Most Popular One Time Set-Up for 2016 Kia Soul

The InvisiBrake system vacuum pump was too weak and slow to respond . I installed an external vacuum pump from Summit Racing which maintains 22"of vacuum on the brake chamber at all times ,the same as when the Ram engine is running . I installed an isolation valve on the Ram manifold vacuum line and a momentary test switch in the Ram to simulate the coach brake lights being on . That way I can take the Ram for a drive and set up the brakes as they should be.

Read the instructions and only use the trailer video/s as a guid!! Install was tough but doable. Take your time if you want a clean install. Lastly, the kit comes with updated check valves. The video will tell you that the "red side" faces the engine. That's not true if you are using the "black side" check valve. The black side faces the engine while the red is opposite. I wasted several hours troubleshooting a stiff break pedal when in reality, I had the check valve installed just as the trailer video explains it. My bust for trusting the video and not reading the install instructions fully.

System requires constant monitoring The plug in system has pins that mate with the rv cord. The pins on the plug are breaking, causing the brakes to apply often while driving the towed vehicle. The fuse has to be pulled to avoid uncontrolled breaking. I am going to create another plug to replace the original.

I choose the Brake Buddy Stealth for my 2021 Jeep Wrangler because I wanted a “stay in place” brake system and felt it would be a clean looking installation. I finished the toad side of the installation today and thought I’d leave some notes on what turned out to be a bigger project than I’d anticipated. Again, this is my experience on the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 2-door. Your experience on other vehicles may vary. I started this install after installing a Demco Tabless Base Plate. Right out of the blocks, there’s really no convenient location to mount the cable connector to the Demco baseplate. I chose to mount it to under side of the bumper on the driver’s side. To provide clearance and a route for the wires, I had to cut a notch into the plastic air dam. I used one of the already screw screw holes and used self tapping screws in the other three locations. For added strength I epoxied the connector to the bumper as well. Since the bumper would be unremovable if the connector were hardwired, I added a waterproof connector. The kit is stingy with wire lengths, so I substituted my own wire. The Stealth unit itself i mounted beneath the driver’s seat. Don’t be fooled into believing there is clearance when testing with the driver’s seat positioned for rear seat access. Once the seat is returned to normal operation it lowers a bit and the box keeps the seat from being move forehand aft. I solved the problem by installing 5/8” thick nylon washers under the rear end of the seat slides. I also cut away a bit of the carpet under the front, inboard corner of the box. You will need to remove the driver’s seat in order to attach the front screws of the box. Be sure to disconnect and isolate the neutral battery terminals to prevent inadvertent air bag discharge. After removing the interior trim from the A-pillar, the door sill, and the driver side foot well, The wiring and cable tucked nicely away along with the OEM wiring and wiring for my taillights. I mounted the pulley horizontally behind the brake pedal. Installing the vacuum pump was my biggest worry and challenge. Instructions are to zip tie it “somewhere”. That seemed pretty casual for a safety system. I chose, instead, to fabricate an aluminum bracket that attaches to the lip of the engine compartment and to the wheel well (this latter attachment point is necessary to keep the pump from vibrating). Finally, the kit comes with 3/8” fittings to tap into the brake booster vacuum lines. The Jeep, however, uses 8mm nylon tubing. Brake Buddy, via etrailer.com, stated that the tubing would stretch and all would be good. Again, this felt casual for a safety system. Instead, I purchased an 8mm check valve and a 8-6-8mm barbed tee through Another online retailer to do the job right. I had to heat the Jeep tubing to fit even the 8mm tee, so the is no way the larger 3/8” fittings would have worked. See photo of my finished vacuum line installation. Bottom line, it was a POA install, but looks great. Hopefully it will stop the Jeep when towing. I’ll find out soon. :D

Upgraded from RVi3 system which was a portable unit and operated solely on inertia which in my experience only worked on moderate to hard braking. This system being a dual system works even with mild braking. I'm very happy with it. Installation took me several partial days (60+ yr old, moderate mechanical skills). The videos are very helpful and had one for my exact 2020 Jeep Wrangler. Installation is easy but access under the dash to install the air cylinder and a roadmaster brake switch is awkward and difficult. My biggest fear was the access there and cutting the vacuum line. The vacuum line turned out to be very easy. I had to adjust my brake light switch after installation when I tested the system. Everything is adjusted properly now and works as I hoped.

I installed this system in a 2023 2 door Wrangler. I also used an etrailer base plate and etrailer tow bar. I had originally purchased a Demco Delta Force Braking System. However, with the shape of the floor in the Jeep I was unable to use this unit. There are various places to install the stay n play duo in the Wrangler and the etrailer installation videos show this. I elected to install mine under the drivers seat as I wanted to keep it out of the elements. I fabricated a sheet metal bracket to mount it on that allows the rear seat heater duct to function unimpeded. Once installed the unit is out of sight and very simple to use. Just a flip of the toggle switch and its ready. I only needed to make a few adjustments to have it brake the way jeep the way I wanted. This is also a very simple procedure. I highly recommend this unit and appreciate all of the information etrailer has on their site to aid in the procurement and installation of their products.

I have been using this new system for a week now, traveling in the USA. What I don’t know is if it’s actually baking because I feel like it’s not. The brake lights go on and the pedal moves but I don’t know if it’s moving enough. There’s no way to know how much my jeep is actually braking when I hit the motor home brakes. If there’s a way to test it other than having the brake line connected with everything else off, step on the motor home brakes while someone is in the jeep with it in gear to see if it stops. Seems like an awkward way to test it.

Installed the Air Force One as directed. Install was straight forward and fairly easy on both the Motorhome and F150. Issue is the relay valve that attached to the metered air line failed while testing the install. Brakes on the truck locked up and would not release. I called Demco who were vey helpful, but they are still waiting on replacement relay valves from their supplier. It’s been almost three weeks. Luckily it did not happen on the road.

Overall a great system, there are some intricacies to the install as it pertains to old instructions with LED light in the TOAD vs. CoachLink Wireless and also the 3 wire reed switch vs. the newer 2 wire one. But using the provided written instructions along with YouTube videos you can figure it out. My other challenge was my Jeep is a 392 model and thus the battery and fuse box are in swapped locations, as well as a different VAC line layout, but again you can figure it out…just takes some time to study and trace the routing. My only real complaint was ordering, I was quoted the wrong system for my RV (Stay and Play) vs. AF1 since I DO have air brakes. etrailer was helpful in getting the return process but wants to charge me the shipping and possibly restock fee, I am working with them on this and hope to get a good resolution.

We have put over 10k miles on this system. Everything has worked perfectly. A job very well done by Etrailer. Thank you!!