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Is this right for you? Product Expert Kathleen M says:
Electric brake controller installs on your trailer - no box to get in the way in your cab, and you can easily switch between different tow vehicles with no extra setup. Adjust power settings to suit your trailer weight and desired braking intensity.
Features:
Specs:
With a proportional brake controller, you can get heavy-duty emergency braking, general braking or slow-to-an-idle braking for your trailer automatically. The intensity with which your trailer brakes are activated and the rate at which they are applied are dependent on the deceleration of your tow vehicle. This means that, unlike time-delay controllers, which send the same amount of preset power to your trailer brakes every time, proportional controllers are able to adapt to every braking situation differently. So, if you slam on the brakes in your truck, your trailer brakes will activate with that same extreme intensity. And if you merely slow down as you approach a red light, your trailer will gradually brake in the same manner. Just set the initial power level, and you're ready to go.
Using a series of accelerometers, gyrometers, and a sophisticated computer program, this brake controller will sense how your tow vehicle brakes. The internal sensors respond to the deceleration of your tow vehicle as you brake by signaling the controller to send out enough power to your trailer brakes so that they are activated with an intensity that matches. The result is uniform braking across your towing setup. No push-pull action - just smooth, proportional braking every time.
The Autowbrake mounts completely on the trailer. There's nothing in the cab to get in your way, so you don't have to worry about banging your knee on the controller as you enter and exit your vehicle. With most in-cab brake controllers, there's a bulky unit that must be installed and connected to your vehicle's brake light switch. You have to determine where to mount the unit in your cab and make sure it doesn't interfere with lower airbags. The Autowbrake removes all of that hassle. It's convenient, out of the way, and works in all tow vehicles. Because it doesn't wire into your vehicle at all, the Autowbrake will work with any vehicle, whether it has an older standard wiring configuration or a newer PWM or multiplex system.
The fact that the Autowbrake installs on your trailer - and not in your vehicle - also means that you can switch back and forth between different tow vehicles with no additional setup. For instance, if you lend the trailer to a friend or co-worker who doesn't own a brake controller, all he or she has to do is plug the trailer into the tow vehicle and the Autowbrake will be ready to go.
If your friend's tow vehicle already has its own integrated brake controller, that's not an issue either. When the Autowbrake senses another brake controller, it automatically goes into sleep mode. There is no need to disconnect the unit. No additional action is required. This gives you the flexibility to use your trailer with almost any vehicle without issue.
The Autowbrake features different settings that you can select to tailor the unit to your trailer and to your desired braking sensitivity.
First, you will need to select one of the weight-based settings. This will ensure that you have the proper amount of braking power for the load you're towing. When selecting a setting for your trailer, the Autowbrake's LED light will blink multiple times to signify the different settings.
The light will blink 3 times for Setting 1, 6 times for Setting 2, and 9 times for Setting 3. This way you will be able to confirm that the unit is properly calibrated based on the weight of your trailer.
Once you have the correct setting selected for your trailer, you can choose between 5 different power levels to get the desired amount of braking power and aggressiveness for your setup. If you're towing a heavy load, the braking intensity required to stop that load may be far greater than what's needed to stop your vehicle. Increasing the power level will enable your trailer brakes to reach maximum braking more quickly. This allows you to have better control of your trailer, ensuring that it won't push your tow vehicle before coming to a complete stop. Using the included key fob, you can adjust the power level either when the tow vehicle is stopped or while you are driving.
Thanks to the Autowbrake's Smart Start feature, there's no need to re-adjust the settings every time you tow. The unit will always remember the last towing setting, even after it's been disconnected. This means that you can store your trailer away for the winter, and when you're ready to use it again, all you have to do is plug your trailer back into your tow vehicle. The Autowbrake unit will automatically boot back up to the last setting. There is no need to adjust the settings unless you are going from an empty trailer to a fully loaded trailer - or vice versa.
