Installation of SMI Air Force One Supplemental Braking System and Ease of Disconnect

Published 01/31/2018

Question:

I have purchased and will likely be self-installing the following: Blue Ox BX3520 Base Plate Blue Ox BX8869 Bulb and Socket Tail Light Wiring Kit Blue Ox BX7365 Alpha 6,500lb Tow Bar Includes safety cables Blue Ox BX8875 Tow Bar Cover Blue Ox BX88206 Coiled Cable with Female Receptor I am leaning towards the SMI Air Force One braking system, but still considering others. Obviously I need a safe proportional system, but I am particularly interested in minimizing time and complexity in connecting and disconnecting the toad. Im also somewhat intimidated by the SMI Air Force One install. Im mechanically handy, but do not have access to a lift for either the RV or Toad. I do really good work very slowly. The RV has leveling jacks, but Im thinking space underneath the RV will still be very tight. Im guessing that the RV 7 pin trailer cord has a pin for trailer brakes. Im not sure if this signal is proportional or on-on only. Is there a Toad brake stem that reads this signal to provide proportional Toad braking without having to tap into the RV brake system? Im not terribly interested in inertia brake systems. If I end-up going with the SMI Air Force One brake system. Im considering having it professionally installed on the RV and Toad. How many hours of installer time would normally be required?

asked by: Stephen M

Expert Reply:

The SMI Air Force One Supplemental Braking System # SM99243 referenced in your question is confirmed to fit your Suzuki Grand Vitara and is a great choice if your RV has air brakes. This is a true, proportional system, which means it will actually use air pressure from the RV's brakes to apply the brakes in your towed vehicle at the same time and with the same intensity.

The initial installation can definitely be a bit more involved than some other systems, but a great thing about this product is that it requires very little attention thereafter, which seems to be perfect for your particular wants. There is no need to remove or activate the system each time you tow and disconnect. The operating unit itself is hidden, so nothing is in the way that would need to be moved around when driving the vehicle. The system will automatically function when it's then connected back to the RV.

I have attached the complete written installation manual for this system that you can look over. If you are hesitant to perform the install yourself, I definitely recommend seeking out a local shop, as again, once the unit is installed, there is very little you will need to do. I spoke with my contact at SMI and he stated that the typical installation time (combined for the towed vehicle and RV) is around 4 to 5 hours for a professional mechanic. It can fall closer to or even under 4 hours with somebody who has had experience with this particular system, or may be on the longer end for a professional installing it for the first time. You can use this estimate, along with the installation instructions attached to shop around for accurate quotes.

expert reply by: Chris R