How Do I Convert My Air Force One To Work With A Class C Motorhome with Hydraulic Brakes?

Updated 09/17/2026 | Published 09/11/2026

Question:

Going from a diesel pusher to class c. I have Air Force one set up on toad. What do I need to make my Toad set up work with the non air brake set up of the class c? Thanks!

asked by: Michael B

Expert Reply:

Hello Michael,

Thanks for writing in!

Since you are going from a diesel pusher with air brakes to a Class C with hydraulic brakes, you will want the Demco Air Force One to Stay-IN-Play Duo Conversion Kit # SM99231. The nice thing is you do not have to rip out your entire Air Force One setup and start over.

The # SM99231 converts the Air Force One components already installed in your toad over to a Stay-IN-Play Duo system. You will be able to reuse several of the components already installed, including the operating unit and brake pedal actuator, and the conversion kit gives you the Stay-IN-Play Duo components needed to complete the changeover.

There is also no separate braking system that needs to be installed on the Class C like you had on the diesel pusher with Air Force One. Instead of relying on an air connection from the motorhome, the Stay-IN-Play Duo uses the brake-light signal from the coach along with the system's inertia sensor to determine when to apply the brakes in your toad.

This is definitely the route I would go rather than removing a perfectly good Air Force One installation and starting from scratch. I attached a couple of videos for you to check out as well =)

What Class C are you moving into?

expert reply by: Kate F

Jonathan

9/17/2026

I purchased a used Fiat 500 from someone who flat towed it behind a diesel pusher with an AirForce One. I have a regular Class C (Sprinter). It was a great deal because the wiring for brake lights, the baseplate, tow bar were already installed and it came with the removable Blue Ox Patriot braking system. I didn't want to be bothered with setting up the Patriot each time I needed to tow (which is a lot when you're a snowbird) so I sold it and purchased the Play-IN-Stay system described above. I needed a qualified installed to do the conversion. Because of limited space under a Fiat Hood, he removed the controller for the Air Force One and I kept it for eventual use later on if I upgrade to a super C. There's a control box installed on the left side of the driver's footwell with an on off switch, as well as a knob that you can adjust the sensitivity of the inertia sensor. Plus there is a remote sensor that you can put up front that tells you if the brakes are activated or not. From there it's just a matter of adjusting the inertia sensor so that you get the brakes to activate when you want it. So it takes a little bit of trial and error moving it, but the instructions are pretty clear about how to do it. I'm very happy with the system. You can read my review from last year about the process in a bit more detail.

Kate F.

9/17/2026

@Jonathan Thanks so much for sharing your experience Jonathan! This is really helpful, especially coming from someone who has actually made the switch from the Patriot to the Stay-IN-Play and uses it regularly. I can definitely see why you wanted something that was ready to go, especially as a snowbird doing a lot of flat towing. I also like that you kept the Air Force One components in case a Super C is in your future. Thanks again for taking the time to share all of those details and help others looking at the same setup!