Curt Echo Bluetooth Brake Controller and Android App - anyone got it to work on Ranger5g?

[MarkC]

So, my echo only partially works with my 2019 Ranger and my travel trailer. Once it is paired/connected - it will trigger the brakes but you can't adjust any of the settings - it's almost like the app (oneControl Auto by Lippert) connects and then immediately loses the connection. I've reached out to Curt product support, but it would be useful to know if it is working properly for other Rangers.

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[ControlNode]

I may be able to test that, I bought one so I could tow the empty car trail with my Focus and make use of the electric brakes, but never had to use it. And now that I have the Ranger, may remove the hitch from the Focus and sell that as a full kit (trailer 4-pin harness with t-connection to the taillights, hitch and the wiring for the 4->7-pin adapter that adds 12V so the Curt Echo can work).

 

[GreggCT]

I had a similar issue with the iOS app. When I called Curt and eTrailer they checked and said Oops, it doesn't work on a Ranger. I asked them to please update their website with the correct information.

 

[Big Blue]

So, my echo only partially works with my 2019 Ranger and my travel trailer. Once it is paired/connected - it will trigger the brakes but you can't adjust any of the settings - it's almost like the app (oneControl Auto by Lippert) connects and then immediately loses the connection. I've reached out to Curt product support, but it would be useful to know if it is working properly for other Rangers.

This is why I want a hard wired brake controller, instead of relying on wireless communications. Especially for something as safety related as controlling trailer brakes. I know the Echo is basically self contained once setup.

With a hardwired controller I have a button or lever that I can use to activate the brakes in an emergency, without relying on a phone app to be connected.

 

[JJG]

I believe curt makes a module that connects inline under the truck, and they have a Ranger application.

https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Brake-Controller/CURT/C79DR.html

 

[Big Blue]

I believe curt makes a module that connects inline under the truck, and they have a Ranger application.

https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Brake-Controller/CURT/C79DR.html

Still need to have the app open on your phone and uses a Bluetooth connection. All it does is replaces the unit that plugs in between the 7-pin connector and your trailer.

Not much help if your phone is tied up with navigation (AndroidAuto), gauges, music or a phone call.

 

[ControlNode]

Still need to have the app open on your phone and uses a Bluetooth connection. All it does is replaces the unit that plugs in between the 7-pin connector and your trailer.

Not much help if your phone is tied up with navigation (AndroidAuto), gauges, music or a phone call.

The phone could run android auto (navigation/music/phone) just fine while you have the Curt app open on the phone in a mount.

 

[JohnnyO]

I hope it works, I just got one. Haven't rented the trailer yet. I have an iPhone.

 

[Big Blue]

The phone could run android auto (navigation/music/phone) just fine while you have the Curt app open on the phone in a mount.

Having the app open doesn't do any good if the BT connection has dropped out.

You do you but, I want a hardwire connection for my trailer brakes.

 

[Friday yet?]

My understanding is that if the Bluetooth connection is lost then the system simply operates per the last settings.

 

[Big Blue]

My understanding is that if the Bluetooth connection is lost then the system simply operates per the last settings.

If the BT connection is lost you have no way to manually apply the trailer brakes in a sway situation.

 

[Frenchy]

I can't speak for the Curt BT Trailer Brake Controller. That said I like the RedArc quite a bit simply for the way it is hidden and has a simple control button.

 

[MarkC]

Thanks everyone for the replies. Curt OneControl App customer support was able to help me adjust my android settings to get the app to run properly. It's some obscure setting in settings->accessibility->Color In Motion->Remove animation. I have a fairly vanilla Pixel 8 android so I think it's bad design that the app doesn't work with the default android settings, and/or that they don't have this issue and workaround readily available for a customer to find. Anyway, that's what resolved it for me if it might help anyone else.

 

[Frenchy]

You should have meant that you have a Google pixel....... Those are the most finicky Android phone out there. They don't even like to communicate with the Android auto very well....

 

[Mustang2Ranger]

I have the Curt Echo and it works just fine, can adjust settings anytime. Pixel 6

It looses connection sometimes but connects right back. I suspect not the phone or Echo, but my 22 year old trailer plug connection instead

I don't use Android Auto, just regular Bluetooth

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