Community Forums

lanerd · 05-14-2014, 10:14 AM

I too, am a satisfied US Gear Unified brake system user. Bought mine in 08 and used it for 6 years on our previous coach and during that time, switched over the system to three different toads. We now have a new mh, and all I had to do with it was connect a small adapter cable between the dash mounted monitor and the mh's trailer brake connecter that Freightliner provides (and is located under the dash).

It has worked perfectly all this time and with all the different vehicles.

That said, I've also heard nothing but good about the AF1 system and seriously doubt you'll have any problems with it.

Pick one and go with it.

Ron

JeanAndAndy · 05-15-2014, 06:54 AM

Thanks to all who responded. Coach arrives in 1 week. Ended going with US Gear product mainly because it did not require access to coach air system. As a previous poster said, if I have to buy another it will be the SMI product. Then I will be able to say that I owned one of each of the best.
Happy RVing...

lanerd · 05-17-2014, 10:33 AM

Andy... most rv chassis makers provide a "trailer brake" harness that is connected to the electrical plug next to the hitch. The other end is usually tucked under the dash board with a cover on the connector. Check with your chassis mfg and they should be able to talk you through finding this connector.

You will also need an "adapter" from US Gear that will mate to this "trailer brake" connector and the US Gear monitor.

Good luck....I think you made a wise choice.

Ron

Vcroswell · 07-20-2014, 11:59 PM

I purchased a US Gear Braking System and have had three control modules fail around the one year mark. If I were to replace the most recent one, which by the way failed just after the one year warranty expired, it will be the fourth control module since the initial purchase. I will be replacing that system with an Air Force next month. It has been a very expensive experience.

MRUSA14 · 05-30-2015, 06:02 AM

Vcroswell, that is a crying shame, you must be extremely unhappy about it. Since nobody else has reported such problems, I can't help but wonder if there is something awry in your installation that is killing these control modules.

My US Gear system has been working for 12 years without a failure. I know that is is no comfort to you. If I were in your situation I would either find the installation culprit, or replace the system with an Air Force One unit. Life is too short to cope with continual failures.

Hopefully you have resolved the problem by now and have a reliable US Gear system. Could you report back and let us know?

gamechanger · 05-30-2015, 07:05 AM

The old system was sold by AP Products and the Inventor no longer sells that system. He redesigned it and sells thru SmartBrakeLLC. The controller is a standard trailer brake controller like Tekonsha Prodigy. Plugs into my chassis harness.
Im thinking of going with the new system. Haven't heard, on an earlier post, if anyone has installed the new system and how they like it.

Vcroswell · 05-30-2015, 11:31 PM

I resolved the problem at great expense. I had the U.S. Gear system removed and purchased a different system. The old system was checked out by two different installers and found to be installed correctly. It was just bad electronics.

dsurfaceblow · 06-01-2015, 02:38 PM

I am very pleased with the SMI-AF1 system. The quality and content of the 'kit packages' and instructions is first class and complete to the detail. Installation is not necessarily difficult, however due to the critical nature of the systems involved, professional installation is recommended for most.

Connection is simple and in no way interferes with normal operation of the 'towed' ...this is appreciated when you don't have to install or remove a big-brake-box-thing from the driver's footwell every time you connect or detach the tow (gets old very fast).

Seat of the pants feel is, "Like it's not even back there." As is should be.

Doug & Dog

Allegro Bus 36QSP w/ RAM2500 4x4 CDT in tow

pagosajoe · 06-01-2015, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dsurfaceblow

I am very pleased with the SMI-AF1 system. The quality and content of the 'kit packages' and instructions is first class and complete to the detail. Installation is not necessarily difficult, however due to the critical nature of the systems involved, professional installation is recommended for most.

Connection is simple and in no way interferes with normal operation of the 'towed' ...this is appreciated when you don't have to install or remove a big-brake-box-thing from the driver's footwell every time you connect or detach the tow (gets old very fast).

Seat of the pants feel is, "Like it's not even back there." As is should be.

Doug & Dog

Allegro Bus 36QSP w/ RAM2500 4x4 CDT in tow

injuredvet · 06-15-2015, 09:58 PM

As a owner of a Hummer H3, the United Tow Brake system is the only system available that correctly works with the electrically operated power boosted brake system on my vehicle. I am very happy with it. No one offers anything that works for my vehicle except UTB.