To see if this custom-fit item will work for you please tell us what vehicle you'll use it with.
Thank you! Your comment has been submitted successfully. You should be able to view your question/comment here within a few days.
Error submitting comment. Please try again momentarily.
Plug in and go: this permanent system gets you smooth, reliable braking with a one-and-done installation. Low-profile components designed to stay out of sight.
Features:
Specs:
"This is the top system I recommend if you have hydraulic brakes. Quality, reliable, tried-and-true. It just always works."
A braking system is a must when towing a vehicle behind your motorhome. Without it, the weight of the towed car can create a safety hazard, strain your RV's brakes, and affect the warranty of both your car and motorhome. Most states legally require a supplemental braking system, so if you don't use one and you end up in an accident (which is more likely since your RV takes longer to come to a full stop), your insurance and liability headache just doubled. You also won't have any breakaway system; if there's an accidental disconnect, there's nothing to bring your car to a stop.
The Stay-IN-Play Duo is a permanent braking system, which means that it's a one-and-done. Once it's installed, there's no more setup that you have to do. When you plug in the power cord at the front of your vehicle, the system automatically turns on. Flip the on switch for the G-Force controller and just like that, you're ready to flat tow.
While the components are installed permanently in your RV and toad, they remain concealed and inconspicuous. None of them will interfere with normal driving, and most of the time they are invisible. And you don't have to find a place to store them between trips.
The Stay-IN-Play Duo is unique in that it uses both an inertia sensor and your motorhome's brake light signal to activate. Having this double-check ensures that the system will only activate when it's truly needed.
First, the Duo monitors your motorhome's brake light signal so that it knows when you're intentionally hitting the brakes. This ensures there's no false braking.
Second, the inertia sensor in the Duo senses the change in momentum of your toad (towed vehicle) as your setup slows down. It precisely measures this change so it can activate your toad's brakes to match the rate of the RV's deceleration; this is what makes it proportional. When you apply the brakes in your motorhome, the braking system will engage the brakes of the toad at the same time with the same amount of force. This keeps the RV and the toad in sync with each other, so whether it's a gradual slow down to a red light or a hard stop in an emergency, the toad and the RV will brake together.
It starts with the G-Force controller. The G-Force controller contains the inertia sensor that senses the change in your RV's momentum. You'll install it in the cab of your toad, underneath the dashboard. This keeps it out of the way but easy to reach so you can flip the toggle and adjust the knob.
Note: The G-Force controller must be pointed in the direction of travel - with the toggle switch facing the driver's seat - for the internal sensor to function properly.
The controller lets you adjust the sensitivity of the inertia sensor to determine how drastic the change in momentum must be for the system to trigger. Set the sensitivity low and the Duo will only engage when you forcibly step on your motorhome's brake pedal. Set it high and a mere tap on the brakes will get a reaction. It's totally up to you how sensitive you want it to be; a heavier vehicle will probably need more sensitivity, while a lighter one doesn't need to brake so hard. The knob on the face of the controller lets you easily program your setting.
When the G-Force controller detects a change in inertia, it checks that there's a brake light signal from the RV to confirm that it is indeed braking. It then sends a signal to the main operating unit to activate; the main unit delivers pressurized air through an air line to the actuating cylinder that attaches to your toad's brake pedal. The cylinder will pull the pedal down, applying your brakes almost instantaneously.
The actuating cylinder attaches permanently to the arm of your toad's brake pedal. Though it is permanent, it should not interfere with your everyday driving. In most vehicles, it is tucked up where you can't even see it.
When you're driving, your vehicle uses vacuum pressure to create the force needed to bring the car to a stop. On most vehicles, this vacuum-assist function does not work when the engine is off. As a result, a lot of supplemental braking systems have to use an excessive amount of pressure while braking the toad.
The Duo, on the other hand, reactivates the vacuum-assist function by tying into your car's vacuum line. Your car will brake evenly and naturally as it's being towed, so there's less risk of damage.
Included with the Duo is an LED indicator light for safety and peace of mind. This LED, mounted in the toad (on the dash or on the back of the rearview mirror) and visible in your RV's backup camera, will light up whenever your toad is actively braking. It's a simple way to keep tabs on whether the system is working properly or if something is going wrong.
Most supplemental braking systems have a method of letting you know you when they activate, but not all of them are checking if the toad is actually braking. There could be an error that causes the system to activate without actually applying the toad's brakes. Or your brake pedal might actually be continuously depressed when it shouldn't be. But unless you have a system that's monitoring your vehicle, you won't know it until the damage is already done.
This braking monitor connects directly to your toad's brake light switch so it only lights up when the pedal is depressed and a signal is sent to the brake lights.
