How to Install Curt Echo Brake Controller on 2009 Chevy C8500

Updated 03/24/2020 | Published 03/23/2020

Products Featured in This Question

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

(1769)

$279.95

Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(1673)

$73.63

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

(337)

$96.74

Hopkins Trailer Connector Adapter - 7-Pole Round Pin to 7-Pole RV

(72)

$32.76

Question:

I have a 2009 Chevrolet C8500 equipped with air brakes and I want to tow a trailer equipped with electric brakes. The vehicle has a JS560 round 7-pin adapter and the trailer has a 7-blade RV type plug. The truck does not have an electric brake controller installed nor does the JS560 plug have a brake controller pin. If I use a Curt Echo Wireless brake controller how do I make the necessary harness to get proper running, turn signal, hazard and brake light functions?

asked by: Vincent C

Expert Reply:

I tried looking up the JS560 plug that you mentioned having on your 2009 Chevy C8500 and while I wasn't able to locate anything, we still have a solution for you to use the Curt Echo Brake Controller # C51180.

If your JS560 plug is the standard 7-Round plug used on commercial and agricultural vehicles then you can simply use the Adapter # HM47425 and make sure that the pin-outs match up. Just compare the attached photo to the following wire configuration for the adapter:

White: ground return
Black: clearance, side marker and identification lights
Yellow: left turn signal and hazard signal
Red: stop lights and anti-lock devices
Green: right turn signal and hazard lights
Brown: tail light, rear clearance marker and license plate light
Blue: auxiliary circuit/ABS power

If you have a different connector then you need to install the 7-Way RV Upgrade Kit # ETBC7L instead. This allows you to connect to the basic trailer lighting functions (ground, running/tail, left turn/stop, and right turn/stop) and also provides you with the power wire needed to power up the Curt Echo. This kit comes with an adapter for the 7-Way which typically plugs into a 4-Way Flat connector. You can either cut off the 4-Way connector and hardwire it in, or you can install some additional wiring like the Curt # C59236 to your your 4-Way Flat connection. The advantage to this wiring option is that you are able to combine your turn and stop signals if they aren't already combined.