Cedar41
Cedar Creek Lake, Texas
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Joined: 03/02/2004
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Thank you for your information. It is just what we need at this time.
I have a question. In reading thru you evaluation I am drawn to the Blue Ox, Brake Buddy or Brake Pro. The Brake Pro seems to have the added feature of being proportional. Other than that the three seem extremely similar. Not having used one of this type brake systems before that one feature seems to give it the advantage.
I am correct on this conclusion and do you know of any feed back posted on reliablity performace on these three.
We are new RVrs and find your post very valuable.
Thanks for all you work.
John
[email protected]
Papillon and Schnauzer
2004 38' Alpine
2004 Honda Pilot toad
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me1
Kent, WA
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Joined: 06/20/2004
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Cedar41,
Go to search and type in Brake Pro. I believe that only the last 14 days are shown. You can go back several weeks and read lots of comments by folks that have had lots of problems with the Brake Pro. They seem to still have lots of bugs in the system.
SF
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dicnic
Boynton Beach, FL
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Joined: 07/14/2004
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I notice that the pictures of the SMI Stay in Play show the control box mounted under the dash on the left side. Is this where it MUST be located? My "toad to be", a Honda Civic SI does not have much room there so I should probably mount the control box elsewhere.
Any suggestions from you SMI Stay in Play owners? Thanks!
Sold our 2001 National Tradewinds, might buy a new on someday.
One Bald-Headed Old Guy (me)
One Jewish-American Princess (DW)
Two Birman Cats, Mocha & Coco
I speak three languages: English, Sarcasm & Profanity
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RoadReady1
Knoxville, TN
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Joined: 08/04/2004
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I thought that at first as well, but as I talked to SMI, they told me that the picture you're probably referring is actually the driver's seat of a Jeep liberty. After using the SMI Stay-in-Play for quite some time, I can tell you that it works very well. As for your question, no it does not have to be located under the driver's seat. They told me when I bought the unit that it could be placed under the driver's seat, passenger seat, second row seat (SUV), or even in the trunk. If you would like more information about your particular application, I would e-mail [email protected] . They are very knowledgeable and helpful. Let me know if you have any other questions, I'll try to answer them the best that I can.
Brent
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Globetrotter
Manitoba, Canada
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Joined: 02/08/2004
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I have the SMI Stay n Play purchased this spring. The info on proportional is helpful as I was not certain of the whether the braking (vacuum) pressure changed on regular breaking or only in panic mode. I now understand it.The panic option works well as I have had to use it and the rig/dingy stopped quite quickly.
A key point on the stay n play is this. Some dingy's will not have enough room under the driver's or passenger seat to house the box. However I spoke to SMI who indicated to have the dealer request more line when ordering so it could be situated in the trunk. This was my preference anyway as it is out of sight. The box only needs to be velcroed to the trunk floor and with quick release hookups can be removed for those times you won't be towing for some time.
Having the vacuum pump attached to the shaft of the brake pedal takes a little getting used to as there is not a lot of room on small cars. However one quickly becomes accustomed to it.
Thanks for your help and hopefully this contributes a little something.
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vroes
New Orleans, LA
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Joined: 03/31/2004
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I now have 5,000mi flat towing our Ranger pickup equipped with the SuperStop Fitzall system (http://www.hendersonslineup.com/fitzall.htm). The system is spliced into the air brakes on the coach. When the coach service brakes are applied, air pressure strokes a cylinder/piston arrangement in the toad, applying the toad brakes, without power assist. I did not get the breakaway feature. Ordered it over the phone and self installed for about $500.
I am very pleased with the quality and operation of the system, and I'm surprised I have seen so little written about it. It seems like a very simple reliable system which gives true proportional braking if towing with a coach equipped with air brakes. They do offer a version which will work with hydraulic brakes on the coach, I don't have any experience with it. I'd be interested in hearing other experiences with it.
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Kenbt
Thousand Oaks, CA U
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Joined: 10/03/2004
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In your description of the SMI unit you state that the unit uses the toad's electrical system. I had the 4 wire SMI unit on a 1999 Fleetwood Bounder 34' and was towing a 1999 Honda CRV. The electrical source for the 4 wire SMI unit was the Motor Home not the Honda.
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pulsar
Lewisville, NC
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Joined: 12/30/2001
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Welcome to the forum Ken (Kenbt).
Did your FourWire system have a break away system with it? The wiring diagram from SMI’s website shows that the break away switch uses a 15A connection to the toad’s battery. FourWire wiring diagram Note: This is a pdf file.
Tom
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Kenbt
Thousand Oaks, CA U
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Yes, the 4 wire SMI system had a break-away system that was wired from the toad vehicles battery to the break-away system switch. That way the unit has power when disconnected from the r/v's power supply
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tiger98546
grapeview,wa,usa
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Joined: 10/05/2004
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Thank you for this info. It is great to have it in one place. I've been researching braking systems and also came up with the Toadstop - specifically the toadstop II or the toadstop qi. Does anyone have experience with either of these? I was told that the toadstop II was loud but who would care if it is in the toad? any info is appreciated - these systems are expensive enough to make me want to choose right the first time.
deb
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