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RV Toad Braking Systems
Starting to take a look at the various braking systems for a future tow set-up and am seeking input.  Probably looking at either the Demco Stay-in-Play or the Roadmaster InvisiBrake which are similarily priced. What are the differences between the two?  Is one better than the other?
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264

Re: RV Toad Braking Systems
Reply #1
"Demco Stay-in-Play"

Have NO knowledge of the Roadmaster!

Had a Stay-in-Play on my Honda Civic, a newer version on my Honda CRV and Daughter Bones2 has a more recent vintage on her CRV.

Can't say enough good about the system. Nothing to insert or remove, all is permanently mounted in the engine compartment or driver's leg area. Only one adjustment, sensitivity of braking force, and once it's set you should never have to monkey with it again. Throw the toggle switch, run the gears (Honda) and you're good to go!   ;)
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!

Re: RV Toad Braking Systems
Reply #2
I looked over both of the systems and one of them mounts inside the car, the other one mounts in the engine bay.  My mobile mechanic prefers the stay n play.  However, I decided to go with a RVi3 brake system because I may tow more than one of my vehicles.  You can pick them up at a reduced price a couple of times a year when they have a sale.

Re: RV Toad Braking Systems
Reply #3
I installed a Stay-in-Play Duo on our 2009 Honda Fit Sport (automatic). It has worked well for the 25,000 miles we have towed it so far. It has broken twice:

1) broken cable on the actuator cylinder; removed cylinder, sent to Demco for repair, reinstalled with more cable slack
2) failed breakaway switch; replaced (carry spares for switch and lanyard now)

As with Steve S., I have no experience with the Roadmaster InvisiBrake.

Mark H.
Former owner, 31-foot gas Class A
Former owner, 1997-8 mid-bath


Re: RV Toad Braking Systems
Reply #5
Use the stay-n-play in our Fit and a Blue Ox towbar and baseplate. Unless you look closely, there is no evidence the car is set up for towing once disconnected, and a flip of a hidden switch turns off the stay-n-play. Works well, completely satisfied.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit

Re: RV Toad Braking Systems
Reply #6
I have installed two stay-n-plays. Totally sold on them.

Tip, remove the breakaway switch every so often and check for correction. And see if the brakes are acctuated.
Don & Dorothy
Sold our LD in June of 2023

Our boring always non-PC travel blog
Traveling Dorothy

Re: RV Toad Braking Systems
Reply #7
I have the Stay and Play. No problems, in 7 years since installed. As mentioned, the on/off switch is the control used upon hitching or unhitching. I have a sense line from the CR-V to the Lazy Daze which lights a LED in the cab when the brake is actually applied (which uses deceleration and application of coach brakes to activate). This gives me a positive round-trip indication that all connections are good and that the toad brakes are functioning.
2013 27’ Mid-Bath
2005 Honda CR-V

 
Re: RV Toad Braking Systems
Reply #8
We have the Stay-In-Play and are very glad we went with a “permanently” installed system, both for convenience and reliability/safety.  A top hitch/brake system installer said that he feels SIP is a better built, more reliable unit than the RoadMaster. 

I was advised by others here to “install it yourself” so that in case of trouble you’d be able to diagnose and repair yourself.  That advice was good.  While the installation was time consuming and in the case of the under-dash components, difficult (my back did not like being bent in ways it hadn’t experienced since childhood), I was able to quickly diagnose a problem myself while crossing the Mojave desert.  I phoned SMI’s excellent technical support (never a long wait, always knowledgeable and helpful).  SMI confirmed my diagnosis and tracked down a part not too far out of my way.  I was able to have the part installed the next day (I gave my back the day off).

Thumbs way up for the SIP!

W   
Warren
2019 MB “Dream Catcher”
Jeep Wrangler JL