What model do I need?
There are 2 models to choose from. Air Force One is designed
for coaches with air brakes. If you have air brakes, AFO is the
industries best choice. AFO uses air to activate, there is no
worry with your exhaust brake. The new Stay-IN-Play DUO will
work for both gas and diesel coaches. With DUO, brake lights and
deceleration are required so false or unwanted activations are
eliminated. In addition, with two signals necessary to activate,
there is no need for the delay technology found in all the box
brakes. Total control, progressive braking, and no set up with
the fastest no delay activation in the industry. For a gas rig,
there is no other choice.
Will the SMI systems void my warranties?
The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act is a United States federal law
(15 U.S.C. 2301 et seq.). Enacted in 1975, it is the federal
statute that governs warranties. It states that warranties
cannot be voided unless the addition of the after market part is
proven to be the cause of the failure of the warranted part. In
short NO. Several Saturn dealers sell and install the SMI
systems because they utilize the vehicle's brake systems the way
they were designed.
Will Air Force One effect my air brakes?
In a word no. SMI worked with Spartan Chassis and Bendix to
create the only air brake system that meets federal regulations.
These regualtions are designed to protect the coach air supply
as well as the towed vehicle in the event of a towing system
failure.
How long is the warranty?
All SMI products are warranted for 5 years.
How long has SMI been in business?
SMI started in 1997. SMI is family owned and operated. We
understand the importance of family. As a family, we have
enjoyed RVing for many years. Having traveld for years in our
own rigs, we understand the importance of providing products and
support that give you the trouble-free traveling you are looking
for.
Can your systems be user installed?
Each system comes with well written, easy to understand
instructions so the user can install the system. We have a
network of dealers and installers if you would prefer to have it
installed for you.
Do you have a breakaway system?
Everything you need comes with each system including the
breakaway system.
Where do the components go?
Both the DUO and AFO have a single operating unit that is
small enough to be installed under the hood of any tow car. Both
systems use the industries smallest actuator mounted on the
brake arm so it is out of the way and does not have to be taken
in and out each time you want to move the car.
Will these systems lock up my towed vehicles brakes?
Both the Stay-IN-Play and Air Force One systems are designed
to duplicate your brake effort from the coach. Neither model is
capable of locking up the towed vehicle brakes.
How does the Stay-IN-Play DUO know when to activate?
The brakes of the coach must to be applied AND you must
create sufficient deceleration for the DUO to apply the towed
vehicle brakes. The declaration is a user adjustable feature.
The DUO CANNOT activate without the coach brakes, a decided
advantage on steep grades.
How does Air Force One know to apply the brakes?
AFO requires air to activate. Due to the powerful nature of
exhaust brakes, Air Force One is the best choice for diesel
coaches.
I have air over hydraulic brakes, will Air Force One work?
Yes. In an air over hydraulic coach air is used to control
how much brake effort is applied. Air Force One can easily
accommodate these rigs.
How do these systems activate my power brakes?
To be an efficient system, the vacuum booster must be
energized. This creates a soft pedal for the SMI systems to
apply the brakes. Air Force One utilizes a patent pending
process that converts air pressure into vacuum without a pump.
The Stay-IN-Play DUO use an electronic pump.
Will either model wear my battery down?
AFO has no electronic draw on the towed vehicle. The DUO only
draws power when it activates. This means that you can tow for
several days without concern for your battery.
How can I get the installation instructions?
Air Force One Installation Instructions