Can I use the Curt Echo Brake Controller as an Emergency Brake
Updated 09/09/2019 | Published 09/05/2019
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
Can you use it like a parking brake
asked by: Andrew
Expert Reply:
Since a brake controller reacts to either the brake pedal of the tow vehicle being depressed or the internal mechanisms within the controller reacting to a change in inertia while traveling, they cannot truly be used as a parking brake.
Additionally, not all trailer brakes have an emergency brake system on them, and those that do usually require a small modification. Brakes like the # K23-086-00 and # K23-087-00 both have manual parking brakes. These brakes utilize the 12V power from your electric brake controller for regular brake operation or the 12V breakaway battery for emergency braking, but they utilize a manual lever on the backside of the brake assembly for a mechanical brake to hold your trailer in place when the parking brake cable assembly is used.
If you didn't want to add new brakes to your trailer, you can use wheel chocks to achieve the same function. I recommend the Buyer's Products Wheel Chock Set # 337WC24483 for a tandem axle trailer or for a single axle trailer you can use the MaxxTow Wheel Chock # 337WC1467A.
If you can let me know a little bit more about your trailer, I can help you find a new set of brakes that would allow you to add the emergency brake capability.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Echo Wireless Brake Controller - 7-Way Plug-in w/ Bluetooth App - Up to 2 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Plug-In
- Smartphone App
- Under-Dash
- Up to 2 Axles
- Smartphone Display
- Multiple Trailers
- CURT
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Search Results: bal leveling system rv jack pads
- Search Results: 12v relay
- Search Results: trailer jack plate
- Search Results: jack plate
- Search Results: jack mounting plate
- Shop: MaxxFan Deluxe Roof Vent w/ 12V Fan and Thermostat - Manual Lift - 10 Speed - White
- Search Results: compressor
- Shop: etrailer Drop Leg for V-Groove Trailer Jacks - 13-1/4" Tall - 6" Diameter Footplate
- Shop: SnapPad TJ Trailer Tongue Jack Pad
- Shop: SnapPad Mini Jack Pads for Travel Trailers w/ BAL - 5-1/2" Square Jack Feet - Qty 4
- Shop: Buyers Products 5" Wheel Chock - Black Rubber - Qty 1
- Q&A: How to Safely Uncouple a Trailer on an Incline
- Video: Complete Breakdown of the MaxxFan Deluxe Roof Vent w/ 12V Fan and Thermostat
- Video: SnapPad Mini Jack Pads for Travel Trailers w/ BAL Review
- Shop: Goodyear Endurance ST205/75R15 Radial Tire w/ 15" Eagle Aluminum Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - LR D
- Shop: Replacement Foot Assembly for Lippert Components Power Stabilizer Jacks - Qty 1
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Article: Brake Controller Installation: Starting from Scratch
- Article: Towing a Trailer? Let's Talk About Brake Controllers
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Article: Curt Echo Full Review
- Article: 5 Things to Know About Weight Distribution Hitches
- Q&A: Which Wireless Trailer Brake Controller Is Best
- Q&A: Can I Use a 4 Way Vehicle Connector with 7 Way Adapter and the Curt Echo Brake Controller?
- Q&A: Will The Curt Echo Manual Override Button C83HR Work Without The App?
- Q&A: Will Weigh Safe True Tow Work With Jayco Jay Feather 19MRK
- Q&A: Wireless Brake Controller Recommendation for 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness