Demco Air Force One Flat Tow Brake System for 2019 and Newer Spartan K2 400 RVs w/ Safe Haul
(355 reviews)
Price: $1,036.26
Demco Air Force One Flat Tow Brake System for 2019 and Newer Spartan K2 400 RVs w/ Safe Haul
Item # DM54YV
Our Price: $1,036.26
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Demco Tow Bar Braking Systems - DM54YV
- Brake Systems
- Air Brakes
- Proportional System
- Demco
- Fixed System
- Power Assist Brake Compatible
- One Time Set-Up
Complete the Safe Haul factory prep package on your 2019 or newer Spartan motorhome so you can flat tow your vehicle with the Air Force One supplemental braking system. Includes an air jumper hose with the Safe Haul-specific fitting.
Features:
- Complete the Safe Haul prep package on your Spartan RV so you can flat tow your vehicle
- Get the safest and most even braking while flat towing
- Uses the air pressure from your RV's brake line to apply the towed car's brakes at the same time, with the same intensity
- Applies brakes only when needed: no false braking
- Plug in and go
- System automatically turns on when you connect your towed car to the RV
- Low-profile components install permanently and stay tucked out of sight
- Monitor your towed car's braking with LED indicator on car's dash
- Lights up when the brakes are applied
- Avoid damage from over-braking: reactivates car's vacuum-assisted braking
- Protect your motorhome: system meets FMVSS safety guidelines for motorhomes that use air brakes
- Get everything you need: breakaway switch, Spartan Safe Haul-specific coiled air hose, and all necessary components
- Add the wireless Coachlink (SM99945 - sold separately) to conveniently monitor the braking system from the RV cab
- Made in the USA
Specs:
- Application: Spartan K2 400 motorhomes with Safe Haul
- Safe Haul comes factory-installed on 2019 and newer Spartans
- Compatible with hybrids and other cars with continuous-power-assist brakes
- Coiled air hose length when fully stretched: 7'
- Hose diameter: 1/4"
- Breakaway cable length when fully stretched: 7'
- 5-Year warranty
How Does the Demco Air Force One Work?
The Demco Air Force One offers truly proportional braking for the safest and most comfortable flat towing experience. Proportional braking means that when you apply the brakes in your RV, the braking system will engage the brakes of your toad (towed vehicle) at the same time and with the same intensity. Whether it's a gradual slow down to a red light or a sudden stop in an emergency, your toad and RV will brake together.
To achieve this, the Air Force One ties directly into your motorhome's air brakes and uses the same air pressure that results from you pressing the brake pedal in your coach to pull down the brake pedal in your toad. The result is uniform, real-time braking that exactly mirrors your RV.
To deliver the pressurized air needed to activate your toad's brakes, the coach air connection assembly taps directly into your RV's air brake lines.
A pressure protection valve collects air from your RV's supply air line and stores it in an air reservoir tank so that it's ready to use when you need it. This 1-way check valve ensures that your RV's air lines maintain consistent pressure so that your motorhome's brakes will not be affected by the Air Force One. It meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) guidelines requiring that supplemental braking systems use a separate air supply and activation relay valve.
On the other side of the air tank, the service relay valve taps into the coach's metered air line and the delivery relay valve connects to the quick-disconnect air valve on the back of the motorhome. All of the above components will come factory-installed on your 2019 or newer Spartan K2 400 coach.
When you press the brake pedal in your RV, the same pressure that is sent to the brakes is sent to the air connection assembly through the service relay valve. The delivery relay valve then sends the pressurized air to the operating unit via the coiled jumper hose connecting the RV and toad. The main operating unit, mounted under the hood of the toad, receives the air from the coach and sends it to the actuating cylinder that attaches to your vehicle's brake pedal. The cylinder will pull the pedal down and apply the brakes.
With this system, the brakes are applied in the toad at the same time, with the same amount of pressure as in the motorhome. This is what makes it truly proportional.
Vacuum-Assist Braking Means Natural Braking
When you're driving, your vehicle uses vacuum pressure to create the force needed to bring the car to a stop. On most vehicles, 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 to brake the toad.
The Air Force One, on the other hand, reactivates your car's vacuum-assist function by tying into its vacuum line and using the air pressure from the RV to create the needed vacuum. This way your car will brake evenly and naturally as it's being towed, so there's less risk of damage.
Installing the Air Force One
The Air Force One comes in 3 main pieces: the coach air connection assembly, the operating unit, and the actuating cylinder. Your 2019 or newer Spartan K2 400 motorhome comes with the coach air connection assembly pre-installed, so half of your installation is already taken care of.
The operating unit will typically install under your car's hood. It's designed with a low profile so you can easily find somewhere to put it. Once the unit's mounted, you'll connect the air lines and splice the wires to the breakaway switch, which you'll need to install on the front of your toad. The unit connects to the coach air assembly using a coiled air hose, also called a jumper; you'll plug it into the quick-connects at the same time as you hook up your tow bar. The jumper included in this kit is Spartan Safe Haul-specific.
The final piece is the actuating cylinder, the part that actually presses the brake pedal down. It will mount permanently to the arm of the brake pedal and anchor to the firewall. Though it is permanent, it will not interfere with everyday driving. In most vehicles, it is tucked up where you can't even see it.
It connects to the operating unit via an air hose you'll need to run through the firewall. In most cases, you can cut a slit in the hood release cable grommet to pass it through. Either way, you shouldn't have to do any drilling to get the air line hooked up.
Built-In Safety Features
Included in this kit is an LED indicator light for safety and peace of mind. This LED, mounted in the toad (on the dash or on the back of the rearview mirror) and visible in your RV's backup camera, will light up whenever your toad is actively braking. It's a simple way to keep tabs on whether the system is working properly or if something goes 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 where the system is activating without the toad braking, or even that the brakes are staying on continuously when they shouldn't be, but you won't know it until the damage is already done. This indicator, however, connects directly to a reed switch on the actuator so it only lights up when the pedal is depressed.
If there's a strong glare on your toad's windshield, the LED light strip might be hard to see. The wireless Coachlink system (SM99945 - sold separately) is a great solution to this problem; the monitor mounts right on your RV's dashboard so it's directly in view. This is a great add-on for convenience and peace of mind.
The Air Force One also comes with a breakaway system. The breakaway system ensures that your car will come safely to a stop if it accidentally detaches from the RV while you are towing. A switch mounts to the front of the towed vehicle. This switch - which wires to the operating unit - includes a pin that connects to your RV's hitch receiver with a breakaway cable. If the car separates, the cable pulls the pin from the switch, triggering the system. A reserve air supply stored in the operating unit will apply your towed car's brakes. This system also has total coach protection built in: if there is separation, the motorhome's air supply is sealed off, so its brakes will continue to function as normal.
What You Need to Flat Tow
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 vehicle, 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 vehicles to ensure that the toad does not separate from the motorhome if the tow bar becomes detached. Tow bar wiring syncs your vehicle'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.
6296 Demco SBS Air Force 1 Coiled Air Jumper Kit for 2019 to Present Spartan Chassis
6271 Demco SBS Second Vehicle Kit for Air Force 1 Supplemental Braking System
Installation Details
Customer Satisfaction Score:
97% were satisfied with this product
3% of customers were not satisfied
- Too difficult to install
Customer Reviews
Demco Air Force One Flat Tow Brake System for 2019 and Newer Spartan K2 400 RVs w/ Safe Haul - DM54YV
Average Customer Rating: 4.9 out of 5 stars (355 Customer Reviews)
Complete the Safe Haul factory prep package on your 2019 or newer Spartan motorhome so you can flat tow your vehicle with the Air Force One supplemental braking system. Includes an air jumper hose with the Safe Haul-specific fitting.by: Randy02/29/2024
This is a complicated install. If you’ve never done one, expect to spend 8-10 hours to do it right. A few suggestions for improvement: 1 the ring connector for the main power wire should be larger. 2 many of the videos show a reed switch with 3 wires; mine had 2. Also the colors on it and the red light have changed and the wiring has changed. I would recommend recording new installation videos or add a change notice at the beginning of each video. 3 brake release switch wire is too short. Yes, the video says this, but why not make it 4 feet longer?
