Community Forums

bairdofl · 04-18-2010, 05:01 PM

As previously indicated, I am new to the Class A business with purchase of a 2004 KSDP. Studying weights and towing systems, I have come to the conclusion that I will tow a 2000 Escalade with a Class 4 Blue Ox tow bar; and install Air Force One brake system for supplemental proportional braking.

I have a friend and mentor who doesn't know much about the RV business - but who has a couple of million miles in long haul trucking who is mild mannered and often helpful in steering me in directions which have generally proven most helpful.

When I told him this evening that the coach would be modified by cutting into the pneumatic brake system on the coach, he threw an absolute fit. His thesis was that if the toad broke away or for some reason the air line system to it was broken, I would lose pressure in one of the air tanks - perhaps at a moment when I needed it badly.

I assume that there is an answer to this - but given that I am new to the whole matter, I didn't have it. Which of course left me understanding that I'm flying partly (:-)) blind.

Perhaps one of you kind souls will enlighten me, please.

Thanks so much.

Jim Baird

smlranger · 04-18-2010, 06:36 PM

The Air Force One toad braking system comes with a check valve to prevent any air loss of the coach. The folks at SMI can answer any and all of your questions about how the system is installed and how it works.

ktm500mx · 04-18-2010, 09:58 PM

in some states the modfication of the braking system in that manner
"if caught by an inspector" would be cause for imediate grounding of the vehicle this topic is covered in the fcmr handbook.
the braking system is a pet peve of most state inspectors.

Wayne M · 04-18-2010, 10:00 PM

Smlranger is correct. there is a valve that is inserted in the line. Any loss of pressure and the vavle automtically shuts off the supply to everything except the service braking system. Since it is a proportional braking system, air pressure is supplied to the AF1 whenever the brakes are applied. Call SMI as suggested for full information on the details.

Or see what SMI has to say about it.

According to their web site, they meet federal regulations.

FlyingDiver · 04-19-2010, 05:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ktm500mx

in some states the modfication of the braking system in that manner
"if caught by an inspector" would be cause for imediate grounding of the vehicle this topic is covered in the fcmr handbook.
the braking system is a pet peve of most state inspectors.

RVs are not subject to FMCR inspections. They're not commercial vehicles.

In any case, the check valve avoids that issue.

joe

JoeandMarcia · 04-19-2010, 06:41 AM

I took a class on the Spartan Chassis at Lazy Days a few months ago. A guy that works for Spartan gives it, (he has an office there) and when brakes were discussed he stated that SMI was the only company to contact Spartan to ask for their thoughts on the design before putting it into production. He then stated Spartan approved of their design.

It impressed my enough that our next toad will have one of the SMI brake systems on it.

ktm500mx · 04-19-2010, 07:14 AM

because most states motorcoaches are self inspected most of the mobile motor vehicle inspector use the fcmr guide as a guideline. because the guide was used to write the the laws concerning vehicles over 5 tons gvw
I spoke to a mv from the state of nj and he confirmed this.
later Mike

KSDP · 04-19-2010, 07:23 AM

I had an Air Force One on my 06 Kountry Star and they did not vcot the air line. They put a "t" in the rh rear brake can for the line and check valve.

wa8yxm · 04-19-2010, 08:31 AM

Ask the trucker what happens if his trailer should break loose from his tractor.

Answer is he can still stop the tractor safely

And so can you if your trailer (Towed) breaks away from your tractor (Motor home)

That said.... My 3 favorite systems in order

Good: Air force 1
Better (if it will fit) M&G
Best: US gear Unified Brake
Unknown but suspect best part 2: US-Gear's other system.

Iron Man · 04-21-2010, 01:47 PM

To quote SMI

Air Force One is the only air brake system that energizes the towed vehicle's power brakes through a patent-pending process that does not require an electronic vacuum pump. In fact, Air Force One has no moving parts to wear out at all. Air Force One is also the industry's first and only supplemental brake system that protects the coach with a patent-pending breakaway system that seals the coach's air supply in the event of a separation of the coach and the towed vehicle.

Total Coach Protection exclusively with Air Force One is a process that protects the air supply on the coach. To meet federal regulations (FMVSS 121) when using air brakes, the supplemental brake system must protect the towing vehicle air supply. SMI includes the components necessary to meet these important safety regulations. If the towed vehicle separates or the towing system fails, the coach air is protected. Air Force One is the safest air brake system available. No other air-operated system offers this level of safety and control

Air Force One uses an approved air tap in method so you will not affect the warranty on your air brakes. DOT and FMVSS (Federal Vehicle Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) #121 require supplemental brake systems to have a separate air tank (ping tank) and a separate valve to control the supplemental system. All other air brake systems take air off of the rear wheels to apply the supplemental brake which can impact your warranty. Spartan requires a separate valve and ping tank to maintain your warranty which you must purchase separately with any other air brake. Only Air Force One meets the regulations and only Air Force One includes everything you need

Read more here
AIR FORCE ONE | SMI Manufacturing Inc.

clubmed98 · 04-22-2010, 08:40 PM

Now that you have the brakes solved will the Escalade fit into the weight limits of the tow hitch and gvw..assuming the coach has been weighed fully loaded as you will trave.

bairdofl · 04-23-2010, 04:26 AM

We are being careful about weight. We will travel lighter than max rating by quite a bit. We do have a class 4 hitch. I know that the Escalade is not the ideal tow vehicle in terms of weight. Principal reason that I am using it is that I own it - and after the cost of the coach, another auto purchase isn't in the financial cards. Second, we need it's 4WD at our place in MT.

I want to thank everyone who responded to my call for help in this thread.

Jim

ajbjrvers · 04-23-2010, 04:36 AM

I have been using a Brake Buddy , 2nd one, since 2000, have an 02 mountain aire diesel pusher.

I have found that most times, the less modifications of either system is the best way to go.

The royal canadian police approved the BB way back and as I said, no mods to either system and you can use it in another vehicle.

Hope this helps and saves you money

Aime--- ajbjrvers

saydiver · 04-23-2010, 05:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bairdofl

As previously indicated, I am new to the Class A business with purchase of a 2004 KSDP. Studying weights and towing systems, I have come to the conclusion that I will tow a 2000 Escalade with a Class 4 Blue Ox tow bar; and install Air Force One brake system for supplemental proportional braking.

Jim Baird

Have you verified your 2000 Escalade is towable four down? The following guide does not list the 2000 Escalade as towable:
MotorHome Magazine : Dinghy Towing > 2000 Towable Cars

Sue