Air Force One Installation

[Gil_Johnson]

Has anyone installed the AF1 brake system in their coach?  I was wondering how hard the job was and how long it took.  My coach is in Florida and I'm in Virginia.  So, I'm trying to decide whether to install it when I get there or have someone do the job before I get to the coach.

BTW, I see mixed reviews on Alliance Coach.  Any opinions of whether I should consider them for the job?  If not who would you recommend it that same area?  I know not everyone can be a happy customer, but if most are, that's all I need to hear.

Thanks,

Gil
2008 Contessa Westport 42

[LEAH DRAPER]

Gil
I had this braking system done to my 2008 Contessa.  I would suggest that you get in touch with SMI plant, they have "factory" trained people that do their installs.  In think I would want to oversee the install and not just let some one do it without knowing what they are doing.  When they did mine, even with training they punctured my vacume system on the toad which they had to replace at their expense.  

Really love the system .........

[Bill Sprague]

Gil,

Where have you seen the bad reviews?  My experience is the opposite.  I'll suggest you won't find a larger collection of Beaver by Monaco experienced experts anywhere on the East coast.   I can say without reservation that they have far more happy customers than sad ones.  

Alliance is one of those places that if there is ever any doubt, suspicion or mis-communication you can call (or e-mail) Brett Howard.  He is the boss, takes calls and answers emails.  

Parenthetically, they are one of the key sponsors to the BAC and this Forum.  I suspect it's because they care.  

But since this is about a car brake system, Alliance is doing business as a coach specialist.  I reviewed their website and did not see a towed brake brand listed.  I'm not sure car braking systems is high on their list of priorities.

Blue Ox and Roadmaster dominate the towed car business.  Both attend all large rallies and provide very low cost on site service.  They even roam the parking areas looking for towbars that need service.  If you are at a big rally you can expect to see a tiny colored sticker on a taillight if you "pass" and a note on the door if you need service.  They both have a lot of dealers that provide service all over the country.   I would not invest in a tow bar or towed car brake system where service is inconvenient.

Apparantly you've picked a brand of brake or tow bar system that appears to be better than the big two.  My suggestion would be to call the manufacturer and have them recommended an installer that is close to where you are.   If they don't have installers and service locations I would consider another brand.

Good luck!

[Gil_Johnson]

Bill,

I picked the Roadmaster tow bar, primarily because the base plate looks like a more effective installation than Blue Ox for my 2011 Jeep Cherokee.  I'll know more when it arrives.  As for braking systems, SMI's Air Force One seems to get the most recommendations for coaches with air brake.  BTW, I'm only looking for Alliance to install the coach mounted equipment, not the tow vehicle installed equipment.  I did drop them an email late last night and no response yet, so you may be right that they aren't too interested.  If I don't hear back soon, I'll give them a call.

Thanks,

Gil

[Richard And Babs Ames]

The one on this forum complained about the time not the quality of the work. They have "too much" work according to the writer. Which usually means a good repair point. This time of year can be tough on scheduling as all the snow birds are here helping keep FL green.

 
 It also sounds like they had extensive body work done. We had body work done at Lazy Days and they did a good job but took 5 plus weeks instead of the two weeks scheduled. It also seems they had quite a few items addressed during the visit.  

[Louis Williams]

I am currentlyl at Alliance Coach having repair work done. Yes, they are busy, but steadily moving customers through their repairs. I spoke with Mike Hawkins , the shop foreman, today and he said they had installed the Air Force One Brake system for other customers. Gil, Bret Howard and several others from Alliance are working the Southeastern Area FMCA Rally in Brooksville this week. All will be back in the office on Monday. Give Mike Hawkins a call at 352-330-3800. He is a busy person, so you might want to leave your telephone number for a call back

[Gil_Johnson]

Louis,

Thanks for the feedback!

Gil

[Mark Bryant]

Gil
I did my install on 2006 Monterey last fall. It took about 2 hours under the coach as the previous owner had used a roadmaster system that broke into the brake system at a different point than the Air Force system. That system needed to be rmoved. SMI's techs help with advice on the phone, did good job.

Car took 1 1/2 hours.

Love the system!!

Mark

[John Gardner]

I had the AFO installed this past weekend a long with the Blue OX tow system on a 2011 Chevy Traverse. I also needed to have a lift installed for a wheel chair, it was highly suggested that I have a 4 wheel alignment done due to the added weight before I start towing, good thing as they found that the rear wheels did not line up with the front wheels.  If I tow without the new alignment it would cup the tires.

Leaving for a short trip to test everything out this weekend, hoping everything will work as anticipated.

[Joel Ashley]

Regarding toad alignment, make sure your Blue Ox is level, coach to toad.  A couple of inches off, up or down, can affect the toad's front end loading, and counter an otherwise correct alignment.  Such a slight discrepancy contributed to (but wasn't the exclusive cause of) our toad abnormally wearing the inside edge of the front tires.  Roadmaster Vancouver helped correct the off-level toad-to-coach issue, but the damage had been done;  subsequent realignment of the toad's front end made the worn spots on the tires cause a new slight vibration when driving it.

Another related issue that frequently throws toad alignments out of whack, and many coach owners don't know about, is turning hard from a straight dead stop.  Such an action "leverages" the towbar and toad to the side, putting damaging pressure on wheel/linkage components.  Get in the habit of making turns while rolling only;  so pull forward a bit after a stop, dead straight or otherwise, before turning your steering wheel.  That way the toad's wheels are rolling when the coach's tail begins to swing, and the they can harmlessly follow it.  It won't do any good to get your toad aligned if you go right back out and undo the job.  

-Joel