Community Forums

lmlayfield · 05-03-2025, 05:40 AM

I have a new to me 22 Phaeton 40IH and need to get it set up to tow my 2025 Ford Ranger. Based on many threads on this forum, the Demco Air Force One is what I would like to use. My challenge is I cannot find anyone to install it. I live in the Birmingham area and everyone in Red Bay that can install it is booked out into August or September. So….

1. Does anyone know a shop anywhere near B’ham that can install the AF1 on both the toad and the coach side?
2. How hard is it to DIY? I’m fairly handy and think I can handle the toad side, but have zero knowledge of air brakes and the coach side strikes a little fear since I need to cut my own brake lines!
3. There is a Camping World in Calera, AL, but that organization brings a whole different set of concerns. Anyone have experience with this particular CW that can give me confidence in their shop?

The Roadmaster base plates for the new Ranger are supposed to be available by the end of May/first part of June, so I am still several weeks out from having everything in hand to install. I have a big trip west planned for end of July and would like to be ready for travel by then.

Thanks for any ideas and insights!

SamKVA · 05-03-2025, 07:30 AM

The TOAD side is not difficult. I did our JK. For the RV side, I paid a mobile mechanic as I was not comfortable cutting the air line. You may have mobile tech in your area. I would call a local place that sells the AF1 for advice on a place to have it installed. A friend of mine took his to well known shop in the area and they charged a flat rate of $1200 for just the RV end and it doesn't even take 2 hours.

Sam

lmlayfield · 05-03-2025, 08:22 AM

Thanks SamKVA! I’ve sent an email to a local mobile tech and keeping my fingers crossed.

DarkSideJeep · 05-03-2025, 08:42 AM

You could also contact NIRVC either in Nashville or Atlanta. The Atlanta would be closer for you, I think.

Here s a link to the NIRVC web site.

https://www.nirvc.com/

You may not have anything to do on the coach. Many air brake coaches have the air connection installed from the factory.

lmlayfield · 05-03-2025, 09:57 AM

Thanks DarkSideJeep! Both locations are over 3 hours away, but they would be a good back up option. I’ll check to see how far out they are on appointments.

2Ropes · 05-03-2025, 12:23 PM

Took my RV 2 hours away to have the coach side installed. Installed the toad part on my 2020 F150 myself. The Airforce One and base plates for BlueOx were not difficult although the underdash work was uncomfortable. Like being a plumber working under a sink, your back is on the floor board and your butt and legs are hanging outside the truck. I used a couple crates outside the door to support my butt! It also requires running a wire harness from the front back to your taillights and splicing in diodes to your tail light wires. Then so the brake lights don't override the turn signal another device was needed to be wired into the brake wires under the dash and run to a fuse block. The wiring took we two days, base plate and brake unit not quite a day.

lmlayfield · 05-03-2025, 01:05 PM

2Ropes, sounds like quite a bit of work on the toad side. Now, I’m going to get a quote for that part too.

Thanks!

shepardmike · 05-03-2025, 01:18 PM

I took mine to a local place for both mods. My Berk didn't have a tank for the toad so they had to tap into the brake lines. This made me uncomfortable at first but then I got over it. Just make sure whoever does it gets the charge line correct.

I watched and learned from it and could do it myself next time. But for me, all I have done since is change coaches and it didn't require any mods.

medic149 · 05-03-2025, 01:42 PM

I'm in the same boat as you.

I live in upstate NY and can't get anyone to install an Air Force One. Except for an RV dealer that wanted $6k to install it and the baseplate on my new Jeep.

Even the installers listed on Etrailer and the manufacturer's websites refused.

lmlayfield · 05-03-2025, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by medic149

I'm in the same boat as you.

I live in upstate NY and can't get anyone to install an Air Force One. Except for an RV dealer that wanted $6k to install it and the baseplate on my new Jeep.

Even the installers listed on Etrailer and the manufacturer's websites refused.

Wow! $6k is kinda crazy. Bay Diesel in Red Bay said $4500 for both the hardware and the install. I did call NIRVA as DarkSideJeep suggested. The service guy seemed to think they could do it. He has to talk to the tech on Monday. I certainly hope they don’t come back anywhere near the $6k number you got. If so, I’m buying a creeper to slide under the coach, watching YouTube, and going DIY.

Csclark5253 · 05-04-2025, 05:45 AM

As an avid DIYer myself I am in the same boat as you, with the exactsamerig. I have just completed the toad side on my 2024 GMC Canyon and it went pretty smooth. No leftover parts, that's always good, lol. Now I have my creeper ready and watching all the YouTubes I can find and feel pretty confident I can get-r-done. I'm with you though, cutting into the lines is my fear. Good luck and keep us posted please.

DAJO · 05-04-2025, 07:24 AM

I have used and liked AF1 for years. But due the expense and difficulty of installation I am going to use the https://nsarvproducts.com/ on my 2025 Ranger Raptor.

mg2016 · 05-04-2025, 07:37 AM

I installed AF1 on my jeep and motorhome. Is it difficult, no but it is time consuming. Watch a couple of videos, go over the installation instructions and you can do this. Demco tech support is excellent. I contacted them twice during my installation. They were very helpful.

In my opinion, anything over $1000 is not reasonable. Taking your time, 5 hours is about right. I suspect no one wants to take the time to understand the installation for your specific vehicle.

Pol6 · 05-04-2025, 09:29 AM

I've been using the AF1 for a year, 2019 Red 33AA and Ford Maverick Hybrid. I really like the AF1 as it's really easy to setup tow and most importantly it works great.

I did the install on the vehicle side myself, the supplied instructions are detailed and frankly it's not that complicated. If you're able to do a brake job then you're skilled enough.

As for the coach side, I left the plumbing work to a local truck shop. However I did hang the auxiliary air tank myself and installed the quick disconnect fitting at the rear. To finish off, it took less than 2 hours for the mechanic to route the air hose and tap into the coach's air system. On my coach the brake proportional valve is located just in front of the rear axle so routing the hoses was not difficult.

There's a few RV repair shop near my place but they charge crazy amount of money and are overbooked. For all my chassis related work, I use a big rig truck repair shop that is willing to work on my DP...

Good luck !