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Will Curt C51108 Echo Pass Through 12-Volt Power to Maintain Trailer Mounted Battery  

Updated 03/05/2020 | Published 03/04/2020



Question:

Hi, I have a 2020 Subaru outback with the 4 flat trailer connector C56040 installed. I would like to pull a pop up trailer camper which has brakes and needs a seven pin trailer connector. Seems like ETBC7L is the right choice. I also will purchase the wireless curt echo brake controller. It looks like I will need to run 12V from the car battery to the black wire of ETBC7L. My question is : Does that 12V run mentioned above provide power to BOTH the echo wireless brake controller AND also be able to provide power so the trailer battery can be charged while driving ? Does the echo controller need this 12V power line in order to operate even if I am not pulling a camper and say a utility trailer that does not have battery that needs to be charged ? Thank you

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Expert Reply:

The 12-volt power circuit on the trailer connector provides the power for the brake controller which can use up to 10 amps per axle. The controller will 'pass through' the 12 volt power feed circuit to the trailer but it won't have too much effect during braking as the entire feed circuit only provides up to 30 amps. The # C51180 Echo needs that direct connection to the car battery in order to function and actuate your trailer brakes.

In other words, I wouldn't depend on the 12-volt feed to do much for your trailer battery. It'll help maintain it at best, but it won't charge it once it's depleted.

There IS a way to charge that battery, but you'll need a DC to DC battery charger, a fuse kit and a wiring kit. I'd recommend the Redarc DC to DC charger, part # 331-BCDC1225D, the # BDW20306 wiring kit and the # 331-FK40 fuse kit.

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Mike L
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