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Plug in and go: this permanent system gets you smooth, reliable braking with a one-and-done installation. Low-profile components stay out of sight. Includes convenient wireless Coachlink.
Features:
Specs:
"This is the top system I recommend if you have hydraulic brakes. Quality, reliable, tried-and-true. It just always works."
A braking system is a must when towing a Ram 3500 behind your motorhome. Without it, the weight of the towed car can create a safety hazard, strain your RV's brakes, and affect the warranty of both your car and motorhome. Most states legally require a supplemental braking system, so if you don't use one and you end up in an accident (which is more likely since your RV takes longer to come to a full stop), your insurance and liability headache just doubled. You also won't have any breakaway system; if there's an accidental disconnect, there's nothing to bring your car to a stop.
The Stay-IN-Play Duo is a permanent braking system, which means that it's a one-and-done. Once it's installed, there's no more setup that you have to do. When you plug in the power cord at the front of your Ram 3500, the system automatically turns on. Flip the on switch for the G-Force controller and just like that, you're ready to flat tow.
While the components are installed permanently in your RV and toad, they remain concealed and inconspicuous. None of them will interfere with normal driving, and most of the time they are invisible. And you don't have to find a place to store them between trips.
The Stay-IN-Play Duo is unique in that it uses both an inertia sensor and your motorhome's brake light signal to activate. Having this double-check ensures that the system will only activate when it's truly needed.
First, the Duo monitors your motorhome's brake light signal so that it knows when you're intentionally hitting the brakes. This ensures there's no false braking.
Second, the inertia sensor in the Duo senses the change in momentum of your toad (towed Ram 3500) as your setup slows down. It precisely measures this change so it can activate your toad's brakes to match the rate of the RV's deceleration; this is what makes it proportional. When you apply the brakes in your motorhome, the braking system will engage the brakes of the toad at the same time with the same amount of force. This keeps the RV and the toad in sync with each other, so whether it's a gradual slow down to a red light or a hard stop in an emergency, the toad and the RV will brake together.
It starts with the G-Force controller. The G-Force controller contains the inertia sensor that senses the change in your RV's momentum. You'll install it in the cab of your toad, underneath the dashboard. This keeps it out of the way but easy to reach so you can flip the toggle and adjust the knob.
Note: The G-Force controller must be pointed in the direction of travel - with the toggle switch facing the driver's seat - for the internal sensor to function properly.
The controller lets you adjust the sensitivity of the inertia sensor to determine how drastic the change in momentum must be for the system to trigger. Set the sensitivity low and the Duo will only engage when you forcibly step on your motorhome's brake pedal. Set it high and a mere tap on the brakes will get a reaction. It's totally up to you how sensitive you want it to be; a heavier Ram 3500 will probably need more sensitivity, while a lighter one doesn't need to brake so hard. The knob on the face of the controller lets you easily program your setting.
When the G-Force controller detects a change in inertia, it checks that there's a brake light signal from the RV to confirm that it is indeed braking. It then sends a signal to the main operating unit to activate; the main unit delivers pressurized air through an air line to the actuating cylinder that attaches to your toad's brake pedal. The cylinder will pull the pedal down, applying your brakes almost instantaneously.
The actuating cylinder attaches permanently to the arm of your toad's brake pedal. Though it is permanent, it should not interfere with your everyday driving. In most Ram 3500s, it is tucked up where you can't even see it.
When you're drivng, your Ram 3500 uses vacuum pressure to create the force needed to bring the car to a stop. On most Ram 3500s, this vacuum-assist function does not work when the engine is off. As a result, a lot of supplemental braking systems have to use an excessive amount of pressure while braking the toad.
The Duo, on the other hand, reactivates the vacuum-assist function by tying into your car's vacuum line. Your car will break evenly and naturally as it's being towed, so there's less risk of damage.
Included in this kit is the wireless Coachlink for safety and peace of mind. This monitor, sitting on the dashboard of the RV, will light up and beep whenever your toad is actively braking. This will give you a simple and convenient way to keep tabs on whether the system is working properly or if something is going wrong.
Most supplemental braking systems have a method of letting you know you when they activate, but not all of them are checking if the toad is actually braking. There could be an error that causes the system to activate without actually applying the toad's brakes. Or your brake pedal might actually be continuously depressed when it shouldn't be. But unless you have a system that's monitoring your Ram 3500, you won't know it until the damage is already done.
The Duo also comes with a breakaway switch, an absolute must for safe flat towing. If there's ever an emergency situation where your toad becomes detached from the motorhome, the breakaway switch will immediately activate the brakes and bring the Ram 3500 to a stop.
