Air Force One or M&G 2.0 experience

[millsj]

My wife and I own a 2019 Renegade Classic. We love it! When the RV isn't going to the track with the race car, we flat tow a Miata. The Miata is light enough where it doesn't require a supplemental brake system. However, we are going to be changing to a 2021 Jeep Wrangler toad, which will require a supplemental brake system.



We are leaning toward the Air Force One or M&G 2.0 system. The original M&G system isn't compatible or that would be our top pick. Does anyone have any experience with either of these systems on a Renegade Classic (or Renegade). I am curious if one integrates into the Classic air system better than the other.


Since the M&G 2.0 system has most of it's components in the toad, I'm not sure if I can just utilize the glad hand air connector on the rear instead of having to tap into the existing system like the AFO.


Any info would be appreciated.

[RonLC]

I have had both the old M&G which did not require a hole in the firewall for a cable to the brake pedal and a new AF1 which does. The new M&G2 has to have a hole there too I understand. My old M&G attached to the toad's master cylinder only. The issue was that on that particular toad, a 2010 Enclave, the entire engine air filtration system had to be removed and a K&N installed in its place. My 2017 Enclave could not use the old M&G system so I went with the AF1. All either one required from the coach was a connection into the air brake line. The 2017 Enclave follows my 2019 Verona LE down the road.

A funny story about the 2010 Enclave is that when I sold the class A that it followed down the road, a couple bought it as a toad. All the tow gear was on it, including the M&G. They took off with it one afternoon and drove it to SE Florida where their class A was waiting with a mechanic to adapt their coach to the Enclave. After a few hours they texted me a picture of the Enclave being drug across a pasture leaving deep ruts because the wheels were locked up. What is wrong with the Enclave they asked? Nothing, I said and texted back. "Apparently your ace mechanic connected the M&G to an air line that is always active rather than one that is only active when the coach's brake pedal is pushed". Never heard from them again.

[millsj]

Thanks for the input. At least the owners of your prior Enclave tested the system in a pasture and not the street. That might have been a little more exciting.

[MFortie]

I sent an e-mail to M&G awhile back asking about a glad hand connection. They confirmed it was an option.

[RonLC]

Originally Posted by millsj

Since the M&G 2.0 system has most of it's components in the toad, I'm not sure if I can just utilize the glad hand air connector on the rear instead of having to tap into the existing system like the AFO.

Two things I didn't know until I read this:

1. What a Glad Hand Is.

2. That a Classic comes with one on the rear??


Cool

[bhammond1980]

We have the AF1 system. Has worked fine for 7+ years. My only complaint is the hardware that's exposed to the environment. The brackets supplied to mount the air line connections are just painted brackets that rust in less than a year, I've made my own out of SS. Also the emergency breakaway switch isn't built for an outside environments, I have replaced mine once. Everything else works and is good quality.

[millsj]

Good to know that the M&G system could utilize the glad hand connector. I suspected that might be the case. It's a little frustrating to think that I have air connections on the rear of the coach, but you still have to tap into them. I understand why the AFO system has to due to its design, but it would be nice to not have to tap the air lines.


This may not be a fair opinion, but from looking into these systems, it seems like the AFO is a complete well thought out kit and the M&G 2.0 system is piecemealed together. It also seems like there are a lot more AFO systems out there is use compared to the 2.0 system. There are many of happy original M&G system users, but far fewer 2.0 users.



That being said, if the original M&G system would fit the 2021 Wrangler, I don't think I would even be having this conversation. At the moment, I am leaning toward the AFO system.

[MagnaTudes]

How about a Roadmaster Brakemaster?

Roadmaster Brakemaster


Installation Instructions

[twc88]

I know it was not one of the original options but a second the brakemaster. One good thing is it can be mover from one vehicle to another with just a seat bracket to buy, unlike the others that are vehicle specific. just my .02

[millsj]

I've taken a look at the Roadmaster system, but I really don't want to have to install or remove anything when departing or arriving at a location. We don't swap cars very often, so moving from one car to another isn't a big deal.



When we do tow the Miata, it is light enough where it doesn't require a supplemental braking system in almost all states. Our RV is about 39k pounds with a GVWR of 58k. I figure the RV can handle an extra 2500 lbs behind it with that much head room between our actual weight and gross weight. I don't think the RV would have any problem braking with the 4500 lb Jeep, but it isn't ok legally.

[twc88]

Originally Posted by millsj

I've taken a look at the Roadmaster system, but I really don't want to have to install or remove anything when departing or arriving at a location. We don't swap cars very often, so moving from one car to another isn't a big deal.

Ya, that is the one drawback. It is easy but still one more thing, as thorough as I do my pre-trip I did forget it one day. Thought it felt funny stopping. Keep saying I am going to wire an indicator light in cab.

[Doug Darby]

We have used an AF One on our Ram 2500 since we started towing it and it works very well.

[xcflyn]

I will add 1 comment. When I was researching a while back the one thing that sold me on the AF1 was how many people have had theirs for years and years and never had a single problem.

[millsj]

Thanks for all the feedback. We picked up the Jeep last weekend and I have been working on setting it up for towing. I haven't gotten the brake system yet, but I'm 99% sure it will be the AF1 system.