Wireless Brake Controller

mlcampbell0917 · 05-13-2019, 06:33 AM

We are brand new to the RV world and I am looking for opinions about brake controllers. We have a 2016 Jayco Jay Feather 25BH and I will be pulling it with a 2017 Ram 1500 Larime Longhorn 4x4. Our Ram has the tow/haul package but does not have the built in brake controller. I have been reading reviews about the Curt Echo Mobile Trailer Brake Controller - Wireless - 1 to 2 Axles and everything I have read indicates it would be great for my truck and easily installed. Thoughts?

NewBlackDak · 05-13-2019, 06:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mlcampbell0917

We are brand new to the RV world and I am looking for opinions about brake controllers. We have a 2016 Jayco Jay Feather 25BH and I will be pulling it with a 2017 Ram 1500 Larime Longhorn 4x4. Our Ram has the tow/haul package but does not have the built in brake controller. I have been reading reviews about the Curt Echo Mobile Trailer Brake Controller - Wireless - 1 to 2 Axles and everything I have read indicates it would be great for my truck and easily installed. Thoughts?

For the price of that thing, I would just buy the RAM integrated controller and have it programmed at your dealer. It works with all the built in stability control, fits perfectly, and gives you readouts on the dash.

mlcampbell0917 · 05-13-2019, 07:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NewBlackDak

For the price of that thing, I would just buy the RAM integrated controller and have it programmed at your dealer. It works with all the built in stability control, fits perfectly, and gives you readouts on the dash.

Thank you sir for the quick reply. I will reach out to the dealer for their costs.

Debdon Journeys · 05-13-2019, 08:04 AM

I just had the Prodigy wireless installed on our 145rb one thing I liked about it has its own controller. The Curt uses your phone if you are looking at the same Curt I did. the Curt is great for different tow vehicles and trailers the Prodigy is designed to stay on your trailer. Both require a hot wire to the back. We are towing with a Ford Edge. The RV dealership would not install the 4 wire that had to go to a Ford dealer. When we were at the RV Dealer getting our new trailer there was a Guy with a Dodge 1500 that didn't have the best tow rating. make sure you don't have that problem.

mlcampbell0917 · 05-13-2019, 08:20 AM

Thank you very much for your response. We have been to several RV dealerships and have been told that our 2017 Ram will easily tow the 25BH since is has a dry weight of 5,000 lbs. We are just trying to avoid running wires and pulling the dash apart if at all possible. Based on the reviews, it looks like the Curt Echo would fit our needs.

https://www.etrailer.com/Brake-Contr...rt/C51180.html

DocBrown · 05-13-2019, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mlcampbell0917

Thank you very much for your response. We have been to several RV dealerships and have been told that our 2017 Ram will easily tow the 25BH since is has a dry weight of 5,000 lbs. We are just trying to avoid running wires and pulling the dash apart if at all possible. Based on the reviews, it looks like the Curt Echo would fit our needs.

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Dry weight is a mythical number. No trailer leaves the factory at it's listed dry weight. Options, even factory installed options, are not part of the dry weight. The two weights you need to know are the "As Shipped" weight, found on the yellow sticker outside or in a cabinet door, and the GVWR, which is the maximum weight the trailer can be. In your case that number is 6750#. Options can be things like the mandatory "Customer Value Package" which includes the awning, AC unit, and spare tire. The As shipped weight will likely be about 500# more than the dry weight.

Your RAM will probably have no issues towing the trailer, however you need to be aware that loaded for camping your trailer will likely be well over 6000#. In other words, the dealers like to use the "dry weight" to confirm you can tow the trailer, and that is the worst number to use to determine ability to tow.

If your truck has the tow package with a factory 7 pin connector, you probably already have all wiring you need. There is usually a set of wires (or harness with connector) under the dash board for a brake controller.

**Midnightmoon** · 05-13-2019, 09:19 AM

The plug for the Ram brake controller harness is just above the brake pedal under the dash. Very easy install of an aftermarket controller if you have the proper pigtail. All should be available from eTrailer or other vendors and mentioned above.

mlcampbell0917 · 05-13-2019, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DocBrown

Dry weight is a mythical number. No trailer leaves the factory at it's listed dry weight. Options, even factory installed options, are not part of the dry weight. The two weights you need to know are the "As Shipped" weight, found on the yellow sticker outside or in a cabinet door, and the GVWR, which is the maximum weight the trailer can be. In your case that number is 6750#. Options can be things like the mandatory "Customer Value Package" which includes the awning, AC unit, and spare tire. The As shipped weight will likely be about 500# more than the dry weight.

