Troubleshooting Jerking/Grabbing Brakes when Using Curt Echo # C51180

Updated 10/27/2025 | Published 06/23/2022

Question:

My echo smart controler worked great on the first two trips I took. Then, I connected and they grab violently. I also noticed that when it worked correctly, the color on the dial only went about 20-25 of the way around the circle on the iphone when the brake pedal was pressed. When the grabby stuff started, it goes all the way around. Something is very odd because nothing changed between trips. Please help. I was very happy with it but now, I had to remove it and drive without it for the brakes to work smoothly. Thank you.

asked by: Karl G

Expert Reply:

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 recommends performing the setup on a completely flat paved/concrete surface. At around 25 MPH, apply the vehicle's brakes. If the trailer brakes lock up or jerk/grab, decrease the max output level. Repeat this process until brakes are firm (just short of locking up). After this, repeat the same process for the sensitivity level. I went ahead and attached the adjustment directions from the instructional manual with full details.

A third and final thing to consider is that you may need to adjust the settings on your trailer's brakes. I went ahead and attached a super helpful article that outlines this process. There is a super helpful video imbedded in that article that shows you how to adjust your brakes at timestamp 12:25.

expert reply by: Bob C

Initial Adjustment Procedure for Curt Echo # C51180
(click to enlarge)

10/26/2025

Apparently, a lot of people are having this problem and it’s scary. No matter the setting or sensitivity, they grab hard. The camper trailer is fine. It was checked by pros. I think it’s a defect in this trailer system and hoping the manufacturer can make it right. It’s very alarming when they grab so hard it lurches the driver and passenger forward in their seats. Nothing seems to work. They worked fine one time and then it was over.