Can the Curt Echo Mobile Trailer Brake Controller be Used on a Motorhome

Updated 01/08/2019 | Published 01/07/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Echo Wireless Brake Controller - 7-Way Plug-in w/ Bluetooth App - Up to 2 Axles - Proportional

(1769)

$279.95

10 Gauge Wire - Blue Primary - Per Foot

(104)

$1.84

40 Amp In-Line Circuit Breaker - Perpendicular Mount Bracket

(97)

$9.84

Question:

Will this brake controller work on my 40foot RV? Will the bluetooth range be sufficient for initial setup and continued use while traveling? Also...I recently experienced and issue where my trailer brakes activated when touching the brake pedalair brakes on my diesel pusher and locked up my trailer tires causing them to develop flat spots! This issue surprised me as my old coach does not have a trailer brake controller at this time! Would this Curt brake controller diagnose an issue like this? Would this issue need to be resolved before using the Curt? I have been told to search for the body ground for my wiring plug to make sure that I have a good ground as this can cause funky things. The previous owner had an AirForce One air brake system for his towed car. They never had a trailer brake controller installed. I would love to have a brake controller on this old coach 2000 Newmar Mountain Aire but I dont want to hassle with the wiring and love the idea of this Curt controller in this case. In the past I have installed Redarc in 2 of my vehicles and love THAT controller! Thanks in advance!

asked by: Kevin

Expert Reply:

Yes, the Curt Echo Mobile Trailer Brake Controller part # C51180 will work on a 40' long motorhome as it has a transmission distance of around 50'. However, this can vary depending on the bluetooth capability of your smartphone. In regards to the trailer brakes locking up, this is going to be caused by the brake output wire shorting out to another power source. The most common place for this to happen is inside the trailer connector so you will want to check this first to make sure there is no corrosion. If the trailer connector checks out then inspect the blue brake output wire on the trailer to make sure there are no breaks or frays. The Curt Echo Mobile Trailer Brake Controller part # C51180 would not be able to pinpoint the break/fray for you and I do recommend finding the short or running a new wire before the trailer is put to use again.

Please keep in mind that the 7-way trailer connector on your motorhome will need to have 12 volt power in order for the Curt Echo Mobile Trailer Brake Controller to function. If it does not you would need to run a hot lead to the battery with part # 10-1-1 (per foot) and part # 9510.

expert reply by: Conner L