SMI Air Force One Vacuum Assisted Braking

[pameridan04]

Hi All:

Just wanted to tell about a SMI Airforce purchase I made at The Rally from Reggie Collins and Kyle Schuck.

I have been looking at assisted braking systems since March of this year. I looked at US Gear, M&G Engineering, Road Master, Brake Buddy, Unified Tow Break and more. I visited each break vendor booth that was present at the show.

I traveled 700 miles from PA To Kentucky. On the way down on Rt 68 through the mountains of West VA and MD. I was coming down some of the 6 & 7% multi mile long grades, my brakes were taking a beating slowing down my rig and my towed 2010 (4) Door Jeep Sahara. Even using my exhaust brake didn't help that much on these steep declines. On the way to The Rally I had my rig weighed at Flying J, my Jeep alone is almost 4600 lbs.

Anyway I got the show special price and they came right to your coach to install the system. I had Kyle Schuck install my system, and I WATCHED every step of the way. I must admit that the install was above my head, if I were going to try and insatll it myself. But they got the installation down pat. By the way Kyle's grandfather started and created SMI, so I was in good hands.

Now the acid test was 700 miles to REALLY see how this system works. IN a word it is fantastic, it feels like I have a new set of super power brakes on the coach. It even has a red light diode bar that attaches to the mirror of my Jeep, when you hit the brakes in the coach, you can see the red lights in your rear view camera as they light up in the tow vechicle mirror.

SMI gives you every nut, bolt, air hose and all the fittings that you will need. It also came with the break away system and that was also installed. One of the nicest touches is the SMI break actuating cylinder, the piece that attaches to the arm of your break pedal, it is so small it fits in the palm of your hand.

I know I needed one, but never dreamed it would make that big a difference.

Nice work SMI..... and for me Air Force One... is the ONE for me.

Regards Jim P.

[bdpreece]

We had one installed last year at Brazel's RV and I love it.

[DriVer]

The same technology is available in the SMI Stay-In-Play DUO for all of the gas powered owners out there. It also uses the same cylinder to apply the brakes under pressure and not vacuum. Applying the brakes under pressure via the vehicle's pedal whose brake booster in under vacuum is like driving the car yourself and normally applying the brakes. The fact that the primary operating unit for the brake system is installed under the hood is a big plus for many vehicle owners who are challenged to install a unit inside their car.

The AF1/DUO is out of sight and out of mind until you need to use it. One of the features that I appreciate is not having to deal with a removable box and storing it when its not in use. When I was on the road and moving a lot, I dreaded to have to deal with the box yet another time in a rainstorm. I was tired of getting my door soaked. So I said, "Bye Bye Box! and I have not regretted the decision.

[pameridan04]

Hi Driver:

Thanks for the input on the SMI Stay & Play. The boys at the SMI booth said they knew you when I mentioned IRV2.com

Regards... Jim P.

[navyblue]

Been using the Duo In Play for about a year. Have driven from CT to WA, south to CA, east to Florida and north to CT. Have 2008 Voyage 32H towing a 2008 Toyota Tacoma all (4) down. Works great.

NAVYBLUE


PS: Pameridan04, after I retired from Navy, lived in Poconos for (20) years. sold house 11/08 and have full timed since

[pameridan04]

Hi NavyBlue:

Where abouts did you live in the Poconos? I was born and raised in Dunmore PA, a coal cracker.

I bought a lakehouse in Lakeview Estates in Gouldsboro. Eventually want to retire there. But in the winter head South or south west for three months in MH.

Regards... Jim P.

[navyblue]

Jim

Lived in Tobyhanna for (20) years after I retired from the NAVY. Originally from western PA. Last (12) years worked for the state and commuted daily to Wilkes Barre (1) hour each way. Lived in Pocono Country Place and it turned into Brooklyn, NY ghetto west. Will eventually buy in SW North Carolina.

I am technically an extended timer as I don't have a stick house but live in the MH for (10) months and mooch of the (2) kids (PA & MD) and mother-in-law in CT for (2) months. Spend winter in west/southwest.

Grandfather was coal miner for (50) years. Started when he was 10 and retired at 60 because of black lung. He helped start UMW in SW Pennsylvania.

NAVYBLUE (Mike)

[pameridan04]

Hi NB:

Yeah my dad was a coal miner for some time, also had black lung. Both Mom and Dad have passed away.

My brother was personell director of Tobyhanna Army Depot for a long time. My son-in-law is head of the electronic team at TAD that travels the world and sets up repair teams for the night vision optics for the armed forces.

Eventually GOD willing I will retire in Gouldsboro PA. For the time being I am still working full time and paying for this new RV habit.

Regards... Jim P.