If there's a strong glare on your toad's windshield, the LED light strip might be hard to see. The wireless Coachlink system (SM99945 - sold separately) is a great solution to this problem; the monitor mounts right on your motorhome's dashboard so it's directly in view. This is a great add-on for convenience and peace of mind.
The Duo also comes with a breakaway switch, an absolute must for safe flat towing. If there's ever an emergency situation where your toad becomes detached from the motorhome, the breakaway switch will immediately activate the brakes and bring the vehicle to a stop.
This switch mounts to the front of your toad and wires into the Duo's operating unit. It includes a pin that connects to your RV's hitch receiver with a breakaway cable. If the toad and RV become disconnected, the cable will pull the pin out of the switch and trigger the braking system. A reserve air supply in the operating unit will then apply the brakes in the car.
Flat towing can be a much more convenient way to take your car RVing with you than using a trailer or a tow dolly. It'll save you storage space both at home and at the campsite, and it takes less time and hassle to hook up.
To flat tow your vehicle, there are 5 basic components you're going to need: a tow bar, a base plate kit, a safety cable set, tow bar wiring, and a flat tow braking system.
| For the RV | Between the RV and Towed Car | For the Towed Car |
|---|---|---|
| Hitch | Tow bar | Base plate |
| Wiring plug | Safety cables | Braking system |
| Wiring adapter cord | Wiring kit/diodes |
The custom-fit base plate installs on the frame of your toad so you can connect the car to your RV with a tow bar. Hook up safety cables between the vehicles to ensure that the toad does not separate from the motorhome if the tow bar becomes detached. Tow bar wiring syncs your vehicle's signal lights with your motorhome's tail lights, as required by law in most states. Finally, the flat tow braking system - also required in most states - activates the brakes in the toad when you hit the brakes in the RV, making for smoother, safer braking, and preventing wear on your motorhome.
Average Customer Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars (574 Customer Reviews)
Plug in and go: this permanent system gets you smooth, reliable braking with a one-and-done installation. Low-profile components designed to stay out of sight.I mounted this in a 2014 Chevy Spark. Finding a spot for the main control unit was interesting, but I found a video for a 2017 Spark that I could use. I did have to drill an extra hole in the mounting flange and car. I haven't taken it on a trip as of this time, but a tow around the block indicated it was working. One note, watch about placing the LED indicator behind the tinted part of the toad window. It makes it harder to see from the camper camera.
Installing on 2020 Jeep Trailhawk :
Pic #0557 : Roadmaster Base Plate Kit , Demco Supplemental Braking System , Diode Wiring Kit , Demco Battery Charge Wire Kit
Pic # 0548 ,0551 , 0559 Had to adjust the bracket plate to line up with the upper bolt holes
Pic #6028 finished install , mounted the operating unit to the top fuse box cover using automotive Velcro . Air cylinder , controller and LED light installed . Aside from the base plate bracket not lining up with the upper bolt holes I would give it 4 stars . My son in law is a master at solving mechanical issues .
The Demco stay-n-play braking system has worked flawlessly for a full season of towing! The one time installation went smoothly and all components fit and functioned perfectly.
Very easy to use, connect to tow vehicle, flip a switch, and it's ready to tow. Disconnect from tow vehicle, flip a switch, it's ready for normal driving.
Would highly recommend this setup over other braking systems.
Installed on a 2013 Nissan Frontier. Works great but I had a hard time finding someone to install it. I tried my regular mechanic and an two others. They did not not want the liability? The Demco site lead me to an RV service shop that did a great job. They hide the wire from the brake indicator mounted on the rear view mirror by routing it through the trim so it just stays plugged in (one less thing to do when hooking up). They also added a battery charging line from the motor home to keep the Frontier's battery from getting too low from exercising the brake on long trips.
Thanks to installation videos provided by etrailer, I felt confident that I could do the install myself. I had never pulled off moldings and panels in a car before, but with your videos as guidance , it was a breeze. This system was going into a 2016 Ford Edge 3.5L AWD and your (and SMI's) instructions call for installation of 2 check valves. After calling SMI to clarify the install points, it got even easier, as only one valve is required, and is ridiculously simple to install it. No cutting of original car hoses required (see photo). After everything was installed, the whole setup just simply worked, no troubleshooting required. That was fun and it is totally doable, even for the average guy like myself.
Herbert M.
7/13/2018
The rear-view camera display in my RV is not good enough to show the operation of the brake notification LED which is applied to the rear-view mirror in the towed car. I installed a small light in the RV dash and ran wiring all the way back to the toad, with a disconnect plug at the hitch, of course. Now it is easy to see when the car brakes come on. Else, the system works great.
