Can AutoWBrake Electric Brake Controller Be Installed On Tow Vehicle Instead Of Trailer?

Updated 12/07/2020 | Published 12/03/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Autowbrake Electric Brake Controller - Trailer Mount w/ Remote Fob - Up to 3 Axles - Proportional

(105)

$479.99

Curt Echo Wireless Brake Controller - 7-Way Plug-in w/ Bluetooth App - Up to 2 Axles - Proportional

(1769)

$279.95

Question:

Is there any reason this controller could not be installed on the tow vehicle? Installing at the rear of the vehicle, ensuring proper connectivity to the trailer connector and you conceivably have a operable controller with remote control functionality for all your trailers without the need to install a conventional under dash mounted controller or need one of these for every trailer. I do see part #C51180 although it requires a smart phone which adds significantly to the complexity of operation, ie having app installed and running, dash mounted cell phone holder, sleep mode, activating blue tooth connection, etc. I think there could be a happy middle ground using both of these technologies combined but until then. Id like #3430001 functionality with #C51180 ease of installation. As one other comment read, two way communication on the remote fob would be a great product improvement and with vehicular alarm system having this capability for many years now, it is not our of reach for a product like this. What are your thoughts?

asked by: Jeff K

Expert Reply:

I reached out to my contact at AutoWBrake and he was able to confirm that the Autowbrake Electric Brake Controller # 3430001 can be installed onto the rear of a vehicle like you mentioned.

He mentioned that it was tested in that manner during development with great success and has multiple Motorhome customers that have it installed that way currently.

This would be a very clean low-profile install that would be easily controlled by the included key fob.
All that would be required is to mount the controller in any space you have near your trailer connector on your tow vehicle, and connect the blue trailer brake wire, black power wire, white ground wire, green passenger side turn/stop wire, and yellow driver side turn/stop wire to their respective locations on your factory harness or trailer connector.

The Curt Echo Wireless Trailer Brake Controller # C51180 you referenced would also work great, but you are correct that it is controlled by your smartphone via an app and there is currently no option to control it with a key fob or manually.

I included a video of the Autowbrake Electric Brake Controller # 3430001 and a helpful article on wiring for you to take a look at.