We have the SMI Duo on our Subaru Forester. After a few hiccups after install (bad fuse and user error on sensitivity setting), we’ve been very happy with it. NOTE: We have not used it in the Rockies so do not have experience with it on miles and miles of steep roads. We did run through the Appalachians and had a few decent downgrades where it kicked in and worked beautifully. We are in the coach full time and move frequently so we wanted simple and idiot proof with no extra parts to move or store and we got it.
As for the unit, it does have the break-away switch and cable. The components we can see are a control box under the hood (mounted wherever your installer can fit it for your model toad), wiring harness with fuse, cable that passes through the fire wall to your brake pedal, very small canister that attaches to the top of your brake pedal, box under the dash against the left wall of the foot well (on/off switch and sensitivity knob) and, for us, a little LED strip with wiring that we pull out and attach to the back of the toad’s rear view mirror (it comes with stick on Velcro strip but that fell off within hours in the summer heat – we now use a hair band). There is also the break-away switch mounted under the front bumper and the coiled cable with little carabiners to attach it when you hook up.
The ready to tow set up for the SMI is: outside: clip on the break-away cable when you are clipping on your tow safety cables; inside: pull the cabin notification light strip out and stick it on the rear view mirror, flip the on/off switch in the foot well - done.
To test the system I step on the toad’s brake and hold my hand behind the LED strip to make sure I see a red glow and we keep the driver door open while testing lights so we can hear the unit to make sure it isn’t engaging when any of the lights go on. It should not engage on a flat surface when you brake.
If you opt for the in-coach notification lights (we should have), you can skip the LED steps. We can usually see the LEDs in our back up camera while driving, however, sunlight reflecting on the toad’s window can make it so you can’t tell if the LEDs are on. I personally do not like having to stare into the monitor watching for the lights when I want to check if the system engaged. It’s super easy to see at night but we don’t drive much at night. We will eventually have them add the in coach light.
One more item – ask in advance if the system works with your toad’s standard lights. For whatever reason, it does not work with our Subaru. The installer put an LED inside each of our taillight assemblies and that LED is what lights up for turns and braking when under tow. I don’t know if it is due to wiring or the ignition switch position or something else but the SMI couldn’t be used to control the existing brake lights and turn signals. Manufacturer website has pic of the tiny canister that attaches to your brake pedal
http://www.smibrake.com/stay-in-play-duo.html I do not know the answer on the trickle charge.
