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Is this right for you? Product Expert Mike S says:
Get automatic, proportional braking with a system that never has to be removed, replaced, or reset. The DUO activates when your RV's brake lights go on and an inertia sensor in the towed car detects deceleration. No false braking.
Features:
Specs:
Note: Works with Re-Install Kit SM6270 to use in another tow vehicle.
A supplemental braking system is a must when towing a car or truck behind your RV. Without it, the weight of the towed car can create a safety hazard, strain your RV's brakes, or affect your RV's warranty. Most states require a supplemental braking system.
There are many supplemental braking systems available to RV owners who choose to tow a car. Stay-IN-Play DUO combines the best features into a single system that is both automatic and fully proportional. This system relies not only on your towed car's momentum to activate, but also on your RV's brake light signal. As a result, the DUO will automatically activate any time you engage your RV's brakes, so long as there is enough deceleration for the system to detect. And when it does activate, your towed car's brakes will engage with an intensity that matches the slowing or stopping action of your RV.
An inertia-sensing mercury switch inside the DUO's controller is what makes this system proportional. This switch reads and interprets changes in forward momentum that occur when your towing setup decelerates. As your RV and car slow down, this switch sends a signal to activate your towed vehicle's brake pedal with an intensity that matches the deceleration of your RV. The result is even braking across your towing setup. Whether you lightly tap the brakes in your RV or apply them hard in a panic situation, your towed car's brakes will be applied proportionately.
The G-Force controller is responsible for sending the signal that activates the brakes in your towed car. When the coach brake lights come on, the tow bar wiring sends a signal to this controller. This signal powers the internal, inertia-sensing mercury switch, enabling it to detect deceleration. If a change in forward momentum is detected, the G-Force controller initiates the braking process by sending an activation signal to the system's operating unit.
If the mercury switch is powered but there is no change in momentum, the system will not activate the towed car's brakes. Likewise, if a decrease in forward momentum occurs but there is no brake light signal from the RV, the inertia sensor will not be able to register the deceleration, and the system will not activate the towed car's brakes.
Because the DUO will not work without your RV brakes being applied, there is no false braking. When you downshift in your RV without applying the brakes, the DUO will not mistakenly depress your towed car's brake pedal because that first activation signal is not there. And because there is no time delay, this proportional system delivers instant braking in an emergency.
Note: The G-Force controller mounts in the towed car and must be pointed it in the direction of travel - with the toggle switch facing the rear of your vehicle - for the internal sensor to function properly.
You can adjust the sensitivity of the inertia-sensing mercury switch with a knob on the front of the G-Force controller. Adjusting the sensitivity lets you decide how intense the change in momentum must be for the sensor to respond. Adjust it to fit your personal preference so that you can get a customized braking experience. Set the sensitivity low and the DUO will only respond when you forcibly step on your RV's brake pedal. Set the sensitivity high and it will respond when you merely tap your RV's brakes.
To fine-tune the sensitivity, first move the knob all the way to its most sensitive setting. From there, you can apply the coach brakes and gradually move the knob until you get the setting right where you want it. You only need to set the sensitivity upon initial setup.
Operating Unit
The operating unit receives the signal from the G-Force controller to activate. It then delivers air through a hose to the actuating cylinder, which depresses the towed car's brake pedal with a pressure that ensures your car will brake in proportion to the deceleration of your RV.
Once you install the Stay-IN-Play DUO's operating unit under the hood of your towed vehicle, it stays concealed. Not only will it be installed and ready for the next time you want to tow your car, but it will also be out of the way so that you won't notice it when you drive your car normally. In addition, there is no need to constantly set up or remove this system. As a result, you don't need to worry about where to store the components when you're not towing.
Actuating Cylinder
The actuating cylinder depresses your towed car's brake pedal upon receiving air from the operating unit. This small cylinder stays mounted on the arm of your towed car's brake pedal at all times and will not interfere with braking while driving.
Mount this cylinder so that it is perpendicular to the firewall when you depress the brake pedal. A clamp anchors the actuator to the firewall.
To connect the actuating cylinder to the operating unit, you will need to run the included air hose through your towed car's firewall. You can usually create the necessary, small opening without drilling. In most instances, you can cut a slit in the hood release cable grommet. Simply cut the end of the air line at an angle to poke it through the slit.
Normally, when you activate the brakes in your vehicle, a vacuum multiplies the pressure you apply to your brake pedal, creating the force necessary to stop the full weight of the moving car. On most cars and trucks, this vacuum-assist function does not work when the engine is off. As a result, many supplemental braking systems on the market have to use an excessive amount of pressure to effectively depress the towed car's brake pedal.
