New toad. Need advice on best braking system please

[keithmadp]

I sold both of my Jeep Wrangler toads and bought a 2008 F350 diesel to use as a toad. I was using a Brake Buddy and have been told by the manufacturer that it won't work on the diesel. I looked into the SMI Air Force One system and contacted the company. I was told the system would work with this truck. I am looking for real world experience with this system on a diesel or a recommendation for a more appropriate system. Thanks for any help.Keith

[keithmadp]

I sold both of my Jeep Wrangler toads and bought a 2008 F350 diesel to use as a toad. I was using a Brake Buddy and have been told by the manufacturer that it won't work on the diesel. I looked into the SMI Air Force One system and contacted the company. I was told the system would work with this truck. I am looking for real world experience with this system on a diesel or a recommendation for a more appropriate system. Thanks for any help.Keith

[rebelsbeach]

Keith, I used first the "Stay and Play" from SMI and then the Air Force One with glowing results...
My partner in the website (warpath) has been using the Air Force One for many months and not had any issues.
While the AFO is certainly similar to the model marketed by M and G, I would personally opt to support SMI as they're
a great company and offer very good customer service..... AND they sponsor the MH Towing forum here on iRV2.
Peter and his son are even frequent posters in the forums, answering questions and such.

I used a Brake Buddy early on with my Vectra, but opted soon thereafter to think "outside the box" as with the SMI products there is no box to store or find a place for.

[Jetsmania]

Hi Keith! We are currently using the US Gear System on our Jeep. http://usgear.com/ I am not sure if it works on the truck you have. We think it is great. It is hidden, nothing to hookup other then the brake disconnect under the bumper, and of course the nornal connection between the Toad and Motorhome. It has a remote unit that is mounted on the dash of the motorhome. It allows you to adjust the level of braking, manually use the brakes if needed, and show you the amount of braking being applied to the toad. Great System. Another great choice would be the SMI. Two of the Amigos are using it now. They will probably chime in with their thoughts. They are very happy with it. I would give it a hard look myself if we were to change systems. Paul

[soricobob]

I had a similar circumstance when I went to hook up my H2, and went with the M&G braking system. Although the dealership number is not vast, their quality of workmanship is unsurpasssed, as is the portability of the system. In 32,000 trouble free miles, I have often said I wished some of the Newmar subs were as reliable with their products!

[SNAIL1]

We have used the SMI Plug and Play for years on a Ford Ranger with great results. Found them very responsive and cooperative with any issue. I don't think you can go wrong with the SMI.

[cb5300]

Here's a vote for M&G...Those guys are very helpful and their products are top notch!

[phototex]

Wow. An F350. That is one big toad!

I have both M&G and AFO products. They both work great and have not given me any trouble. I like the fact that you can actually "see" the AFO activating the brakes on the toad. The M&G mechanical stuff is all hidden under the hood.

[Nathan Focht]

I tow an F-250 with a truck camper in the bed. I unfortunately use a brake buddy and while it technically works, it only activates on hard braking. We are in the process now of looking into something new. When you are towing 9,990 lbs you need it to stop!

[rebelsbeach]

Keith, forgot to look at your toad type..... I used the SMI AFO on my K3500 Crew Cab after I traded the H2 for it....
For a while I used the bed of the truck to haul a golf cart.... Never had an issue getting it stopped.

[rebelsbeach]

[keithmadp]

Thanks for the extra info Bob and others. I thought I
remembered you pulling a full size Chevy with this
system Bob. As a matter of fact, I remember seeing
your yellow Hummer trade sitting on the Chevy dealer's
parking lot the last time I was at Newmar. Of course,
that was before you turned traitor to us in the Newmar
world(LOL). Anyway, I ordered the SMI yesterday and
will be attempting to install it this weekend. From
the looks under the hood of the new Ford diesel, I
think it might be a looong and thirsty weekend. Thanks
for your responses, Keith

[keithmadp]

Nathan, is your F250 a diesel? The folks at Brake Buddy told me it wouldn't work on a diesel.
Keith

[rebelsbeach]

Keith, my K3500 was a Duramax diesel.... if that helps.