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

click to enlarge

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”.

Reply

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.

Reply

Answer 1

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.…

view full answer...

Answer 2

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…

view full answer...

Answer 3

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…

view full answer...

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…

view full answer...

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…

view full answer...

Answer 6

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.…

view full answer...

Answer 7

Hey Peter. The Aluminum AM06 Series Black Machined Trailer Wheel item #AM58FV weighs 17 lbs. What kind of trailer do you have and why are you focused on getting lightweight wheels?

view full answer...

Answer 8

Since you have a factory 4-Way on your 2016 Ford F-150 we can get you completely setup with plug-and-play parts. To upgrade your connection to a 7-way you need the Tekonsha T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness #118283. This is going to plug into the factory…

view full answer...

Answer 9

Hey Chris, I checked out the instruction manual for the Tuson Asymmetric Sway Control #335TSC-1000 and it looks like a flickering green light is a good thing and that's supposed to happen. Your truck probably hasn't registered the sway…

view full answer...

Answer 10

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...

Answer 11

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…

view full answer...

Answer 12

In order to charge the 100 amp hour auxiliary battery on your trailer while in tow with your 2018 Toyota Highlander Hybrid you will need to use a DC to DC battery charger. The 12 volt pin on your 7-way would not be sufficient to charge the auxiliary…

view full answer...

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

Products Featured in This Question

Product Page this Question was Asked From

Featured Help Information

Instructions

Miscellaneous Media

Continue Researching