The manual override button can be found on the included key fob. If ever there is a time that you need to brake your trailer separately from your tow vehicle - when traveling down a steep incline, for example - just press the middle button on the fob. Additionally, the manual override can be used to help correct trailer sway while driving. To correct trailer sway, press the override button on the key fob and continue to hold the button down until your trailer falls back in line with your vehicle. Then release the button and continue towing. When you press the manual override button, your trailer's brakes will activate with the intensity of the setting you have selected.
The Autowbrake unit can be mounted at any angle and in any direction using the 4 included self-tapping screws. It's best to mount the Autowbrake close to the trailer junction box, which is typically located on the trailer frame. However, it can be mounted in the location that works best for you - inside a trailer compartment, under or along the side of the frame, or inside a storage cabinet or toolbox.
Using the junction box to connect the Autowbrake wiring harness is recommended. If the junction box is not accessible or if your trailer does not have one, you can splice the wires directly into your trailer wiring harness.
Making the wiring connections is easy. The Autowbrake harness contains 5 color-coded wires:
Blue - trailer brakes
Black - power wire
White - ground wire
Green/Yellow - brake/turn signal lights
Connect each of the wires in the Autobrake's harness to the appropriate stud in your junction box. If you do not have a junction box, splice the harness into your trailer's wiring. Before beginning, be sure to confirm the wiring configuration of your trailer. Color-coding does not guarantee that the circuit you are connecting to is for the desired function. A circuit tester is recommended.
Connect the black wire to the 12-volt auxiliary power stud or wire. Connect the blue wire to the trailer brake output. Connect the white wire to the ground stud or to a suitable grounding point on your trailer's frame. Connect the green wire to the right stop/turn connection and the yellow wire to the left stop/turn.
Once the Autowbrake is mounted and installed, calibration is a 1-time process that will need to be performed by 2 people. Calibration is required the first time you install the Autowbrake, but that's it. You need to re-calibrate only if you reposition the Autowbrake or move it to another trailer. Calibration should be done on a level surface. This allows the Autowbrake to determine what the normal towing position will be.
To calibrate, turn on the vehicle ignition and press the brake pedal down. While the brake pedal is depressed, have a friend press both buttons on the Autowbrake unit simultaneously until the LED starts blinking. Once the LED stops blinking, press and release the Gain button. The LED will start blinking again. When it stops blinking, the Autowbrake is calibrated and you can release the vehicle's brake pedal.
Average Customer Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars (55 Customer Reviews)
Electric brake controller installs on your trailer - no box to get in the way in your cab, and you can easily switch between different tow vehicles with no extra setup. Adjust power settings to suit your trailer weight and desired braking intensity.
I’ve had the auto break for about a year so far it’s an excellent product I have a 2019 Ford ranger and i pull a Forest river Geo pro trailer there’s not much room in the Ranger for a break controller and I did not want to drill holes in my new truck the auto break fits perfect on my Geo pro I almost forget it’s there it works great.I set it up once and never thought about it again and I’ve been on many trips.Highly recommend it if you’re limited on space.
John - 05/15/2022I've had this for about a year and it seems to be a good product. it definitely works, however the fine tune adjustments done with the fob don't seem to really do anything which is the reason I didn't give it 5 stars. I mounted it on a trailer that we use to tow a Miata or a side by side that total about 3500-4000 GTW with a 2020 Blazer. The Blazer has a tow package but doesn't have a brake controller. I didn't want to mount an aftermarket controller in the Blazer, so this is a perfect solution.
Bill B - 07/22/2022We tow our 1500 lb. Aliner Ranger with a 2013 Toyota RAV4. This vehicle does not come with any tow package provision from Toyota. The Autowbrake made using the electric brakes dirt simple. Install a 7 way plug, run power to the black power wire on the 7 way, wire the Autowbrake into the trailer wiring, calibrate, and go.
Why the Autowbrake instead of the Curt or Tekonsha wireless controllers? Operating it is as simple as plugging in the trailer. Let the black box work its magic. No apps to crash, phones running out of battery, no fighting over 12v accessory ports, and no pieces to leave in a different vehicle.
***Do not run power to the blue brake wire on the 7 way, or the Autowbrake will not function. I discovered this the hard way. My photo showing that blue wire from the vehicle hooked up is what NOT to do! The brake post should be only the Autowbrake blue wire and the blue wire going to the trailer brakes.
