Curt C51180 Echo Wireless Brake Controller Drains Vehicle and Trailer Battery

Published 11/19/2021

Question:

Am using Curt Echo and plug / play harness from etrailer. With tow vehicle and trailer parked overnight hooked up vehicle and trailer batteries go dead.

asked by: John H

Expert Reply:

I spoke with the folks at Curt regarding the issue you're experiencing. The vehicle battery wouldn't drain unless there's a power draw or a short in the wiring somewhere on the trailer. In order for both the vehicle and trailer batteries to go completely dead, there's got to be a dead short somewhere.

I'd recommend revisiting how the batteries are wired on the trailer. The 12V accessory circuit from the trailer should tie in to the positive trailer battery terminal, and the negative trailer battery terminal should be grounded to the trailer frame. I'll link you to a typical trailer wiring diagram, which you might find helpful.

Also, because it's pretty easily stolen I wouldn't recommend leaving the Curt Echo plugged in when the vehicle is unattended. Curt advises unplugging the unit and stowing it in the vehicle until you get under way again.

expert reply by: Mike L