by: Tommy 02/09/2024
Prompt delivery
by: Bill12/23/2022
I wouldn't use anything else! Once this system is installed it's literally plug-and-play. Nothing to move or install into the car, each time you tow. Just plug it into the coach's air break system and you're done. Install video from etrailer made it even easier to complete.
You do need a bit of mechanical guidance/assistance as you're connecting to both your vehicles and coaches breaking system but it has worked flawlessly for over 11,000 miles and in some pretty intense traffic.
by: Bruce M.01/26/2024
Everything went extremely well after talking to DEMCO an ordering a Demco Vacuum Tee Fitting for Factory Brake Booster Sensor Port Item # DM6257.
by: Darryl W07/27/2020
AF1 is amazing so far. I did the installation by myself. I have a 2014 Honda CR-V and bought it for towing. Watching the video helped me through it. The car installation portion was pretty straight forward. The video is better than the instructions overall, but I read through the entire instructions before beginning. I was able to install the RV tank without putting the rig on a lift. Depending on how big you are and flexibility, it can be done with the RV on the ground...it just takes longer. Also, I would recommend knowing where you are going to mount your RV tank. I mounted the tank near the rear and didn’t have enough brake tube after doing the car. Picked up an extra 20 ft at Autozone or order the tube with etrailer.
The customer service center is very helpful too. Many thanks to Mariah for the outstanding assistance. Finally, I would say that if you order the brackets to mount the emergency brake away for your car, you may have to cut them down with a grinder. It is so much nicer not putting the brake buddy in the car now. Looking forward to enjoying it on trips. I drove the rig about 20 miles yesterday, and the light came on and I honestly couldn’t tell the car was back there other than looking in the video and seeing the light on the car during braking. Highly recommend this unit.
by: LLM03/30/2024
Love the Air Force One. After professional installation, it's simple to and quick hook up the toad. The bluetooth display in the rig cockpit clearly indicates when toad's brakes are engaged. In the year since it was installed, we've used it over 10,000 miles with no problems.
by: Fred 03/23/2024
Works great with air brake system on my RV. Really like the plug-in and go. Moderately easy to install and had good installation instructions. Wished I had gotten the unit sooner. Tech staff were great at helping me locate main air supply on my rv. Would highly recommend. I installed unit on '23 Jeep Rubicon and 2003 40'Beaver motorhome.
by: Roy02/24/2024
If you have air brakes and tow u need AF 1 I self installed and it works great nothing to remove from drivers side from brake pedal just normal hook up plug in air hose ( blue) and connect brake away cable and go only issue I had with install is my toad (Chevy Colorado) requires battery disconnect well I had my disconnect hooked to the negative post well that didn’t work , the brake system needs power to function so 1phone call to Demco! fixed it hook up batt disconnect to positive and it now works
by: Bruce P.12/13/2020
I believe the AFO is the best supplemental braking system for air brakes on the market today. Probably the most expensive also. A lot of work to install but a good system that is truly proportional and safe to use with an air brake system.
by: PJ in AZ05/16/2023
Overall a great system, there are some intricacies to the install as it pertains to old instructions with LED light in the TOAD vs. CoachLink Wireless and also the 3 wire reed switch vs. the newer 2 wire one. But using the provided written instructions along with YouTube videos you can figure it out. My other challenge was my Jeep is a 392 model and thus the battery and fuse box are in swapped locations, as well as a different VAC line layout, but again you can figure it out…just takes some time to study and trace the routing. My only real complaint was ordering, I was quoted the wrong system for my RV (Stay and Play) vs. AF1 since I DO have air brakes. etrailer was helpful in getting the return process but wants to charge me the shipping and possibly restock fee, I am working with them on this and hope to get a good resolution.
by: Larry 03/21/2024
After a year of use, the Air Force system is still working perfectly. Have used it to tow a Jeep Grand Cherokee for about 13k miles so far.
by: Jay 01/06/2024
I purchased this as part of a package which included; Hitch and wiring for my 2022 Equinox, Base plate, Tow Bar, brake System and connecting air hose, break away cables, LED tow lights with wiring harness, and a trickle charger to keep the Equinox battery from going dead while I was towing it behind my class A RV.
I had etrailer do the install of all the components on my car and RV. All the workmanship was excellent and done in the amount of time they said it would take. Also because they did not have a video of this equipment being put on this year and model vehicle, I gave them permission to make a video(which added a extra day and a half to the install)and the installation was free. Everything has worked perfectly and I couldn't be happier. Etrailer is my go to for anything towing and also RV parts.
by: Ron 03/15/2024
I've had an Demco Stay-n-play for years....I got the AFO for my new Cherokee and so far the installation has been fairly routine. I've called Demco for Tech assistance and they've been very helpful.
by: Dave01/17/2019
"Out of sight, out of mind" would be the best description I could offer for the Air Force One supplemental braking system! When properly installed, it's effective as well as quick and easy to hook up. Connect the tow bar, safety cables, safety switch cable, tow plug and air line, you're done! Five minutes at most.
I did add a couple of features to my towing system:
1. Using a relay and the extra wire in the connector to the coach, I installed the LED indicator strip on the dash of the coach; no need to rely on the back-up camera to verify operation of the brake cylinder. Coaches that have a tow connector are usually equipped with a power wire to the cab for electric brakes - this wire is a good way to get the indicator signal to the front of the motorhome.
2. I used the 12 V power connection from the coach to connect a charging wire to the car battery to ensure it would not discharge; I used an auto-resetting breaker with a rating below the glass fuse in the 12 V circuit to prevent a fuse from blowing if the charge current gets to high.
In all, a great investment! I have an article I wrote on the install if anyone is interested.
by: Don K.04/23/2017
Vehicle 2016 GMC Canyon Diesel.
Installation of the SMI Air Force One supplementary braking system was not too difficult. The instructions from SMI were good as was the video from etrailer. The only reason that I didn't give it a 5 star is because the air cylinder installation on the brake pedal was complicated by an unusual shape of the brake pedal arm. I eventually found a solution.
Tapping into the truck's vacuum line was a little difficult but the kit included everything I needed to T into the vacuum line and install the check valves.
All in all not a bad installation, this summer we'll see how it holds up.
by: Steve C02/02/2024
The Air Force One Braking system just arrived. I opened the box and looked it all over. No damage to anything thanks to good packing. A friend of mine has this same braking system and he loves it. Can't give a product review because it's not installed yet but I can honestly say Dianna A in customer service helped me get my order correct.
by: Thomas11/06/2023
The Air Force one was not an easy install for me because I’m old and I don’t get around like I used to but it was not impossible. However, in my opinion, it is the best supplemental braking system for flat towing. The best part about it is my Allegro Bus came with the system already installed on the coach and once you install it on your towed vehicle you don’t have to deal with any of that to get on the road. If it takes me more than ten minutes to hook everything up and get in the coach ready to drive away then I've done something wrong.
by: Robert04/12/2024
Easy installation and setup.
by: Ian S10/07/2019
I’ve fitted it to my Jeep Wrangler then taken of and fitted to our new Jeep Grand Cherokee. Works perfectly . I had used our 53ft coach without it and in an emergency stop, was a problem stopping in the rain. Now we have had a couple of fast stops and it works great, would be without it.
by: Richard 12/27/2023
Excellent system. Takes a little bit to install, but worth the effort. Our toad is a 2021 Jeep Wrangler with the ecodiesel. Some of the passes that we did were 14 degree and the braking worked great!
