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Topic ClosedWireless Brake Controller
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Pete Brayton View Drop Down
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Posts: 124 		Direct Link To This Post 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
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offgrid View Drop Down
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Posts: 5290 		Direct Link To This Post 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....
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mcarter View Drop Down
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Posts: 3419 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12 Dec 2020 at 4:09pm
+1 to OG.
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EchoGale View Drop Down
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Posts: 463 		Direct Link To This Post 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
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offgrid View Drop Down
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Posts: 5290 		Direct Link To This Post 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...
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Colt View Drop Down
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Posts: 383 		Direct Link To This Post 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
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DenisL View Drop Down
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Posts: 1 		Direct Link To This Post 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.
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geewizard View Drop Down
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Posts: 347 		Direct Link To This Post 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.
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