Autowbrake Electric Brake Controller - Trailer Mount w/ Remote Fob - 1 to 3 Axles - Proportional

by: Douglas05/07/2024

Buggy but works.
After installation but before calibration, the unit displayed random light flashes that didn't conform to anything in the installation or troubleshooting info. I was concerned that I had miswired something and spent a frustrating hour trying to figure it out. I finally just drove it and did the calibration procedure. The lights went out and the unit functioned as designed. The next day, upon startup to leave on a trip, the trailer brakes locked up in the driveway. Not sure why. I stopped and restarted the car and all was fine. Subsequent trips were fine.
Last week, after storage for 6 months, I hooked up and went for a test drive. The control fob wouldn't cause the brakes to engage. I eventually figured out that the fob battery was dead. There is no LED indicator when a button is pushed to show that the battery is okay, or if there is, it isn't working. Then, with a new fob battery, during a test drive, the fob still would not cause the brakes to engage, which is an important function for combatting death sway. I went on the trip anyway. After the trip, I went on another test drive to recheck the brake levels. I decided to test the fob brake engagement again. On the lightest of 3 trailer weight settings, and on the second from lowest brake force setting, the fob locked up the brakes. So, good news that the fob now works, bad news that it engages the brakes somehow at the highest level.
Unfortunately, engaging the brakes with the fob is the easiest and best way to see what brake force level is being applied. My fallback is to use a thermal temperature gun to check on brake drum temperature as a crude way to adjust the braking force.
In summary, the Autowbrake does work, but there are lots of glitches that make it a challenge to get them to work right. I suspect that lots of people set it on low, think they have trailer brakes, but really don't, so never complain. I also tow the same trailer with a vehicle with a Redarc wired brake controller, which is far superior to the Autobrake in many ways. If our Subaru could be easily wired with the Redarc, I would have.2001664

by: DJM04/04/2024

A very convenient brake controller with proportional braking and wireless control. After 1 year and nearly 2k miles, the ATB's performance on the road was flawless. It is straightforward to install as well.

Two minor issues:

1) I would have liked a fob with more features (ability to enable/disable the controller (see #2) and to check the braking level from the tow vehicle.

2) an on/off switch on the box. The quiescent current draw is not negligible, this drained the trailer battery once when it sat idle for too long. A workaround is to remove the fuse when it's not in use, but that's definitely a problem if one forgets to replace it before a trip and is reminded of this only when on the road and suddenly in need of the ATB. So I understand why it's not an option.1759159

by: Joseph04/07/2024

Subaru Forester

I think it was easy to program and I am glad to have electronic trailer brakes while pulling a 1650 pound teardrop trailer with my subaru forester that has a 1500 pound tow capacity. The drive from Oregon to Michigan had no issues. The people with autobrake are very helpful in assisting if you should have any questions. I like that the brake system does not require a module inside the vehicle. Instead it is attached to my trailer and in the event this trailer has to be pulled by another vehicle with a seven pin connection the switch over should be seamless1761145

by: Glenn04/07/2024

Was easy to install had to buy another 7 pin cable on my trailer since some got used up in the recommend junction box for the install. Trailer inspection place never saw anything like that before, but was able to prove that it works. I do recommend instead on a brake controller under your dash.1761221

by: Michael 03/22/2024

Works as advertised! I appreciate the freedom to switch between vehicles that may or may not have brake controllers installed, the fob is very convenient for testing and confirming braking strength for your load. Installation was straightforward on my Timpte 718 trailer. Be sure to check your trailer wiring - not all wiring harnesses or companies follow the standard color scheme and some trailers have onboard power handled in different ways.1752277

by: John05/15/2021

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.1037719

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John

5/15/2022

Works as good as the day I put it on no problems would highly recommend. Haven’t had any issues and I’ve been on many trips. Would buy again.

I have not had the best of experience so far. Installed on an aluminum car trailer, even on setting 1 the trailer will go full lock during light braking all the time. Almost like the boost is too high if it had that option. Had a random full brake lock happen while going up a hill in my neighborhood and once over a speed bump with no brakes applied. Also holds the trailer brakes just a bit too long after releasing the brakes in traffic. Need to reach out to the manufacturer and see if there is anything I can do.1630510

Brooke M.

8/1/2023

I got in touch with the manufacturer about this, and they are wanting to get in touch with you directly about this. They will be reaching out.

by: Kenneth 09/11/2023

2015 Toyota Highlander

It's an bit confusing setting it up. But once I called them and got an install tech he walked me through it. This was even on Saturday morning. He's was patient, courteous, and patient. Even called back to check on it. Once setup it works perfectly and I don't have to install a controller on the dash. Only reason I gave it four stars is because of the confusing setup. Otherwise, excellent!!1664746

We 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. 757559

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The Autowbrake Electric Brake Controller works great. After setup you can fell the braking from the trailer every time you stop.1636794

by: William04/05/2024

It works well with my Landcrusier 1759793

by: Daniel 03/30/2024

Very easy to install very easy to use 1756472

Fast delivery. 3137484

fast delivery, and I really like having the brake controller on the trailer rather than in the TV. Works great!1590653

by: Mitchell01/29/2023

After a year I don't know what I think of this product. I installed the Autowbrake in a 20ft enclosed trailer that I pull behind a 32ft Class A diesel pusher that has enough power that in the drivers seat I can't tell if all the brakes on the trailer are locked up or engaging when they are supposed to. To confuse the issue the trailer brake wiring was a broken mess that had to be fixed before the AutowBrake could be installed. I have only done one long distance drive pulling the trailer since installation. I need to try using the trailer with a regular truck. I will say that the website and the installation instructions could use a lot more information on error codes and what to look for when things go wrong. I am basing the rating on the fact that I can't tell if it is working if standing still and have no way to know if it is working when moving so it is really a review of my inability to test it.1509945

Received three days after ordering. Operates flawlessly, easily installed on dump trailer.1660455

by: David 03/17/2023

This electric brake controller has performed flawless over this past year. Was simple to install and setup too.1538442

by: William07/21/2021

I'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.1100420

Bill B.

7/22/2022

Still quite happy with the controller. I now also pull this trailer behind my 5th wheel camper, and the autobrake is awesome for this too.

by: George W11/22/2020

Audi Q7

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.915174

George W.

11/23/2021

Still working fine . I use it a lot.

by: Lynn 05/28/2020

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.804310

Lynn

7/2/2021

Great! Had to perform a VERY fast stop to avoid being the fourth car in what turned out to be a three car car accident. No trailer sway, perfect control, which was important, because I had to steer through flying debris. Would definitely recommend!

Shipping was half a week later than estimated but otherwise everything was great. Product seems well built and the instructions were easy to follow. Installed and working within 30 min!1594578

by: David11/14/2023

Never used it , can’t find it 1692768

by: Anthony06/09/2022

Super easy install, works great. No modifications to my tow vehicle. A real game changer!1310719

Chad

6/10/2023

The unit works great! So much easier than installing a controller in the vehicle

Chris R.

7/11/2023

@Chad Great to hear! That's definitely the big benefit.

by: Landlocked08/27/2020

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.869511

by: Sean 08/13/2023

It has worked very well and does everything it’s supposed to do.1645964