Echo Brake Controller

DSSBoon
DSSBoon Posts: 2
in Trailer & Towing
I have a 2021 Subaru Outback Onyx XT as TV for 2021 Tab 320.  The brake controller I have is the Curt Echo.

Tab was purchased July 2021 and the Echo worked smoothly until the end of 2021 when the brakes began grabbing (jerkiness) especially as I was coming to stop.  Went approximately 1K miles through the season.  The brakes became more grabby recently and had some  lock-up at slower speeds.  

I took the following steps at attempt to correct.  Adjusted the brakes to tight and then backed off to the tires would spin smoothly.  Reinstalled the Echo App as well as bluetooth.  Set multiple settings beginning at 50 max output down to 5.  There has been grabbing and lockup at lower speeds (<20 MPH) and also when braking on cornering and backing up.  Only setting max output to 5 which is no braking at all prevented the problem.

In reviewing discussions appears that many have made a decision to change to another brake controller.  One controller that is a fit for the Subaru is the Redarc Tow Pro Elite.  My focus is to eliminate the grabbiness and lockup and hope to get a simple to run solution .

I would appreciate and thoughts on both the Echo problem and the Redarc as a solution.  It would not be fruitful to install a Redarc if this is not the problem.

Thank you!  

Comments

  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 831
    edited March 2022
    Hi DSSBoon,

    There are LOTS of instances on this forum (and my Jeep Wrangler forum) where everyone was saying their brakes were grabbing and locking up due to the Echo.  I called the manufacturer and they walked me through a troubleshoot process. Nothing worked. It is now long gone in the trash.  I wouldn't waste any more time trying to get it to work.  Even if you did, its a matter of when is it going to fail next.

    I'm using the Tekonsha P3 and I love it. Its somewhat overkill for our small trailer but its dependable. I had the brake line rubbing the tire on my 2019 400 and I got a "brake failure" warning showing on the display.  Its nice to have the one that tells you on the screen what is going on with your trailer good and bad.  You would just have to see if the proper wiring harness is available for your Subaru and its a simple plug and play scenerio!  The Teknosha P3 is definitely simple to run!
  • DSSBoon
    DSSBoon Posts: 2
    Thanks TabbyShack. 

    That makes sense to move forward.
  • MuttonChops
    MuttonChops Posts: 2,050
    @DSSBoon ; Interesting Question and well written description!

    While I can't provide useful feedback on the Echo Controller
    Your post re-enforces my goal to always purchase Tow Vehicles with a factory built-in brake controller     . . . .

    '18 320 S, pitched axle, 3020HE; PNW based

    TV: '17 Colorado V6 Z71 4x4, Tow Package, GM Brake Controller
    TV: '25 Canyon AT4
    Adventures: 59 Nights: 411 Towing Miles 50,350

  • Sharon_is_SAM
    Sharon_is_SAM Posts: 10,035
    @DSSBoon if you like a wireless system that works well with the TaB, check out the Techonsha Prodigy RF controller.  


    Sharon / 2017 T@B CSS / 2015 Toyota Sienna Minivan / Westlake, Ohio
  • Viajero
    Viajero Posts: 123
    edited March 2022
    Another vote for the Tekonsha P3. We installed it in our Tesla model Y. Less than half an hour that includes building the harness out of the Tesla pigtail and Tekonsha pigtail. It was probably closer to 20 minutes. You can see it to the left thru the steering wheel. 


  • RMo
    RMo Posts: 162
    edited March 2022
    We have an AuTowBrake wireless unit and it has worked flawlessly for us.
    2019 T@B 400 (for sale)
    2017 Highlander Limited

  • Freespirit
    Freespirit Posts: 187
     + @RMo We love our autowbrake. Zero issues over 15,000 miles 
    2020 TAB 320 U
    TV 2025 Telluride X Type

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