The Stay-IN-Play DUO's operating unit ties into your car's vacuum line and uses a built-in vacuum pump to activate the vacuum-assist function of your car's brakes when it's being towed. As a result, the actuating cylinder of the Stay-IN-Play DUO does not need to apply extreme force to the brake pedal to achieve proper braking. The Stay-IN-Play DUO will replenish your towed car's vacuum after each braking event so that you will get smooth, even braking every time.
Most supplemental braking systems have methods of letting you know you when the system itself is activated, regardless of whether the towed car's brake pedal is depressed. Such setups leave opportunities for false notification. The Stay-IN-Play DUO's system is different. This system's LED monitor connects to your towed car's brake light switch. When your car's brake light goes on or off, so does the notification light. So you can tell whether your car's brake pedal is depressed.
You can install the monitor light on your RV's dash, or you can save time by attaching the monitor light to the back of the rearview mirror of the towed vehicle. This way you can see the light from your RV's backup camera or rearview mirror. The system includes the necessary parts for either installation method.
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 is wired into 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, causing a signal to be sent to the operating unit.
Average Customer Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars (386 Customer Reviews)
Get automatic, proportional braking with a system that never has to be removed, replaced, or reset. The DUO activates when your RV's brake lights go on and an inertia sensor in the towed car detects deceleration. No false braking.After watching the excellent installation video I had very little trouble installing this product. I like the fact that it is a stay-in-play system that literally requires only the flip of a switch to activate. The major components are all installed out of the way, yet are still easily accessible. As for the braking system itself, I find it operationally excellent and believe this product choice was a great one.
Haven't actually had the chance to tow behind yet so this is just for the install. It took me quite a long time to install but, that's not the products fault. Everything you need to do the job is included.
I only give it 4 stars because the system uses the towed vehicles battery to activate the vacuum/compressor pump, so it would be possible to run the battery down as there is no charge circuit from the towing vehicle. I did choose to add one though. Other than that I'm sure it'll work fine. It was installed on a 1983 Vanagon.
David - 10/21/2021Installation was challenging. If you're not comfortable with working on vehicles, I would recommend you let a pro handle it. We installed on a Fiat 500, and the biggest issue was that there was very little room to work with. They include plenty of wire, hose, and connectors, but it would be better if they included shrinkable butt connectors since a lot of the wiring takes place in the engine compartment. Breakaway switch mounts horizontally, so you may need a 90-degree angle bracket to adapt from your base plate. For a Fiat, we needed to purchase a separate brake light switch because it isn't practical to wire into the car's switch. I also wish that the kit included a charging cable because the braking system runs off of battery power, and it will likely drain on long trips.
Once installed, this is an elegant solution. Just turn on the switch, hook up, and go. Tons of up-front work for an easy breezy payoff over time.
I'm very pleased with this Stay-in-Play /DUO Braking System which I installed on my 2005 Jeep Liberty. I debated wheather I dared install it myself, but with the video instructions I decided that I could. I watched the video a couple of times, then followed it step by step during the installation, and it went pretty smoothly. One issue I had is that they changed the instalation of the LED indecator light, since the making of the video, so the parts did not come as described on the video. I do prefer the new method, as described in the installation manual, but it does require a toggle switch to turn it off. I installed one just below the Control Unit inside the car (see photo). I was also very impressed since, right after ordering the system, I found it for less on another web site. I emailed eTrailer about my disappointing discovery, and they credited me back the difference. GREAT COMPANY!
Robert P - 12/09/20192013 Jeep Wrangler Sport. No surprises. Some cramped work at brakes pedal. Fit the operating box over the battery with foam on the bottom and screwed to plastic bracket. No rattles. Wiring and hoses were not complicated, but take care and time. Fired on first pull. Take time with the wiring. Routing is important for a clean installation. Took about 4 hours, but i was not in a hurry.
Michael - 03/31/2022
One year and oner12k miles the DemcoStay-In-Play has worked flawlessly in our 2020 Ford Edge ST. This includes a trip to Colorado and PA. Highly recommend and etrailer is great to do business with.
Thanks to installation videos provided by etrailer, I felt confident that I could do the install myself. I had never pulled off moldings and panels in a car before, but with your videos as guidance , it was a breeze. This system was going into a 2016 Ford Edge 3.5L AWD and your (and SMI's) instructions call for installation of 2 check valves. After calling SMI to clarify the install points, it got even easier, as only one valve is required, and is ridiculously simple to install it. No cutting of original car hoses required (see photo). After everything was installed, the whole setup just simply worked, no troubleshooting required. That was fun and it is totally doable, even for the average guy like myself.
Herbert M - 07/13/2018Love it, Love it, Love it! Everything is hidden away, and even under hard braking, my 1/2 pick-up brakes come on as needed and there is no forward push on my motorhome.
1950's technology that sort of works. Really no way to fine tune the braking pressure in spite of the sliding screw "adjustment". I tow a Jeep Wrangler 4 door. I have towed it with and without this system. There is some difference but not at all like having electric trailer brakes that you can test and modulate from the cab.
