Are 2023 Ford F-150 Electric Assisted Brakes Compatible with Demco Air Force One Brake System

Updated 10/25/2024 | Published 10/24/2024

Question:

In 2023 ford started using electric brake boost instead of vacuum. The owners manual has a warning stating that you should not turn the ignition off while in motion as it will require much higher braking effort as well as other issues. This leads me to believe that the electric brake boost does not work with the ignition off. When putting the truck in neutral tow mode the last thing the instructions say to do is turn the ignition off. This leads me to believe that with my air force one that I have no brake boost when braking. I talked to Demco about the issue and they said that the electric boost would be working but when I pointed out the warning in the owners manual the technician got real quiet. Do you folks know for certain. How would you test it?

asked by: Bruce B

Expert Reply:

Great question, Bruce!

It must have been someone new at Demco that you spoke with because the Demco Air Force One # SM99243 will work whether the vehicle has the vacuum-assisted brakes, hydro-boost brakes, or electric assist brakes like what you have on your 2023 Ford F-150.

If you jump to page 22 of the linked installation instructions there is a whole section devoted to installing the kit on vehicles that don't have the vacuum.

Once you have the brake system installed there are some testing instructions on page 28 which basically boils down to you having the F-150 hooked up to the motorhome and you press the motorhome brakes and have someone else in the truck looking to make sure it all operates properly.

expert reply by: Jon G

Bruce

10/24/2024

I have tested the installation several times as suggested. And the brake pedal moves however I have no way of telling if I am getting any brake boost. As previously stated Ford specifically alludes to the fact there is no brake boost with the ignition off.

Jon G.

10/25/2024

@Bruce If the brake pedal is moving then it sounds like all is installed just fine. Brake boost is needed for humans to help with fatigue and strength, but since this is mechanical it will operate correctly even without the brake boost being active.