I have it and a scanguage mounted in the ashtray are, works great. I also have a used P3 I bought off a member here if anyone is interested.
Trailer Brake Module Questions
- Thread starter bhicks
- Start date
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Do you ever really use the manual control? Seems like it would be tough where you have it installed.
Only for testing before a trip. It's really easy to access however.
ramangain
Clarksonian disciple
I use the BT Curt Echo. It works flawlessly for me. It is easy to set up and just works. I also have a break-away switch and battery installed on the trailer specifically for the brakes. I'm extra careful to ensure that the Echo is not plugged in when attaching the break-away key lash to my rig in case I forget to unplug the switch battery first. It would be an expensive mistake to blow up the Curt Echo and not worth the risk. Just a heads up .....
Good to hear. Not sure I follow on the damaging the echo thing. The battery on the trailer is just for breakaway, not normal braking, right?
When we travel we have at least 4 phones in the truck so using mine for the Echo was a no brainier. Having to grab a manual trailer brake knob or button is usually to straighten out your rig while towing. A semi (TT Unit) passes you and your rig starts to dance a little. A tap of the trailer only brakes straightens you out most Riki Tik. I have not used the new application yet but plan to with my dual axle Horton Hauler (HH) enclosed 16'x10' scooter mover very soon.
I remember back when we trailer camped as kids and when my Dad had to go for the trailer brake; it wasn't in the best position to use, in my opinion, but it could reach under the dashboard with the wires that came with it when mounted close to the bottom there...and all it did was remind us it was there when you hit your legs on it on entry/exit...
I installed your Media Mount just for my i8...and this function. It's in the perfect position for the manual brake button for my 100 series. I think I may add another 1" ball for underneath your MM for another X-mount too. The feature I look most forward to playing with on the Echo is the different brake sensitivity settings. They can be placed into 1 of 5 memory presets. My HH Lite / Medium / Heavy loads all require specific setting that I had to adjust prior to each different trip. Nothing tips off the on-looker of a rookie quicker than skidding trailer tires because the light trailer is set for a heavy load right?
I Love Your Media Mount...
I added some hammered metal finish to it and the RAM stuff to soften the look...
I could probably go a little darker in the shade but it is an awesome use of waisted space the cassette tape player took up...
Yes, to the best of my knowledge, battery is back-up for locking the brakes up is your prime mover is being passed by your trailer...
When we travel we have at least 4 phones in the truck so using mine for the Echo was a no brainier. Having to grab a manual trailer brake knob or button is usually to straighten out your rig while towing. A semi (TT Unit) passes you and your rig starts to dance a little. A tap of the trailer only brakes straightens you out most Riki Tik. I have not used the new application yet but plan to with my dual axle Horton Hauler (HH) enclosed 16'x10' scooter mover very soon.
I remember back when we trailer camped as kids and when my Dad had to go for the trailer brake; it wasn't in the best position to use, in my opinion, but it could reach under the dashboard with the wires that came with it when mounted close to the bottom there...and all it did was remind us it was there when you hit your legs on it on entry/exit...
I installed your Media Mount just for my i8...and this function. It's in the perfect position for the manual brake button for my 100 series. I think I may add another 1" ball for underneath your MM for another X-mount too. The feature I look most forward to playing with on the Echo is the different brake sensitivity settings. They can be placed into 1 of 5 memory presets. My HH Lite / Medium / Heavy loads all require specific setting that I had to adjust prior to each different trip. Nothing tips off the on-looker of a rookie quicker than skidding trailer tires because the light trailer is set for a heavy load right?
I Love Your Media Mount...
View attachment 2345027
I added some hammered metal finish to it and the RAM stuff to soften the look...
View attachment 2345028
I could probably go a little darker in the shade but it is an awesome use of waisted space the cassette tape player took up...
Thanks for the plug! Ha. I use my tablet on the mount, but it's usually taken up with nav/music. My phone is usually free, but I can definitely see a scenario where the screen is locked or the app is closed.
I don't follow you @ramangain on the "unplug the switch battery first" forgetfulness piece...?
I've got a tablet here somewhere the kids tip toed away with I can incorporate too. Great idea, but we'll need a bigger X-Grip.
I've got a tablet here somewhere the kids tip toed away with I can incorporate too. Great idea, but we'll need a bigger X-Grip.
Not to derail the conversation, but I really like the dedicated ram mounts made for specific tablets. They make them for most the common ones. Super quick to put on and take off.
Eyedaho
SILVER Star
Battery on the trailer is for the breakaway brakes in most cases. People have had issues with frying brake controllers when the breakaway switch is on (pin pulled out) and 12V feeds back through the trailer wiring to the controller. If you read some trailer forums, there are quite a few stories about that issue. That's why installing diodes in your trailer wiring can be a good idea, to prevent current from flowing in the wrong direction from your trailer battery if the breakaway brakes engage.
Interesting. Had no idea that was a thing. Thanks for the info.
ramangain
Clarksonian disciple
It seems odd to me that controller manufacturers wouldn't put a diode on their controllers. Seems like a cheap and easy selling feature.
gregnash
Anal Retentive Analyst
Right... that is kinda what I was thinking... But question then becomes where do you put the diode and how large (note: I suck at electrical stuff).
Thanks for the info @Eyedaho . Where would be the smartest place to install a protective diode for this wrong way flow protection?
ramangain
Clarksonian disciple
There may be internal protection, but is it worth the gamble if it is cheap and not robust enough? Not for me.
I'd rather be careful and not spend another $200+ to carry a spare if the current one fails because of something I did (wrong). I've learned that lesson far too many times already!
I'd rather be careful and not spend another $200+ to carry a spare if the current one fails because of something I did (wrong). I've learned that lesson far too many times already!
ramangain
Clarksonian disciple
You put the diode on the brake controller line output before your 7 pin connector if you have one hardwired in your rig.
As for the Curt Echo, you'd need to get creative since the output from the controller goes directly into the trailer 7 pin socket, and usually everything gets broken out and properly mated in the trailer wiring junction box. Specifically, the switch output, lead from the 7 pin, and wire for brakes on the trailer all get mated together. You'd want to squeeze in a diode between the 7 pin output lead and the mating point, in theory. I didn't bother due to space constraints in my wiring junction box.
As for the Curt Echo, you'd need to get creative since the output from the controller goes directly into the trailer 7 pin socket, and usually everything gets broken out and properly mated in the trailer wiring junction box. Specifically, the switch output, lead from the 7 pin, and wire for brakes on the trailer all get mated together. You'd want to squeeze in a diode between the 7 pin output lead and the mating point, in theory. I didn't bother due to space constraints in my wiring junction box.
