Could Autowbrake Brake Controller Install in Metal Box

Updated 01/14/2025 | Published 01/13/2025

Question:

will the Autowbrake Electric Brake Controller work if I install it inside my tung box and keep the lid closed? Will the remote key fob be able to contact the controller through the metal tool box? thanks

asked by: Brian R

Expert Reply:

Hey Brian, so the reception on the remote of the Autowbrake part # 3430001 is really solid but I don't think it would work if the module is in a metal box it's probably not going to work great. Is mounting the module on the outside of the box like how this was intended to be installed a viable option?

expert reply by: Jameson C

Brian R.

1/14/2025

Thanks Jameson for the feedback. When I watched one of the videos on the Autowbrake site Byron says that you can mount the Autowbrake controller anywhere on the trailer, including inside the trailer, and in a toolbox. This seemed odd to me so I reached out to Etrailer to see if anyone has actually put the controller in a toolbox and had it work. As far as mounting on the frame, if I do that my $500.00 dollar controller will be gone in no time. So let me know if anyone has actually tested this inside a toolbox.

Jameson C.

1/14/2025

@BrianR Well if Autowbrake said it would work in that orientation I would say they know best and it would work. For some reason I was imagining a metal box made from a heavy gauge material and struggled to see how it would be able to communicate but if they say it will work for that then it would. I had checked their site for any type of frequency info on the remote or a range they'd give but didn't think to check their videos like you did so my apologies on that.

Brian R.

1/14/2025

Jameson Hey no worries, this is what the expert at autowbrake sent me. "We appreciate the inquiry. This is one of those situations where it may, or may not. It depends in the location of the box as well as your tow vehicle type. Its best to have the least amount of metal to push a signal through for good communication. We recommend trailer tongue or you can also mount to the side of the box as well. There are many options as it can be mounted at any angle or direction Byron Cooper" So it seems that you were on the right track all along. Brian R

Jameson C.

1/14/2025

@BrianR Nice! Thanks for passing that along. It was a really good question though. You basically semi-stumped both us and Autowbrake haha.