Curt Echo vs Tekonsha Prodigy RF Brake Controller for 2021 Toyota Highlander

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Question:

I have just bought a 2021 Highlander XLE V6 Gas, and now need an RF brake controller. Your website states that the Tekonsha Prodigy RF is not confirmed for my model and year. I dont understand what not confirmed means: when and how will it be confirmed to work - or not work? And my second question is what is the functional difference between the Curt ECHO and the Tekonsha Prodigy RF, particularly with respect to installation and the issue of loss of trailer braking functionality if the flashers are used while towing and not stopped. Looking at the Curt, it seems to me that one difference is that the CURT plugs into the 4-Pin at the tow vehicle sticking out rather a lot while the Tekonsha is mounted on the trailer both seem to plug into the 4-pin and have the 7-pin plugged into them. I do understand that I will need to buy a 7-pin plug and the adapter for the 4-pin plug that was installed with my OEM hitch received when I bought the car. Thank you for your help.

asked by: Elisabeth S

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Expert Reply:

While the Curt Echo # C51180 and the Tekonsha RF brake controller have not officially been confirmed as a fit for your 2021 Highlander we know they will work due to the universal nature of both controllers. Basically as long as the vehicle has a 7-way installed on it either controller would function and work great.

For either you'd need the # ETBC7L since you have a 4-way currently and you'd be set.

Functionally they both work basically the same once setup but the Echo is much more easy to install since it just plugs in whereas the RV actually requires you to mount it on the trailer. Due to how they both interpret brake signal from the stop/turn signal circuits of the trailer wiring they both do pulse if emergency flashers are on.

expert reply by: Jameson C

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Answer 1

Since from what it sounds like, your Highlander doesn't have the factory tow package that includes a 7-way on the rear bumper, you'll need to do a hardwire installation. For starters, you'll need a functional 4 pole trailer wiring…

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Answer 2

Instead of extending the black wire from the 7-Way plug in 7-way upgrade kit part #ETBC7 to the battery under the hood you would extend the black wire from the plug to the positive side of the battery in the back of the vehicle with a 40 amp circuit…

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Answer 3

The best option to upgrade from a 4-way to a 7-way on a 2021 Toyota Highlander with minimal modifications required would be to use the 4 to 7-Way with 4-Way Adapter part #ETBC7L. This pairs perfectly with the Curt Echo Wireless Trailer Brake…

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Answer 4

I called Curt and confirmed the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver part #C99FR is a fit for a 2021 Toyota Highlander XSE. The Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver part #C45CR is not a fit for XSE models. The former was redesigned for the XSE. In order to complete…

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Answer 5

Yes if you have the factory 12 volt accessory wire already ran due to OEM trailer wiring at the rear of your 2015 Toyota Highlander you could use it for the power wire for the #ETBC7L for the Curt Echo part #C51180 and you'd be set. This would be…

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Answer 6

In order to install a 7-way on a 2021 Toyota Highlander I recommend the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector part #TK99FR and then the 4 to 7-Way with 4-Way Adapter part #ETBC7L. In regards to the installation of the…

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Answer 7

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 8

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

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Answer 9

Hey Antoine, so the two kits you mentioned are actually really similar and honestly I would go with the part #ETBC7 if I were you. The #ETBC7L is basically the same thing minus a couple wires and breakers so you may as well get the kit that has…

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Answer 10

There is only one difference between the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C13176 and etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98909 that fit your 2020 Chevrolet Colorado, which is the finish. The Curt trailer hitch has a glossy black finish while the etrailer…

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Answer 11

Yep, so long as your 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness is not a hybrid both the Curt and etrailer hitches will fit: - Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C13382 - etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98912 The only difference besides price is the finish; the…

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Answer 12

The best brake controller option to go with is one that activates the brakes proportionally instead of time delayed. A proportional brake controller will activate the trailer brakes at the same time and with the same intensity as the tow vehicle…

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Curt Echo vs Tekonsha Prodigy RF Brake Controller for 2021 Toyota Highlander

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