Will Curt Echo Brake Controller Work With 2014 Mercedes-Benz ML350 on Long Downhill Grades?

Updated 05/16/2018 | Published 05/15/2018

Question:

MY TV is a 2014 Mercedes ML350 Bluetec. We have only towed in the flat midwest do far but plan some extended trips out west in the mountains. The MLs cruise control does a great job of keeping a constant speed going down long, steep grades combining automatic downshifts with automatic application of brakes when needed. Will the Prodigy RF sense the torque braking on downhill sections and engage as well? We are towing a relatively light 2017 NuCamp TAB S camper ~1700 lbs with electric brakes and using the Prodigy RF controller. Are there any special controller settings or strategies to be aware of for smooth operation on long downhills with this set up?

asked by: Rich B

Expert Reply:

The Curt Echo Trailer Brake Controller # C51180 is a proportional brake controller, which means it the brakes are going to be activated based on your 2014 ML350's deceleration and because it activates based on inertia and not the type of braking, it will work fine.

What you can do is set the boost level higher for the downhill grades, which will send out more initial braking power and allowing for more control.

expert reply by: Kyle S