Instead, wire the blue wire on the Autowbrake to the blue brake wire (or whatever color wire powers your trailer's brakes) on the trailer. I used a junction box to accomplish this. You will also need lots of 10 gauge and 14 gauge ring terminals and a good crimper to install. There is an install kit I purchased that had almost all the terminals I needed.
Calibration is simple. The instructions were spot on for this. Then, drive around to fine tune the braking force for your specific vehicle and trailer. This is easy to do with the remote.
The Autowbrake fades into the background when driving. The camper stopped without drama, even during some hard stops. One quirk is the Autowbrake takes half a second to release the brakes from a dead stop. This came in handy going uphill, when I had enough time to get my foot from the brake to the accelerator. The brakes also work in reverse, which I understand is not always the case.
In summary: expensive, and worth it. It's seamless once installed. It controls the brakes wonderfully. And, it only needs a power supply from the tow vehicle to operate.
Hi,
I purchased this controller to go with a retrofit brake install on my single axle cargo trailer. I tow with an Audi Q7 and the dealer cost of installing a standard trailer brake controller was very expensive and would have required a service visit. I ordered the unit online and had had it installed by my local trailer dealer at the same time as they installed a new axle and brake assembly. The thing works perfectly. I also like the manual controller which I can actuate manually in the car while driving (stop and start) about town to reduce wear on my Audi Brakes. I am happy with the functionality, the ease of operation and the price of this product.
George W - 11/23/2021Great product, easy to follow instructions, mounted on my trailer perfectly. a little fiddling to get things just right, like any new toy.
The part arrived very fast as usual, the customer service department is great. I've only had one problem over the years and it was taken care of in record time.
I just recieved the part and have not had a chance to install it but buying parts from etrailer I don't forsee any problems.
My original order was lost by UPS, Melissia was very helpful in getting another sent out ASAP.
We initially had trouble with the brake controller and got outstanding service. The company re-programmed it to better suit the weight of our trailer (very light for one with a brake controller). They were great! Courteous and efficient. Since we got it back we have had no problems. This is a much better solution for us than drilling through the plastic inside the vehicle and having an ugly controller inside. It brakes smoothly and is easy to adjust (although we haven't had to since the reprogramming). Would definitely buy again and recommend.
Lynn - 07/02/2021Super easy install, works great. No modifications to my tow vehicle. A real game changer!
Works great on a vehicle without an integrated trailer brake controller. But when I changed trucks to one with a integrated brake controller it did not play well and set error codes on the truck. But since it is mostly for vehicles without a controller it is a fine choice.
Simple installation and set up. Works great for our “canned ham” travel trailer and doesn’t clutter the interior of our car. Plus, excellent customer service from the manufacturer. We called once with a question and quickly got on the line with a real person who was friendly and knowledgeable.
This brake controller for my trailer is absolutely wonderful. I have use this brake control on several trips, including one 7 week trip with no issues. Easy to install and set per instructions.
Note. I pull my trailer with my truck and also my motor home.
I like it so far, although I don't really tow the trailer it is attached to very often. My only real concern is that I am never quite certain that it is working, or applying sufficent braking assitance, and for some reason my unit seems to default to setting #1 when it sits idle for weeks on end.
I tried a blue tooth break controller and it was so dangerous. It locked up randomly and would not release. I returned it an bought this product. THIS CONTROLLER IS AMAZING! I installed it on a 1,500 travel trailer being towed by a Volkswagen Tiguan. The install was very easy and fast, the controller worked right away and has so many adjustment options. I HIGHLY recommend this product.
I love this. Works as advertised with no problems after a year and several trips. Not having to have the break controller where my knee normally wants to be is a Godsend (has been issue on prior vehicle/controller). I especially appreciate knowing if/when I change trucks I don’t have to worry about getting a controller put in the new vehicle, or where it will go
A little thinking was required to install on my travel trailer, which is designed with a single 12V bus connected to the house battery, tow vehicle battery, and break-away braking system. If I had powered the Autobrake directly from that bus, then it would have remained powered (by the house battery) when the trailer is disconnected from the tow vehicle. So, I split this common 12V bus into two parts---with the Autobrake powered by the tow vehicle and the break-away braking system powered by the house battery. If there was some better way to install on my trailer, I did not see it on the instructions or website.
