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  1. Trailer Brake Controller
  2. CURT
  3. Electric
  4. Electric over Hydraulic
  5. Proportional Controller
  6. Up to 4 Axles
Curt Spectrum Trailer Brake Controller - Dash Mounted Knob - Up to 4 Axles - Proportional
CURT

Curt Spectrum Trailer Brake Controller - Dash Mounted Knob - Up to 4 Axles - Proportional

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$259.95
Retail:$329.95
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You can stick the control knob to the dashboard, plug in the module, and your brake controller installation is done with no drilling and no hardwiring. The knob is large and easy to use, while the main unit is out of sight behind the dash. Great Prices for the best trailer brake controller from CURT. Curt Spectrum Trailer Brake Controller - Dash Mounted Knob - Up to 4 Axles - Proportional part number C51170 can be ordered online at etrailer.com or call 1-800-940-8924 for expert service.
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CURT Trailer Brake Controller

  • Electric
  • Electric over Hydraulic
  • Proportional Controller
  • Up to 4 Axles
  • CURT
  • Behind-Dash
  • Plug-In
  • Dash-Mounted Knob
  • Multiple Trailers
  • Indicator Lights

You can stick the control knob to the dashboard, plug in the module, and your brake controller installation is done with no drilling and no hardwiring. The knob is large and easy to use, while the main unit is out of sight behind the dash.


Features:

  • Proportional braking - Smooth, safe, and good for your brakes long-term
  • Fingertip control
    • Adjust braking output and sensitivity by turning the dial
    • Push the button to activate manual override
    • Troubleshoot with colored LED indicators
  • No-drill installation - Knob adheres to dash, main unit installs behind it
  • Assembled in the USA


Specs:

  • Application: trailers with up to 4 axles (8 brake assemblies)
    • Compatible with electric or electric-over-hydraulic trailer brakes
    • Compatible with ABS brakes, cruise control, low-voltage wiring, multiplex wiring, and PWM systems
  • Main unit dimensions: 3" long x 3-1/2" wide x 7/8" tall
  • Control knob dimensions:
    • Extension: 1-1/2"
    • Diameter: 1-3/4"
  • Cable length: 4'
  • Warranty:
    • Limited lifetime on brake controller
    • Limited 1-year on wiring harness


How Does the Curt Spectrum Work?

The Spectrum puts control of your trailer's brakes at your fingertips and, with bright LED indicators, you know what your brake controller is doing at a glance.


Curt Spectrum Dash-Mounted Knob

You can adjust all of your settings using the control knob. To switch between modes, press the control button in the center of the knob. Each mode has its own distinct LED display with several different colors and patterns to eliminate any guesswork as you cycle through.


Curt Spectrum LED diagnostics

Output: Braking output is the maximum amount of power that will be applied to your trailer's brakes. 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 set the braking output as high as you can without locking up the brakes.


Sensitivity: This controls the aggressiveness of your trailer's braking, meaning how quickly the brakes reach the set output level. This is a great adjustment to make when you're towing a heavy load and the trailer will need more umph to bring it to a stop so it doesn't push your vehicle forward. If your vehicle takes too long to come to a stop, increase the setting. If it stops too abruptly, lower the setting. You may also need to adjust the sensitivity based on your own preferences, or when the trailer load or road conditions change.


Manual Override: The Curt Spectrum keeps the manual override within easy reach. The manual override functions as time-based for a slow reduction in trailer braking, great for stopping sway or controlling your trailer's momentum in an emergency. To engage the manual override, just press and hold the button on the control knob. 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.


Curt Spectrum review

No-Drill Installation

The Curt Spectrum comes in 2 pieces: the main unit and the control knob. Because the only part that you need to be able to access is the control knob, the main unit can be mounted out of sight and out of the way. You don't have to worry about banging your knee on a bulky brake controller or interfering with your vehicle's lower airbags.


Curt Spectrum Dash Knob

The dash-mounted control knob can be installed in any convenient spot that's easy for you to see and reach. This can be a blank switch panel, an open spot on your center console, or wherever there's space on your dashboard. The knob sits flush against the dash, so you don't have to worry about finding enough clearance behind the dash. You can use either the included screw to mount the knob, or the adhesive pad for a drill-free installation.


