Community Forums

Barmats · 02-08-2016, 07:11 PM

Finally got the coach and Jeep back from the shop with the SMI Air Force One installed. DW and I will be heading south at the end of the month to escape the frigid MN winter. We plan on dewinterizing in Iowa or Kansas, depending on the temps, then making our way to Palm Springs where we have reservations for 3 weeks. From there we head up to Vegas for a few more weeks, then we'll wind our way back home for some family obligations. Otherwise, you couldn't pay me to return to MN this time of year!

One thing about the AF1 concerns me - the plunger for the breakaway switch on the bumper stays plugged in at all times with a wire connecting loop (for the cable) hanging down. After reading about towbar pins and safety cables being tampered with in parking lots, I realize there's nothing to prevent the plunger from being yanked out and taken when I'm driving and parking the Jeep. Without the plunger, the jeep cannot be driven. I suppose I could run a small cable lock through the wire loop and around the bumper or frame. I also truly hope that something like this would never happen. What do you guys do when driving and parking your toad?

Pigman1 · 02-08-2016, 08:35 PM

We carry a spare switch, plunger and cable. Got it at O'Rielly's Auto parts because we've had the switch fail in the past. Each time I take off, be it the first run of the day, or a stop in the rest area for relief or a change in drivers, I do a walk around. Never had a problem, but it takes 2 minutes.

I also have a couple of spare plungers in the toad. Use one when driving it and another for a spare.

Barmats · 02-08-2016, 08:49 PM

I would imagine the O'Reilly's switch and parts is generic, correct? And did you get the spare plungers from the brake manufacturer?

Pigman1 · 02-08-2016, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barmats

I would imagine the O'Reilly's switch and parts is generic, correct? And did you get the spare plungers from the brake manufacturer?

I think I bought them from O'Reilly's too. We've had 3 vehicles set up for toads at one time or another and when we sell them I de-toad them and save all old components---just in case. But then again, I'm a pack rat.

dpinvidic · 02-08-2016, 10:37 PM

Actually a missing plunger won't stop you from driving if you don't have a spare.

You can easily pull the fuse for the SMI unit which prevents it from applying the emergency brake.

YES...you do lose the break-away stopping protection until you find a replacement.

Barmats · 02-09-2016, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dpinvidic

Actually a missing plunger won't stop you from driving if you don't have a spare.

You can easily pull the fuse for the SMI unit which prevents it from applying the emergency brake.

YES...you do lose the break-away stopping protection until you find a replacement.

Good to know, thanks.

WD5DBV ROY · 02-10-2016, 11:28 AM

I aklso have a spare plunger and cable. Purchased from dealer who installed the AF1.

MNAZMike · 02-10-2016, 01:06 PM

Barmats
If I may ask ,who did the install on the AF1
MNAZMike

Barmats · 02-10-2016, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WD5DBV ROY

I aklso have a spare plunger and cable. Purchased from dealer who installed the AF1.

I think having spares of each is a good idea. I've ordered a spare plunger from the shop that did the install, and perhaps I'll order a spare cable, too.

Barmats · 02-10-2016, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MNAZMike

Barmats
If I may ask ,who did the install on the AF1
MNAZMike

I had a shop called Crystal Welding do the installation. Initially, I was put off by the name, and wondered what a welding shop would know about anything to do with a supplemental braking system. But during a phone call to SMI, they gave this shop a strong recommendation and said they've done hundreds of AF1 installations. The tech who did the work at the shop told me that he's done dozens of installs on Jeep Wranglers, and he certainly seemed to know his stuff. When you walk in the door to their shop, you see hitches, braking systems, and all sorts of related equipment and parts. And when I asked about a brake light notification LED in the coach they knew exactly what to do and where to put it.

MNAZMike · 02-11-2016, 08:31 AM

Barmats
Thanks for reply,I'm familiar with Crystal Welding , glad they did a good
job for you. Have a wonderful & safe trip and enjoy the warm weather.

MNAZMike

FlaRider · 02-11-2016, 04:26 PM

Barmats,

When you have a chance can you post some pictures. I would like to see where they mounted the wiring and air connector on the bumper and the location of the AFO under the hood.

Thanks and happy travels

August West · 02-12-2016, 06:31 AM

I have a few pictures of an install on a '13 Wrangler. I hope it helps if needed.
Two different locations to mount the AFO unit, up top is easiest. Down by the radiator is very hidden and neat.

Barmats · 02-12-2016, 07:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlaRider

Barmats,

When you have a chance can you post some pictures. I would like to see where they mounted the wiring and air connector on the bumper and the location of the AFO under the hood.

Thanks and happy travels

I will take some pics today or tomorrow and post them. Other than the breakaway switch mounting (I'm not running the OEM bumper), everything else is probably similar or the same as the '13 Wrangler pics just posted.