Does Adding ETBCL Only Require Power & 4-Way For Curt Echo Brake Controller

Updated 10/02/2024 | Published 10/01/2024

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Echo Wireless Brake Controller - 7-Way Plug-in w/ Bluetooth App - Up to 2 Axles - Proportional

(1769)

$279.95

7-Way RV Upgrade Kit for Trailer Brake Controller Installation - 12 Gauge Wires

(337)

$96.74

Question:

I might add the OEM trailer hitch package to my Polestar 2 model year 2025, same basic car as 2024 Single Motor. They will only install a 4-pin setup if I decide to go with that option. IF I do go with that option, I would like to convert it to a 7-pin setup. From browsing your site, I believe it would only require your kit ETBC7L plus the Curt Echo Wireless Brake Controller - 7-Way Plug Mount w/ Bluetooth App - 1 to 2 Axle - Proportional to make this happen while the Polestar 2 is not listed for the Curt Echo on your webpage, the Volvo XC40 Recharge is, under the skin, effectively the same vehicle. If I understand correctly, I would plug in the OEM 4-pin to the 4 to 7 pin adapter, attach the the black wire only to the 12 volt battery positive pole, plug the Wireless Brake Controller into the newly installed 7 pin adapter and then the trailer to the wireless brake controller? No need to splice any wires, attach a box under my dashboard like I had in my 2004 Pathfinder many years ago, or do anything else? Its all plug and play, except the one black wire to the 12v battery? Thank you in advance for your response. It will be very helpful in my decision regarding the OEM towing package. As the car is an EV, I want to make as few interventions into the electric/electronic setup of the car.

asked by: Paul

Expert Reply:

Hey Paul,

Yep, you do have the steps correct, with one small part missing. You'll need to plug in your 4-way, run the power wire to the battery, and also attach the ground wire to install the 7-Way RV Upgrade Kit for Trailer Brake Controller Installation # ETBC7L.

You didn't mention the ground wire so I just wanted to be thorough so there were no surprises. But no splicing or anything, and the after that you'll have a 7-way able to use the Curt Echo Wireless Brake Controller # C51180.

It'll just plug into your 7-way, and then you'll plug your trailer connector into the Echo and you're set.

expert reply by: Kyle S

Paul

10/2/2024

Thank you for the quick response. If I understand correctly, you are referring to the short white wire with the loop attached to it? Anywhere on the vehicle frame with the included self-tapping screw? I haven't crawled underneath the car yet, so I'm not sure where exactly I would do so. The underneath is almost entirely the traction battery casing and I assume that would not be a good place to ground the circuit. But I'm sure I can figure it out if I go with this option.

Kyle S.

10/2/2024

@Paul Yes sir, the short white wire with the ring terminal attached is the ground wire, and it just needs to be on the frame (and yeah, I'd definitely avoid the battery casing).

Paul

10/2/2024

@KyleS Excellent. Thanks for the clarification. If I do end up getting the OEM option I'll definitely be back here to order the appropriate gear (I'm not usually so attached to an OEM option that's not already installed, but this involves some programming of the EV software for towing, so it seems like a fair reason to go with the OEM option in this particular case).