The idea for the Spectrum brake control arose before the opening of CURT Group’s innovation center about a year ago. And in terms of simplicity and polish, Spectrum brings a refined ease of control that’s as intuitive as changing the volume on your radio.
Historically, said Kristi Feeney, marketing coordinator for towing and electrical at CURT Group, brake control design hasn’t changed much.
“Most brake controls are a singular unit that attaches underneath a dash. … But we’ve separated the two components so that they can be leveraged differently.”
The eye-fetching dashboard rotary controller is what sets it apart most of all. No bigger than a volume knob, the mounted control has 10 tri-color LEDs that indicate to users what connection sequence the system is in and what mode for the brakes is being used.
Given its modern adaptability and OEM-style finish, RVers might confuse it for a radio tuner, but fortunately there’s a push-button safeguard in order to activate and select a mode. The only option available while the vehicle is in motion is to change the brightness of the LEDs.
“It’s an entirely new direction,” she said, mentioning how two new brake controllers will be debuting this August, and how it may even outshine Spectrum. “We’re trying to be on the forefront of brake control innovation. It’s one of our major initiatives.”
She points out how there wasn’t much life in CURT’s brake control system, but that now it’s on a path to become the No. 1 name in the game.
“We’ve had a great reception to this product,” she said. “Positive things from all the shows we’ve brought it to – our installer base. … It’s crazy how we’ve had to rapidly keep up with demand.” Since its April release, CURT has needed to airfreight Spectrum to keep up with the demand. “Honestly, they’ve been flying off the shelves.”
How it works is that the main control with the sensors plugs in beneath the dashboard, screwing it in or tucking it in under the panel in order to avoid any “shin-dingers.”
In “Sensitivity” mode, RVers can better navigate downhill on windy roads, for instance. Spectrum monitors how fast drivers are braking – turning down the knob decreases the amount of sensitivity when hitting the brake, turning it up increases the pressure on the brakes. “Output” mode sets the max amount of power available to the trailer brakes while braking. And then there’s “Manual” for setting a slow reduction in speed – all modes are indicated in various colors on the LED display.
A triple-axis, motion-sensing accelerometer helps makes that speed reduction smooth, operating on up to four axles. Drill-mounting the rotary knob will lend to that clean look, otherwise it can be adhered to most surfaces with a sticker.
“It really integrates well,” said Feeney. “It looks seamless compared with all the other components of your dash, blending and camouflaging in. It’s not something that looks clunky or bulky or unattractive, especially if you have a new vehicle.”