on the side of the Discovery to change the sync setting. If you want to reach maximum power output faster, move the switch forward. To get smoother braking action, slide the switch backward, thus supplying power to the trailer brakes more gradually. You can alter the sync setting to suit your driving preferences or to improve handling based on changing road conditions or varied trailer loads. The digital display will only show the sync setting as you adjust it.
Quick, Simple Installation
Because inertia plays no role in the functioning of this controller, you do not have to mount the unit at any particular angle. As a result, mounting options are limitless, so long as you can still easily access the controller.
Installation of the Discovery requires that you either purchase a custom wiring adapter designed to plug into the controller or that you hardwire the controller directly into your vehicle. To hardwire the Discovery, you must remove the plug at the end of the integrated wiring harness.
Installation Accessories
For easier installation, a vehicle-specific wiring adapter (sold separately) is available for most newer trucks and SUVs. One end of the custom adapter plugs into your vehicle, and the other end plugs into the controller - no hardwiring required.
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.
California residents: click here
Videos are provided as a guide only. Refer to manufacturer installation instructions and specs for complete information.
Today we're going to take a look at the Curt Discovery Trailer Brake Controller number C51120. This time delayed brake controller activates trailer brakes with a preset intensity. The signal is sent to the trailer brakes when the tow vehicle's brakes are activated.It has an adjustable thumb wheel power output that allows you to determine the amount of breaking force you would set to the maximum when you travel through a more hilly terrain with a fully loaded trailer and you would back off the power output when you're towing a smaller more lightweight trailer.It also features a sink switch here on the side. It allows you to adjust the aggressiveness of the brakes. If you want it full power in this position right here. It will increase the activation speed of the brakes and you would move it back in the opposite direction to achieve a smoother braking by supplying the power more gradually.
It has an easy to read digital display that communicates brake force output, sink setting and air codes and we'll attach this to a power supply in just a moment so you can see that a little better. Self-diagnostics function monitors the trailer connection and checks for shorts. It has a built in slide bar emergency manual override and again we'll discuss that more in just a moment. It has also has a quick and easy installation. It comes with the mounting bracket right here.
The screws to attach the bracket to the controller as well as a quick reference card if you have any questions. One of the differences between the time delay brake controller and a proportional brake controller is there's no need to mount this one level the way you would a proportional controller.You can mount it up, down, side to side, as long as you can see the digital display you're good to go. This application is for trailers up to four axles or eight brake assemblies. It's designed for use with electric brakes only and it does have a limited lifetime warranty. Now we're going to attach it to our power supply and the wiring harness that we're using here is the Curt Universal Wiring Adapter for Curt Trailer Brake Controllers, number C51515.
This particular harness ends in a pigtail and it is intended for vehicles who do not come with a factory installed brake controller port. Now when you hit the brake you will be able to see the digital display and say right here we'll use our output knob here. You can go from zero to ten and we'll set that at five for right now and over here our sink all the way to nine and then slide it back to zero. We will put that at five as well. When we talk about our emergency manual override say youre in traffic and somebody cuts you off and you have to hit the brakes really quick what you would do is hitch your emergency manual override and instead of the normal amount of time it would take for the trailer brakes to brake this removes the time delay function and the maximum output that you had preset it goes to the brakes immediately to help slow you down to prevent any accidents.
That should just about do it for our Curt Discovery Trailer Brake Controller number C51120.
