Why is the Curt Echo Blowing Fuses in a 2020 Subaru Ascent?

Updated 06/30/2021 | Published 06/29/2021

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

Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers - Dual Plug In

(83)

$25.05

Tekonsha Primus IQ Trailer Brake Controller - Up to 3 Axles - Proportional

(2156)

$90.04

Question:

On a recent trip with our 1994 Coleman destiny Royale popup camper we had our Curt Echo purchases for etrailer connected as we were backing out of our site with my 2020 Subaru ascent and we lost power to the trailer completely. We had a drive home with no brakes or lights. Took it to the dealership and we had blown a 25 amp fuse in the Subaru. Asked my RV guy about it and he said we should put in a 30 amp but our Subaru dealership said that that would hurt the car - it’s leased so don’t want to take any chances. Do you have any ideas how to keep it from blowing fuses? Is it the echo that is doing it most likely? Should we try to hardwire a brake controller instead? Really worried about getting further away from home and losing brakes and lights on the camper again. If this keeps happening would we be able to return the echo and get a hardwire controller?

asked by: Anna J

Expert Reply:

The Curt Echo # C51180 does require a 30 amp fuse, so that will definitely fix that issue. This is used fairly often and this does happen, but I cannot say if this will be bad for the vehicle or not. However, if a Subaru dealer said not to do it and it is a leased vehicle, I would follow that direction.

With all that being said, I do suggest going to a brake controller that mounts inside your vehicle. From everything you mentioned, I assume you have the factory towing package, which means you have a port under the dash for a brake controller to plug directly in to. I highly suggest the Tekonsha Primus IQ # TK90160 as this is an easy to use and set up controller. The pigtail # 3062-P will plug directly into the back of this controller and then directly into the port in your dash.

expert reply by: Lazer S