Fix For Curt Echo Wireless Brake Controller Locking Up Trailer Brakes At Low Speeds

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Question:

I recently purchased a FreeSolo OG and pull it with my 2013 Jeep Rubicon using the Curt Echo brake controller. I added a 7 way connector with 12V and brake wire to the 4 pin plug and play harness on my Jeep. My camper connections are new and brake adjustment seems correct. I have the Echo set at 10 output and 1 sensitivity. Why are the camper wheels locking up sometimes when I brake at slow speeds? It does not occur at higher speeds and not on all occasions at slow speeds.

asked by: Devin M

0

Expert Reply:

We have actually run into this issue quite a few times in the past, and there is a simple fix.

The reason the Curt Echo Wireless # C51180 locks up the brakes on your camper only at low speeds is due to it being paired incorrectly, usually plugging in the trailer to the Echo before plugging the Echo into the 7-way connector.

You will need to delete the Curt Echo app and start the pairing process over again. Plug the Curt Echo into the 7-way connector on your 2013 Jeep Wrangler without plugging in the trailer and you should get a flashing blue light. Once you see that light then you can pair the Echo to your vehicle via the app and will get a solid blue light. After pairing you can now hook up the trailer connector and you should now have a solid green light.

You can now readjust your controller and you will not have the low speed braking issues.

I included a video of the # C51180 for you to take a look at.

expert reply by: Samuel C

0

New O.

2/17/2024

This advice worked for me. Thank you so much

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Samuel C.

2/20/2024

@NewO Happy to hear that! If you need anything else let me know

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Michael M.

3/4/2024

Hi Samuel and Team eTrailer, I’ve had a number of terrific purchases through your firm in recent years but this Curt unit is NOT one of them. Four trips and on every one of them I get the trailer tire lock up at some point. In the first three trips, we were fine going out to camp but at some point in the return leg, the slower speed tire lock up returned. This past weekend, I experienced the tire lock up in the first few miles outbound. That evening, I came across your above advice. I deleted the app, uploaded the new Curt app. Solid green light on hookup, tested extensively for 30 minutes on back roads at low speed and all was well. Until we were about a mile from home and lock up hit. AGAIN. Green light still solid… I’m well experienced with towing recreational trailers as well as heavy duty hauling so this is not due to lack of knowledge. Ready to return this and try another option.

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Richard

3/30/2024

My problem with Echo is that it will pair with phone instead of app there is no “forget this device “ for Echo. Every other device will have that ability. Also I don’t get any blue light unless trailer is plugged in.

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Jon G.

5/2/2024

@Richard Since the blue light isn't lighting up until your trailer is plugged in it sounds like your tow vehicle doesn't activate the 7-Way until it senses a trailer is connected. In this case you'll want to pair the Echo # C51180 while the trailer is plugged in.

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Richard

5/2/2024

@JonG I had to replace the connector on my trailer when I gave up on the Evho and had s Tekonsha professionally installed. The Tekonsha said “no trailer present” until they replaced the trailer connector.

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Jon G.

5/3/2024

@Richard Good to know - I'm glad you were able to get it figured out!

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Aaron D.

5/26/2024

That just happened to me about 5 hours ago. I plugged the trailer into the echo first before pushing it into the 7 way pin......I never did it that way before and my breaks were sticking at low speed. Thanks for the fix.

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Jameson C.

5/29/2024

@AaronD Glad we could help!

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Shar Z.

6/14/2024

Would that be causing a pulsation? My echo worked good for one trip. Now when I brake, the trailer brakes grab hard for a second every two to three seconds. It also seems like one side is braking harder during the pulsation.

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Samuel C.

6/14/2024

@SharZ It shouldn't cause pulsation, but that's not to say its impossible. However it would not be causing braking harder on one side versus the other, as only one wire goes from the brake controller to all brakes, so if that's happening the brakes are likely not adjusted evenly. I'd remove the app and repair. The Echo pairing issues causes all sorts of problems. Make sure you pair the controller before plugging in the trailer, or you're going to get pairing issues.

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Answer 1

The first thing to check is to make sure that the sensitivity or output settings on your Curt Echo #C51180 did not change from your original settings. It also may be beneficial to re-adjust the controller from scratch. In order to do this, Curt…

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Answer 2

I would be happy to help you fix your Curt Echo item #C51180. First you will need to completely unplug the Echo from both trailer and truck, delete the app from your phone, reinstall the app, and then plug the Echo into the vehicle 7-way (by itself)…

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Answer 3

Curt has a recommended setup procedure outlined for the Curt Echo part #C51180 that is outlined in their install instructions for this controller but since not all trailer brakes apply the same way there isn't a standard setting you can use that…

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Answer 4

I have a couple things you can check that may help you. First check to make sure you have the most up to date version of the Curt Echo app and that your app has permission for Bluetooth active. Also in the app you will need to make sure that a manual…

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Answer 5

The difference between sensitivity and max output for the Curt Echo brake controller part #C51180 is that max output is the max braking power the controller would put out if it felt like it needed to apply them as hard as possible. So this needs to…

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Answer 6

The differences between the two jacks is minimal. The main feature difference is that the Bulldog #BD178203 has the ASABE (American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers) compliancy certification whereas the ProSeries #PS1401440303 does…

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Answer 7

There are some Dutton-Lainson trailer jacks that are made in the USA as well as a few that are not. Any jacks that we carry that are made in the USA have that as part of the description to help set them apart. Currently we have the following options:…

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Answer 8

To use the Curt Echo Wireless Trailer Brake Controller #C51180 your vehicle only needs 12 volt, ground, and turn signals connected to its 7-way socket. What this means is you do not need the brake signal from the 7-way. For example, if you used a…

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Answer 9

I have a solution for you. We do not carry a tool that small, however the solution is going to be easy. If you are trying to clean dirt and muck out of a 7pin or 4 pin connection you can use some pipe cleaners and some carb cleaner spray. Tooth picks…

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Answer 10

WF-8735P is a 35-amp panel model. To upgrade to a lithium ready system you will need the Progressive Dynamics #PD4135K Converter/Smart Charger rated for 35-Amp. this system includes a high voltage output to provide full, quick charge for your lithium…

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Answer 11

In order to troubleshoot your braking issues with the Curt Echo #C51180, first start by adjusting the output settings on your controller. Curt recommends testing the controller output by driving forward on a dry and level paved or concrete surface.…

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Answer 12

That would indicate there is something wrong with your trailer wiring most likely. You need to verify that both stop/turn signal circuits on your vehicle 7-way are working like they should. These are the circuits that tell the Curt Echo Mobile…

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Fix For Curt Echo Wireless Brake Controller Locking Up Trailer Brakes At Low Speeds

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