Curt Echo Operation With Panic/Emergency Stop Situation

Updated 06/19/2025 | Published 04/22/2019

Products Featured in This Question

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

(1918)

$289.95

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(527)

$207.85

Curt Spectrum Trailer Brake Controller - Dash Mounted Knob - Up to 4 Axles - Proportional

(450)

$269.95

Question:

How will this unit work in a panic stop situation?. I am use to using the controller lever for the extra help while I am towing. But the truck we now own did not come with factory trailer brakes and I am not interested in putting a after market brake controller on our brand new truck, but will if that is the best option.

asked by: John

Expert Reply:

The Curt Echo Wireless Brake Controller # C51180 works well in a panic stop/emergency situation. The mobile app has an orange button that you press and hold for that feature. I've attached a video to assist. It works as well as any other controller as long as you have that Bluetooth connection.

If you want a brake controller that has the physical button, then I recommend the Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Trailer Brake Controller # RED44FR which is a customer favorite because it can be fit in any blank slot in your dash or can be added to a console or dash wherever there is room. Another similar option is the Curt Spectrum Trailer Brake Controller # C51170. This option also gives a more factory look but is a little bigger.

I've attached some videos to assist.

expert reply by: Jason S

click to enlarge

Bill M.

6/18/2025

I have an Echo brake controller. I paid Lazy Days RV $800 to install a trailer brake controller when I bought my trailer, and they did so by handing me this and telling me to download the OneControl Auto app. In an emergency, you just need to unlock your phone by using Face ID or entering your passcode. Then you need to find the app and open it. It will give you an error message that you need to enable location service, so just switch to the settings app to enable it and then return to the app. Once you are in the app, there is a warning screen telling you that the app has to be running in the foreground. Click "Accept." Then it will give you a warning to avoid distracted driving, click "Accept." Then it will give you an important reminder that if Bluetooth connection is lost, the brake controller will continue to operate. Click "Accept." Once you have gone through this process, there is a button you can press in the app to activate the trailer brakes. I am so happy to have this new technology. In my old truck, there was a box with a lever and I reached down and pulled it to the side to apply the trailer brakes in an emergency. I feel much safer knowing that my phone, which has never crashed, never had a bug, never failed to recognize my face, and never required an unexpected app update it is now a middle-man for my safety. $800 well spent.

Nick S.

6/18/2025

@BillM If the technology is not preferred Curt does make a manual override button to act like the regular lever/button failsafe. # C83HR could be something to add if you do not like the technology. I wasn't sure which one you preffered!

Bill W.

6/18/2025

@NickS Are you referring to the button that requires the app on your phone to function?

Nick S.

6/18/2025

@BillW It is a manual override button that would be added to your vehicle to take away the function of the phone. I was not sure whether or not you actually enjoyed the app over the old manual function like the lever.