Once you've decided where you want to put the control knob, you'll need to find a good place to install the main unit. Your only restriction is the 4' plug-in cable that has to be able to reach between the main unit and the control knob. Thanks to the 3-axis accelerometer, the main unit can be positioned at any angle or position. No matter how you install it, the unit will sense the direction of travel and its orientation.


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.


If you don't already have a 7-way plug at the back of your vehicle, take a look at our exclusive 7- and 4-way brake control installation kit (ETBC7 - sold separately.


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.


What is Proportional Braking?

What is proportional Braking

Proportional braking means that your trailer brakes mimic your tow vehicle's brakes. If you slam on the brakes in your vehicle, your trailer brakes will activate with the same intensity; if you brake lightly, your trailer brakes lightly too. The trailer's braking is in proportion to your vehicle's braking. This saves wear and tear on the tires and the brakes on both your vehicle and trailer.


The Spectrum uses an internal 3-axis accelerometer to sense how your vehicle is braking so it can send the right amount of braking power to your trailer. It measures the inertia of your tow vehicle and activates the trailer's brakes to ensure that your trailer slows at the same rate. The result is uniform braking across your towing setup. No push-pull action - just smooth, proportional braking every time.



51170 Curt Spectrum Trailer Brake Controller - Dash Mounted Knob - Proportional - 1 to 4 Axles

Item # C51170

Installation Details C51170 Installation instructions


California residents: click here


Customer Satisfaction Score:

Ratings & Reviews

4.6

410 reviews
You can stick the control knob to the dashboard, plug in the module, and your brake controller installation is done with no drilling and no hardwiring. The knob is large and easy to use, while the main unit is out of sight behind the dash.

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See what our Experts say about this CURT Trailer Brake Controller