Average Customer Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars (212 Customer Reviews)
Electronic controller activates electric trailer brakes with a preset intensity when you apply the brakes in your vehicle. Power output and braking aggressiveness are easily adjustable. Includes easy-to-read digital display and manual override.Had the controler installed in just a few minutes. 634445
Product worked as advertised. 2012 F150 already has the terminal. All adjustments work as they should with the trailer brakes. 606348
When i needed to replace my electric brake controller on my truck for pulling my trailers I first ordered from another dealer and when i got the unit and read the instructions there were about 3 items that i wasn't told about and sent it back ,so i kept searching for the controllers and came across e trailers , there were so many questions i had from my researching that when i called e trailers and talked with Preston he was so helpful in explaining the differances with controllers and i explained what i wanted and why he helped set me up with the right one .I then ordered the unit it was received faster than i expectided , it took me about 20 minutes to install the wiring harness and controller, I'm very happy with the customer service rep. Preston with help and time to explain and the choice i made thanks Preston and E trailers 584058
Purchased this controller for limited use. Really like the vehicle specific plug adaptor that came with it. Makes for a quick clean install. Clean compact design and easy to use. 544267
I bought a new car dolly with electric brakes to pull with our motorhome ( Fleetwood FlAIR 2001 ) as all states require brakes on trailers at all different weight levels. I called E trailer and spoke with Danna and after talking with her about different models I choose the C51120 time delay control, as it can be adjusted to work well with the tow vehicle . I received the control with in 3 days of the order and went to put it in and found under the dash wire a harness by Fleetwood which told where each wire on the controller went on the harness. I was able to hook it up sitting in the drivers seat. Completed the hook up and started to test the operation, to find I was not getting the proper readings. I talked with Tom and he said he would bench test a like control and report back to me, at 6 pm he left a message on our phone that he believed the problem was along the blue wire to the trailer on the tow vehicle . I started at the back of the, motorhome and moved forward testing for a brake signal, I found that the butt connector had pulled apart and was not getting current to the plug in at rear of coach. Hooked it back together and re taped the wires and it works like a charm. I want to thank all off you for the prompt and knowledgeable service, I would recommend E trailer to anyone who wants to deal with a great staff and company Thank you 237064
Bob R - 02/04/2017Ordered a brake control and an inline circuit breaker on Feb 11th and shipped the same day. I chose the least expensive shipping option (my bad). A combination of UPS/US Post Office, or so I was told after calling to find out where my shipment was. Tracking info said delivery by the 15th. When it didn't show I called etrailer and was told the post office had it and it was out for delivery...2 days later I finally received it (Feb 20th). I ordered a hitch a couple of weeks prior and received it in 2 days. A 49lb hitch vs a 1lb (maybe) package. Not etrailers fault but I can see why the post office is going broke with service like that! 117375
the brake controller with all the wiring plus the 7 pin plug was better than i thought . it even has great instructions and easy to read. the price was good . the 7 pin plug even has the 4 pin connector mounted in with it very glad that i bought it is everything that you need to make it work . everything about it is excellent very glad that i found it here at a good price . even fast shipping . again thanks for good product 230172
George D - 10/16/2016After reading the reviews of this product I decided to give it a try myself, with a great price. When I received it within a week along with the plug and play 7 prong trailer hitch adapter, I realized I was missing something. The plug and play adapter for this product. It showed me it when I was buying and for what ever reason I didn't have the option to add it as well. It was very easy to install, like I said plug and play. The problem is it does not work. followed all the directions, double checked everything I just don't have a signal to the trailer from the break controller. Good luck 278660
This Curt Discover controller works great. Super easy to install if you get the pigtail for your model truck. I especially like the fact that you can install the bracket under the dash on my new 2018 Silverado using factory screw under the dash. No drilling required. As always wonderful pricing and delivery from E-Trailer. 533806
Not too thrilled with this one. Three main issues listed in increasing order of magnitude. 1. One of the segments on the display died shortly after installing. 2. The adjustment wheel is very crude and hard to dial in. 3. This one is the killer, if you start by manually applying the brakes using the slider, and then put your foot on the brake pedal, and then release the lever, the BRAKES GO FULL LOCK! That's a design flaw in the circuit. 501648
Less than 1 yr after installing on a 2017 F250, controller quit working right. It would surge brake to some high number like 7 (10 being max) regardless of the controller setting which would lock up trailer brakes. Next time it would only allow a setting of 2.5 or 7.5... nothing else. Next time it would do something different. Called Curt who recommended unplugging it for awhile. Worked for awhile then started acting up again. They're going to send me a replacement. Tbd if replacement will be better. 468124
This is by far the most pleasant buying experience I’ve ever had online. A wealth of information is provided for installation coupled with prompt delivery makes shopping for anything RV related a no brainer for me. etrailer is wonderful and have already started recommending this website to anyone I know. 614611
Installation pics on my Ford F-150 404734
Great price, easy to install, works fl awlessly. 736833
mounted controller-hooked into socket under dashboard, worked like it should. Very easy to install. Solved the problem of running wiring and splicing into other wiring. 735265
Had it for a year no problems. Easy to install and use it all the time. Thanks for a great product 734736
This was my first order and I'm very pleased with the fast service. I haven't hooked it up to my truck yet but everything looks to be correct . 711328
product works as described, great price and fast shipping 711176
Once adjusted works great , easy to set up 707772
Works as advertised. Only minor issue is mounting the unit in a 09 Colorado. 700411
Ordering was easy. I paid to have next day shipping and it arrived by 10:30. That allowed me to install it the day before and met my schedule. The part couldn't have been easier to install and adjust! The online video was helpful. 699486
As always, the service was great, and the break box works great in my truck. Was easy to install. Only the best when I'm towing my big boys to my favorite trail. Thanks etrailer. 694733
great product great service 697009
Good quality product and easy to instal l. 677279
The controller I ordered arrived quickly and was everything as it was described....I could not be more pleased! 670280
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