Community Forums

flyboy013 · 07-04-2017, 04:49 PM

I have a 2018 MADP on order and plan on doing a FPU. I was thinking about having the tow capability installed on my 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland prior to pickup up the MH. Based on all my reading and YouTube watching, my understanding is that part of the Air Force One braking system gets installed on the MH. Basically the MH portion splices into the brake air lines and provides an air brake connection at the rear of the MH. It also provides an air tank and a Tractor Protection Valve.

When I was shopping for my MADP, I somewhat recall the 2017 unit that we looked at having an air brake connection installed at the rear of the MH and being told that it's standard on the MA. Searching the web, I cannot find anything about such a connection being standard, so I figured I'd ask existing Newmar MADP owners.

This is important because it determines whether I can show up the FPU with my towing capability full installed. If not I either need to plan on having it installed in Indiana during the FPU period or perhaps my wife and I will need to drive two vehicles back home which I obviously would like to avoid. Thanks.

judgebobk · 07-04-2017, 04:54 PM

The system also requires another air tank installed on your coach which would supply the line in the rear so not sure if you can do it without. This is my second coach and to change over I bought a tank and fittings for our 2016 DSDP.

Spk64 · 07-04-2017, 04:56 PM

This just came up in the last 2 weeks and I think the 2017 air connection was just that another air port like the one usually under front hood. Going from memory 2018 may have the aux brake connection as an option but I think you need to call Newmar and make sure.

seeg · 07-04-2017, 05:02 PM

Check out the Spartan site. I seem to recall that the coaches come standard with the aux braking system already installed on the K3 chassis. That was true for Newmar but not Entegra. Best check for yourself as it was several months ago that I believe I noticed that info.

BBelanger · 07-04-2017, 05:34 PM

Don't know where home is, but the Air Force one factory is in southern Indiana. They do installations.

Spk64 · 07-04-2017, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BBelanger

Don't know where home is, but the Air Force one factory is in southern Indiana. They do installations.

Not sure how much longer. They were bought out by Demco and moving mfg operations to Iowa.

BBelanger · 07-04-2017, 05:39 PM

I checked into local Nappanee Air Force one dealers and had decided I would make the drive south if I decided on AF1. I eventually went with M&G.

Spk64 · 07-04-2017, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BBelanger

I checked into local Nappanee Air Force one dealers and had decided I would make the drive south if I decided on AF1. I eventually went with M&G.

M&G is a nice unit also. First vehicle I went with the SMI AF1 because I wanted the coach side break away system. Second vehicle being a Jeep and I already had coach side went with the M&G.

Hmf23 · 07-04-2017, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by msnellings

I have a 2018 MADP on order and plan on doing a FPU. I was thinking about having the tow capability installed on my 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland prior to pickup up the MH. Based on all my reading and YouTube watching, my understanding is that part of the Air Force One braking system gets installed on the MH. Basically the MH portion splices into the brake air lines and provides an air brake connection at the rear of the MH. It also provides an air tank and a Tractor Protection Valve.

When I was shopping for my MADP, I somewhat recall the 2017 unit that we looked at having an air brake connection installed at the rear of the MH and being told that it's standard on the MA. Searching the web, I cannot find anything about such a connection being standard, so I figured I'd ask existing Newmar MADP owners.

This is important because it determines whether I can show up the FPU with my towing capability full installed. If not I either need to plan on having it installed in Indiana during the FPU period or perhaps my wife and I will need to drive two vehicles back home which I obviously would like to avoid. Thanks.

I too have a 2018 MADP on order, actually its in the middle of the main production line currently. Its due to be out and headed to paint on the 12th. I did some research on this subject as well. I chose a Spartan chassis for our Coach, so I called them directly. SMI said they believed it would work so not taking that information as gospel is why I called Spartan.

This is what Spartan said: In 2017 the aux air port on MADP was not for towed vehicles or air braked trailers, but instead was for filling air system if something happened or if you wanted to fill tires etc. They offered a kit to allow for the towed vehicle to be tied in, it's called "Safe Haul". He said that Newmar made the "Safe Haul" a standard option on MADP 40' & 45' and up the line. So for those of us buying a Spartan MADP and above who wish to use the SMI AFO we would not need to add the tank/valve portion or tie into the air brakes at all. The Coach side is handled for us. I can not speak to the Freightliner Chassis.

flyboy013 · 07-04-2017, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hmf23

I too have a 2018 MADP on order, actually its in the middle of the main production line currently. Its due to be out and headed to pain on the 12th. I did some research on this subject as well. I chose a Spartan chassis for our Coach, so I called them directly. SMI said they believed it would work so not taking that information as gospel is why I called Spartan.

This is what Spartan said: In 2017 the aux air port on MADP was not for towed vehicles or air braked trailers, but instead was for filling air system if something happened or if you wanted to fill tires etc. They offered a kit to allow for the towed vehicle to be tied in, it's called "Safe Haul". He said that Newmar made the "Safe Haul" a standard option on MADP 40' & 45' and up the line. So for those of us buying a Spartan MADP and above who wish to use the SMI AFO we would not need to add the tank/valve portioner tie into the air brakes at all. The Coach side is handled for us. I can not speak to the Freightliner Chassis.

Thanks for the info. Unfortunately we ordered the Freightliner chassis. Primarily because there are more Freightliner service centers (to include locally). My order has only been in for about one week, so I could probably change it. I suppose I should search for a Spartan vs Freightliner thread. This is one good reason. I was also doing research on internal TPMS sensors. Seems like Spartan advertises this as an option, but I couldn't find anything in the build sheet.

BBelanger · 07-04-2017, 08:09 PM

You won't need to search very hard for a FL vs Spartan. There's one here titled "which chassis"

TravelnFolks · 07-04-2017, 08:56 PM

Thank you Hmf23 for the great piece of information, and very helpful at that!

Capt. Kirk · 07-04-2017, 09:20 PM

If you decide to have work done while in Indiana, I highly recommend Dan's Service in Elkhart. They installed an AF1 on my car while I was at FPU, then married my Dutch Star to it the Saturday after I left the factory.

Ask for Ryan.

flyboy013 · 07-04-2017, 09:26 PM

Capt Kirk - thanks for the recommendation.

I've searched the web for information on Spartan's "Safe Haul" feature. I found various references to it, but not much detail. I've sent a note to Spartan and SMI. Hopefully they can provide some additional details. I'll be sure to post whatever response I get. Thanks all.