I'm very pleased with this Stay-in-Play /DUO Braking System which I installed on my 2005 Jeep Liberty. I debated wheather I dared install it myself, but with the video instructions I decided that I could. I watched the video a couple of times, then followed it step by step during the installation, and it went pretty smoothly. One issue I had is that they changed the instalation of the LED indecator light, since the making of the video, so the parts did not come as described on the video. I do prefer the new method, as described in the installation manual, but it does require a toggle switch to turn it off. I installed one just below the Control Unit inside the car (see photo). I was also very impressed since, right after ordering the system, I found it for less on another web site. I emailed eTrailer about my disappointing discovery, and they credited me back the difference. GREAT COMPANY!
Robert P.
12/9/2019
One year later, the system is still working great. Still very pleased.
Product rec'd on time. Very good quality and works fine. Installation instructions were great.
Diana G.
4/27/2024
The Demco braking system has been working flawlessly on our little Smart car. Very satisfied.
Haven't actually had the chance to tow behind yet so this is just for the install. It took me quite a long time to install but, that's not the products fault. Everything you need to do the job is included.
I only give it 4 stars because the system uses the towed vehicles battery to activate the vacuum/compressor pump, so it would be possible to run the battery down as there is no charge circuit from the towing vehicle. I did choose to add one though. Other than that I'm sure it'll work fine. It was installed on a 1983 Vanagon.
David
10/21/2021
Im not in the car when it works, but the indicator light comes on so I assume they work. Honestly, my motorhome is so big I cant tell if there working or not, mostly I stalled to be legal and safe. I like it.
Absolutely great product and worth the time and effort to install. Once installed and "adjusted correctly" this unit is flawless. I installed it with everything else from ETrailer in 3 days, taking my time and I have a very clean installation. Once installed the tech support guided my "sensitivity" level for the perfect application. Also their TECH support was on it both times I called. The other was in ref to a brake light switch sold by etrailer but was not needed for this and they provided the intel off the top of his head. Absolutely recommend this product and both DUO and Etrailer as companies.
After watching the excellent installation video I had very little trouble installing this product. I like the fact that it is a stay-in-play system that literally requires only the flip of a switch to activate. The major components are all installed out of the way, yet are still easily accessible. As for the braking system itself, I find it operationally excellent and believe this product choice was a great one.
Best braking system om the market and e trailer once again is the best value for your dollar. been using the system for over a year without any issues what so ever
Works great! I would buy it again. Tow a 2021 Jeep Wrangler, 5400 lb., And glad to have the braking help, especially in the mountains. Low maintenance, no complicated wiring between motorhome and Jeep.
Stephen
1/3/2024
Still working great. Simple to use and effective. I have recommended it to many fellow RVers.
I am very deceived and feel I have bee fooled by the false affirmation, this is not proportional. I DO NOT RECOMEND THIS PRODUCT.
This system is nothing but proportional. All proportional wording or video is misleading should be removed. It's actually an on-off system. When braking light is on and the tilt sensor actually (on-off) is on the pump is on at full pressure pressing the brake until it bottoms out, period. The pump inlet creates a vacuum for the brake booster and the pump outlet is for the cylinder pressing the brake. All triggered by a simple switch. Nothing is regulated or proportionally controlled. Totally false information is provided here. Unfortunately the initial concept is good, but lacking the extra electronic pressure regulator and electronic control.
I had to set the angle switch so the system ONLY TURNS ON in the event of an emergency, otherwise it will brake fully and destroy your towed vehicle brake.
I am sure this review will not appear and will be deleted by the moderator. Too many good fake reviews...
Brooke M.
9/19/2023
I reached out to the manufacturer about this and they said what makes it proportional is the system works on two signals, the first signal needed is the brake signal that comes electrically from the coach, the second signal is when the towed vehicle feels forward inertia. The pump does not come on full, it slowly ramps up pressure, the more inertia felt the longer the system runs, the longer the system runs the more pressure that the system creates. The more pressure the system creates the harder the brake pedal is depressed. I also asked about the sensitivity issues you seem to be having and Demco said they have heard of that before when the sensor isn't installed level, as outlined on page nine of the instructions.
I chose to go with this unit because I didn't like the idea of the other types that mash the brake pedal without any vacuum assist & the fact that you have to remove, then reinstall them each time you want to use the car.
This ended up TOUGH install. Not because of the unit, but rather the lack of ANY room under the hood on my 2003 Subaru Outback Wagon to mount the operating unit. The only place I could find that would be out of the way was under the driver's seat of all places! Luckily there was JUST enough hose with the unit to reach all the way to the brake booster. I had to cut the carpeting so the seat would clear the operating unit during movement without any chance of contact. There was no hole in the firewall large enough to accommodate the hose so I had to drill a hole for that although I was able to route the wiring through a small rubber grommet. Routing the hose to the firewall was a real challenge! I ended up running it through the heater duct under the driver's floor mat to the left side kick panel, then up over the pedals keeping clear of any moving parts. WHEW!!