  • Troubleshooting Installation of Curt Spectrum Brake Controller on 2011 Toyota Sienna
    The calibration process of the Curt Spectrum # C51170 should only happen after initial installation and should be run before you plug in the trailer to your tow vehicle. You should have seen the green lights on the knob light up in a clockwise motion 7 times, which indicates the calibration is occurring. If you've gone through this process and the error occurred, then the lights on the knob can tell you a bit about what's potentially going on. If you're seeing all red lights that would...
    view full answer...
  • How Does Brake Controller Unplug from Vehicle to Prevent Battery Draw
    Hey Joe, while I don't know what brake controller you have you should be able to unplug it from the back of the brake controller and that would accomplish what you are wanting. What brake controller do you have?
    view full answer...
  • Troubleshooting Curt Spectrum Brake Controller - No Lights On Control Knob
    The Curt Spectrum Brake Controller # C51170 should illuminate, even if the trailer is not connected. If you are getting no lights at all, this likely means the control unit is mis wired, or there is contamination in the trailer plug socket. We recommend double checking your wiring and making sure everything is done correctly. Also clean and dry your trailer plug. I have included Curts troubleshooting guide below.
    view full answer...
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  • What Lights On Curt Spectrum Are Supposed to Activate When Pressing Brake Pedal and No Trailer?
    I have added a link near the bottom of this page with the instructions for the Curt Spectrum Trailer Brake Controller # C51170. When not connected to a trailer and pressing on the brakes you should see 2 blue lights flash on each side of the control knob. If you can tell me what you are seeing I can help you to determine what fault you may be having.
    view full answer...
  • Troubleshooting No Power To A Curt Spectrum Brake Controller In A 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500
    Hi Adam, Since you used the Curt Custom Wiring Adapter for Trailer Brake Controllers # C51525 to install the Curt Spectrum Trailer Brake Controller # C51170 you likely have either a blown trailer brake fuse or they just never installed one to begin with. The trailer brake fuse should be number 84 in the engine compartment fuse block. I recommend checking it and seeing if you're getting power or if you just need to add in a fuse to get power to the brake controller.
    view full answer...
  • Troubleshooting Curt Spectrum Output and Sensitivity Adjustment
    It sounds like the sensitivity needs to be adjusted on your Curt Spectrum # C51170 since it is too aggressive leading to the jumpy stop. To adjust the output and sensitivity you want to follow the instructions. This means you only make adjustments while stopped, with the transmission in park or neutral, parking brake applied, foot off the brake pedal, and no manual control actuation. Adjust the sensitivity by pressing the rotary knob until the brake control is in the sensitivity control...
    view full answer...
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  • Curt Brake Controller Plug for a 2020 Ford Explorer
    Yes, the Curt Custom Wiring Adapter for Trailer Brake Controllers part # C51322 will allow you to use a Curt brake controller like the Curt Spectrum Trailer Brake Controller part # C51170 on a 2020 Ford Explorer (All Models). I checked with Curt just to confirm that the Curt Custom Wiring Adapter for Trailer Brake Controllers is indeed correct for a 2020 Ford Explorer so you can be confident this is the correct harness. The plug will be located under the driver dash, near the center console...
    view full answer...
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  • What Should Display of Curt Spectrum Show When Not Connected to Trailer
    Hey Paul, with the Curt Spectrum part # C51170 you should have blue lights on the sides of the display flashing when a trailer isn't connected and then the same lights go solid when the brakes are applied.
    view full answer...
  • Curt Echo Operation With Panic/Emergency Stop Situation
    The Curt Echo Wireless Brake Controller # C51180 works well in a panic stop/emergency situation. The mobile app has an orange button that you press and hold for that feature. I've attached a video to assist. It works as well as any other controller as long as you have that Bluetooth connection. If you want a brake controller that has the physical button, then I recommend the Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Trailer Brake Controller # RED44FR which is a customer favorite because it can be fit...
    view full answer...
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  • Recommended Brake Controller for a 2018 Thor Ace Motorhome
    For your 2018 Thor Ace Motorhome, I recommend using the Curt Spectrum Trailer Brake Controller part # C51170. The reason for this is because this unit is composed of two main parts, the control box and the output knob. The control box gets mounted out of site and then the output knob will get installed up on your dash for easy use and a very aesthetically pleasing look. The color output of the knob also helps with ease of use. Since your motorhome is on a Ford F-53 chassis, you can use...
    view full answer...
  • Troubleshooting Brake Lights Always on After Installing a Brake Controller
    Hey Honori, welcome back. The red wire being the wrong one would cause that issue if it was wired incorrectly but it would also leave your trailer brakes activated. I don't think it's that. It sounds to me like you have a short or fault somewhere in your tow wiring. Did you have any issues with your trailer lights before you installed the brake controller? If you don't know do you have another vehicle you can connect your trailer to? Isolating the problem to the trailer or vehicle is...
    view full answer...
  • Troubleshooting Random Lights on Curt Spectrum Brake Controller
    Hey Riley! Based on what you're describing with the random lights and flashing green it sounds like your Curt Spectrum # C51170 has an internal issue. Green flashing isn't even part of the troubleshooting guide and since you aren't hooked up to a trailer it wouldn't be ramping up green to try to calibrate. Since the brake controller has a limited lifetime warranty I would reach out to Curt to see if you can get a replacement.
    view full answer...
  • Easy to Install Brake Controller Recommendation for 2009 Ford F-750
