Troubleshooting Curt Echo Wireless Trailer Brake Controller Locking Up Brakes at Low Speeds

Published 09/23/2021

Question:

I have the Curt Echo Wireless brake controller for my 2018 Ford F-150 4x4, and am towing a 2021 Coachmen Freedom Express Ultra Lite 257BHS travel trailer. For the first 1,000 miles or so, I had my brake controller setting at level 7 aggressiveness, and level 7 for power, and it towed and brake great. After taking it on another weekend trip under the same settings, Im not getting a harder braking at lower speeds where the brakes feel like they stick, then let go kind of hard after releasing the brake pedal. Doesnt feel like theyre sticking at high speeds when traveling down hills, etc. Just seems like in town speeds, and especially when stopping. My Curt controller says 6-24 volts on the cover. I have double Dexter axles with electric brakes on my Freedom Express trailer, and I read that Dexter recommends a brake controller w/ proportional braking from 2 volts to 12 volts for ideal smooth braking. Since the Curt wireless brake controller starts at 6 volts, could this be the reason for the sticking/harder breaking at lower speeds and coming to a stop? Or, is there something I should check on the brakes themselves for causing this? Also, what setting should I look at using on my wireless brake controller to avoid hard stopping, and get a smoother braking experience? Thank you.

asked by: Preston J

Expert Reply:

I think the most likely culprit here is just that the brakes need adjusting; which after 1000 miles of travel wouldn't be completely out of the question. Often times while trailer brakes are being broken in you can get uneven wear on the brake pads, and I think what's happening here is your brakes are catching some higher spots on the pads with the drum, which is causing the lock ups at low speeds. The settings you'll use will depend on the trailer and the tow vehicle, but your 7 setting should be just fine and shouldn't lock up the brakes.

I can confirm that the Curt Echo # C51180 will work just fine with your Dexter brakes and we've seen them work previously with Dexter brakes without issue. I do recommend that you check the adjustment of the brakes so that they're lighting rubbing the drums when you spin the wheels. You'll want to adjust your brakes to the point that they don't let the wheels turn, and then back them off about 10 clicks, or until the brakes are lightly rubbing the inside of the drums but not stopping them from moving.

If you make adjustments to the brakes and are still having this issue just let me know and I can give you a few other things to check out and get you back to smooth towing with your Curt Echo.

expert reply by: Erik B