SMI Stay-In-Play on Ford Focus

RGraf1941 wrote:
I just bought a 2014 Jeep Wrangler and have been looking into using the SMI braking system. I would like to know how folks like or dislike this system on any of their vehicles.
Thanks
Bob

Bob, did you pull the trigger on this?

I had the SMI system in my 2003 Wrangler and I loved it. I am now prepping to replace the 2003 with a 2014 and I want to be sure the SMI system will work in the new wrangler.

I'm mostly all-the-way sure that it will work, but just want to be sure. There is a big difference between the 2003 and 2014 Jeeps, this new one is NICE!

My apologies for not updating this thread sooner, but I am back to report that I am very pleased with the SMI Stay-IN-Play Duo installed in my 2014 Ford Focus Titanium Hatchback. When I’m ready to tow, I just flip the SMI switch to ON inside the car and turn the battery switch under the hood to OFF. We recently traversed Hwy 170 along the Rio Grande between Big Bend NP and Presidio, TX, and I was glad to have our Focus doing its part of the braking on a lot of hills that were as steep as 15%!

Before installing the brake system, I had the battery disconnect on the negative side of the battery, but this brake system, and maybe some others as well, necessitated moving the disconnect to the positive side. When under tow, the Focus battery powers the brake system, but none of the Ford systems, including the transmission controls.

Here are links to my other postings on battery disconnect and the SMI brake installation. I also have a 4-page SMI installation document and a wiring diagram available by request.

I just bought a 2014 Jeep Wrangler and have been looking into using the SMI braking system. I would like to know how folks like or dislike this system on any of their vehicles.
Thanks
Bob

Hank, SMI Duo does interface with the brake lights, and, in fact, if the toad is powered during tow, I assume the car's brake lights will come on when braking. On my Focus, the negative battery cable is disconnected (I put in a switch) during tow, and the car's tail lights during tow are additional bulbs drilled into the tail light housings. They are wired to completely bypass the Focus's wiring.

I'd recommend the installation video and the printed instructions, both available on SMI's website for more details.

got one with the rv we bought. Just bought a 13 Hyundai and trying to get camp world to install while doing the tow baseplate. Claim they never heard of the unit and are not sure they can install? Only question I really have is they are going to wire in a tow harness to the lights from the tow veh. Will it work ok with the brake pedal also being hot at the time the brakes are applied?

Any thoughts or did you not install a tow to towed wire harness kit?

Thanks for the quick & positive replies. One question I'm sure you can answer: what are the dimensions of the operating unit under the hood? I'm concerned with where to mount it in the Focus.

I also have looked at the brake pedal and the space for the actuator above my toes looks pretty skimpy. To mount the controller, the typical left side area is sort of taken up already with the hood release; I'm thinking it'd have to go on the passenger side of the center console? And, of course, there is the electricity problem--I already have a negative battery switch and I am in for some extra wiring problems to operate the SMI Duo.

Does it require any electricity from the car? Because you have to disconnect the battery on the Focus to tow it. You'd have to make up a dedicated line to the battery for it. Might not be a problem, but something you'd have to know about.

Can't help with the Focus, but our 2013 CRV with the SMI unit is great. Love the fact you just throw a switch to turn it on or off.

I don't have a Focus but have been very satisfied with the operation of my SMI unit on my 2010 CRV.