Anyone using CURT 51180 bluetooth brake controller?

[abugarcias]

Need to get a brake controller for an RV trailer we are renting in 2 weeks. I figure if I get the Curt Bluetooth brake controller I can easily resell it if/when Jeep comes out with the factory one. Wondering if there's any issues with using it with the Gladiator?

https://www.amazon.com/CURT-51180-C...prefix=bluetooth+brake+,automotive,133&sr=1-3

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[Hootbro]

Honestly, the Amazon reviews are a brutal mix bag that makes me not want to entertain it.

 

[Oilburner]

I have the Prodigy wireless version for my GC, very satisfied with it.

 

[TennesseePA]

Honestly, the Amazon reviews are a brutal mix bag that makes me not want to entertain it.

I agree that the Amazon reviews are brutal but I did read through all of the 1 star reviews and it seems that most people who are having problems are not experienced tow vehicle drivers. I read reviews on other sites, mainly etrailer, and the reviews are much more favorable. For $229 and free shipping with a return policy I think it is worth a try in my case. My problem is convincing my wife that we need a camper. She is a girly girl and thinks that HI Express is a much better option than a travel trailer.

 

[TennesseePA]

I decided I’d take one for the team and ordered one. It came in today and I’m going to look at a camper Tuesday. Since I am concerned about the weight I’m Giotto ask if I can hook up and pull it for a while

 

[Tonopah01]

I also ordered it from etrailer just yesterday. I'm only pulling a 1200-1500 pound T@G teardrop but it has electric brakes and I'd like to utilize them.

 

[sarguy1941]

I tried one of those on my F150 but the issue is flashers. If you turn them on the brakes lock. IF your looking for cheap and easy for $40.00 you can get a controller and harness on amazon. Thats what i did for short term until the factory one is available.

Reese Towpower 74378 Pilot Brake Controller, Black - $21.00

Tekonsha 3014-P Brake Control Wiring Adapter for Jeep - $13.00

 

[WXman]

I looked at that brake controller really hard. But two things kept me from buying it:

1) I don't see how it would stay seated in it's socket. It's LONG and that puts a lot of leverage on the receptacle, and then you're plugging trailer wiring into it also which makes the issue worse. I can see this thing randomly popping loose every time I hit a bump in the road. Heck, the factory 4/7-pin receptacle already has a tendency to try and unclip itself from the bumper as it is. This just doesn't look like it would work.

2) It requires a phone app to operate. Which means you need a phone mount to make it legal. It also means you can't use your brakes if a phone call pops in, or if you're using GPS guidance, or whatever. Also means if your phone dies you're out of luck. I can see that becoming an issue.

I'm still waiting patiently on the Mopar kit, but they're really dragging their feet on it.

 

[TennesseePA]

I looked at that brake controller really hard. But two things kept me from buying it:

1) I don't see how it would stay seated in it's socket. It's LONG and that puts a lot of leverage on the receptacle, and then you're plugging trailer wiring into it also which makes the issue worse. I can see this thing randomly popping loose every time I hit a bump in the road. Heck, the factory 4/7-pin receptacle already has a tendency to try and unclip itself from the bumper as it is. This just doesn't look like it would work.

2) It requires a phone app to operate. Which means you need a phone mount to make it legal. It also means you can't use your brakes if a phone call pops in, or if you're using GPS guidance, or whatever. Also means if your phone dies you're out of luck. I can see that becoming an issue.

I'm still waiting patiently on the Mopar kit, but they're really dragging their feet on it.

Your first point is a valid concern but your second is inaccurate. All of the literature and published videos state that if you do not have your phone the controller will remember the profile that was used last. All the phone app does is adjust the settings, it does not control active use.

 

[32 highboy]

Your first point is a valid concern but your second is inaccurate. All of the literature and published videos state that if you do not have your phone the controller will remember the profile that was used last. All the phone app does is adjust the settings, it does not control active use.

I have the Curt wireless controller and have used it twice. Set up is a breeze and works fine. Phone is not needed except for set up.

 

[Combolc]

Need to get a brake controller for an RV trailer we are renting in 2 weeks. I figure if I get the Curt Bluetooth brake controller I can easily resell it if/when Jeep comes out with the factory one. Wondering if there's any issues with using it with the Gladiator?

https://www.amazon.com/CURT-51180-Controller-Bluetooth-Enabled-Proportional/dp/B07JQ99SDD/ref=sr_1_3?crid=17H1LB4VWW7FM&keywords=bluetooth+brake+controller&qid=1565903944&s=automotive&sprefix=bluetooth+brake+,automotive,133&sr=1-3

Used it once and it sucks if you have to grab your phone and hit the overide. Especially if you use your phone for Android/Apple auto play.

Not to mention I had issue with it dropping my left blinker in and out. I had to unplug it at one point to and plug directly in to have brake lights.

In general having to use your phone and Bluetooth to brake and make adjustments in emergency sucks. If you don't want to wait for factory/after market harness to be released I'd go with Prodigy RF model

I returned mine to Amazon

 

[Gren71]

I haven’t use it my self but this one was suggested to me bu a buddy who tows more than he stays at home!

Tekonsha 90250 Prodigy RF Electronic Brake Control https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001P0ZA86/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_i_c3JJDbQ1QNA6W

good reviews on amazon. Its also features on that youtube video where the fellas test max load on some asinine mountain road.

 

[dirtchicken]

I haven’t read too much here but I was probably one of the first to attempt a wired brake controller. Maybe others have had better luck but mine was dealer installed and a mess. I think I paid 350.00 installed. It is sitting unplugged and abandoned under the dash and I want my money back when I return to Fl. My gladiator has most of the options and I don’t think the brake controllers work seamlessly with the tech yet and so jeep has not offered one - my dash looked like the worlds fair after plugging in the newly purchased trailer. I have used the prodigy wireless for about 2500 miles of towing with zero complaints. It has been fine in all aspects including a seriously heavy 75-0 emergency stop.

It even works if you forget to plug in the hand controller

 

[WXman]

Your first point is a valid concern but your second is inaccurate. All of the literature and published videos state that if you do not have your phone the controller will remember the profile that was used last. All the phone app does is adjust the settings, it does not control active use.

How do you adjust gain or use your manual override if the app isn't open?

In order to use the controller properly and safely, the app would need to be open, the phone would need a good battery charge, and it would need to be within fast reach. That would be a PITA, especially if you plan to use the phone for other uses such as calls, music, nav, etc.

Also, there is the issue where you apparently can't use your hazard lights with this unit, because the wireless nature of it causes a brake surge that syncs with the pulse of the lights.

Having said all that, not needing to mount any equipment in the cabin of the truck is a very nice feature, especially for guys who lease.

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