Jenny N - 03/14/2022I chose to go with this unit because I didn't like the idea of the other types that mash the brake pedal without any vacuum assist & the fact that you have to remove, then reinstall them each time you want to use the car.
This ended up TOUGH install. Not because of the unit, but rather the lack of ANY room under the hood on my 2003 Subaru Outback Wagon to mount the operating unit. The only place I could find that would be out of the way was under the driver's seat of all places! Luckily there was JUST enough hose with the unit to reach all the way to the brake booster. I had to cut the carpeting so the seat would clear the operating unit during movement without any chance of contact. There was no hole in the firewall large enough to accommodate the hose so I had to drill a hole for that although I was able to route the wiring through a small rubber grommet. Routing the hose to the firewall was a real challenge! I ended up running it through the heater duct under the driver's floor mat to the left side kick panel, then up over the pedals keeping clear of any moving parts. WHEW!!
The brake pedal actuator went on without much fuss, although with my large feet I have noticed I'll catch the actuator with my toe on occasion. I may mark the location it's in now & merely raise it up a tab in between trips.
The wiring was pretty much straight forward, there was plenty of included wire & I had JUST enough room tho mount the G-Force Controller on the left kick panel covering without interfering with my feet.
The breakaway switch I fastened to the body in front & below the radiator.
I read where everyone was saying you need to have a battery cut-off device to keep the braking system from draining the battery over time, but I had power from the RV keeping the battery fresh so I didn't worry about that & saved myself the $180 for the cost of an automatic battery disconnect.
After installation, I sat in the car while we towed it around the neighborhood to see how it worked & made the necessary adjustments to the G-Force Controller. Now THAT was weird! What with the car steering itself & braking too.
We just got back from a 4,000+ mile trip & everything worked fine. On occasion I forgot to flip the switch to turn the system off, but it didn't seem to make much of a difference.
All in all a great system!
Install is a project. Had a couple of questions during installation. etrailer folks are very knowledgeable and helpful. There was one question they could not answer, and the tech gave me Demco's number, and Demco cleared up my issue quickly. I had hard time deciding on placement of Stay-n-play operating box(not much room in engine compartment on 2021 Jeep Wrangler). Choose to install on top of fuse box. Worked well.
Outstanding product and even better customer service! Two backyard mechanics installed baseplate and braking system with just one call to confirm proper wire connection. Total package works great.
I personally installed this on my 2020 Jeep Wrangler and have towed it using this braking system over 4K miles and have had zero issues. Would definitely recommend! The installation instructions were well written and included an easy to read wiring diagram making is easy to install and the very knowledgeable etrailer support was a bonus too!
After doing much research and reading many reviews and watching a lot of your instructional videos I chose the Stay-in-Play Duo. It came complete with instructions and extra parts for any application. I like the fact that after everything is installed it is just a matter of flipping a switch and checking it out and drive off. I mounted it in a 2018 Jeep wrangler, not very much room for the operating unit, but I I went off of one of your videos on a 2017 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited and mounted it underneath above the cross frame below and behind the radiator but still protected from the elements. Not a lot of room under the dash either, but everything is in and looks great and ready for the 1st trip.
I installed this in a 2012 mini Cooper S. With the turbo charger there is no room in the engine compartment for the system unit, so I mounted it under the passenger seat. I had to remove the seat, cut out the carpet, mount the unit, and then buy longer seat attachment bolts. I used half inch thick spacers between the seat track in the floorboard. Made a long run for the vacuum hose to get up to the engine compartment through the firewall. By removing the cowling on the driver side, it exposes a huge Gromit where the main wiring harness passes through the firewall. It actually had two nipples ready to be cut off to run the vacuum hose and the wires through — so that part was pretty easy.
I haven’t towed it behind the motorhome yet, but it passed all the start up tests the first time!
It wasn't easy to get everything installed in a way that looked neat and professional but in the end the ease with which you can hook up the car and start towing makes it worth it. I bought a replacement factory vacuum pump line so that I didn't have to worry about ruining the original one and as a result the installation looks that much better. Literally all I have to do is flip a switch once the car is connected and I'm ready to go. Given a second opportunity to do the installation I would mount the LED light strip vertically on the backside of the rear view mirror to make it a bit more visible but other than that, I'm happy with how it turned out and the system works great.
SMI Stay in Play Duo installation in 2015 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited –
Packaging was great with everything needed included plus extra items for various installation methods of you’re choosing. Upon initial investigation and survey, everything except the CD Information pack was accounted for.
No big deal, as I had previously watched 2 different Youtube installations found on the internet. In fact, the internet videos were what I used as my step by step installation process, and the written instructions were only used for concerns where the video may not have been as clear as I had hoped for.
