Why We Chose the Demco Stay-In-Play DUO for Flat Towing

When we first started full-time RVing, we didn’t know much about flat towing a vehicle behind our motorhome. Back then, we were towing a Jeep Wrangler and lucked into the Demco Stay-In-Play DUO braking system thanks to the team at Giant RV.

Today, we’re flat-towing a 2023 Ford Bronco, and guess what? We’re still using — and loving — the Stay-In-Play DUO. It’s been reliable, safe, and easy across both vehicles.

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Why You Need a TOAD Braking System

Whether you’re towing a Jeep, a Bronco, or anything else, a supplemental braking system isn’t just helpful — it’s required by law in many states and provinces. More importantly, it keeps you safer on the road by reducing stopping distance and wear on your RV’s brakes.

The Demco Stay-In-Play DUO is a vacuum-assisted, permanently installed brake system that requires no physical connection to your RV and no setup every time you tow. Flip a switch and go.

An ideal supplemental braking system for every car and motorhome with a hydraulic braking system, the Stay-IN-Play DUO uses Demco’s patented technology to create a dual-signal system (brake lights and inertia) for progressive brake activation. This results in faster, more precise signals between the motorhome and towed vehicle for additional safety, longevity, and easy handling.

What Makes the Demco Stay-In-Play DUO So Good?

Here’s what sets it apart, whether you’re towing a Wrangler, a Bronco, or anything else:

• Transferable: When we moved from the Jeep to the Bronco, we took the DUO with us.
• Dual-signal activation: Requires both brake lights and deceleration (G-force) to engage — no false braking.
• Vacuum-assisted braking: Activates your towed vehicle’s power brakes quickly and smoothly.
• Permanently installed: No box to set up or remove every trip. Just unhook and drive.
• Compact design: Mounts cleanly under the hood — you won’t even notice it’s there.
• Coach Notification system: An LED in the toad confirms when the brakes are applied.
• Emergency boost: “Panic stop” braking delivers up to 3x the normal force.

🛑 Recommended TOAD Braking System

Looking for a reliable, permanent braking solution for your towed vehicle? We’ve used the Demco Stay-In-Play DUO on both our Jeep Wrangler and now our 2023 Ford Bronco — and it’s been rock solid.

• No setup each trip — just flip a switch and tow
• Fully automatic and vacuum-assisted
• Perfect for RVers towing a Jeep, Bronco, or similar

👉 Check Price on Amazon

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From the Demco Website: 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 a vacuum for the power brake system.

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, that’s all. No box, no wires, and in fact, no physical connection to the motorhome at all.

Our Real-World Experience: Jeep Wrangler ➡️ Ford Bronco

We’ve now used the Stay-In-Play DUO on two different vehicles:

2013 Jeep Wrangler JK

• The install was clean and easy.
• Worked flawlessly for years.
• Our only issue? The self-tapping screw used to anchor the actuator cable pulled out. We replaced it with a bolt and fender washer — simple fix.

2023 Ford Bronco (Current TOAD)

• Brake light visibility from the rearview camera is still a challenge (see below), but we trust the system.
• Transferred the system from our Jeep.
• Setup was a breeze thanks to our experience.
• Works just as well with the Bronco — no changes needed.

With Stay in Play DUO, brake lights and deceleration are required so false or unwanted activations are eliminated. In addition, with two signals necessary to activate, there is no need for the delay technology found in all the box brakes.

Pros and Cons After Years of Use

What We Love

What Could Be Better

Gear We Use in Our Flat Towing Setup

Everything we’ve personally used and recommend:

• Demco Stay-In-Play DUO Braking System – Amazon
• If you have a motorhome with Air Brakes, you’ll want the Demco Air Force One.
• For our Jeep we used a Blue Ox Tow Bar.
• On our Bronco we use a Roadmaster Sterling Tow Bar.

Final Verdict: Would We Buy It Again?

Absolutely. After years of towing with both a Jeep Wrangler and a Ford Bronco, we can confidently say the Demco Stay-In-Play DUO is one of the best flat towing brake systems on the market.

• It’s easy.
• It’s effective.
• It’s dependable.

If you’re setting up your toad for the first time — or upgrading from a portable box system — we strongly recommend giving the DUO a serious look.

Your Turn: What Brake System Do You Use?

Have questions about flat towing a Jeep, Bronco, or anything else? Drop us a comment — we love helping fellow RVers figure it out.

Already using the DUO? Share your experience and let others know how it’s worked for you!

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