The brake pedal actuator went on without much fuss, although with my large feet I have noticed I'll catch the actuator with my toe on occasion. I may mark the location it's in now & merely raise it up a tab in between trips.
The wiring was pretty much straight forward, there was plenty of included wire & I had JUST enough room tho mount the G-Force Controller on the left kick panel covering without interfering with my feet.
The breakaway switch I fastened to the body in front & below the radiator.
I read where everyone was saying you need to have a battery cut-off device to keep the braking system from draining the battery over time, but I had power from the RV keeping the battery fresh so I didn't worry about that & saved myself the $180 for the cost of an automatic battery disconnect.
After installation, I sat in the car while we towed it around the neighborhood to see how it worked & made the necessary adjustments to the G-Force Controller. Now THAT was weird! What with the car steering itself & braking too.
We just got back from a 4,000+ mile trip & everything worked fine. On occasion I forgot to flip the switch to turn the system off, but it didn't seem to make much of a difference.
All in all a great system!
Works very well it saved my Jeep from a bad accident, but it will run down your battery, I use a solar panel on the hood to keep the battery topped off.
It wasn't easy to get everything installed in a way that looked neat and professional but in the end the ease with which you can hook up the car and start towing makes it worth it. I bought a replacement factory vacuum pump line so that I didn't have to worry about ruining the original one and as a result the installation looks that much better. Literally all I have to do is flip a switch once the car is connected and I'm ready to go. Given a second opportunity to do the installation I would mount the LED light strip vertically on the backside of the rear view mirror to make it a bit more visible but other than that, I'm happy with how it turned out and the system works great.
Braking system is easy to use and works great. System was installed by etrailer and they did excellent job.
I personally installed this on my 2020 Jeep Wrangler and have towed it using this braking system over 4K miles and have had zero issues. Would definitely recommend! The installation instructions were well written and included an easy to read wiring diagram making is easy to install and the very knowledgeable etrailer support was a bonus too!
The stay in play system has worked perfect for the last 8000 miles, I am very satisfied .
I installed this in a 2012 mini Cooper S. With the turbo charger there is no room in the engine compartment for the system unit, so I mounted it under the passenger seat. I had to remove the seat, cut out the carpet, mount the unit, and then buy longer seat attachment bolts. I used half inch thick spacers between the seat track in the floorboard. Made a long run for the vacuum hose to get up to the engine compartment through the firewall. By removing the cowling on the driver side, it exposes a huge Gromit where the main wiring harness passes through the firewall. It actually had two nipples ready to be cut off to run the vacuum hose and the wires through — so that part was pretty easy.
I haven’t towed it behind the motorhome yet, but it passed all the start up tests the first time!
After doing much research and reading many reviews and watching a lot of your instructional videos I chose the Stay-in-Play Duo. It came complete with instructions and extra parts for any application. I like the fact that after everything is installed it is just a matter of flipping a switch and checking it out and drive off. I mounted it in a 2018 Jeep wrangler, not very much room for the operating unit, but I I went off of one of your videos on a 2017 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited and mounted it underneath above the cross frame below and behind the radiator but still protected from the elements. Not a lot of room under the dash either, but everything is in and looks great and ready for the 1st trip.
Erica G at etrailer was very helpful with managing my order and getting it to me w/ regular updates. The installation takes a lot longer than all of the etrailer 30 min videos but after it’s installed it’s easy to activate.
It’s my far the best and easiest way to go plug it in and go easy install about three hours for me to do it and had no idea what I was doing working great
great kit for installing a supplemental braking system in my 2019 jeep wrangler. It takes several hours to install, but if you follow the instructions and watch the video, it's a pretty straight forward install. Just think it through and plan where you'll route the wiring and hoses. The hardest part was being flexable enough to mount the hardware to the firewall behind the brake pedal, but that's not a fault of the system.
As always, E-Trailer is a class act. Excellent products and excellent service before and after the sale. I wish all companies would emulate E-Trailer.
Do you have a question about this Tow Bar Braking System?
Info for this part was:
At etrailer.com we provide the best information available about the products we sell. We take the quality of our information seriously so that you can get the right part the first time. Let us know if anything is missing or if you have any questions.
Dale
4/17/2024
We are very pleased with this system. We hauled the Spark on a 5,000+ mile trip out west and the brake system did its job. I did tweak the setting a couple of times to get it as I liked it. As noted in my initial post, I still have trouble seeing the LED indicator behind the tint if the windshield, especially in bright sunlight.