This switch mounts to the front of your toad and wires into the Duo's operating unit. It includes a pin that connects to your RV's hitch receiver with a breakaway cable. If the toad and RV become disconnected, the cable will pull the pin out of the switch and trigger the braking system. A reserve air supply in the operating unit will then apply the brakes in the car.
Flat towing can be a much more convenient way to take your car RVing with you than using a trailer or a tow dolly. It'll save you storage space both at home and at the campsite, and it takes less time and hassle to hook up.
To flat tow your Ram 3500, there are 5 basic components you're going to need: a tow bar, a base plate kit, a safety cable set, tow bar wiring, and a flat tow braking system.
| For the RV | Between the RV and Towed Car | For the Towed Car |
|---|---|---|
| Hitch | Tow bar | Base plate |
| Wiring plug | Safety cables | Braking system |
| Wiring adapter cord | Wiring kit/diodes |
The custom-fit base plate installs on the frame of your toad so you can connect the car to your RV with a tow bar. Hook up safety cables between the Ram 3500s to ensure that the toad does not separate from the motorhome if the tow bar becomes detached. Tow bar wiring syncs your Ram 3500's signal lights with your motorhome's tail lights, as required by law in most states. Finally, the flat tow braking system - also required in most states - activates the brakes in the toad when you hit the brakes in the RV, making for smoother, safer braking, and preventing wear on your motorhome.
Alternate Instructions
Average Customer Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars (578 Customer Reviews)
Plug in and go: this permanent system gets you smooth, reliable braking with a one-and-done installation. Low-profile components stay out of sight. Includes convenient wireless Coachlink.I installed this system in a 2023 2 door Wrangler. I also used an etrailer base plate and etrailer tow bar. I had originally purchased a Demco Delta Force Braking System. However, with the shape of the floor in the Jeep I was unable to use this unit. There are various places to install the stay n play duo in the Wrangler and the etrailer installation videos show this. I elected to install mine under the drivers seat as I wanted to keep it out of the elements. I fabricated a sheet metal bracket to mount it on that allows the rear seat heater duct to function unimpeded.
Once installed the unit is out of sight and very simple to use. Just a flip of the toggle switch and its ready. I only needed to make a few adjustments to have it brake the way jeep the way I wanted. This is also a very simple procedure.
I highly recommend this unit and appreciate all of the information etrailer has on their site to aid in the procurement and installation of their products.
eTrailer was very helpful in choosing the correct hitch for our rv and car. They also provided a special brake application in the car that makes it super easy for toad braking.
I am 72, and I hook up this toad and pull it with confidence. The instructions to hook up the toad was presented with ease. They knew exactly what they were doing, and we didn't rush through the demonstration. I would recommend eTrailer to anyone.
It took me a couple days to get this installed,I'm not as flexible as I was so that didn't help. However I followed the instruction steps and got it done.Had to adjust the sensitivity a few times until it was the way I wanted.System works good and I get a alarm when brakes are activated. This gives you peace of mind knowing your brakes are not applied when they shouldn't be. Very Happy with it,just have to flip a switch when towing.
Installed 6/17/23 on a 2023 Equinox LT (AWD). Installation was pretty straight-forward. I mostly followed etrailer's videos. Note that the pneumatic cylinder needs to be mounted fairly high on the brake pedal arm so you have a 'square' profile to clamp onto. This vehicle has an electronic brake booster rather than pneumatic, so follow Demco's instructions regarding this variation. The wireless coachlink works great. I couldn't be happier with this system.
I've used this setup for a year towing a 2023 Jeep Wrangler . I 100% recommend it for anyone else. Under normal conditions it is very easy. Under stressful conditions (bad weather, uneven terrain, need to connect/disconnect quickly) it is a life saver.
I am 63 and I can connect/disconnect this in 5 minutes.
Very easy install, and the videos on E-trailer helped a bunch! I opted to put the controller and wireless link on the passenger side, because there was more room there, but the controller is still properly orientated. Be sure to leave enough slack in your wiring if you decide to mount the operating unit on the fuse box, so you'll be able to remove the cover later. Happy trails!
First I have never installed a braking system before, and I was somewhat unsure if I would be able to complete the install without issues, but this worked exactly as described in the written instructions and provided video's. I took my time to verify each step and that all the electrical connections were solid (very important). Following the instructions and the video made it possible for me to install the system and have it function exactly as described. All you need is some good basic idea of how the system works, how to make electrical connections as well as follow written instructions backed up by video to install this yourself. Of course, having eTrailer there to answer any questions was a major factor for me to purchase this unit from them. If you are thinking about adding a tow vehicle braking system this is the one for you too.
