Does the SMI Air Force One Supplemental Braking System Draw Power From the Towed Vehicles Battery

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Demco Air Force One Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Air Brakes - Proportional

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Replacement LED Monitor Light for Demco Air Force One and Stay-IN-Play Duo Braking Systems

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Question:

Do you know what the current draw is of the AF1 box. Since it is hooked up directly to the battery it will constantly draw power even when the vehicle is parked. Thanks!

asked by: Dan

Expert Reply:

The SMI Air Force One Supplemental Braking System part # SM99243 is a mechanically operated supplemental braking system, it uses the air from the coach to apply the brakes. Therefore, the Air Force One will not draw power from the towed vehicle for operation. However, if using the included monitor light (LED Monitor Light part # SM99612) this will draw power from the vehicle's battery but only while the brakes are applied in the tow vehicle with the system switched on. The monitor light has LEDs so it only draws very minimal power which would not be enough to drain the tow vehicle's battery although I don't have any specific amp draw specifications.

expert reply by: Conner L

Ken B.

1/15/2025

If I have the wireless Coachlink installed will the transmitter in the toad have parasitic draw on the toad battery when it’s parked?

Jesse M.

1/15/2025

@KenB Generally the Coachlink will not draw enough power to cause problems with the battery draining. That said, in most cases we do recommend adding a charge line kit to your towed vehicle to keep the battery topped off.