Demco/SMI Stay-IN-Play Duo Braking System

The Stay-IN-Play DUO is truly an improvement in towed vehicle brake systems. Simple to control, easier to use, and the smallest actuator in the industry. Number one choice for gas powered rigs. The Stay-IN-Play DUO supplemental-braking system is installed so there is no set up required for towing your vehicle. To get ready to tow you simply turn it on; that’s all. Turn it on… and tow. The DUO energizes the towed vehicles power brakes so it is gentle and consistent.

No more boxes! That is the cry of our customers. The Stay-IN-Play DUO answers the cry. Duo’s small operating unit is installed under the hood so you never know it is there. No messy components scattered in the towed vehicle to complicate things; just a small operating module to control the towed vehicle brakes with no physical connection to the motorhome.

DUO combines the power of air pressure and the gentleness of vacuum to give you the fastest most powerful self contained supplemental brake ever. Duo uses the power and speed of air pressure to activate your towed vehicle brake pedal while creating vacuum for the power brake system. These two features combine to create the only progressive and proportionate vacuum assisted system with total control. Duo requires BOTH deceleration AND coach brake lights to apply the towed vehicle brakes. By combining two separate signals the need for complicated electronics is eliminated, which provides you a more reliable long lasting system. In addition, DUO is the pioneer in user friendly operation; “Just Turn it on…and Tow.” This simple technology was first introduced in 2003. Tried and true, DUO does not have to be taken in and out for normal operation of the towed vehicle. Unhook the car and drive off, thats all. No box, no wires, in fact, no physical connection to the motorhome at all.

The Stay-IN-Play DUO system energizes the towed vehicle’s power brakes without the engine running, so you have a soft brake pedal. Once engaged, DUO replenishes the vacuum in the car’s power brake system. By replenishing vacuum, gentle smooth pressure is applied to the towed vehicle’s brakes. With the power brakes active, only 10 – 12 pounds of pressure is required to provide a gentle smooth stop.

Activation of the towed vehicle’s brakes require BOTH deceleration and the brake lights from the motorhome. Once BOTH signals are present, DUO gently applies the brakes. There is no complicated gain or sensitivity to achieve the proportionate balance of brake effort, it is all automatic. Automatically, once engaged, DUO will apply progressive brake effort in the towed vehicle. Because DUO uses both brake lights from the coach and deceleration, there is absolutely no delay. This becomes critical in a panic stop. Systems that use only deceleration must “think” first, is this a step grade, is this a large bump, or is this stopping? Time translates to feet while towing and in a panic stop, inches are important. No self contained system applies brakes faster than the DUO.

“Coach Notification” is another important aspect of any supplemental brake system. Some claim to have it, but really do not; while others do not really tell you about the position of the brake pedal in the towed vehicle. Without question, the most improtant information while towing is the status of the braking system in the towed vehicle. “Are the brakes applied?” That is the question. When researching brake systems, ask the question, “Do you have coach notification FROM THE TOWED VEHICLES BRAKE PEDAL SWITCH?” Many will claim to have a signal but do not, and others will have a signal from some other source. The only reliable and complete signal must originate from the towed-vehicle’s brake switch. If the light is on, the brakes are on, period. What you do not want is a problem while you are towing. Knowing the position of the brake pedal gives you that peace of mind.

Simple on/off towing, the gentleness of vacuum, the speed and power of air pressure, dual signal activation, and reliable coach notification all combine to provide the most powerful easy to use system available today.

DUO is the next generation supplemental brake system.
Introduced in 2003, the Stay-IN-Play experiences great reviews from customers and dealers alike. Dealers rave because of the ease of installation and the lack of returns from dissatisfied customers. Customers love it because it performs day in and day out. DUO takes the Stay-IN-Play to a new level.

We call it DUO because two is better than one. First and foremost, DUO uses both air pressure and vacuum. Vacuum is created to energize the towed vehicle’s power brakes and the air pressure to apply them. Secondly, DUO requires two separate signals to activate the towed vehicle brakes. Using two activation signals is the best method for eliminating complicated electronics and control unwanted or unnecessary activation of the towed vehicle brakes. By combining the brake’s of the coach with deceleration, you have better control of the system rather than the system controlling you. We also believe that simplified electronics and fewer mechanical parts will provide you a better foundation and last longer.

Another key difference in the DUO is the Coach Notification System. There is only one way to obtain reliable information about the towed vehicle’s brakes and we believe this to be through the towed-vehicle’s brake light switch. Many will argue that there is another way; that there is a better way, but if you think it through, you will agree, the brake light switch eliminates the question.

One has to wonder, how many systems today are really easy to use? Many claims are made in advertising literature but is brand X really easy to use or do they just want you to think it is. DUO is REALLY easy to use, just turn it on. We make no inflated claims. You do have a two to three-hour install, just once. This is the DUO difference, install once and always ready. That is easy.

If you have any specific questions or would like to know more information please contact the SMI Manufacturing 24/7 technical support team at: 1-800-893-3763.