Using Curt Echo Mobile on 2016 Ram 1500 Instead of Factory Integrated Brake Controller

Published 11/13/2019

Question:

I have a 2016 Ram 1500 and had the OEM integrated trailer brake module installed believing this would be the best option. My initial impression of the OEM controller is not good. It will not hold the rig still at idle when applying 100 braking on the manual control and when applying the trailer brakes manually while driving there is much less positive braking than I expected and prefer. Rather than pay the dealer again to remove the ITBM, can this product be used instead, overriding the factory brake output? I see in the installation instructions that brake output is not required. But will it cause a problem if the Curt Echo is receiving brake output on its input side?

asked by: David A

Expert Reply:

The Curt Echo can be used on vehicles with a factory installed 7 way and brake controller, like your 2016 Ram 1500 and you don't need to disconnect anything. I spoke with my contact at Curt and they mentioned that the Curt Echo Mobile # C51180 will take priority away from the factory controller and is not affected by the signal from the blue brake wire.

You won't need to disconnect anything, but it still wouldn't hurt anything if you did if you need that peace of mind.

expert reply by: Erik B