Comparing the Curt Spectrum Brake Controller to Redarc Tow-Pro Elite

Question

Question:

I’m interested in purchasing the Curtis spectrum controller for my 2015 Toyota Tundra. I know it’s a new product however I can’t find any reviews on this product no where. How is this product compared to other controllers

asked by: Nick

0

Expert Reply:

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). The Redarc controller has a knob that is fairly deep and drilling is required to properly install it.

However, the Curt knob is really big in comparison and you may have some difficulty locating a good place for it compared to the much smaller (in diameter) Redarc knob. The Redarc controller is more aesthetically pleasing in my opinion. There are numerous reviews on it if you wish to check it out.

If you decide to go with the Curt controller then for installation you will also need pigtail # C51455. If you go with the Redarc controller you will need pigtail # 3031-S. These harnesses allow you to plug in the controllers directly to your 2015 Tundra.

expert reply by: Michael H

0

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Don K.

5/16/2020

I was considering the Curt Spectrum or the Redarc Tow Pro Elite for my 2014 Ford Escape. My question is, does the dash-mount knob need to be installed in a location where it can be observed and manipulated while driving? There are few good locations for the knob on the Escape, but the better locations are where it can be reached but would be completely obscured visually by the steering wheel “spokes”.

Chris R.

5/19/2020

As long as you know where it is and can accurately reach for it in a pinch to push down the manual override, seeing the knob for the Redarc Tow Pro Elite # RED44FR isn't absolutely vital for everyday towing. It does display different light colors for various settings and when troubleshooting issues come up, and the knob can be adjusted for power - but those can also be handled when you're parked and in a better position to actually look at it, etc. If space is really limited, another good option is the Curt Echo # C51180, which just connects to your smart phone so you don't have to mount anything int he cab.

Answer 1

Personally, I have seen a lot fewer issues with the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty #RED24FR than with the Curt Spectrum #C51170. The Spectrum was released in early 2018. Currently Redarc only offers the one size control knob. To install the Redarc Liberty…

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Answer 2

The location of the connector for connecting the Curt Wiring Adapter #C77BR on your 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe is under the dash to the left of the steering column. The 4-pin connector is cream colored and should be exposed. Be sure to look and feel…

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Answer 3

Norm, thanks for hanging out! Along with one fitting different brands of trucks the Trail and Elite are also different. The Tow Pro Trail # RED94UR is designed to be used primarily off-road, specifically engineered and tested for off-road adventures.…

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Answer 4

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…

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Answer 5

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…

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Answer 6

Hello Drew, I'm glad that you wrote in. For your 2015 GMC Sierra 1500 you want part #RED26CR, this part number is the brake controller and the vehicle specific pigtail for you Sierra 1500. The #RED24FR you were looking is just the brake…

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Answer 7

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.…

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Answer 8

If your 2022 Chevrolet Tahoe does not have the factory tow package then the plug may not be there. If this is the case you would need to hardwire in a brake controller. If your Tahoe does have the tow package then the plug will be under the dash. The…

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Answer 9

Since your 2022 Chevy Tahoe has factory brake controller wiring and not a port to plug a connector into you'd only need a brake controller like the Curt Assure Trailer Brake Controller #C49UR that you referenced and you'd just need to wire…

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Answer 10

Yes the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional #90195 will work on your 2022 Chevy Tahoe. I will link a video guide and installation instructions to help further assist you in the install.

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Answer 11

Hey Matt, to install the Redarc Tow Pro Elite part #RED44FR you would need the install harness part #C51525. You would need to cut the black end off of this harness and then hardwire it to the Elite color for color though.

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Answer 12

To install the Curt Assure brake controller part #C49UR in your 2022 Chevy Tahoe would only require the install harness part #C51525 which plugs right in under the dash. The Assure is Curt's answer to the P3 part #90195 as it has a full screen…

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