Community Forums

Pusherman · 02-10-2012, 04:31 PM

I just installed a new Air Force One by SMI braking. My old brake system was a Roadmaster Even-Brake 'brake-in-a-box' system. It died last fall, so I chose to replace it with a system where I don't have to kneel down and insert the box in the toad every time I tow, not to mention where it's stowed when we reach our destination, where to store it.

First impressions are GREAT. It's a proportional braking system, which means the toad brakes are only applied when the coach needs to stop more quickly.

I have a DP with an engine brake, and an air brake system. When the engine brake is applied, the toad brakes do not come on, which is the way it should be. Don't want the toad slowing the coach, as you'll be replacing toad brakes before you can say 'slooow down'.

With the AFO, it only applies the toad brakes when they are required. Generally the coach has plenty of intertia to slow the toad along with the coach. But when you need to slow at a stop sign, or a panic stop, the toad brakes are working in a proportional manner.

So far so good. I like it.

UFO Pilot · 02-10-2012, 04:35 PM

When my Roadmaster Even-Brake died 3 years ago, I replaced it with the SMI Stay-in-Play (for gas RV's) and can't be happier!

**CLIFFTALL** · 02-10-2012, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pusherman

I just installed a new Air Force One by SMI braking. My old brake system was a Roadmaster Even-Brake 'brake-in-a-box' system. It died last fall, so I chose to replace it with a system where I don't have to kneel down and insert the box in the toad every time I tow, not to mention where it's stowed when we reach our destination, where to store it.

First impressions are GREAT. It's a proportional braking system, which means the toad brakes are only applied when the coach needs to stop more quickly.

I have a DP with an engine brake, and an air brake system. When the engine brake is applied, the toad brakes do not come on, which is the way it should be. Don't want the toad slowing the coach, as you'll be replacing toad brakes before you can say 'slooow down'.

With the AFO, it only applies the toad brakes when they are required. Generally the coach has plenty of intertia to slow the toad along with the coach. But when you need to slow at a stop sign, or a panic stop, the toad brakes are working in a proportional manner.

So far so good. I like it.

I have the gas version ( SMI Stay n Play Duo ) and feel the same about it.

DriVer · 02-10-2012, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pusherman

So far so good. I like it.

Don, Welcome to the SMI Brake family. I have the DUO and my reasons were the same as yours. No more box in and out of the car in the middle of a cat & dog rain storm.

Life is so much better now. The DUO and AFO are inactive & out of mind and sight until it's hooked in via umbilical cable to the back of the motorhome.

AFO has compiled many endorsements over the years and yours is one of the latest.

Enjoy.

Pigman1 · 02-11-2012, 10:32 AM

Super system, isn't it? We have over 110,000 tow miles on the same AF1 system, in 2 different coaches. Only problem was when the cable on the cylinder broke on the way down from Alaska last year. I called the company, sent them the cylinder and for less than $30 including shipping, it was returned in 10 days better than new. Can't get better than that and we've got it in the new toad now. I expect at least another 100,000 miles (if I last that long!!).

JMonroe · 02-11-2012, 11:30 AM

I had the AFO installed at the FMCA rally in Brooksville FL a couple weeks ago. As others have stated, I won't miss messin' with the 'box' and as soon as I can find a home for it, I'll gain some storage space too.