Your RAM will probably have no issues towing the trailer, however you need to be aware that loaded for camping your trailer will likely be well over 6000#. In other words, the dealers like to use the "dry weight" to confirm you can tow the trailer, and that is the worst number to use to determine ability to tow.

If your truck has the tow package with a factory 7 pin connector, you probably already have all wiring you need. There is usually a set of wires (or harness with connector) under the dash board for a brake controller.

WOW, Thanks Doc. Did not think about all of the "add on" stuff over and above standard options. Great to know. Thankfully the couple we purchased the 25BH from also pulled it with a Ram 1500 just like ours. Our first trip will be a real test of nerves and wits. Hopefully we will learn what we really need to take with us.

mlcampbell0917 · 05-13-2019, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Midnightmoon

The plug for the Ram brake controller harness is just above the brake pedal under the dash. Very easy install of an aftermarket controller if you have the proper pigtail. All should be available from eTrailer or other vendors and mentioned above.

Thank you. If it is that easy I may very well pursue the the wired install vs. the wireless Curt product.

**Midnightmoon** · 05-13-2019, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mlcampbell0917

Thank you. If it is that easy I may very well pursue the the wired install vs. the wireless Curt product.

No exaggeration, it will take you longer to find where you want to mount it than it will to wire it. 30 min tops for everything.

mlcampbell0917 · 05-13-2019, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Midnightmoon

No exaggeration, it will take you longer to find where you want to mount it than it will to wire it. 30 min tops for everything.

Great. Do you have a particular brand you would recommend?

**Midnightmoon** · 05-13-2019, 10:15 AM

Both of my Rams and my Sprinter Van have Tekonsha controllers in them. On the top end of their scale is the P3. I have that one in my van and it is excellent with lots of bells and whistles. On the lower end of the scale is their Voyager. Entry level proportional controller. Really basic but stone reliable. The Tekonsha Voyager that I have in my 2007 Ram has literally hundreds of thousands of towing miles on it. Zero issues.

All can be had from eTrailer. Just make sure to order the matching pigtail for your 2017 Ram and they will be plug and play.

DocBrown · 05-13-2019, 10:30 AM

X2 what Midnightmoon said. We have a Prodigy 2 controller that we bough in 2005. It's been on 3 tow vehicles and with 2 different trailers. It's been flawless. If I was looking for one today it would be the newer model, P3. BTW, you can still buy the P2 if you want it.

mlcampbell0917 · 05-13-2019, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Midnightmoon

Both of my Rams and my Sprinter Van have Tekonsha controllers in them. On the top end of their scale is the P3. I have that one in my van and it is excellent with lots of bells and whistles. On the lower end of the scale is their Voyager. Entry level proportional controller. Really basic but stone reliable. The Tekonsha Voyager that I have in my 2007 Ram has literally hundreds of thousands of towing miles on it. Zero issues.

All can be had from eTrailer. Just make sure to order the matching pigtail for your 2017 Ram and they will be plug and play.

Is this the one you would recommend since it includes the wiring adapter?

https://www.etrailer.com/multi-produ...1500&hunter=bc

**Midnightmoon** · 05-13-2019, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mlcampbell0917

Is this the one you would recommend since it includes the wiring adapter?

https://www.etrailer.com/multi-produ...1500&hunter=bc

Yes, that appears to be the one.

mlcampbell0917 · 05-13-2019, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Midnightmoon

Yes, that appears to be the one.

Awesome. Thank you very much for your help. Have a blessed day.

**Midnightmoon** · 05-13-2019, 10:51 AM

You're welcome.

Sundancer330 · 05-13-2019, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mlcampbell0917

Is this the one you would recommend since it includes the wiring adapter?

https://www.etrailer.com/multi-produ...1500&hunter=bc

I have a brand new P3 listed in the classified section for $110 and free priority shipping

mlcampbell0917 · 05-13-2019, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sundancer330

I have a brand new P3 listed in the classified section for $110 and free priority shipping

UGH... Was not aware of the classified section. I just placed my order from etrailer.com for the P3 with adapter. Will check out the classified section for future needs.

Scott_Trailer_Newbe · 05-13-2019, 11:53 AM

I had this one back when I had my Trundra. Truly plug and play.

http://www.tekonsha.com/products/bra...RB55TR19SXShj4

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