How to Properly Set Gain/Sensitivity of The Curt Echo Wireless Brake Controller # C51180

Updated 08/10/2026 | Published 01/08/2019

Question:

Does Curt have standard settings you should use based on the weight of load you are towing? Ill be towing a relatively light tear camper, about 1500 pounds with gear, and would like to know the recommended gain and sensitivity for that amount of weight.

asked by: Mark K

Helpful Expert Reply:

Curt has a recommended setup procedure outlined for the Curt Echo part # C51180 that is outlined in their install instructions for this controller but since not all trailer brakes apply the same way there isn't a standard setting you can use that will be ideal from the get-go. Here's how Curt recommends you set this controller up:

Starting with the output adjustment, drive forward on a dry and level paved or concrete surface. At approximately 25 mph, apply the vehicle's brakes. If trailer braking is insufficient, increase the max output setting in the brake control application. If the trailer brakes lock up, decrease the max output. Repeat this process until stops are firm, just short of lock up.

Once the output is set, adjust the sensitivity by driving forward at approximately 25 mph and press the brake pedal. The vehicle and trailer should make a smooth stop. If the stop seems slow and more aggressive braking is desired, increase the sensitivity level through the brake control application. If the stop seems too aggressive, decrease the sensitivity level in the application.

Make several stops at various speeds and adjust the sensitivity until stops are smooth and firm. Slight adjustment to the output control may also be desirable.

expert reply by: Jameson C

click to enlarge

Annie L.

6/14/2020

We are using this same exact wireless controller and noticed we have to dial down max output to lowest increment so our trailer does not lock up. On the app, Does the blue ring indicate Brakes not used and as blue ring decreases and gray increases it means brakes are being applied? We are reading instructions and thought it read the opposite as in blue ring means brakes applied but after driving it seems the first thing I said is right. Can you confirm?

Chris R.

6/17/2020

The blue ring is what indicates braking taking place. Are you seeing this blue ring around the orange circle during normal travel (while you aren't braking)? If so, this isn't normal and it means power is getting sent back to the brakes when it shouldn't be. Can you tell me what tow vehicle you have?

Bob

9/8/2020

I have a 2018 Expedition and have tried several trailers and the brakes are always slightly applied during use. I picked up a brand new trailer tonight and same issue. Is there a way to recalibrate the Echo or is it detective? I never get the dark orange circle. It is always showing opaque and brakes being applied with the blue line. It moves as i accelerate / decelerate.

Jon G.

9/11/2020

@Bob I recently reached out to Curt about someone else having an issue of the brakes looking like they were always being applied and he suggested deleting and reinstalling the app as well as making sure to plug the Echo into the tow vehicle prior to plugging the trailer into the Echo. Hope this helps!

See All (18) Replies to Annie L. ∨

Gar L.

7/12/2020

Following. Tow vehicle is 2020 Subaru Ascent.

Cecil C.

7/20/2020

What does Max Output means on the brake controller? I have a 2018 Ford f150 and pulling a 5500 lbs travel trailer. What should my Max Output and my Sensitivity Adjustment be set on?

Chris R.

7/22/2020

The max output and sensitivity settings have to do with how much power gets sent back to the brakes when deceleration and just how aggressive it is. Getting the right settings for your travel trailer will really just be a matter of trial and error - start with the stock settings and take the trailer out for a test ride. If you feel you need a bit more braking, increase the settings until you get to that sweet spot.

Lin

8/1/2020

brake application lags, which is especially terrifying when the trailer brakes continue to drag for a few seconds even after you lift off the brake pedal.

Jon G.

8/11/2020

Try adjusting the aggressiveness for the brake controller when it comes to the lag when the brake pedal is applied. I spoke with my contact with Curt about the delay once the brake pedals are released and he said to check out the brakes themselves. If it's been a while since they were last serviced then they could be sticky which would be why you're getting the delayed feeling.

Lin

8/12/2020

@JonG Trailer is brand new...

Jon G.

8/26/2020

Did you try making adjustments with the controller? Also, sometimes the brakes aren't adjusted properly to begin with for a new trailer so that could still be your problem. You should get a slight drag when you spin each wheel freely so if it's more than just a little drag your brakes need to be backed off. If you jump to the 6:59 minute mark in the attached video link here you can see how this is done.

Helpful Links

tv-install-dexter-nev-r-adjust-electric-trailer-brakes-left-right-23-468-469.aspx

Matt

8/13/2020

I also have brake lag problems ie "brake application lags, the trailer brakes continue to drag for a few seconds even after you lift off the brake pedal." Have talked to technical support who tried saying I did not plug it in correctly and it became uncalibrated? Have tried on 2 vehicles with same results and on vehicle with manual brake controller, so it is not the trailer brakes. Anyone else have any issues?

Jon G.

8/25/2020

We've actually seen this problem come up before and the fix is to alternate the order of connecting the Echo to your tow vehicle 7-Way and the trailer 7-Way to the Echo. The correct procedure is to plug in the Echo to your tow vehicle first, and then the trailer 7-Way into the Echo. If that doesn't work try plugging your trailer into the Echo and then both of them into your tow vehicle. I'm not sure why it's temperamental like that but we've had people come back and say that fixed it. If that doesn't fix your problem let me know and I can look into this further.

Brent

9/30/2022

I have tried all your sugestions including plugging it in different ways and resetting and starting over. Still wanting to through you through the window at low speeds. Set the sensitivity and the voltage as low as they go and it helps a bit but by the time you go through a town the brakes on the trailer are smoking hot. So I drive through the city without brake control. Not sure if an accident how that would work. Also you have to put the controller in upside down as the 7 way /4 way plug on the new Ford rangers and f150 are in upside down. You have to put bungy cords on to reassure it is not coming apart. There needs to be a different part number for this application. Very hard to see the light when it’s upside down. My vehicle is a 2021 ford ranger lariet. It seems to work fine on the highway. Ford says only there control will work properly on my truck because of all the safe stuff on the truck?? Ruined or first trip with our new trailer.

David B.

10/4/2022

Well I can't go against Ford if they have certain things they say will or won't work. You can talk to Curt and see if they have a work around and why it is giving you so much trouble. You are not alone and this is something I see talked about in other forums and places.

See All (4) Replies to Matt ∨

Catole

7/22/2024

So when we first had echo break system installed we were told to have on maximum output of 50 and sensitivity at 5. All was fine Now we keep locking up when going g about 29 mph in bad traffic. We reduced output to 25 and sensitivit to 2. Still lucking up Reduced agai to lowest settings and still locking up

Jameson C.

7/22/2024

@Catole This is mostly likely a short between a turn signal/stop circuit and the brake output circuit of the 7-way. You can test this pretty easily by putting on a blinker and see if the brakes lock up intermittently.

Hmmm

7/22/2024

@Carole So they were working g so great but can’t seem to correct Do you have a contact phone number for curt? Thanks. Could not find anyway to contact them