Can I Use a 4 Way Vehicle Connector with 7 Way Adapter and the Curt Echo Brake Controller?

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Question:

Can I use a 4 way flat to 7 round adapter and the Curt Bluetooth brake controller

asked by: Ricky F

0

Expert Reply:

It sounds like you may already have a 4 way connector on your vehicle, which is half of the battle. In order to operate the Curt Echo Mobile Wireless Brake Controller # C51180 you will need an almost fully functional 7 way connector; using something like the Hopkins # 37185 adapter from the answer you were looking at would work, but it doesn't come with all of the wiring you'll need so I don't recommend using that and you will need to run a power wire to your battery (not included).

Instead, I recommend using the # ETBC7L, which has all of the wiring you'll need to easily install a 7 way connection on your tow vehicle capable of powering the Curt Echo brake controller. This kit will use your existing 4 way to plug into the light functions and then you'll just need to run a wire to the battery and reverse light functions to have the connections you need.

I've linked one of our helpful videos that runs through how to install an ETBC7L connector and since you've already got a 4 way on your vehicle, the process should be relatively easy.

expert reply by: Erik B

0

Drew

6/19/2024

Why couldn't you use the one he has and just run your black 12 gauge wiring that I already have to battery, and save $60,,,,,it's just $60 for the extra 12gauge black wiring to run to battery???or am I missing something

Jameson C.

6/19/2024

@Drew Yes that would work. Or we have the version of this adapter specifically for the Echo with the part # ETBC7L.

Jessica

7/4/2024

So I'm looking at wiring the 12v power from my batter back to my hitch and using the 4:7 converter as mentioned in this answer.. will there constantly be 12v power being drawn from my battery even when not in use? Do I need to install a switch or something similar??

Robin H.

7/5/2024

@Jessica you won't need a switch with the # ETBC7L. There won't be any power draw when the connector is not in use.

Gregg

5/5/2025

@RobinH So my 2020 Ram already has both factory 4 pin flat and 7 way round connections, but no integrated brake controller. Trailer is going to have flat pin but not sure if 4 or 5 yet because i am installing electric brakes. Isn't there an 7 way round to flat 4 or 5 pin adapter that can be plugged into the Echo wireless controller?

Robin H.

5/6/2025

@Gregg you could do that with an adapter like # C35FR but I don't see a reason to unless you have a reverse lockout. If you have electric brakes you're going to need a 7-way so the Echo works as is. If you have a 4-way on the trailer and it has brakes they must be surge brakes. No brake controller is needed for these brakes so you can remove the Echo.

Answer 1

Hey Heidi. To use a Curt Echo Wireless Brake Controller item #C51180 on a tow vehicle with only a 4-way connector, you'll need the 7-Way RV Upgrade Kit for Trailer Brake Controller Installation item #ETBC7L. The Curt Echo item #C51180 requires a…

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Answer 2

If your plan was to install a brake controller you'd have to also run the black wire of the 7-Way Adapter part #30717 to the to the positive post of your vehicle battery as well as the ground you mentioned. The Curt Echo part #C51180 that you…

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Answer 3

Hey George, for your 2026 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid we have the Curt hitch part #C34FR62ZY as a confirmed fit but it's on a little bit of a backorder at the moment which is why you don't see any hitch options in our fitguide. The hitches from…

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Answer 4

Hey Ray, so we have the part #18159 which would work great to secure the 7-way of the #ETBC7L that you'll be installing with the Curt Echo #C51180. It's also pretty easy to install too.

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Answer 5

There are a few differences between the Universal Installation Kit part #ETBC7 and the 7-Way RV Upgrade Kit part #ETBC7L. The biggest one is that part #ETBC7 comes with both the power and brake output wire you will need to run to the cab/battery…

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Answer 6

I understand the frustration, manufacturers are making hitches more hidden and sleek. It's nice having the cross bar hidden, but it does make it challenging to mount wiring because that's the traditional spot. You can route the 4 pole wire…

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Answer 7

Curt has a recommended setup procedure outlined for the Curt Echo part #C51180 that is outlined in their install instructions for this controller but since not all trailer brakes apply the same way there isn't a standard setting you can use that…

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Answer 8

A 2013 BMW X5 with the factory 7-way is set up to use a brake controller without any other additions. There is no plug and play harness available for this vehicle, however, so I recommend using the Curt Echo Mobile Brake Controller #C51180 because…

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Answer 9

Hi Jacob, congrats on the new ride! We found the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2" #C13427 to not need any trimming when we installed it, so it is definitely the one I recommend. The Tekonsha OEM Replacement Vehicle…

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Answer 10

Yes, the Timbren Rear Suspension Enhancement System part #TFR1502D for 2WD or part #TFR1504D for 4WD will work with the B&W Turnoverball Underbed Gooseneck Trailer Hitch part #BWGNRK1104 you have installed in your 2012 Ford F-150. The mounting…

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Answer 11

I have a really great suspension enhancement kit that fits your 2003 Toyota Tundra with the B and W Turnoverball hitch #BWGNRK1251 you have but none of the air bag style kits we offer will fit with an in-bed hitch. Instead the best option by far is…

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Answer 12

Hey Tom, no the blue wire on a 7-way installed on a vehicle would not need to be ran anywhere for the Curt Echo Mobile #C51180 to function. This controller creates this circuit on the trailer side which is why. Do you have a 4-way on the Trooper or…

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Can I Use a 4 Way Vehicle Connector with 7 Way Adapter and the Curt Echo Brake Controller?

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