Does Curt Echo Trailer Brake Controller Affect MPG

Updated 02/15/2021 | Published 02/11/2021

Question:

I recently bought a Curt Echo wireless brake controller and used while towing a friends 5200 lb. travel trailer with my 2021 GMC Canyon. I was shocked with the gas mileage I had 8-12 mpg and my friend was wondering if there was something off with the sensitivity / max output settings where there was a gradual dragging of the brakes due to the app vs. hard wired controllers. I guess I just need a better understanding of sensitivity/ max output. I had the sensitivity at 4 and braking output at 6. Am I missing something? issues w/ Canyon braking system? It does not have the factory brake controller.

asked by: Kenneth B

Expert Reply:

Thanks for your purchase of the Curt Echo Wireless Trailer Brake Controller # C51180, and I can tell you for certain that a brake controller itself will not have any affect on your gas mileage. What does have a real affect on gas mileage is towing a trailer, due to the added force required by your Canyon's engine to move the added weight.

So neither the power output or the sensitivity you choose are going to have any drastic affect on your MPG. Power and sensitivity are unique for everyone and depend on their vehicle and load you are carrying. There isn't a "right" answer to how much you should have the power and sensitivity at, but you should be able to feel the difference. The power is just that - how powerful the braking action is - while the sensitivity is more about feel. If the stopping feels very sudden, turn down the sensitivity, or too slow, you want higher sensitivity to ensure safe braking for your trailer.

The app is just for the initial set up or manual override of the Curt Echo Wireless Trailer Brake Controller # C51180, so it won't have any affect while you are towing, it works the same as a hardwired controller in that regard.

expert reply by: Kyle S