My E-trailer experience was outstanding! From the great selection guide to the delivery to the installation support. The installation videos were very helpful. I had two installation issues that were answered with a prompt phone call. One call was on a Saturday morning. I highly recommend E-trailer!
I received this yesterday and have not yet installed it. The FedEx driver handed it to me as it was raining. The outer cardboard container was slightly damaged as the packaging is compromised my cutouts so the brand and description show. Overall, I am quite pleased with Etrailer. The vehicle fit information and instructional videos are especially helpful.
I ordered the wrong braking system. They were very helpful with the return and ordering the right braking system. Highly recommend anyone to deal with etrailer
etrailer is my GO TO place for everything. The people there are fantastic to work with. The go out of their way to assist in anything possible. If you haven't experienced working with etrailer, you are definitely missing out.
These installation photos are for the Demco Duo Play braking system install on a 2018 Ford Fusion Platinum Energy with push button start.
Jeffrey
11/19/2022
I works perfect every trip. I do a hard braking test at the beginning of every trip. The wireless monitor in the motorhome immediately reports the functionality of the braking system. I am very satisfied with this product. I installed everything myself.
This is a really nice braking system. It works EXACTLY as described. Engine breaking does not trigger breaking (because it's tied into the break light circuit). And breaking truly is proportional. Light braking and it does not engage activate braking. The remote wireless coach receiver shows you how hard the car is breaking, and IS proportional to the breaking in the Coach. When the car is breaking the wireless receiver shows you, at three levels (the number of lights lit from one light to three) how hard the towed is braking. i HIGHLY recommend the wireless unit for breaking notification.
Instructions were very clear. I studied my 2004 Pontiac Vibe (same as Toyota Matrix), and watched a bunch of online videos on installing this product. This is a particularly good car for a toad, because it is so light. (2700 lbs curb weight -- and it rolls really freely).
Installation was particularly painful under the dash where (as a tall person) I had to contort myself into all kinds of uncomfortable shapes with various padding) to reach up under the dash panel . There is just no easy way I could find to remove the lower dash panel without taking about whole dash board. So just figuring out the cold side of the break switch was very difficult. It was impossible to get a probe on the break light switch plug. I ended up clipping a wire junction connector on to the (green wire coming of the brake switch after unplugging the wire harness) and then probing that after plugging it back in. I guessed right, It's the green wire that is the cold side of the switch. For someone who reads this you don't have to guess. I've done it for you
On this car I was concerned about going through the firewall and puncturing the break booster when mounting the cable terminal for the actuating cylinder. In the end, where I needed to go through the firewall was nowhere near the booster. It also turned out trying to use the self taping screws was just too hard. I wanted to use the reinforcing plate, but ended up loosing it under the carpeting. Finally I decided to just drill a 1/4" hole through the firewall (just northwest of a little dimple in the firewall), and bolt the cable cable terminal to the fire wall with a 1/4x20 combo head machine screw, and a fender washer, lock washer, and nut on the engine side of the firewall. I put silicone on the washers and nut, to prevent corrosion. I had just enough room under the car to get a wrench onto it. It would have been nice to have a car lift in my garage, but I did this work by blocking the car up on jack stands. My son held the bolt on the inside of the car. while I tightened the nut on the engine side of the firewall.
Another problem was: where to mount the operating unit in the engine compartment? I struggled with this until I found an online video of an installation on a Honda, where the tech mounted the operating unit to the engine cover. This worked out well, and made for easy routing of the vacuum lines both to the vacuum line between the engine and the brake booster, and through the firewall grommet to the actuating cylinder.
I mounted the wireless sending unit on the dash at the driver's A pillar, and the control unit on the passenger side, where there was much more room, routing the wires behind the center console over the the drivers side to go through the firewall. Calibration (adjusting the control unit position) worked exactly as describe. I set it and I was done.
In the end, though a painful install process, ESPECIALLY above the foot pedals under the dash, I know I am going to LOVE this system. To setup for towing: just flick the switch on the control unit, and hook up the car. No other special setup is required.
Works great. It takes some time to install but worth it for the ease of use after. I installed the same system on my 2018 wrangler without the coach link monitor, used it over 4 years and 18,000 miles without a problem. I like the addition of the coach link monitor as the light is right in front of you.
Michael
9/9/2023
1 year with 4,000 miles of use and still working great. No problems.
Mike L.
