Autowbrake trailer brake controller

[ccasanova22]

Wanting to install an Autowbrake on my travel trailer instead of modifying the Ranger. Any caveats with this setup (my Ranger seems to only provide power to the trailer when ignition is on, which seems normal), and has anyone installed one with success?

I would be using the Brake, Aux 12V, Constant Power, and Ground lines on the 7-pin correct?

Anything else I would need to run on an XLT with tow package?

Already have the trailer lights, brake lights, and turn signals wired up and those are working. So I’m assuming my factory 7 pin is fully functional and all I would need on the truck side.

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[NerkyMohawk]

I use the Autowbrake module on my tear drop trailer. Super easy to hookup and has worked perfectly. I went this route because I have some family members who may borrow my trailer and they did not have a trailer brake system either in their SUV. Although it isn't required by law for the weight of the trailer it does give me some peace of mind.

At first I tried to have my local dealership install the ford accessories trailer brake in my truck but they told me my ranger came standard with one as it had tow mode. After some back and forth I came to the conclusion they didn't want my money haha. I went and looked online and the only place that would do an install near me was booking months out. That led me to thr Autowbrake.

You can see it installed on my trailer below on the tongue box.

 

[ccasanova22]

Thank you! Glad it works great and the trailer looks awesome!

Did you have to tie in the left and right turn signals also? Or just a brake signal? My Ranger puts the full 12V on both left turn/right turn AND the brake light wire, when the brake is depressed, is this normal?

 

[oldnslow]

This sounds like a really good idea, especially if your trailer might be towed by multiple vehicles. It also gets around the problem of where to mount a standard brake controller in that small cab. I recently bought a used trailer and it came with a controller (not the Redarc) and I don't know where I will put it.

This statement on their website gives me pause:

"*Disclaimer - The Autowbrake may not be suitable for smart alternators or vehicles with onboard computer systems. Please check with your local dealer, mechanic, or give us a call at 319-521-2310."

Our Rangers have both a smart alternator (I think) and an onboard computer, as do most modern cars and trucks.

I'll be watching this thread for more info on this.

NerkyMohawk, it sounds like your local dealer is a real winner!

 

[NerkyMohawk]

Thank you! Glad it works great and the trailer looks awesome!

Did you have to tie in the left and right turn signals also? Or just a brake signal? My Ranger puts the full 12V on both left turn/right turn AND the brake light wire, when the brake is depressed, is this normal?

The autow ties into both signals, brakes, 12v, and a ground on my trailers junction box. The Ranger just connects to the trailer via the 7 way trailer plug.

Dang I actually never saw that disclaimer on it. I would have been hesitant if I saw that. So far though I have put about 750 miles on and off toad on the trailer with the brake controller installed. So far so good.

 

[Deleted User 61245811]

I use this and am very pleased with it. No installation necessary - plug and play.

https://www.curtmfg.com/dm/echo-mobile-brake-controller

I was planning on renting my camper out when I bought it so wanted a solution that could go with the camper if needed. I ended up up not renting it out but really like the brake controller anyway.
I tow this.

 

[NerkyMohawk]

I use this and am very pleased with it. No installation necessary - plug and play.

https://www.curtmfg.com/dm/echo-mobile-brake-controller

I was planning on renting my camper out when I bought it so wanted a solution that could go with the camper if needed. I ended up up not renting it out but really like the brake controller anyway.
I tow this.

I had looked at that one as well. Glad to know it works well.

 

[Northwet Neil]

I use this and am very pleased with it. No installation necessary - plug and play.

https://www.curtmfg.com/dm/echo-mobile-brake-controller

I was planning on renting my camper out when I bought it so wanted a solution that could go with the camper if needed. I ended up up not renting it out but really like the brake controller anyway.
I tow this.

Good info! Good lord that looks like a big fifth wheel for our rigs! Nice set up. What hitch are you using and what are the empty and gross weights, please? I'm researching dropping in a Demco 13k auto slider but am taking my time to be careful on the above bed bracket adapter plates to frame.
NVM I just realized there's a big rig behind you in that picture! ROFLOL. Still looks like a good sized trailer, what are the weights.

 

[Deleted User 61245811]

Good info! Good lord that looks like a big fifth wheel for our rigs! Nice set up. What hitch are you using and what are the empty and gross weights, please? I'm researching dropping in a Demco 13k auto slider but am taking my time to be careful on the above bed bracket adapter plates to frame.
NVM I just realized there's a big rig behind you in that picture! ROFLOL. Still looks like a good sized trailer, what are the weights.

Its around 7200 lbs loaded up. I have an eq hitch that I run if I'm going to pull at highway speeds.

 

[ccasanova22]

Awesome pics. Some nice rigs you all have here!

I have run into a problem with my Ranger where brake +12V on the 7-pin is non existent. When pressing the brake pedal, both Left and Right signal lines have 12V to Ground, but nothing (0V) on the Brake pin.

Is there a way to make the Brake lead output anything or is my truck in need of service?

Connecting a pair of lights between Brake and Ground does nothing when the pedal is depressed, and the only way to get lights to light up is to use Aux, Tail, or Left/Right turn, but nothing on Brake… it’s 0V to Ground all the time no matter what you do in the cab…

 

[Big Blue]

Awesome pics. Some nice rigs you all have here!

I have run into a problem with my Ranger where brake +12V on the 7-pin is non existent. When pressing the brake pedal, both Left and Right signal lines have 12V to Ground, but nothing (0V) on the Brake pin.

Is there a way to make the Brake lead output anything or is my truck in need of service?

Connecting a pair of lights between Brake and Ground does nothing when the pedal is depressed, and the only way to get lights to light up is to use Aux, Tail, or Left/Right turn, but nothing on Brake… it’s 0V to Ground all the time no matter what you do in the cab…

If you do not have a brake controller installed the "Brake" lead at the 7 pin is connected to nothing. It is a blue wire under the dash that needs to be connected to a controller. The Ranger does not come with a brake controller even with the Tow package. There is also a +12 volt supply pin at the 7 pin which will not activate until a trailer is connected and the truck is running. That is different from the brake pin.

 

[LowKeyTremor]

? I was just about to message, “Blue Wire hanging freely under the dash… That’s your guy”

It was the one connection I made, other than tapping into the brake lights.

(you can actually follow it… Or better yet, because that would be a ridiculous task, look behind the bumper, right at trailer plug-ins) and you’ll see that Blue wire, running into the 7 pin connector

 

[Northwet Neil]

Now that I got this heavier trailer I plan to use more, that Curt plug and play looks like the right way to go. Read a bit more and I have enough other rewiring and powering plans in my future so simple and safe makes sense. Thanks folks.

 

[Dgc333]

It also gets around the problem of where to mount a standard brake controller in that small cab. I recently bought a used trailer and it came with a controller (not the Redarc) and I don't know where I will put it.

There is plenty of room behind the the pull down panel under the steering wheel. I have the Redarc/Lumen system that Ford sells mounted there. The Ford system is currently the only way to get the automatic emergency braking system to activate the trailer brakes.

 

[ccasanova22]

There is plenty of room behind the the pull down panel under the steering wheel. I have the Redarc/Lumen system that Ford sells mounted there. The Ford system is currently the only way to get the automatic emergency braking system to activate the trailer brakes.

Can someone confirm the autowbrake will not work with the Ford AEB?

From my understanding the autowbrake is a gyroscope and accelerometer that senses that you are braking, like a surge brake, and would apply trailer brakes if AEB were to activate, unlike any other trailer brake controller.

If surge brakes are compatible with AEB I’d think the autowbrake would be also?

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