alfarmer01
Texas
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Joined: 06/03/2006
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Has anyone had any experience with the SMI Brake Controller? Do you know anyone that has this controller? I am looking for a brake controller for my 2005 Jeep Liberty which I am towing behind a 2006 Winnebago Voyager 38J. The dealer I talked to said you install it, adjust it and you don't have to adjust it again. When you get ready to tow you just flip a switch to on and take off. Sounds pretty nice, just looking for some feedback.
Thanks
Allen & Beth LaTurner
2006 Winnebago Voyage 38J
2005 Jeep Liberty toad
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Gsmitty77
San Diego
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Joined: 10/09/2006
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If you have not done so, try doing an advance search on SMI, US Gear, Brake Buddy, etc. Lots of great threads...
My used coach still had the controller for the SMI Silent partner in the rig when I bought it. After doing my research (as of 2 1/2 years ago) I went with the US Gear instead. I liked the proportional braking. It cost me more then just the Toad related gear I needed to buy to hook up into the existing SMI system. But I thought it was what I was looking for... SMI would have been my second choice if starting from scratch. Lots of good reviews on both companies.
Good luck on you decision,
Smitty
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enblethen
Moses Lake, WA USA
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Joined: 01/05/2005
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I have a SMI Stay-N-Play.
That is just one of the various models that SMI sells.
The Stay-N-Play can be installed anywhere in rig. One switch to turn on and go is correct. Mine is an early model which is under my front seat. The newer version can go under the hood. I did the installation which took a couple hours. I had to run vacuum tubes under floor carpet which took the most time. Electrical was very easy along with brakaway switch as I was installing brackets at the same time.
Bud
Suzuki XL7 pushing Pace Arrow
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skrams
Burlington, Ontario
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Joined: 04/28/2007
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I have the SMI Stay-In-Play system. It is great. The box is permanently (though easily removed) installed in the trunk of the toad and the wiring and vacuum hoses run under the flooring to the engine compartment. Once I am hooked-up to the MH I flick a switch for the SMI system and I am ready to go. No adjusting seat positions or lugging a box into place and all that nonsense. I then flick another switch to pull the fuse on the toad and off I go. I have a remote monitor in the MH that plugs into a 12V outlet to inform me of the operation of the braking system.
It is so easy to set-up, when installed it is neat and out of the way and peace of mind when towing. I would highly recommend this system. I got mine up here in Canada so not much use to you, but their website should list dealers for their system.
2007 Four Winds Hurricane 34B (Ford Chassis) Bunkhouse
2007 Chevrolet Cobalt LT (5-speed manual)
SMI Stay-In-Play & Blue-Ox Aventa LX
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K3BH
Slower Lower Delaware
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Joined: 03/07/2004
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I have the SMI Silent Partner Stay-in-Play model that uses radio communication between the coach and toad to ensure that one is not braking when the other one isn't and vice versa.
I installed it myself and have not had to do anything with it except flip the switch on the box under the driver's seat when it's time to tow.
One important feature of this unit compared to some others is that it runs with a "live pedal" not a dead pedal. The box under the driver's seat maintains vacuum on the toad brake system so brake application is done with power brakes instead of without.
Great gear.
Jay
Jay, Susan, 2 cats in Bigfoot 29G 6.0L PSD. Toad Saturn Ion. SMI-Brake Silent Partner Stay-in-Play. Demco baseplate & tow bar.
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klenger
Tucson AZ
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Joined: 12/10/2004
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I just installed on in my 2008 CRV this weekend. See pics and comments at http://www.flickr.com/photos/klenger/sets/72157607575669503/. Too soon to tell how it works, but it seems OK and I really like the permanently installation.
2008 Tiffin Allegro 32BA FRED Class A Motor Home
2008 Honda CRV, Blue Ox, SMI DUO Stay-in-Play Brake
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pj
CT
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Joined: 10/19/2001
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I have an extra unit if you would like it
paulwjacobsen@sbcglobal.net
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RamblinFever
Ontario, Canada
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Joined: 06/01/2005
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I have the 4-wire model and the box fits under the driver seat. Installation took me more than a couple of hours but was well worth the effort. I did have an electrical component fail after 3 years and found the service and technical support very good.
I also recommend adding a fused 12 V wire from the MH to the toad. This will keep the toad battery charged and not require removal of any fuses.
04 Bounder 35E, W-22
05 Honda CR-V, SMI brake
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gswcgi
Wandering
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Joined: 08/03/2004
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I installed a n SMI unit 4 years ago and think it's great. No cutting into the RV brake system and you can adjust the toad braking pressure to the need. Have had no repair/maintenance issues in 30,000 miles. Wouldn't leave home without it!
'03 Safari, DP, 36" Nissan 4X4 toad
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fcooper
Richmond Hill, Georgia
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Joined: 09/23/2003
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I'm another happy customer having an SMI Silent Partner Stay-in-Play model that uses radio communication between the coach and toad. It's been in two different motorhomes and two toads. Customer service and support (even after warranty) is excellent.....Fred
Fred & Vicki
Richmond Hill, Ga
2000 Holiday Rambler Endeavor/330 Cat
2000 Honda Odyssey toad w SMI Silent Partner braking system
Tire Sentry monitoring system
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