Is There Any Delay in Braking Action with Tekonsha RF Brake Controller

Updated 09/30/2025 | Published 09/10/2025

Products Featured in This Question

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

(1832)

$289.95

Question:

I bought a Toyota Tacoma and it did not come with a break controller. There is a 7 pole connector installed in the rear bumper. The dealer said that the wiring for a break controller was not installed in my particular vehicle. The dealer purchased a Curt Echo break controller for me to use instead of hard wiring an in dash controller. I took my camper out two weekends ago and the wireless controller worked, but not well. When I hit the breaks there was a half second or so delay before the trailer brakes engaged. A little scary at 70 mph. My question is, how responsive is this Tekonsha RF Brake Controller? Has there been any mention of delayed trailer breaking by previous purchasers? Toyota says that any added wiring will void the warranty. With that in mind, do you recommend any other break controllers? Thank you in advance for your advise.

asked by: Jon H

Expert Reply:

Hey Jon, sorry to hear about the issues you had with the Curt Echo # C51180. The feedback we've gotten on the Tekonsha RF part # TK94FR is that it works really well and there's no delay. The Echo hasn't been super reliable in a few ways so I try not to recommend it for people. If you were wanting to stay within the warranty that they mentioned this would definitely be the way to go.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Jameson C.

9/29/2025

Hey Jon, I'm glad to hear you gave the Tekonsha RF Brake Controller a try. How did it perform for you compared to the Curt Echo? I'm curious to know if it resolved the delay issue, as your experience could help others facing similar concerns.

Jon H.

9/30/2025

@JamesonC I found the Tekonsha RF Brake Controller very easy to install. Once installed on the trailer hitch I started the vehicle and went through the steps to sync the remote. It synced right away and I did not receive an error code. I went around the parking lot where I store my camper and got the correct amount of braking after a few tries. The instructions were very good from start to finish. I had a Curt Echo installed by the dealer since my Tacoma did not come equipped with a brake controller. I discovered at highway speeds when I pushed my brake peddle, there was as least a 1/2 second delay before the trailer brakes engaged. At 70 mph in traffic that was a little scary. The Tekonsha RF Brake Controller provides instant breaking when the brake peddle is pressed. I highly recommend this product.