Why Isnt the Blue and Yellow Wire Needed In Curt Echo Installation

Updated 09/21/2019 | Published 09/20/2019

Products Featured in This Question

7-Way RV Upgrade Kit for Trailer Brake Controller Installation - 12 Gauge Wires

(337)

$96.74

Redarc In-Vehicle BCDC Battery Charger - Dual Input - DC to DC - 12V/24V - 25 Amp

(87)

$535.00

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

(1769)

$279.95

Question:

In the video, the blue and yellow wire are not used but with no explanation as to why. Can I get an explanation as to what these wire are for and why not used in the video? Also, I want to not only use this with a wireless brake controller, but also charge the battery on my trailer. Will the main lead from the battery be enough for this?

asked by: Marc

Expert Reply:

I am happy to explain why the yellow wire and blue wire are tucked away in the installation video of 7-Way RV Upgrade Kit for Trailer Brake Controller Installation part # ETBC7L. The ETBC7L is a kit used to install the Curt Echo Wireless controller part # C51180 which only requires a 12V power feed from the vehicle's battery and ground wire. The blue wire (which is used for brake output) is not needed because the Echo uses an internal sensor to sense when the vehicle's brakes are applied. The yellow wire on this particular 7-way plug part # ETBC7L is tradtionally used for a reverse function which is not needed unless you have a reverse lockout with hydraulic brakes or reverse lights. You will need a 4-way connector on the vehicle to plug into the existing 4-way pigtail from the 7-way plug to have lights on the trailer.

The black 12V power that is attached the vehicle's battery will activate the 12V circuit on your 7-way even while using the Curt Echo. The 12V circuit will trickle charge your trailer battery when the vehicle is running but not charge a depleted trailer battery. If you would like to charge the battery using the 7-way you would need to add a DC to DC charger like part # 331-BCDC1225D which will completely charge the auxiliary battery from the vehicle's 7-way without overcharging.

expert reply by: Heather A