F.L.U.F.
Cedar Rapids Iowa
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Joined: 09/09/2006
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I have searched and found many comments about the AF one brake system and think I am convinced to purchase one. For those of you that have installed them yourself...Anything that is really a pain to install?
I have a "manifold" in the front left compartment that has a air hose quick fitting for my air hose, would that be concidered a metered port? I have read that some guys are mounting the "brake on" indicator light on the toad instead of on the dash of the coach. Any reason for that or is it just an ease of installation thing?
MP me if you would like.
Thanx....Rick
Keep Smilin' It Makes Everyone Wonder What You Are Up Too!
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Larry & Linda
Lansing MI/????
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Joined: 05/07/2005
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I did my own install on my HHR. It was fairly easy the hardest part was finding a place to tap the brake on feed back light into. I do not know why anyone would mount that light in the towed except it would not require running a wire up to the dash.
Larry
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JUrban
Delaware
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Joined: 06/28/2004
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You're going to have to tap one of the brake lines at the rear axle or at the distribution valve usually mounted on the frame above the differential. The port in front is to tap for inflating tires and such. Air from it is always on and it does not come on and off with application of the brake pedal.
We drilled a 1/4" hole in the dash and mounted a red 12v LED we got at radio shack to be the brake indicator light. I switched the AF1 from our previous Diesel Bounder to the new rig and didn't want to leave a big hole in the dash by taking the light. I like the small one a lot better.
I'm extremely happy with the unit. We've had it for over 18 months and about 20k miles in the Bounder and Bus. We did have a problem with the activation cylinder that goes on the toad. Broke a C clip inside, but the problem was immediately obvious with the brake indicating light. Called the folks and they had someone heading to Quartzsite, so they met us in Tucson and switched it out on the road. Five minutes and no cost. I was ready to replace the C clip but it had swallowed the old one and I was afraid it might do internal damage.
My best advise overall is to lay all parts out in the toad so you're sure they will fit. Take your time and the installation is a breeze.
John
2008 Tiffin Allegro Bus 40' QSP
2006 Chevrolet Colorado Toad
BlueOx Aventa LX Tow Bar
SMI Air Force One toad brake
Copilot Live Laptop 10 GPS
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Diplomat Don
Moorpark, Ca
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Joined: 04/09/2005
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Rick....I installed one on a Dodge Dakota / Monaco DP. It was an all day install, but I'm very picky and did a few extra things that SMI doesn't do on their install. I also had an issue with absolutely no room under my hood to install the control box. I finally located a great spot behind the front bumper shell that held the box and aluminum reservoir. Once everything was installed, wiring and tubing was easy. I ran all of their wiring and tubing inside the flexible wrap for additional protection. I especially wanted the tubing wrap around the air hose that I tapped into my brake lines.
The all day part also included my base plates, lighting diodes and some custom fitting of all of the connections so that they meet in one spot under the grill of my truck.
The only thing I didn't like was how they run the cable from the brake piston that is mounted on your brake pedal to the floorboard of your vehicle. They give you a large sheet metal screw to screw through the floorboard. I used a nut and lock bolt with two large fender washers to make sure the cable could not pull loose. The cable is the pull point of the brakes.
Don & Mary 
2005 Monaco Diplomat 36SKT
400 Cummins 
2007 Dodge Dakota 4WD
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