11/1/2023
The Duo System took about 8 hours to install on a 2017 mini cooper s 4 door due to tight space everywhere. The etrailer video was very helpful although I atteached to vaccuum line in a much easier location up next to the Vaccuum unit on the firewall. The video also recommended using heat-shrink crimp connectors which are not supplied by Demco. The fuse-holder is also crappy and the 20A fuse has slipped out of the holder with the cover closed, so I ordered a waterproof 20A circuit breaker and tossed the unreliable fuse holder which failed on my first trip. Demco also provides no indicator LED to show that the braking system switch is on and it is powered up and ready to function. This is asafety issue that should be addressed. For the cost of this system, these few simple enhancements would ensure that it works reliably for many years.
Appears to be working as expected, will be going on our first long trip in April to confirm.
instructions are generic so some judgment calls needed to be made for my 2019 F150 Raptor. I ended up placing the vacuum hose in the booster in the sensor hole, and placing the sensor at the end, rather than splicing into the preformed hose. Not a project to rush thru.
Victor
3/10/2023
Last April 2022 we went on a 2 month 6000 mile journey, pulling steep grades, raging thunderstorms, and some hot and dry days, all without any issues with the braking system. Very satisfied.
Extremely difficult to install. Installation Instruction need to be interpreted rather than followed.
However, once installed, braking on the toad is amazing. I went from no brakes to this brake system. Significant difference.
DIY installation on my 2018 Jeep JL unlimited 4-Dr went perfectly. I watched the video (a 2018 like mine) and followed along as I installed and it turned out just as the video showed. I added marine grade shrink wrap on all of the wire crimps, added the coiled split conduit wherever I could. Trying to Zip tie the wireless transmitter under the dash wasn’t working out for me so I cut two strips of double sided automotive tape and secured it to the metal dash support. Then I installed the towed vehicle wiring kit again following the Jeep JL videos. A lot of crawling around fishing the wiring through the side box railing…but doable. The only tedious part of this installation was finding good spots for mounting the emergency brake plug and the 6-way outlet on my heavy duty aftermarket winch mount bumper. My towed vehicle battery maintainer wiring should arrive shortly to complete my wiring.
Lastly, I ordered adapter 1” D-Ring brackets to fit the Roadmaster Nighthawk tow bar (checked with Cliffs in Scottsdale to inspect my aftermarket bumper first)….fit like a glove and easy to install on the tow bars. Fingers crossed and did the function tests and all worked as designed! I would add photos but the videos look identical to my application.
Etrailer videos made this a pretty simple install. So far so good.
Justin
10/12/2023
Everything is working how it should be.
Mike L.
11/4/2023
This system is time consuming to install but with the help of the etrailer videos the install went well. I really love the system. I have towed my Jeep with my RV a few times down some really steep grades and the system works awesome. The beauty of the system is when you are done towing, you disconnect the tow bars and safety cables, unplug the breakaway cable and brake/turn signal cable, switch off the control unit and your done! Preparing for the tow is just the reverse. I did consider many other types of systems and models, but I'm really happy with the Demco Stay-in-Play Duo. The Wireless Coachlink monitor is also awesome.`
Hans
4/17/2023
I have used the system several times over the last year and I am very pleased on how great it works. We have really tested the system on some steep grades with no problems.
What a great auxiliary braking system. I was a little apprehensive about installing this system myself on my 1999 Jeep TJ SE, but I found hte instructions to be well written and once I read through them several times and then took my time to follow them step by step the overall installation was pretty straight forward. I wont lie the installation took about 8hrs for me to complete, with one call to their support line which was excellent by the way!I had a question on the diodes. They answered my question and offered great support. Once installed and calibrated, the braking system worked as expected, actually better than expected. I really like the remote monitor which allows me to see when the brakes are applied on the Jeep from within the cab of my RV. I highly recommend this system....
Braking system worked great on my Jeep. We towed the vehicle on a 6000 mile journey this year. We were up and more importantly, down the Rocky Mountains and the braking system never failed us. Would definitely recommend.
Works great. Self installed on 2018 Ford F150 without much difficulty. I recommend watching etrailer install video. Mine has wireless duo monitor. Extra care needs to be used when splicing into tiny brake light switch wire. If bad connection is made truck will not shift out of park.
Great braking system. Installation directions were good and clear, but there are a lot of steps. It is easy to adjust properly once installed and has worked flawlessly for 2500 miles towing my 2015 Subaru Forester.
Clever system that makes hooking up the Jeep a breeze. It’s fairly easy to install and has so far been rock solid reliable.
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Deborah
4/21/2024
The braking system is awesome. Just flip the toggle switch to tow, and back for regular driving. Easy!