Community Forums

Oscar Mike · 02-17-2013, 08:34 AM

I am getting ready to set up my toad, and I am planning to use the SMI Stay-IN-Play Duo as my supplemental braking system in my 2008 FJ Cruiser. The installed cost of the system by Southwest Drive Lines of Yuma, AZ is $1,600.00, not a drop-in-the-bucket cost.

Has anyone ever set one of these systems up in a FJ Cruiser? Is the system worth the additional money?

UFO Pilot · 02-17-2013, 10:29 AM

Mine was $1500 installed in our CRV 5years ago. In my opinion it is worth every penny.

**CLIFFTALL** · 02-17-2013, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnmbeard

Is the system worth the additional money?

Additional to what ? What else are you comparing it to ?
Cliff

Oscar Mike · 02-17-2013, 10:40 AM

Cliff,

I was thinking of braking systems like the Roadmaster Brakemaster, Patriot System and so forth. Is the SMI worth the more money...I am leaning towards the SMI, in fact I have an installation appointment on 2/27/2013, but as I always do, I over research and over-analyze everything. This is all new to me and I have more questions than answers...it is the General Contractor in me...

**CLIFFTALL** · 02-17-2013, 10:45 AM

I'm not familiar with the cost of those others you mentioned. I do know that the SMI is a great system and the company is great to work with. I've towed my HHR for 29,000 miles without any issues.
Cliff

Gaetan Lavoie · 02-18-2013, 08:11 PM

I can testify that the SMI Stay-In-Play has been a good braking system since 2007 in my Honda CRV and then recently in my 4Runner. This system will work with your FJ if you have a standard vacuum power brake. If you have an electric power assist brake, then I suggest that you get the SMI AirForce One.

Regards,

Gaetan

Mac99 · 02-18-2013, 08:24 PM

I've had a Stay-in Play duo for three years and 35,000 miles.
Damon Tuscany pulling a Ford Explorer. Works great, no
problems, good company. Simple to use and set up. If you
are VERY handy, you may be able to install yourself.
Worth every penny, especially when the stuff hits the fan,
and you have to stand on the brakes !

bdickson · 02-21-2013, 09:55 PM

I put down a deposit on a very slightly used Thor Challenger (Gas engine) today. There is a quick disconnect air chuck beside the tow bar receiver, and I can see a line from it to what looks like a small air compressor mounted on the chassis rail. Is this the coach part of a Stay-in-Play Duo? If so, is this part of the approximately $1100 cost of a complete unit?

**CLIFFTALL** · 02-22-2013, 04:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bdickson

I put down a deposit on a very slightly used Thor Challenger (Gas engine) today. There is a quick disconnect air chuck beside the tow bar receiver, and I can see a line from it to what looks like a small air compressor mounted on the chassis rail. Is this the coach part of a Stay-in-Play Duo? If so, is this part of the approximately $1100 cost of a complete unit?

I don't think they require that. Mine doesn't have an air compressor.
Cliff

bdickson · 02-22-2013, 05:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clifftall

I don't think they require that. Mine doesn't have an air compressor.
Cliff

So on a gas engine coach, where is the air pressure generated? Is there something installed in the toad? The SMI website doesn't have a lot of information. It just talks about converting pressure to vacuum by a patent pending method.

**CLIFFTALL** · 02-22-2013, 07:22 AM

I believe it operates off of a vacuum. The co.has great customer service and there are on line videos that have been posted her.
Cliff

luvlabs · 02-22-2013, 07:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bdickson

So on a gas engine coach, where is the air pressure generated? Is there something installed in the toad? The SMI website doesn't have a lot of information. It just talks about converting pressure to vacuum by a patent pending method.

The vacuum pump for the SMI Duo is contained within the unit and runs off the car's electrical system. There is no need for any external connection other than the normal tow setup.

I wonder why that gas coach had an air chuck/compresser installed a the rear. Certainly not need for any of the other braking systems on the market.

bdickson · 02-22-2013, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luvlabs

The vacuum pump for the SMI Duo is contained within the unit and runs off the car's electrical system. There is no need for any external connection other than the normal tow setup.

I wonder why that gas coach had an air chuck/compresser installed a the rear. Certainly not need for any of the other braking systems on the market.

Could it be that the previous owner had a toad setup for Air Force 1 and wanted to use it with the gas coach? Would it be feasible to install the compressor in the coach to provide the air pressure?