Author |
Share Topic Topic Search Topic Options
|
Pete Brayton
Senior Member
Joined: 29 Jul 2015
Location: Parker, CO
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 124
|
Topic: Wireless Brake Controller Posted: 12 Dec 2020 at 11:07am |
I don't know if this has been discussed yet but, it looks interesting as another option for brake controllers.
https://www.curtmfg.com/dm/echo-mobile-brake-controller
|
2021 Rpod 196
2013 Ford 150 V8
|
|
offgrid
Senior Member
Joined: 23 Jul 2018
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 5290
|
Posted: 12 Dec 2020 at 11:27am |
There has been some discussion. The turn off to me is losing the ability to manually activate the trailer brakes in a sway emergency. Sure theoretically you can activate the controller remotely using the smart phone but who's going to just happen to have the app open and running on the phone, and the bluetooth connected when you suddenly need to do that?
Maybe its just me but I like my safety related equipment to be ready at hand and 100% dedicated to its tasks and not also be trying to play music or run maps or in the back seat with the grandkids playing some video game....
|
1994 Chinook Concourse
1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft
2015 Rpod 179 - sold
|
|
mcarter
podders Helping podders - pHp
Joined: 07 Apr 2016
Location: Greenbrier, TN
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 3419
|
Posted: 12 Dec 2020 at 4:09pm |
+1 to OG.
|
Mike Carter
2015 178
" I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."
|
|
EchoGale
Senior Member
Joined: 10 Mar 2019
Location: FL
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 463
|
Posted: 12 Dec 2020 at 4:26pm |
In my case there just wasn't a good place to mount the controller. I'm short and sit close to the dash and there's no room. I got the Curt bluetooth one this summer and have been happy with it though I do see the value in the criticisms made.
|
Julie
|
|
offgrid
Senior Member
Joined: 23 Jul 2018
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 5290
|
Posted: 12 Dec 2020 at 4:38pm |
Originally posted by EchoGale
In my case there just wasn't a good place to mount the controller. I'm short and sit close to the dash and there's no room. I got the Curt bluetooth one this summer and have been happy with it though I do see the value in the criticisms made. |
If you have an old smartphone laying around you're not using you could dedicate it to the task, link it to the controller, and set it to keep the brake app open. Mount it up high where its not in your way but is in your direct view. That would solve the problem I have. Looks like they give you a nice big red button to push, might even be better than having to reach down for the manual lever on a traditional controller. Just a thought...
|
1994 Chinook Concourse
1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft
2015 Rpod 179 - sold
|
|
Colt
Senior Member
Joined: 16 Nov 2019
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 383
|
Posted: 19 Dec 2020 at 2:53pm |
I suppose it works, if Curt is selling it. But, I see no sense in making everything a phone video game. A simple, dedicated interface that directly operates a device is the best way. Plus, a wired control is less likely to suffer RF interference.
|
John
'16 R-Pod 180
|
|
DenisL
Newbie
Joined: 15 Sep 2020
Location: San Jose, CA
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1
|
Posted: 31 Dec 2020 at 1:17pm |
As you say, @Colt, it does work well. I've used it with a U-Haul pickup, a friends pickup, and our Subaru Ascent. The app stays open and keeps the screen on with a big orange button for manual braking.
The Subaru supports Android Auto, so the phone is plugged in anyway and best not touched, but with the Echo app in reach. (I haven't needed manual braking yet, but have tested it.)
It is one more random thing you need to take care of, and the Echo app has a few quirks, so it's a bit rough-and-ready.
|
|
geewizard
Senior Member
Joined: 16 Apr 2017
Location: Spokane
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 347
|
Posted: 31 Dec 2020 at 6:40pm |
I have a Tekonsha Prodigy wireless brake controller for sale. PM me if interested.
I bought it to get our very first RPod home with my previous Tundra. My newer Tundra had a brake controller built in. That's why I don't need the Tekonsha anymore. It worked very well.
|
2021 Winnebago Micro Minnie 1708FB
2017 R-Pod 177 (Blue) HRE SOLD
2004 Outfitter Apex 8 camper
2014 Toyota Tundra DC
|
|