Lazy Daze Owners' Group

Honda CRV 2011 w/ SMI Stay-and-Play

June 04, 2014, 10:10:56 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 146753

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Out on our initial long excursion with our new 2013 31 IB Orwan (no name yet) pulling the CRV toad.
 Did not get a chance to pull the toad before starting  out.  The SMI sensitivity was set at the mid-point which appeared to be the appropriate starting setting according to several blogs.  Pulling over the Sierras on I-80, it seemed to be dragging somewhat but could not pinpoint anything.  At Reno, the SMI controller was switched off, and  gas mileage improved from 6 to 8 as measured by Scangauge II.   Upon reaching Salt Lake City, the CRV seemed fine (the CRV had been into the shop for a preflight check and oil change in May ), but took to the dealer to be checked out anyway.   Pads were 'heat curled and burned badly', rotors 'warped and discolored w/ heat spots".  Pads were at 5 mm both in May and now.   Rotors were resurfaced and pads replaced.
 It seemed suspicious to me that the gas mileage would change based on the SMI controller on or off given some of the driving was over similar terrain.  I did not run with the SMI on after day 1.  After reaching our day 2 destination, I ran the CRV around to build up the battery.   I tried a low speed rolling test in neutral with the SMI off and on over the same street.   It seemed to roll farther when off, which led me to think that somehow it is discreetly engaging the brakes.   When I inspected the setup when stationary,  flipping the switch did not change the geometry of the cylinder & pedal.
 I contacted the SMI manufacturer to discuss the issue.   They indicated the system  would not be dragging the brakes unannounced and suggested lessening the sensitvity and moving the cylinder slightly.
 At this point on our run to Idaho Falls tomorrow,  I plan to set the SMI at the least sensitive position (Slide goes up and down less is up, down is more) at the top.  I will run for a while with the unit off to set another mileage baseline, then run with it on  while still on the flatlands to see if the mileage changes.   I will also monitor tire pressure with the TST pressure system (and indirectly wheel temp) and periodically stop and check rotor temperatures.
 Has anyone run into this problem,  with a CRV, and or with an SMI Stay and Play?
 Can anyone see flaws in my plan or has suggestions for improvements?

Other commentary:
 I noticed the CRV odometer turning over when being towed in neutral.  I mentioned this to the Honda service rep.   He checked and found that with late models, (did not know if 2011 was the first year) the odometer runs off the wheels turning or something else, but other than the transmission.  I had been concerns as posts on CRVs universally related no odometer turnover.
 I find the SMI brake indicator implementation completely and totally unacceptable.  Their solution is a string of 12V LEDs that are to be draped/taped to the inside of the windshield.   That may be visible at midnight in an unlighted tunnel but in the daytime it is invisible in the backup camera. I suppose I could tape it to a pole stuck out the sunroof.  Some have run wiring to the cab for a direct link, which adds another wire - something which the 6 pin plug on the toad cannot accommodate.  Has anyone found another solution?
 We parked next to a 1980 LD   22 or 23 ft on a chevy platform with New York plates at  lunch at Winnemucca NV on 6/2.  He was headed west, us east.

Re: Honda CRV 2011 w/ SMI Stay-and-Play

Reply #2 – June 05, 2014, 05:14:25 am

Yahoo Message Number: 146762

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"I find the SMI brake indicator implementation completely and totally  unacceptable.  Their solution is a string of 12V LEDs that are to be  draped/taped to the inside of the windshield.   That may be visible at  midnight in an unlighted tunnel but in the daytime it is invisible in  the backup camera."

Joel

I agree,  it's cheesy solution.
Here's the deal. Doing a really professional install on many systems  takes much more time than what many are willing to pay for. This is an  attempt by the manufacturer to lessen the installation cost.
 IMO, when installing an SMI, or other brand that uses a similar indicator, it's best to wire in a bright, in-cab toad-brake indicator light, that is connected directly to the toad's brake switch.
That way you WILL know when the toad brakes are applied.
It does required an umbilical cord with an extra wire. Most systems will be fine with a 6 or 7-wire umbilical, depending is battery charging of the toad is included (a very good thing to have on Honda products) Toad brakes have problems, it's a fact of life.  We need to know what is happening.
 We had an attendee, at last year's Yahoo West GTG, whose toad burned up on the way because of towing brake problems.
 Another thing that may be of help is a TPMS. Tire pressure will rise a lot if the brakes are dragging,  heating the rim and tire. The TPMS will alarm if the tire pressure goes too high. Some TPMS brands monitor tire temperature and will alarm if a tire overheats.
All of this stuff is expensive but still a lot cheaper than buying a new toad or the hassle of dealing with an insurance company.

Who said RVing was going to be inexpensive and simple?

Larry

Re: Honda CRV 2011 w/ SMI Stay-and-Play

Reply #4 – June 07, 2014, 06:27:43 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 146797

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Great experience with my Stay n Play - set up the same way as Dan - Dashboard lights seem to work very well.

Barry "O" - 06MB - Ruby Red