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

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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

Hey John, thanks for reaching out! Before I dive into it, I just want to throw it out there that the Curt Spectrum #C36QV, Tekonsha Voyager iD #TK86DR, and the Redarc Tow-Pro Elite #RED65CR are all great brake controllers and you'll be happy with…

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Answer 2

Yes, the Curt Echo Mobile Brake Controller part #C51180 can work on trucks that have an integrated brake controller. It would bypass the factory controller.

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Answer 3

Current model Toyota Tundra trucks equipped with the factory 7-way trailer connector have their brake controller connector located behind the panel to the right of the ignition key that contains the Tow/Haul button, as you can see in the photo…

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Answer 4

Although the Prodigy P3 #90195 can be used for your 2018 Toyota Tundra you will need to use the adapter #3031-P instead of the current adapter #3040-P that you used for your 2014 Tundra. Please note that as of right now (February 2019) Tekonsha has…

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Answer 5

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?

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Answer 6

Curt recommends the use of 250 ft/lbs of torque when tightening the nuts of their hitch balls with a 1 inch diameter shank like the part #C40034 that you referenced. The general rule is for a 3/4" shank tighten to 150 ft/lbs For a 1" shank…

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Answer 7

I reached out to my contact at Curt and there is actually no specific mode the Curt Spectrum Trailer Brake Controller #C51170 you were looking at needs to be in to work with electric over hydraulic brakes. You will just hook up the trailer and adjust…

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Answer 8

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 9

If your 2018 Chevy Suburban came from the factory with a 7-way connector, the port for the brake controller adapter is located in the junction box located behind the emergency brake pedal. I have attached a picture below to help you find it. For a…

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Answer 10

Yes, you can replace your load range C tires with load range D tires without issue. It will only become any issue when you go down load ranges, not up. The tires will have the same overall diameter as long as they are the same size regardless of…

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Answer 11

Both the Curt Spectrum Trailer Brake Controller #C51170 and the Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Trailer Brake Controller #RED44FR are excellent brake controllers for your 2020 Audi Q5, I recommend the Redarc Tow Pro Elite over the Curt Spectrum. Both…

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Answer 12

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

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