AG52/AG53 Thermo King Wired Reefer Installation

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Written by Cynthia F.
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Requires one of the following licenses:

CBL-AG-BRTK with AG52 or AG53

Install a Samsara Asset Gateway to establish a physical connection between a Thermo King reefer and the Samsara platform. The installation method depends on the type of Thermo King integration: iBox or BlueBox.

These installations route power and data between the reefer and the gateway. Additional steps—such as dealer configuration or remote access enablement—are typically required to transmit reefer data to the Samsara dashboard.

Note

To confirm compatibility for your Thermo King reefer integration, see Installation Guides by Asset Type.

This hardware integration may incur additional costs from Thermo King. Contact your Thermo King representative for more details.

Install the Asset Gateway on Reefer with Thermo King iBox

To install your Asset Gateway on a Thermo King reefer with an iBox, use the following workflow:

  1. Activate the device in the Samsara dashboard if you have not already done so.

    Log in to the Samsara dashboard at the regional Samsara cloud URL assigned to your organization (such as cloud.samsara.com, cloud.ca.samsara.com, or cloud.eu.samsara.com), or go to cloud.samsara.com/activate. You can also follow the link in your Order Shipped email.

  2. Turn off the reefer master power.

    offswitch.jpg

  3. For models prior to 2017 without a BlueBox, connect the REB iBox to the J98 10-pin connector on the control board.

    AG52_reefer_10-pin.jpg

  4. Connect the iBox harness to the iBox.

    AG52_reefer_ibox_harness.jpg

  5. Open the Thermo King electronics control box (unbolt if necessary). Route the reefer end of the cable into the control box through the rear grommet and then connect the cable to the iBox harness using the 6 pin deutsch connector.

    reefer_cable_AG52.jpg

  6. Select the desired mounting location. Avoid locations with extreme temperatures that could damage the device or cable.

    Typical locations are on the ceiling of the reefer (avoiding the cooling fan) or on the outside of the trailer.

    Tip

    Consider the following best practices when selecting a mounting location for the AG:

    • Ensure that the device and cables are not at risk of being damaged by moving parts. If possible, test the device in the intended mounting location before final installation.

    • Verify that the cable has adequate clearance to reach both the AG and the electrical connection.

    • For the most reliable connectivity and performance:

      • Mount the AG as close to the trailer edge as possible.

      • Ensure that at least one side of the AG is unobstructed—facing the sky or ground, for example.

      • Position the AG vertically. Avoid mounting it with the back facing directly upward or downward, such as lying flat on its back or front.

    • Avoid installing the device within metallic structures, such as inside a metal trailer. This may interfere with cellular and GPS connectivity.

  7. To mount your AG, follow the corresponding installation instructions for the AG mounting hole type:

    AG_mounting_hole_compare.jpg

    AG Mount by Hole Type

    1.png Round mounting holes

    1. Determine your installation type:

      • Standard installation: Follow the steps to install using the mounting bracket.

      • Hazardous location installation: Follow the steps to install using the protective cover; the mounting bracket is not required.

    2. Standard installation: Attach the mounting bracket onto the mounting surface:

      1. Drill pilot holes using an 11/16 inch drill bit.

      2. If using alternate screws, ensure they do not exceed the size specifications.

      3. To prevent damage to the mounting tabs, tighten screws to a maximum torque of 1.4 Nm (12.4 lbf-in).

      4. Choose one of the following mounting methods:

        • Self-drilling screws: Use the provided #8 self-drilling screws (8-18 x 0.75).

          drillscrewsize.jpg

        • Machine screws: Drill through-holes and secure the bracket using bracket and secure it using the provided 8-18 x 0.75 machine screws, washers, and lock nuts.

          machinescrewandbolt.jpg

    3. Plug the cable into the AG and twist to lock.

      AG_round_attach.jpg

    4. Mount the AG based on your installation type:

      Caution

      To prevent damage to the mounting tabs, tighten screws to a maximum torque of 1.4 Nm (12.4 lbf-in). If using your own screws, ensure they are not larger than the size specified below.

      machinescrewsize.jpg

      Standard Installation

      Hardous Location Installation

      Mount the AG directly to the bracket.

      Graphics_HW-AG53-8_2025-07-21.png

      First install the protective cover onto the AG, then mount the AG using the cover.

      Graphics_HW-AG53-9_2025-07-21.png

    2.png Oval mounting holes

    1. Attach the mounting bracket to the mounting surface using one of the following methods:

      Caution

      To prevent damage to the mounting tabs, tighten screws to a maximum torque of 1.4 Nm (12.4 lbf-in). If using your own screws, ensure they are not larger than the size specified below.

      bracket.jpg

      • Self-drilling screws: Use the provided #6 self-drilling screws.

        drillscrewsize_Orig.jpg

      • Machine screws: Drill through-holes for the mounting bracket and secure it using the provided 6-32 machine screws, washers, and lock nuts.

        machinescrewandbolt.jpg

    2. Plug the cable into the AG and twist to lock.

      AG52_connect.jpg

    3. Mount the AG based on your installation type:

      Caution

      To prevent damage to the mounting tabs, tighten screws to a maximum torque of 1.4 Nm (12.4 lbf-in). If using your own screws, ensure they are not larger than the size specified below.

      machinescrewsize.jpg

      Standard Location Mounting Instructions

      Hazardous Location Mounting Instructions

      Mount the AG directly to the bracket.

