Can Curt Echo Mobile Brake Controller Be Used While Trailer Battery is Charging

Published 07/11/2019

Question:

While en route from Quebec to South Carolina, I realized I lost my lights on my RV Trailer and my electic brakes on the RV. Changes the RV Battery and everything was working perfect. Suspect my Curt Echo Wireless is draining my RV Battery. Is this normal?

asked by: Pat

Expert Reply:

The Curt Echo part # C51180 draws power from the 12 volt accessory circuit of the vehicle which is also the same circuit that charges a trailer battery. The Curt would not draw power from the trailer battery and especially not when the trailer is parked as it would not be drawing amperage at this point. I did speak to Curt about whether or not it's a good idea to try and charge a trailer battery with this connected and this is what they sent me:

That circuit is only rated for 30 amp peak. The constant amp rating is lower but I am not sure what that number is at this time. With the potential of overheating the unit while charging the battery I would not recommend it. The other issue is completely recharging the battery while driving has the potential of damaging a vehicle electrical system as it is designed to maintain a charged system.

expert reply by: Jameson C