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Topic: SMI Air Force Toad Brakes (Read 1070 times) previous topic - next topic

SMI Air Force Toad Brakes

Surely, This has been run around many times but my question goes to the users of the SMI Air Force Air Brake setup.  I am considering this for the F150 pickup. 

Question, is this an adjustable unit where I, the user can determine the amount of braking used.  Do not need to drag the wheels on the pickup nor burn up the pads, calipers nor the rotors.  In other words, I prefer it to appear to be a brake more than actually doing very much.
.
Thanks

Re: SMI Air Force Toad Brakes

Reply #1 –
Quote from: Dave M –
Surely, This has been run around many times but my question goes to the users of the SMI Air Force Air Brake setup.  I am considering this for the F150 pickup. 
Question, is this an adjustable unit where I, the user can determine the amount of braking used.  Do not need to drag the wheels on the pickup nor burn up the pads, calipers nor the rotors.  In other words, I prefer it to appear to be a brake more than actually doing very much.
Thanks

This previous thread might help.
http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=6512.msg27852#msg27852

http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=8426.msg36963#msg36963

The selected media item is not currently available.Barry BEAM #16014
2003 U320 40' AGDS
Beamalarm, Foretravel technical help and specifications
"Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve"

Re: SMI Air Force Toad Brakes

Reply #2 –
When I purchased our 2009 Lincoln MKX I had hoped that the M&G system could be installed in it but it would not fit. I had used the M&G system on 2 Dodge Dakota pickups and was very satisfied with it. The M&G system is initially set up and no further adjustments are needed. In February 2009, I talked to Derek at MOT and arranged to have them install the SMI Air Force One system with the breakaway feature on the 2009 Lincoln MKX and our 2009 Phenix and have been very satisfied with it. To my knowledge there are no adjustments. The newer model, which I have, has part of the system installed in the tow vehicle and part in the coach engine area. They had a white 4 LED light that you install on the front of the tow vehicle and it comes on when the braking system comes on. It was almost worthless as you could hardly see the lights when they were on. I went on Ebay and got a Red 9 LED light unit for about $25.00 which I permanently mounted under the windshield wipers and it is very visible when it comes on. I would suggest that you call MOT if you have any technical questions.
Ed Schreindorfer
Waco, TX - Currently Fulltiming
2009 Phenix Mid Entry 42'
2009 Lincoln MKX Toad

Re: SMI Air Force Toad Brakes

Reply #3 –
Great, Looks like the simple direction is check with Mike at MOT for the details
Thanks Barry and Ed.

Re: SMI Air Force Toad Brakes

Reply #4 –
Use an inexpensive pressure regulator on air line from motorhome to toad and adjust down to 40-60 psi.

Re: SMI Air Force Toad Brakes

Reply #5 –
Also talk with the folks at SMI.  SMI is a relatively small family run business.  You'll talk to someone who knows the product intimately and can answer your questions. 

I stopped at their facility in Indiana this summer to have repairs done to the unit at the interface to the cable going from the coach to the car.  All my fault, I had damaged the box and blown a fuse.  I had added a mud flap across the back (the standard Foretravel type).  In leveling the coach the rear squatted down and mangled the box.  Amazingly the box still worked.  They relocated a new box out of harms way and really left it in great shape. 

I was very impressed with their product, the entire staff, and the management.  A first class outfit.


Audrey & Harvey Nelson
2000 U-320, 40' towing 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
nelsonah@ieee.org

Re: SMI Air Force Toad Brakes

Reply #6 –
I will second what the Nelsons have said.  I spoke to the president of SMI on several occasions when I was deciding between M&G and SMI.  I was very impressed that he responded so quickly to every message I sent.  And after 19 months his product continues to perform flawlessly.
 
During Derek's reign at MoT Derek was not to keen on SMI, but he finally relented and did the installation of Air Force One on our Honda.
George Stoltz.  Retired from full-time living in a great Foretravel and now are back to living in a traditional sticks and bricks in Florida.

Re: SMI Air Force Toad Brakes

Reply #7 –
Dave,
I have this system on my toad and had the same concerns as you.  I wanted something that would make me legal everywhere, but not excessively wear my brakes.  I accomplished this by mounting the clamp for the pull cable high on the brake pedal lever.  This decreases the mechanical advantage somewhat, reducing the braking force.  It is still active enough to add a reasonable amount of braking, and more importantly provide braking should the breakaway be activated.

I would not suggest reducing the air pressure with a regulator, as while this gives the desired effect for routine braking, it would not allow you to charge the storage tank for the breakaway to the maximum pressure.  This is important to me.
Dick

Re: SMI Air Force Toad Brakes

Reply #8 –
You must have a different SMI than I do.  Mine is adjustable. Based on deceleration.

best, paul
 
On Nov 22, 2010 8:58 PM, "Dick Mason" >
Quote
Dave,
I have this system on my toad and had the same concerns as you.  I wanted something that would make me legal everywhere, but not excessively wear my brakes.  I accomplished this my mounting the clamp for the pull cable high on the brake pedal lever.  This decreases the mechanical advantage somewhat, reducing the braking force.  It is still active enough to add a certain amount of braking, and more importantly provide braking should the breakaway be activated.

I would not suggest reducing the air pressure with a regulator, as while this gives the desired effect for routine braking, it would not allow you to charge the storage tank for the breakaway to the maximum pressure.  This is important to me.
 
Dick
 
Dick Mason
Prescott, AZ
2000 U-270
www.masonclan.org

1999 U320 40' 1200 watts on roof. 12cf AC/DC Cold plate fridge/freezer. VMS 240 CL Honda Element

Re: SMI Air Force Toad Brakes

Reply #9 –
SMI makes a couple of different models.  The Air Force One that I have is activated only by the pressure in the air brake line.  It is a proportional system, so the harder you press the coach brake pedal, the harder the toad brakes.  There is no inertia sensor on mine to detect deceleration.
Dick