Thinking about SMI Aireforce One-Question

They probably don't want the liability just in case there is a problem with the coach brakes at some point. I installed mine myself and I must say I did hesitate before cutting that air line like I was cutting a wire on a ticking bomb.

Hello again,

I must be tired. I meant to say in my original post that the dealers do not recommend cutting into the air brake system.

Stuart

Did you consider the ReadyBrute Elite? This is a towbar with an integrated inertial braking system. I like it because there is nothing to go wrong - very simple operation.

I use the SMI and like tkcas01 I installed it myself and everything went well and I have been using it for 3 years now. I would look for a shop that will do it for you of you don't want to tackle the project yourself. I think they are afraid of liability if something goes wrong. They are very confident in their mechanics.

Paul

Thank you for your reply's. I am still sitting on the fence for brake units but do like the air force one a lot.

stuart

If the connectors that tap into the air line are supplied with the SMI system they will be ok, and cutting a line to install a new line to the toads brake will not afect the brakes on the RV, the worst that can happen is that there is a leak and some soappy water will reveal the problem.

Otherwise use quality products, avoid the junk from China or other counties.

If all the air leaks from an air opperated system, the park brakes lose preshure and apply, they are spring driven on and air preshure maintains them off.

SMI products are very good I have the unit that has a vacum system to the booster and the hard wire control, have had it for 12 years and it has never given me any trouble.

navegator

S-n-L wrote:
I am still sitting on the fence for brake units but do like the air force one a lot.

stuart

If you are still on the fence look at the Ready Brake or Ready Brute. No cutting into air lines and the complete tow bar and brakes is less than just the air units.

az99 wrote:

S-n-L wrote:
I am still sitting on the fence for brake units but do like the air force one a lot.

stuart

If you are still on the fence look at the Ready Brake or Ready Brute. No cutting into air lines and the complete tow bar and brakes is less than just the air units.

X2. Especially if you haven't bought a tow bar yet, the ReadyBrake will save you a LOT of money, over $1000 or so.

If you get the Ready Brute Elite tow bar, you get a very nice tow bar AND the ReadyBrake braking system, for about the same $$ as you'd pay for just a tow bar from anyone else. And, you get a braking system that is MUCH simpler - no electronics, no tapping into air lines, much simpler installation...You just can't beat it, IMO.

I made my own air brake system for less than $50. I put a T on one of the tag's air chamber (did not cut the 1/2 air line) and ran a small 3/16" air line to a quick connect at the back of the MH. Even if this line breaks, it will not loose enough air to affect the MH's braking... especially coming from the tag. Using a 1 1/4" diameter air cylinder you do not need a pressure reducer. I use a 1/4" rope to attach it to the brake pedal so it hangs down just below the bottom of the pedal. I put the conduit over the large screw to hold it in place. Takes less than 30 seconds to put on. You might want to click on "How I tow" below for my break away braking.

You can use regular air line connectors between the RV and the toad, a regular slinky same as what one uses for infalting tires or a mechanics shop.

navegator