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Topic: SMI Auxiliary Brakes Still the Best Choice? (Read 7 times) previous topic - next topic
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SMI Auxiliary Brakes Still the Best Choice?
Yahoo Message Number: 127646
Hashing around in the archives I get the impression that SMI is generally the most popular choice for an under-the-hood auxiliary braking system. And...not trivially...can easily be moved from one vehicle to another. It seems that installation is pretty foolproof based on both the SMI web site and the comments here.

My new toad is ready to go except for the brakes!

Thanks in advance! Jay
Re: SMI Auxiliary Brakes Still the Best Choice?
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 127648
On Fri, 06 Jan 2012 00:12:03 -0000, "Jay Forrest" jayforrest@...> wrote:

Quote
Hashing around in the archives I get the impression that SMI is generally the most popular choice for an under-the-hood auxiliary braking system.
I would think it's the second choice to US Gear, which is a similar system. I think it's second choice just because it's not as well known. I have no concern in recommending SMI. Four years and 50,000 miles, no worries.

Quote
And...not trivially...can easily be moved from one vehicle to another. It seems that installation is pretty foolproof based on both the SMI web site and the comments here.
It can be easily installed and moved.

I did my own install. That way if there are problems I don't need a tech that is familiar with it.

Did you read http://lazydazearticles.blogspot.com/search/label/Toad%20Brakes
Don & Dorothy
Sold our LD in June of 2023

Our boring always non-PC travel blog
Traveling Dorothy
Re: SMI Auxiliary Brakes Still the Best Choice?
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 127649
Quote
"I get the impression that SMI is generally the most popular choice

Jay
I've been using the SMI for 8 years on two different cars, no problemo.

 Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Jiggs
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: SMI Auxiliary Brakes Still the Best Choice?
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 127652
Quote
Hashing around in the archives I get the impression that SMI is generally the most popular choice for an under-the-hood auxiliary braking system. And...not trivially...can easily be moved from one vehicle to another. It seems that installation is pretty foolproof based on both the SMI web site and the comments here.

My new toad is ready to go except for the brakes!

Thanks in advance! Jay
Jay, I have had mine for 3 years now.  Original instructions did not call for a charge line and I had dead battery issues many times.  Don't know if current instructions call for this or not.  Insist on it.  Have not had a problem since installed.  I believe Steve above will agree.  I believe he is the one that offered this advice.
Joe Hamm-San Jose
Re: SMI Auxiliary Brakes Still the Best Choice?
Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 127653
I would include the US Gear system in "best choice" list. I have seen more US Gear brakes used in LDs than SMIs.
Having installed and worked on both systems and owning an SMI for eight years, I can say neither is fail proof. Our SMI has broken down twice due to fail parts; a blown vacuum check valve and a cable that broke inside the pedal cylinder (an expensive replacement).
SMI's techs have been excellent but so have US Gear's when I have called them.
I would have to call it a tie between the two. The SMI is a little easier to install and the US Gear has a more progressive brake application. Either should be adequate but, IMO, neither is "better" .
As Joan says, YMMV.
 FYI- Most failure are caused by bad connection, primarily in the umbilical cords and their plugs.
I suggest taking the umbilical cord's male and female plugs apart every two years or so and tightening the wire screws as well as coating the wires with dielectric grease.

Larry
2001 MB
* Not to be confused with Larry W (3000 of my posts are actually from expert Larry W due to Yahoo transition mis-step)
Re: SMI Auxiliary Brakes Still the Best Choice?
Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 127654
I have the US Gear that I really like as there is no taking it out & putting it back into place.  In the 6 years that it has been on my PT Cruiser (automatic tranny) never a problem.  My only problem was the emergency brake plug someone had tried to pull it out and then I had to go to a US Gear place in San Bernardino to replace it and have them check it out.    I am a small woman so it is very easy to just hook and & go.
IMO Betty Jean Circus Wagon, 2000RB 27' & Patches
Re: SMI Auxiliary Brakes Still the Best Choice?
Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 127656
OK, maybe this is silly, but...I've been reading this Yahoo group for some time and often see the use of "code" letters such as IMO, YMMV, FYI (that one I  get), and others.   How about someone sending out a list and what they mean.   Thanks.
Tired of being out of the loop.    2002  IB

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
G N Wilson
2008 Mid-Bath
Internet Acronyms
Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 127659
lawgnw@... wrote: I've been reading this Yahoo group for some time and often see the use of "code" letters such as IMO, YMMV, FYI (that one I  get), and others. How about someone sending out a list and what they mean.
--- One source list (google for many more) of internet acronyms:
 http://www.gaarde.org/acronyms/ 
Joan
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Internet Acronyms
Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 127660
Joan, yes it's a drag feeling left out , isn't it ? Here's what I do (Frequently!) type the acronym into google and they'll give you the answer so fast it'll make your head spin. of course YMMV ( MFNA) ATB, Mark
Re: SMI Auxiliary Brakes Still the Best Choice?
Reply #11 –
Yahoo Message Number: 127671
I too am out of the loop and wonder what those abbreviations mean.  Maybe it would be courteous to just once in a while write it out.
BettyJean

Dear out of the loop, These have been around since the birth of the Internet. May I suggest source like the Urban Dictionary to get you up to speed.
http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=YMMV

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: SMI Auxiliary Brakes Still the Best Choice?
Reply #14 –
Yahoo Message Number: 127675
We've used SMI since 2004 and are very happy with it. The box stays under the seat
Terry
2003 26.5'RB
Gardnerville, NV
Re: Internet Acronyms
Reply #15 –
Yahoo Message Number: 127676
Wasn't it,"Your Mileage(and Mine) May Vary"??? But what-da-heck do I know?? I'm the one they said to never lick a steak knife...Gene in Fl.
Re: Internet Acronyms
Reply #18 –
Yahoo Message Number: 127685
THank you! BJJ
   Subject: RE: [LD] Internet Acronyms

Your Mileage May Vary.  In other words, the result you achieve may not be he same as the other person.
   From: lifewithalazydazerv@yahoogroups.com
 mailto:lifewithalazydazerv@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Betty Jean ent: Friday, January 06, 2012 5:25 PM o: lifewithalazydazerv@yahoogroups.com ubject: Re: [LD] Internet Acronyms

MMV??? hat does that mean? Joan

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Internet Acronyms
Reply #19 –
Yahoo Message Number: 127686
They are everywhere! Military loves them---  Businesses love them---- Of course the internet-------- Where would texting be without them-------   Probably one day soon they will be our only spoken vocabulary!!!  This is progression of civilization??

MC w/'10 LD RB  in FL, USA

YMMV??? what does that mean?
2010 RB "Monty"  & currently: 2021 RB "Villa Verde"
2004 Born Free 26'
1998 Beaver Patriot 33'
1992 Barth Breakaway 28'
1982 Fleetwood Jamboree 23'
1982 Dolphin/Toyota 22'
 
Re: Internet Acronyms
Reply #20 –
Yahoo Message Number: 127687
LOL I have never been in the military and don't even use texting so all of these acronyms are a foreign language to me.  Guess my age is showing! BJJ