      AHmountwcable.jpg

      First, attach the cover to the AG, then mount the AG to the bracket.

      AGhazcover.jpg

  8. Reference AG LED Statuses and Actions and perform the action that corresponds to the observed LED behavior.

  9. Work with your local Thermo King dealer to configure the reefer HMI for third-party access and remote control in the guarded access menu.

    The Thermo King dealer will need to access the physical unit, enter guards access, and configure the following settings:

    • Hardware Configuration:

      • Set 3rd Party to COM1

      • Set Remote Device to Enabled

    • Programmable Features:

      • Set COM1 Default Baud Rate to 9600

      • Set TK Telematics to Ibox

    After exiting guarded access, the system will update the configuration and be set up to allow remote control of the reefer.

  10. To verify installation, turn on the reefer and wait until the upper left LED on the iBox to blink.

    After turning the reefer on, the LED typically takes around 5 minutes to begin blinking. In situations with low cellular range, it can take up to 30 minutes to update the configuration and for the LED to start blinking. Then from your Samsara dashboard, turn the reefer off (for more information, see Reefer Integration).

    AG52_reefer_dashboard.jpg

Install the Asset Gateway on Reefer with Thermo King BlueBox

Before Samsara can communicate with your reefer unit, you will need your BlueBox remotely configured to iBox mode. To do this, work with your local Thermo King dealer or provide the Thermo King support team with your BlueBox serial number (SN) and IMEI at tracking@thermoking.com.

To install your Asset Gateway on a Thermo King reefer with a BlueBox, use the following workflow:

  1. Activate the device in the Samsara dashboard if you have not already done so.

    Log in to the Samsara dashboard at the regional Samsara cloud URL assigned to your organization (such as cloud.samsara.com, cloud.ca.samsara.com, or cloud.eu.samsara.com), or go to cloud.samsara.com/activate. You can also follow the link in your Order Shipped email.

  2. Turn off the reefer master power.

  3. Open the Thermo King electronics control box (unbolt if necessary). Route the reefer end of the cable into the control box through the rear grommet and then connect the cable to the iBox harness using the 6 pin deutsch connector.

    reefer_cable_AG52.jpg

  4. Select the desired mounting location. Avoid locations with extreme temperatures that could damage the device or cable.

    Typical locations are on the ceiling of the reefer (avoiding the cooling fan) or on the outside of the trailer.

    Tip

    Consider the following best practices when selecting a mounting location for the AG:

    • Ensure that the device and cables are not at risk of being damaged by moving parts. If possible, test the device in the intended mounting location before final installation.

    • Verify that the cable has adequate clearance to reach both the AG and the electrical connection.

    • For the most reliable connectivity and performance:

      • Mount the AG as close to the trailer edge as possible.

      • Ensure that at least one side of the AG is unobstructed—facing the sky or ground, for example.

      • Position the AG vertically. Avoid mounting it with the back facing directly upward or downward, such as lying flat on its back or front.

    • Avoid installing the device within metallic structures, such as inside a metal trailer. This may interfere with cellular and GPS connectivity.

  5. To mount your AG, follow the corresponding installation instructions for the AG mounting hole type:

    AG_mounting_hole_compare.jpg

    AG Mount by Hole Type

    1.png Round mounting holes

    1. Determine your installation type:

      • Standard installation: Follow the steps to install using the mounting bracket.

      • Hazardous location installation: Follow the steps to install using the protective cover; the mounting bracket is not required.

    2. Standard installation: Attach the mounting bracket onto the mounting surface:

      1. Drill pilot holes using an 11/16 inch drill bit.

      2. If using alternate screws, ensure they do not exceed the size specifications.

      3. To prevent damage to the mounting tabs, tighten screws to a maximum torque of 1.4 Nm (12.4 lbf-in).

      4. Choose one of the following mounting methods:

        • Self-drilling screws: Use the provided #8 self-drilling screws (8-18 x 0.75).

          drillscrewsize.jpg

        • Machine screws: Drill through-holes and secure the bracket using bracket and secure it using the provided 8-18 x 0.75 machine screws, washers, and lock nuts.

          machinescrewandbolt.jpg

    3. Plug the cable into the AG and twist to lock.

      AG_round_attach.jpg

    4. Mount the AG based on your installation type:

      Caution

      To prevent damage to the mounting tabs, tighten screws to a maximum torque of 1.4 Nm (12.4 lbf-in). If using your own screws, ensure they are not larger than the size specified below.

      machinescrewsize.jpg

      Standard Installation

      Hardous Location Installation

      Mount the AG directly to the bracket.

      Graphics_HW-AG53-8_2025-07-21.png

      First install the protective cover onto the AG, then mount the AG using the cover.

