Will Curt Echo Brake Controller Apply Brakes if You Don't Step on Brake

Updated 03/11/2020 | Published 03/10/2020

Question:

Have you received any complaints about the Curt wireless brake controller applying the trailer brakes while driving normally ie not applying the brakes? It seemed to work fine on the first trip but on the second or third I noticed the app on my phone indicating the trailer brakes were being applied while driving along. It bothered me I can’t say I felt any drag so I manually applied them by touching my phone and as I let go they went off. But a while later the circular ring pattern showed up on the phone again. I thought I read a review of a person complaining that his trailer brakes wore down using this device, which would happen if they were being applied while driving. I wasn’t driving under any extreme or bouncing conditions, just cruising along. Thank you.

asked by: Brian E

Expert Reply:

I checked out our reviews and did not find anything regarding brakes wearing down using the Curt Echo Wireless Trailer Brake Controller # C51180. That said, the controller can apply your trailer brakes even if you are not hitting the brakes on your tow vehicle.

The reason for this is the Echo uses deceleration to sense when you are slowing down and applies the brakes proportionally. The issue I believe you may be having is that you have a sensitivity level which is likely a touch too high which is applying the brakes more than you would like. I think it's likely that if you adjust the sensitivity level down the issue will be abated.

I have added a link to the instruction manual for you to check out if need be to see how to do this.

expert reply by: Kyle S