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This is my first post on the IRV2 forum and since I see SMI has a presence here it looks like a good place to clear up some of my lingering questions and maybe a few comments if I think of something. This may be of interest to other current or potential users.
For clarification, I have 40' DP at about 32K GVW and a 2000 Jeep Wrangler Sport toad. The brakes aren't that necessary for normal driving (in my reasearch of general opinion) but legal and emergency issues make it desireable.
I decided on the SMI for a Jeep Wrangler toad because it seemed like a combination of easiest and most common sense version of a "non foorboard box" style brake system. I didn't want to have to store the box thing everytime I drive off. Depending on frequency of "travel mode" those may or may not be a hassle.
I recently simulated a "break away" situation to see how fast the unit could stop the vehicle. (While I was driving the toad, not pulling it.) It took a few tries to get it to activate at a decent speeed to really test it due to the number of steps required. IE: Put trans in neutral, turn off engine (I don't have a steering wheel locking pawl)flip switch to brake unit, watch for traffic from the rear. After the first few tries I found the event wasn't any tire screaching, out of control deal so on coming traffic wasn't a problem.
The Jeep stopped about as fast from 60 mph as a normal decision to stop without pre coasting or decelerating in advance (I actually began the process at over 65 mph just to get it trying by 60). In other words, not a "yellow light" stop, just a "pull over to swap driver" stop. But in the middle of the road. I also left my hands off the steering wheel to verify it wouldn't pull out into oncoming traffic; a test of my brake job, not the SMI.
The main question I have is: In a normal stop, "hooked up and reacting" to the deceleration of the motor home, does the same, more or less pressure occur on the toad brakes compared to the breakaway function?
I ask this because I have the sensitivity set to only react to "yellow light" braking and it seems no different than not having the brake system. I only (hope) know it is working based on the indicator light(that I had a heck of a time getting to work). That is another story. I can't get my wife to ride in the toad during travel to let me know what is going on. She also won't drive the motorhome. A new wife is'nt an economical solution.
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2000 Beaver Patriot Thunder 425
2016 Subaru Forester
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