by: Randal03/12/2022
Installation was easy, compact and out of the way. Had a little problem finding controller location due to clearance. Ended up using velcro on top of the fuse box to hold the controller in place.
by: Robbie 01/10/2024
This has been a good system. As a new Class A driver worries about many things abound but this system takes the stress of the tow vehicle braking off that list.
by: John from Connecticut11/15/2023
Best tow bar system ever owned! Very easy to operate quick release towbar. Plug in coach air can’t be much easier for confident proportional braking towing my Ford F150 Raptor.
by: Wayne02/21/2024
Very knowledgeable about their products and answered all my questions. Very fast shipping and no problems with a return when I ordered the wrong part. Very satisfied
by: Dave 11/18/2023
Nice knowing your toad is applying brakes when you do in the coach
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See what our Experts say about this Demco Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Which Demco Air Force One Fits 2022 Dutchstar Built on Spartan K2 ChassisSince your 2022 Dutchstar is built on a K2 Spartan chassis the correct Demco Air Force One is the part # DM54YV. This will work great with your Jeep Wrangler that has the light kit already installed.
view full answer... - Recommended Towed Vehicle Air Force One Supplemental Braking System for Diesel MotorhomesCongrats on your new purchase! Yes, there are three options for the tow vehicle only side of the Demco Air Force One Supplemental Braking System for Motorhomes with Air Brakes item # SM99243. Which one you need will depend on the year, make, and model of your new motorhome because they all have different connectors. I have listed the options below: 2021 and Newer Freightliner Chassis Motorhomes with BrakeSync - Demco Air Force One Braking System item # DM23MV 2020 and Newer Tiffin Chassis...
view full answer... - Demco Air Force One Compatibility With A 2022 Newmar Dutch Star On A Spartan K2 ChassisHi Scott, As long as your motorhome has the 'Spartan Safe Haul' system the Demco Air Force One Flat Tow Brake System for Spartan K2 400 Chassis RVs with Safe Haul # DM54YV would be compatible with the factory air lines on the motorhome. From what I'm reading every Spartan chassis from 2019 and newer should come with the Safe Haul system installed, but it never hurts to verify. If you haven't picked out the rest of your flat towing components then I have the following recommendations...
view full answer... - Demco Air Force One Braking System Compatible With a 2006 Spartan Mountain Master ChassisAs you have a 2006 Spartan Mountain Master chassis you will need the Demco Air Force One Supplemental Braking System # SM99243. The Kit # DM54YV you found is specifically for the 2019 and newer Spartan chassis which comes with the tank and connection preinstalled by Spartan. We also have the Kit # DM26VR which includes the wireless coachlink so you can monitor braking from the in cab monitor.
view full answer... - Supplemental Braking System for 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL with Spartan K2 Chassis with Safe Haul AirHey John, we actually have a supplemental braking system that was designed specifically to be used with the Spartan K2 chassis you have that has the Safe Haul system with the Demco Air Force One Flat Tow Brake System part # DM54YV so this would be the best and easiest solution.
view full answer... - Replacing A Brakeaway Switch On The Demco Air Force One Brake SystemTo replace the brakeaway on your Demco Air Force one system, I recommend the Fastway Zip Brakeaway Switch # FA80-00-2060. This will come with a new switch, plunger and 6' cable. We do not carry a replacement brakeaway from Demco, but they are all going to be interchangeable as it is just a 2 wire installation.
view full answer... - What is the Purpose of the Air Tank on the Demco Air Force One Supplemental Braking System?The air tank for the Demco Air Force One item # SM99243 is used to collect reserve air from your motorhome's air brake system. It ensures there's the right amount of pressure on demand to operate the actuator. Depending on what type of motorhome you're using you may not need a system with an air tank. I have listed the three options below: 2021 and Newer Freightliner Chassis Motorhomes with BrakeSync - Demco Air Force One Braking System item # DM23MV 2020 and Newer Tiffin Chassis Motorhomes...
view full answer...
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Test Fit:
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