Understanding that everyone has their own style and methods for doing this project, I purposely was not in a hurry to rush through it. All in all, I took @ 8 hours to install the Adapter 4 to 6 pole #30637, the EZMount Tow lights Kit, and the Stay in Play Duo Braking System.
I choose the EZMount because I didn’t want to mess around with the OEM taillights and wiring. Magnetic lights don’t work so well on composite tops and I didn’t want to stick them to the sides of te Jeep, so I modified the EZ mount to wrap around the thickness of the rear glass hatch on both sides. I added a 2”x 4” pc of Velcro on the inside of the glass hatch and the mating surface of the plastic light housing - to hold the lamps in place until the rear gate was closed.
I ran the wire harness on the inside under the trim all the way up to the front and through the grommet in the firewall. The flat 4 wire was routed and secured up to the Adapter 4 pole to 6 pole that I had fastened to the Blue Ox base plate.
The actual installation of the SMI unit and assorted parts went rather smoothly. Most difficult issue was the lack of working space in front of the driver’s seat area. Installing the screw that holds the G force controller on the front (the side towards the front of the car) was difficult as it was almost a blind installation due to lack of room. The nut and fender washer used through the fire wall for attaching the air cylinder cable bracket was a challenge to reach - tight fit with not much room for one's hand and arm.
Other than that, no big surprises – just a lot of tedious steps to do when you want to be sure that it is being installed properly – take your time and don’t be in a hurry.
Once everything was installed – it all worked when I checked the system out. The only thing that may seem a bit odd is that when setting the G force initially, the compressor will shut off while adjusting per instructions. To do this initial adjustment, the wife stepped on the brake in the Motorhome, with the switch “On”. The compressor starts, and the brake is pushed down by the Air Cylinder, at which time I slowly adjusted the G force until the compressor shuts off. I secured the adjusting bolt and I told the wife to take her foot off the brake and then re-apply them. The compressor did not start again and the air cylinder did not apply the brakes in the Jeep. After setting the G force per instructions, the unit didn't turn on when the brakes in the Motorhome were applied - but since we were not moving - all I can assume is that the brake system will function while slowing down once the accelerometer setting (the sensitivity setting on the G force box) has been met. I assume that the sensitivity setting method includes a way to ensure the Jeep brakes are not engaged too frequently and only until needed.
This is the only step that is a tad bit confusing without an explanation as to what to expect once the G force sensitivity is set.
Lastly, I checked the brake away switch and it turned the compressor on and applied the brakes as expected.
Overall - the installation went rather smoothly. Can't wait to see how the product works once we hit the road. I'll check back and provide an update later.
Mike A - 10/23/2018This braking system has worked very well and is effortless to enable and disable. One thing I would encourage users to do is to determine all accessories that will be needed for the install (I.e. brake light relay, indicator light on coach dash, wiring kit, etc). Pulling all of the needed wires thru the firewall at one time is much easier. Don’t ask how I know this LOL
I would recommend this product
I selected this item as an alternative to braking systems that sit in front of the driver seat and must be put in and taken out each time it is used. I like the fact that it is nearly undetectable once installed and works seamlessly. On installation the most difficult part was drilling the holes to screw the unit under the driver seat. The carpet being the primary problem in my experience, as it bound up around the drill bit.
We’re rookie RV ers. I called etrailer on Monday and worked with Melissa T. To put together a order for the parts and wiring needed to flat tow a vehicle behind our RV. I thought we need 3 items but Melissa was very knowledgeable and walked me through what we would need. She explained what everything was and suggested alternatives. I felt comfortable working with Melissa and would recommend her to others! On Thursday I received my order confirmation via email and about 15 minutes later, UPS delivered my order. Placed order on Monday and had it in my hands on Thursday. Not bad!
Very happy with the way this turned out. Video was very helpful. Only thing I didn't really care for was the red LED that was to be mounted on mirror. Purchased a red LED light at parts store and mounted in grill, see picture, using alternate connection. Much easier to connect and much easier to see in RV camera.
Installation does take alot of additional kits due requirement of Jeep to disconnect battery. Very pleased with system. Wiring print was a real plus and online video
I have not actually tried it on the road, but it activates as advertised. Thus only 4 stars. It replaced an old Cumbersome Brake Buddy. Working under the dash was the most difficult part. The LED notification lite does not work the wire is very flimsy. Will update when I get on the road.
The install was not easy. You need to follow the instructions in the videos. The product works very well and I would recommend it to anyone in need of a very good braking system.
We wired this into a 2017 Ford CMax and it has worked ideal braking system, just switch it on when connected to our motor home and we are ready to go. We mounted the unit behind the drivers seat in a floor compartment to keep it dry and it has worked perfect. It was a little tricky to get the toad indicator light to work, required a separate switch kit to be purchased but once that was wired in we can see the brake pedal indicator lighting up and know that our unit is working as it should.
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