I would prefer a design where the Autobrake remote control has two-way communication with the Autobrake, displays status information, and has a hard-wire power source (e.g. to a USB port in the tow vehicle), even if the cost was higher. With the current design (button battery inside the remote, one-way communication) I am always worried that the remote will fail in sway crisis, when I will want to apply the trailer brakes manually.
Still, this is a good product and I'm very glad to not have a traditional brake controller mounted in the tow vehicle.
This product makes super sense. Put the controller on the trailer, it does not affect any of the cars computers or electronics... Anyone can borrow your trailer and they are safe!
The install was super easy. (I have a Porsche Cayenne which required the dealer to activate the power to the plug...gave us some fun during install, not autobrakes issue).
Once installed the calibration is the key...get the trailer on a flat surface...It makes a difference. Once you are calibrated it works great. The key fob tweaks the settings nicely.. My fob was not labeled but I understand the new ones are... So you adjust in the correct direction.
I did call support a few times as the Porsche gave us a bit of a headache with its power source. Support was great. They took me into super detail so I could test the wiring to make certain everything was correct and working properly..
Going forward, this is the only controller I will us on my trailers.
If I had one wish, some feature that talks back to the key fob so you know its working and what setting you are currently on. It works so well, your trailer never tugs or hits the toe vehicle....
I bought the Autowbrake controller last year (July 2019) when I bought my used teardrop camper. I chose the Autobrake because I knew I would be purchasing a new tow vehicle in a year or so. In June 2020, I replaced the 2009 Subaru Forester with a 2020 Subaru Outback. After getting the Outback set up with a 7-pin connector, it was so easy to hook up the teardrop & recalibrate the Autowbrake with the Outback. I've only had to use the fob once & it worked well.
I like the directions that were sent with the autowbrake. Delivery was quick. After I install it I will add pics and give a more detailed explanation.
I purchased the Autowbrake after the trailer dealer had issues wiring a vehicle mounted brake controller in our 2020 Toyota Highlander and it kept setting codes in our onboard collision system.
The Autowbrake was very easy to install on our Dutchman Kodiak Travel Trailer and works great. It was a great option to avoid messing up all of the onboard computer systems on these new vehicles nowadays.
I installed it myself in about 30 minutes and it works exactly how described on the etrailer website. This is a great product!
Very easy to install and works great.
this review is about the AuTowbrake Electric Brake Controller. I have used many brake controllers and i was never satisfied with any of them plus I just bought a new truck and didn't really want to start drilling holes to mount a brake control device under the dash. I read reviews and saw some videos of this one and it caught my attention. The install was simple, it took about 10 minutes. I was fortunate because my Trailex was new and had a color coded junction box. I followed the simple install instructions that came with the controller and i was good to go. The calibration process was quick and easy. Now the part i was waiting for...to see how well (or not) it actually worked. I tow a 3100 lb car on a 900 lb trailer with a durango and with my tow vehicle and previous brake controllers, there was always some discrepancy with the brake power between that of the truck and the trailer...i went slow at first and it was perfect, i stopped the trailer at higher speeds and still perfect. no pushing of the truck or tugging of the trailer.
This may be the best trailer product I have ever purchased. I did not install it but had the RV dealer do it, but the tech told me it took him about a half hour to get it done. They even set it for my trailer weight. I don't even think about it.
I even had occasion to use it for an emergency stop. I was traveling and crested a rise and there was a fresh accident in front of me and I slammed on my brakes. Not one shimmy or shake, the trailer stayed straight behind me.
If I ever buy another RV I would buy this again
Easy to install and use.
Martin - 01/19/2022Easy to hook up and install, works with my truck and RV with out mounting brake controller in my vehicles, I mounted it inside solar battery box on trailer.
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