Echo: A Wireless Brake Controller for Your Smartphone

An Evolution in Control

The CURT Echo® mobile trailer brake controller #51180 is the first of its kind, providing an entirely new towing experience.

It syncs with your Apple or Android phone, turning it into a wireless brake controller interface.

Its compact, portable design allows for intuitive, app-enabled functionality, easy transfer from one vehicle to another and convenient storage when not in use.

Fast, plug-and-play operation

Connects wirelessly to smartphone

No permanent, invasive installation

A wireless brake controller is a brake controller that doesn’t require a traditional wiring connection to the vehicle for operation. The Echo® wireless brake controller plugs in between the vehicle-trailer 7-way, eliminating the need for a separate splice-in or factory wiring installation.

A Bluetooth brake controller is a brake controller that uses radio signals to connect to your smartphone, allowing it to become the interface for trailer brake operation. Bluetooth eliminates the need for physical wires or cables to be connected from the brake controller to the phone.

1 Download the Echo® Smart Control App

2 Insert Echo® between vehicle-trailer 7-way

3 Configure settings and tow

Forget memorizing each of your tow settings every time you switch trailers. The Smart Control app, available for iPhone and Android, gets you on the road faster by storing unlimited vehicle-trailer profiles for fast, convenient access.

Smart Control App Download:

The custom-designed app allows you to control brake settings, calibrate output and monitor all brake activity with the touch of a finger. The Echo® wireless electric brake controller offers mobile towing for the digital age.

Echo® will continue to function safely, using the most recently programmed settings, if the Bluetooth connection is lost. It will also notify you with error messages in the event your trailer becomes disconnected or is overloaded during travel.

To support hands-free driving, a manual override button #51189 is available to complement the Echo® (sold separately). This wireless, Bluetooth button works with the Smart Control app to enable manual activation of the trailer brakes.

It is an ideal solution if you want to use your device for commonly used apps, like navigation, while still having the ability to apply the trailer brakes manually, as needed.

1. What happens if my phone dies or the Bluetooth connection is lost?

Echo® is a plug and play electric brake controller. Once it is configured, the unit will stay on the last saved setting even if the phone dies or the Bluetooth connection is lost. If Bluetooth is disconnected, the unit will continue to function on the last saved setting, but the manual override function will be lost.

2. How does Echo® know when to brake?

The Echo® applies the trailer brakes when the vehicle's brake pedal is pressed and its triple-axis accelerometer senses stopping motion.

3. If I already have a brake controller installed and I want to upgrade to Echo®, do I need to disconnect and remove the existing brake controller?

If a functioning 12V 7-way is installed on your vehicle, Echo® will override an existing trailer brake controller unit. There is no technical need to uninstall a hard-wired unit.

4. How far does the Bluetooth signal reach?

The Echo® wireless brake controller is designed to provide Bluetooth connection up to 50 ft. without obstruction. This may also be limited by the Bluetooth signal strength of your phone.

5. Will my screen stay on while using the app?

Yes, the app will prevent the phone screen from going into sleep mode. If you'd prefer that your phone be in sleep mode, you can turn off the screen. However, as mentioned under question 1, you will lose the manual override function.

6. Can anyone hack into my Echo® via Bluetooth?

No, you're only able to connect to the Echo® unit using the Smart Control app and by entering the pin stored under the cap or within the installation instructions.

7. Will the app work with my phone?

The CURT Echo® mobile trailer brake controller Smart Control app is compatible with Apple IOS 5 or higher and Android 4.3 or higher.

8. Is Echo® compatible with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto?

No, Echo® is not compatible with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. However, it will not interfere with these features either.