Community Forums

Johnontheroad · 02-14-2014, 08:20 PM

I want to add an Air Force One (AF1) to my '09 Camelot tag. I looked at all the install videos, and the car portion really doesn't seem too hard. I've done that kind of install before. But I am not quite as clear on the coach install.

Any suggestions? Although I am a decent mechanic, working with air brakes in which I have no experience has me somewhat apprehensive.

Mac99 · 02-14-2014, 08:47 PM

You can avoid the issue by going with the Stay-in-play Duo system
from SMI. A lot of similarities with the systems, but you do not
involve the coach air system. A plus is that your toad can be
pulled by virtually any vehicle (a new coach?) without any
modification. And, the install is less complicated.

Johnontheroad · 02-15-2014, 04:25 AM

Thanks. But one thing that appears to be missing from the Duo is a break away system. That is required by law in many if not most states. The AF1 has an integrated break away system.

Quote:

Originally Posted by macandphyl

You can avoid the issue by going with the Stay-in-play Duo system
from SMI. A lot of similarities with the systems, but you do not
involve the coach air system. A plus is that your toad can be
pulled by virtually any vehicle (a new coach?) without any
modification. And, the install is less complicated.

revolution1 · 02-15-2014, 05:43 AM

Call the guys at SMI. I installed mine last fall and had a few questions and they were very helpful. Here is their number 1-800-893-3763. It is an easy install and only takes a few hours once you figure out where everything goes.

Mac99 · 02-16-2014, 08:32 AM

Stay in Play Duo does include a break-away component
as part of the system. I know this since I have the
system installed on a 09 Explorer.

deSanford · 02-16-2014, 09:23 PM

A "T" is provided to insert in the air line of the RV and routed back to the hitch area for connection to the air inlet on the toad. You can download the instructions or call SMI. Easy to do......deSanford

MikeyG · 02-17-2014, 04:51 PM

John:
X2 on calling SMI.
I was in the same situation as you. Not positive I had the right line.
I took some pictures of the existing setup and sent them to SMI. They confirmed what I thought was the correct line, so I cut away. No problema. The hardest thing was finding a nice clean location to mount the tank. Other than that, the coach side of the install was easy.
The SMI AF1 was the best decision I have made for supplemental braking.
Good luck and I enjoy,
Mike

Dr4Film · 02-17-2014, 05:05 PM

The SMI Air Force One is the ONLY braking system that I would consider having installed on R TOWD once I am done towing my "Rolling Garage" around the country.

With the proper guidance I am sure you can do the deed without difficulty.

Dr4Film ----- Richard

Gary.Jones · 02-17-2014, 07:09 PM

I have a lot of information on this issue. I purchased an AF-1 direct on the internet for about $920.00 delivered. The install video says that it should take someone unfamiliar with the install about 3 to 4 hours to do the install. I am spending 3 months in Florida this winter and assumed that I would tackle this install myself. There is a complete ~ 30 minute video of the install with an SMI tech doing the install at the Hitching Post in Ocala, FL and the video is up on youtube.com and also the SMI web site. I think that I can do the install, but the more that I thought about it, the more that I thought that I should have this install done by a "professional". I am getting my Air Force 1 professionally installed at a flat rate of $400.00 by an SMI approved installer. That is a total cost of about $1350. The professional installer says it will take him about 2.5 hours to install in a 2001 Monaco Dynasty tag axle and a 2013 Honda CR-V.

By the way, I had a professional shop tell me that it would take them 7 to 8 hours to install the system..... but I would bet that he was miffed that he could not up-charge me $500.00 - $600 for the unit itself plus $100 an hour to install. I obviously will never have that shop do any work for me, and will spend the rest of my life making sure that everyone else needs to think twice before doing any business with these guys. Keep your eyes open, but you can do it yourself with SMI consulting and their video, or you should be able to get it done for less than 3 hours of tech charges, if you pay a professional to do it.

Drive many safe miles

Gary

RonNBama · 02-17-2014, 08:22 PM

Gary would you mind telling me who you had do your installation? You can PM me if you prefer to be discreet.

Thanks

Gary.Jones · 02-18-2014, 06:25 AM

I am having it done at the FMCA rally and the installer is Steer Safe Company. Since a lot of things are bought at these rallys, there are usually companies there that do installs of basic equipment. I had planned to go to the Perry rally anyway and I called SMI after I had troubles with some local installers and they recommended having the install done by these fellows, and so that is the way we are going,. Frankly, that is still an expensive install since he says it will be 2.5 hours (but who really knows) and that is better than $150 an hour, but it is the cost that I was willing to spend, since I was planning on 4 hours at roughly $100 per hour. They will do it by coming to my coach and toad at the rally and do the install where I sit.

Gary