Do I Plug the Exhaust Port on an Air Force One Braking System On A 2026 Ford Bronco?

Updated 09/11/2026 | Published 09/10/2026

Question:

Hi - Im installing the AFO in a 2026 Bronco 60th Edition with 2.7 engine. Im confused about the small exhaust port on the operating unit where the instructions indicate ing a rubber cone shaped plug with an acorn nut on top. I called Demco and they have not tested the AFO on a 2026 so they recommended starting off with that port unplugged and see how it functions. Have you helped anyone else with a 2026 Bronco and if so, what is the recommendation for covering or not covering that small port? Thank you!

asked by: Mark M

Expert Reply:

Hey Mark, thanks for reaching out. Definitely stick with what Demco said here. Your 2026 Bronco 2.7L uses a vacuum brake booster, so do not plug that small exhaust port. The rubber cone-shaped seal and acorn nut are only used on vehicles with non-vacuum/Hydro-Boost brakes. Demco’s instructions specifically call for plugging that port only in the Hydro-Boost installation.

So on your Bronco, leave that small exhaust port open just like you have it now and follow the standard vacuum-booster plumbing instructions.

What coach are you towing with?

expert reply by: Jesse M

Demco Air Force One Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Air Brakes
(click to enlarge)

Mark M.

9/10/2026

Hi Jessie, The Bronco actually has the electronic brake booster, although it is disabled by pulling fuses. Thanks again, Mark

Michael

9/11/2026

Not the cheapest but the best towing brake system is air force 1 put on all 5 of our tow vehicles

Darren

9/11/2026

Erm…. on a vehicle that does not have a standard vacuum brake booster…It is plugged off per Demco instructions. Because… there really isn’t any other choice AI tells me that model bronco, has an electronic booster