Will Demco Stay In Play Supplemental Braking System Work Better than Brake Buddy Classic 3

Updated 05/27/2026 | Published 05/26/2026

Question:

I have a 2024 Lincoln Nautilus Hybrid that I flat tow behind my 2026 Winnebago View 24R. Im all setup with parts I ordered from eTrailer but have a problem with my Aux Braking system. Ive towed the Lincoln for 8000 mi behind the View and 20,000 mi behind my previous Adventurer. The issue Im having is with the Brake Buddy Classic III system. Im aware that they have ceased operation. The problem is the BB will slam on the brakes even when on Proportional if the stop is slightly too long and sudden. This locks up all four wheels on the toad and makes a horrendous sound that scares every driver around us. It cant be good for the car, the towbar, the RVs hitch or our nerves. The BB is set for the Hybridinch setting - which is really just its lowest air pressure setting of 10lbs. Who know... 5lbs may work better but you cant set it before 10lbs and with BB out of business were kind of stuck. Normally, the BB does a testinch which pumps the brakes 5-times and this depletes the vacuum assist on the cars brakes. This is to keep the brakes from locking up under hard braking by the BB. But the Lincoln seems to have electric braking assist and it never can be depleted during the test. So, there is full force braking from the BB with electric assist by the Lincoln. After we locked the brakes 4 times on our last 3500 mil trip we decided we need to abandon the BB and get something else for Aux Braking. But were concerned that we will just have this same problem with the next system. Were leaning toward the Demco Stay in Play system. I know a few other Nautilus Hybrid owners have had this same issue. Can you recommend anything we can do to fix this issue??? Thanks Paul

asked by: Paul G

Expert Reply:

Hey Paul, I am sorry to hear about the Brake Buddy locking up your brakes. I personally never really like the Brake Buddy system as Hopkins electronics have never been super reliable for us. The Demco Stay In Play part # DM86VR on the other hand is something that we have tested and uses a lot and have nothing but good things to say about it. It's very reliable and performs well. I would recommend it highly and so do our installers here. It's also one of the easiest to install permanent install systems out there too.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Paul G.

5/26/2026

Thanks, but I need to know it won't do the same thing as the BB. I spent $1,700 on the BB (order Order #121155903) and then another $300 on installation of the breakaway and power supply. Is it calibrated for vacuum assisted hydraulic brakes and goes through a routine to bleed off vacuum? How does it work with Hybrid vehicle braking?

Jameson C.

5/26/2026

@PaulG It won't have that issue. This was designed to work with vacuum assist brakes as well as the regenerative braking system your Nautilus has. The Demco Stay-In-Play is an inertia-based system that requires two signals to activate: the motorhome's brake lights must be on, AND it must detect forward G-force (deceleration). If your tow vehicle or motorhome has aggressive regenerative braking, it will slow down dramatically without turning on the brake lights. In this scenario, the Demco system won't fire, which is ideal because you don't want the towed vehicle’s brakes fighting the electric motor's regen force.Mild Regen with Brake Lights: If the regenerative braking is mild but happens while the motorhome's brake lights are active, the Demco system may sense the inertia and engage the towed vehicle's brakes.

Alan H.

5/27/2026

@PaulG. Our shop has installed 5 of the Demco units, 2 in house and 3 for customers. After using thr RVi 3 setups the Demco system is fantastic. No complaints internally or from customers. Just an easy flip of the switch and you're on your way.