    I have a really easy to use Curt brake controller solution for your 2009 Ford F-750 but we don't have any plug and play solutions like you are wanting. Instead though we have the Curt Echo Mobile part # C51180 which basically just plugs into an active 7-way and once synced to a smart phone is ready to tow. It's also a proportional brake controller which means it senses how hard you are applying the vehicle brakes and applies a proportional amount of braking pressure.
    view full answer...
  • Does Curt TriFlex Plug Into 2007 Chevy TrailBlazer
    Even if your 2007 Chevy TrailBlazer has a factory 7-way there is not a plug underneath the dash for a trailer brake controller such as the Curt Spectrum # C51170; you will need to hardwire it with Wiring Adapter # C51515 though the wires will already be run if you have the factory 7-way (you should already have a factory 4-way). If you do not have the factory 7-way you will need to add the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controllers # ETBC7. I've added a link on installation...
    view full answer...
  • Comparing the Curt Spectrum Brake Controller to Redarc Tow-Pro Elite
    By all accounts the Curt Spectrum Trailer Brake Controller # C51170 works well and is easy to use and install on most vehicles. It is a brand new item so not a lot of feedback has come in on it. I did learn a few things though after speaking with our install team about this controller. First, compared to the Redarc controller # RED44FR, the Curt Spectrum is easier to install. It can be surface mounted meaning that drilling is not necessarily required (depends on how you run the wiring)....
    view full answer...
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  • Where is Brake Controller Adapter Plug Located In 2002 Dodge Ram Pickup
    The green connector in your truck is not the correct plug. It is normally a blue plug like what I have shown in the photo that plugs into the adapter part # C51332 if you are using a Curt brake controller like part # C51170. There will be a port to plug into if the truck came with a factory 7-way plug just to the right of the emergency brake. If the 7-way plug was installed after-market, you will need to see how far the wires from the plug are extended so you can complete the install...
    view full answer...
    Image 1 for
  • Recommended Brake Controller for 2018 Nissan Titan With Factory 7-Way
    For your 2018 Nissan Titan I very strongly recommend going with the Redarc Tow-Pro Elite item # RED44FR over the Curt Spectrum item # C51170, which does use Wiring Adapter item # C51382 to connect to your 2018 Nissan Titan. The Redarc Tow-Pro item # RED44FR, which you can install in your '18 Titan with Wiring Adapter item # 3050-S, is by far the superior option because it is not only extremely effective and responsive but its manual control knob makes it simple to use; the Tow-Pro can...
    view full answer...
    Image 1 for
  • What Colors Will Curt Spectrum Brake Controller Light Up with Brake Pedal Pressed
    The Curt Spectrum # C51170 will light up from green to red (with the trailer connected) depending on what power setting you chose. This will be the case whether you are parked or heading down the road. I confirmed this with my contact at Curt. I've also attached a photo showing what the display will look like as well as a review video you can check out.
    view full answer...
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  • Is 3.6V on 2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Trailer Plug Abnormal
    If it's just a 4-Way Flat connector like the T-On # 118786 then I would be surprised to see that much power being pulled to the back of your 2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, but if you have a 7-Way like what we find with the Wiring Kit # ETBC7 then 3.6V on the 12V power pin isn't out of the ordinary and you'll be fine. Attached are photos showing the functions per pin on both a 4-Way and a 7-Way connector for you to reference.
    view full answer...
    Image 1 for Image 2 for
  • Troubleshooting a Curt Spectrum That Does not Go Through Calibration Sequence
    There could be a couple of reasons why your Curt Spectrum # C51170 is not calibrating, but it's likely due to your wiring. Even though you're using a plug in adapter # C51523, there still can be an issue with your vehicle wiring. I recommend physically checking your grounds, to make sure that it's to a clean secure surface. If your grounds are good, then check the white and black wires on the main module and make sure they're not flipped; If they are flip them and check again. I also...
    view full answer...
  • Single Red LED Lights Up When Brakes Pressed on Curt Spectrum Trailer Brake Controller
    What you have is in fact the Curt Spectrum Trailer Brake Controller # C51170. The single red light means it is working properly. More lights will light up as more brake power is asserted. This all depends on the settings of the brake controller. If you haven't changed any settings yet I recommend starting on page 11 of the manual to get it properly setup and adjusted. I have attached the link to the instructions below.
    view full answer...
  • Curt Spectrum - What Do Two Flashing Blue Lights Mean?
    Hello Trent, thanks for getting in touch. The two blue lights on the Curt Spectrum # C51170 knob mean the trailer is disconnected. The lights should flash blue when the trailer is disconnected or they will be steady blue with the brakes are pressed with no trailer connected. The green lights when towing are also normal. The knob will show green/red depending on your braking power setting. I have included the list of the LED color patterns for the knob below. If there is an issue you are...
    view full answer...
  • Recommended Plug and Play Brake Controller Adapter for a 2022 Nissan Pathfinder
    No, I am sorry we do not because Tekonsha did not make one for your 2022 Nissan Pathfinder. The Prodigy P3 Brake Controller item # 90195 includes a universal harness you can use but you'll need to cut and splice wires. Curt does have a plug in play adapter but it only works with their brake controllers. It is the Curt Custom Wiring Adapter for Trailer Brake Controllers item # C51382. It will allow you to easily install the Curt Spectrum Trailer Brake Controller item # C51170.
    view full answer...
  • Recommended Curt Spectrum Brake Controller W/ Plug-And-Play Adapter for 2022 GMC Sierra Elevation
    Hey Leo, for your 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Elevation you are going to need the Curt Spectrum Brake Controller w/ Custom Harness - Dash Mounted Knob # C36QV which includes the plug and play adapter # C51525.
    view full answer...


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