Can A Brake Controller Be Turned Off So It Doesn't Drain Vehicle Battery
Published 09/17/2021
Question:
In you pros/cons section re the Curt C51170, there was mention that the controller could be a battery drain for a seldom-used vehicle. A couple of questions come to mind: a is that possibility unique to this controller, or is that general for most or all of them? b is there a way to prevent this - such as removing a fuse or adding a simple toggle switch that would turn off the unit while not in use?
asked by: Norman D
Helpful Expert Reply:
The fact that the Curt # C51170 has a direct connection to battery is not unique to the Curt Spectrum brake controller, they all install in that manner. This is purposely done as a safety measure, so the user can't forget to turn on the brake controller before they tow.
The good news is that after a short period of inactivity (varies from 10-20 minutes) the controller will go into a sleep mode, at which point they only draw a miniscule amount of power. Unless the vehicle will be left unattended for a few months, you wouldn't need to worry about the battery getting discharged.
If you plan on leaving the vehicle for months on end, you could unplug the controller's control box from the vehicle harness, but you'd need to remember to plug it back in before towing.
We don't recommend removing a fuse or installing a switch.
I've linked to a video that explains how the Curt Spectrum Brake Controller Works.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Spectrum Trailer Brake Controller - Dash Mounted Knob - Up to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Plug-In
- Dash-Mounted Knob
- Behind-Dash
- Up to 4 Axles
- Indicator Lights
- Multiple Trailers
- CURT
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Shop: Curt Spectrum Brake Controller w/ Custom Harness - Dash Mounted Knob - Up to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Q&A: Does Curt Brake Controller Install Harness Fit 2018 Ford Expedition
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Shop: AirBedz Rear Seat Air Mattress for SUVs and Full-Size Trucks - Tan
- Shop: Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller - Dash Knob - Up to 2 Axles - Proportional
- Shop: Curt Spectrum Brake Controller w/ Plug-In Harness - Dash Mounted Knob - Up to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Video: Redarc Tow-Pro Trailer Brake Controller Plug-and-Play Wiring Harness Review
- Shop: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness for Factory Tow Package - 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Shop: Autowbrake Electric Brake Controller - Trailer Mount w/ Remote Fob - Up to 3 Axles - Proportional
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Article: Brake Controller Installation: Starting from Scratch
- Search Results: 7~way harness
- Search Results: etbc7
- Video: Review of Redarc Trailer Brake Controller Wiring Harness - RED87FR
- Video: Hopkins 7-Way RV to 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector Adapter Review HM47340
- Video: Hopkins Endurance 7-Way to 5-Way or 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector Adapter Review
- Article: Ball Mount Basics: Weight Capacity, Class, and Size
- Q&A: Easiest Plug and Play Brake Controller For a 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Search Results: stabilizer jack
- Search Results: stabilizer jacks trailer jack
- Video: Feature Breakdown: Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller
- Video: Curt Echo In-Line Wireless Brake Controller Installation - 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- Q&A: Comparing Redarc Liberty and Curt Spectrum Brake Controllers For a 2023 GMC Sierra 1500
- Q&A: Difference Between Redarc Tow-Pro Elite & Tow-Pro Liberty For 2022 Nissan Frontier
- Q&A: Comparing the Curt Spectrum Brake Controller to Redarc Tow-Pro Elite
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
on Trailer Brake Controller