      Graphics_HW-AG53-9_2025-07-21.png

    2.png Oval mounting holes

    1. Attach the mounting bracket to the mounting surface using one of the following methods:

      Caution

      To prevent damage to the mounting tabs, tighten screws to a maximum torque of 1.4 Nm (12.4 lbf-in). If using your own screws, ensure they are not larger than the size specified below.

      bracket.jpg

      • Self-drilling screws: Use the provided #6 self-drilling screws.

        drillscrewsize_Orig.jpg

      • Machine screws: Drill through-holes for the mounting bracket and secure it using the provided 6-32 machine screws, washers, and lock nuts.

        machinescrewandbolt.jpg

    2. Plug the cable into the AG and twist to lock.

      AG52_connect.jpg

    3. Mount the AG based on your installation type:

      Caution

      To prevent damage to the mounting tabs, tighten screws to a maximum torque of 1.4 Nm (12.4 lbf-in). If using your own screws, ensure they are not larger than the size specified below.

      machinescrewsize.jpg

      Standard Location Mounting Instructions

      Hazardous Location Mounting Instructions

      Mount the AG directly to the bracket.

      AHmountwcable.jpg

      First, attach the cover to the AG, then mount the AG to the bracket.

      AGhazcover.jpg

  6. Reference AG LED Statuses and Actions and perform the action that corresponds to the observed LED behavior.

  7. Work with your local Thermo King dealer to configure the reefer HMI for third-party access and remote control in the guarded access menu.

    The Thermo King dealer will need to access the physical unit, enter guards access, and configure the following settings:

    • Hardware Configuration:

      • Set 3rd Party to COM1

      • Set Remote Device to Enabled

    • Programmable Features:

      • Set COM1 Default Baud Rate to 9600

      • Set TK Telematics to Ibox+Cell+GPS

    After exiting guarded access, the system will update the configuration and be set up to allow remote control of the reefer.

  8. To verify installation, turn on the reefer and wait until the upper left LED on the Bluebox to blink.

    The Bluebox will activate into Ibox mode after the reefer is turned on and Thermo King places it into Ibox mode. After turning the reefer on, the LED typically takes around 5 minutes to begin blinking. In situations with low cellular range, it can take up to 30 minutes to update the configuration and for the LED to start blinking.

    Then from your Samsara dashboard, turn the reefer off (for more information, see Reefer Integration).

    AG52_reefer_dashboard.jpg

AG LED Statuses and Actions

The following tables summarize the LEDs you may observe during initial installation. Locate your AG model and perform the action that corresponds to the observed LED behavior.

AG53 LED Statuses and Actions

LED Indicator

Status

Action

White_LED.jpg

Blinking white LED

No connection, activation in progress:

  • No issues detected

  • Attempting to connect to cellular and GPS

Wait for change to device LED to confirm status. No additional action required.

Device registration can take up to 30 minutes to complete.

green_safety_dot.png

Solid green LED

Successful connection:

  • Cellular connection: OK

  • GPS: OK

Confirm the device is active in the Samsara dashboard (Overview > Assets > Unpowered).

Device registration can take up to 30 minutes to complete.

red_safety_dot.png

Solid red LED

Unsuccessful connection:

  • Cellular connection: Fail

  • GPS: Fail

  1. Ensure that the device is outside and avoid obstructions such as underground structures, heavily insulated buildings, bridges, and trees.

  2. Ensure that the device has a clear view of the sky and is within cellular range.

  3. Press and hold the button for 1-2 seconds and perform the action that corresponds to the observed LED behavior.

blue_LED_dot.png

Solid blue LED

Partial connection:

  • Cellular connection: OK

  • GPS: Fail

  1. Ensure that the device is outside and avoid obstructions such as underground structures, heavily insulated buildings, bridges, and trees.

  2. Press and hold the button for 1-2 seconds and perform the action that corresponds to the observed LED behavior.

AG52 LED Statuses and Actions

LED Indicator

Status

Action

green_safety_dot.png

Solid green LED

Successful connection:

  • Cellular connection: OK

  • GPS: OK

Confirm the device is active in the Samsara dashboard (Overview > Assets > Unpowered).

Device registration can take up to 30 minutes to complete.

red_safety_dot.png

Solid red LED

Unsuccessful connection:

  • Cellular connection: Fail

  • GPS: Fail

  1. Ensure that the device is outside and avoid obstructions such as underground structures, heavily insulated buildings, bridges, and trees.

  2. Ensure that the device has a clear view of the sky and is within cellular range.

  3. Press and hold the button for 1-2 seconds and perform the action that corresponds to the observed LED behavior.

blue_LED_dot.png

Solid blue LED

Partial connection:

  • Cellular connection: OK

  • GPS: Fail

  1. Ensure that the device is outside and avoid obstructions such as underground structures, heavily insulated buildings, bridges, and trees.

  2. Press and hold the button for 1-2 seconds and perform the action that corresponds to the observed LED behavior.

yellow_dot.png

Solid yellow LED

Partial connection:

  • Cellular connection: Fail

  • GPS: OK

  1. Ensure that the device has a clear view of the sky and is within cellular range.

  2. Press and hold the button for 1-2 seconds and perform the action that corresponds to the observed LED behavior.

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