Automatic transmissions /exhaust brakes ?

[Turbo Terry]

Think about maybe new truck but need to learn more about what’s out there Have not followed them. Still driving a 1999 5.9 So the new automatic transmission trucks has exhaust brakes built in i understand. How long has this been going on. Both gas and diesel?What about the 6 speed manuel. How do they work are they good etc ? I need to stop a regular cab long box srw truck with a 3000 lbs camper on it pulling a small trailer or boat?

 

[Ltngdrvr]

Diesel only.
I believe the exhaust brake has been included since the 6.7 first came out in 2007.5.
Brake is part of the variable geometry turbo, closes off exhaust flow to create the back pressure to cause the braking effect.
They work great on auto trans or manual.
The EB can greatly extend the service brake life, I got over 500K out of my original brakes.

 

[Wiredawg]

Integrated exhaust brake was available on autos and standards when the 6.7L Cummins was introduced on Rams on 2007 and is integrated within the turbo on Cummins trucks.

I believe manuals were last offered on 2018 trucks.

And exhaust brake not available on gas trucks.

Recommend going to Ram truck website and play with building trucks. Easy and you get feel for what comes with each model and options available.

Hope that helps. Cheers, Ron

 

[lpennock]

Manuals are not an option after 2018. All Cummins 6.7, manual and auto, came with a exhaust brake as it part of the VGT turbo. Gas motors never had exhaust brake but really don't need it because of the throttle valve they have.

 

[bcbender]

As Ltngdrvr said,, I drove my 04 towing heavy, for 100k miles and never did brakes. Did a cluch, rear end, and transmission but that's a whole different story....

 

[Turbo Terry]

So no more Manuel trucks at all. So the new truck autos w x brakes and tow haul mode seem to be be working out pretty good. Holding up and stopping big loads etc

 

[bcbender]

I did my first ever tow with my 44' 5er two weeks ago... I used the TH mode and the ERS (electronic range selector) to lock it in 4th on a 8% grade and it held perfectly with only a slight tap of the brakes maybe once or twice... I used to do the same in my 04 but I had lower gears (4:10) and I could do that hill w/o ever touching the brakes but different gearing but overall I am happy with it. I have 5600 mi on it now and hope to put alot more, leaving for a trip cross county in a few weeks

 

[Turbo Terry]

Good to know. So the gassers with autos have tow haul mode and x brake and you have to go diesel to get the brake

 

[Turbo Terry]

I will have to order this truck. Regular cab long box. Single rear wheel. 3/4 ton maybe one ton that’s still a big decision most of the time I’m empty. What rear end. Not a 4:10.

 

[lpennock]

So no more Manuel trucks at all. So the new truck autos w x brakes and tow haul mode seem to be be working out pretty good. Holding up and stopping big loads etc

Since you specificity asked about truck camper with a trailer I figure I'll give you my results.

Running with just the cab over camper I almost never have to use service brakes to maintain speed on grades. Sometime I will have force a downshift just to slow it down some though but that is only on 5% plus grades. With the camper and towing about 6Klb of car hauler trailer I really don't need service brake for less that 4% downhills and with proper use of cruise set point and downshifts I can pretty much avoid using the service brakes on 5%+ grades.

 

[lpennock]

Good to know. So the gassers with autos have tow haul mode and x brake and you have to go diesel to get the brake

Diesel and Gassers have Tow/Haul mode.
Diesel has Exhaust brake.
Gas have engine braking via the throttle valve. Doesn't work as well as an exhaust brake but does help slow you down.

 

[Turbo Terry]

Good info all thanks. So they make air suspension from the factory. Like Firestone air bags I presume

 

[bcbender]

my 20 is 3:73 and the only ratio they put in the SRW truck with Dsl engine,.. Go to the RAM website, you can configure and it will tell you what you can / cannot do as far as features, model mix, etc... happy shopping

 

[Turbo Terry]

If I buy a 3500 I probably don’t really need air bags or air suspension. Bigger tires and bigger brakes

 

[Turbo Terry]

But how does your 1 ton 3500 ride empty ? My old 99 3/4 ton 2500 is a bit on the heavy overloaded side all theses years bot it has done it ok. Rancho shocks and Firestone air bags and bd exhaust brake

 

[bcbender]

I bought the 3500 because of the loads I carry and that it is rated for those loads, I may be adding air bags to mine as it doesn't have them, but I tow heavy, I don't have any complaints with the ride of it empty, or loaded with my 8k GN trailer, but with my 16k trailer she tends to bounce more than I like on big bumps and I like to keep the nose down ... I had air bags on the 04 so I may go ahead and do it on this as the cost to add is minimal..

(EDIT) I had overloads on the 04 so the main problem for ride harshness was bumping the overloads alot. The 20 has no overloads so it rides better IMHO. I had Airlift bags with compressor on the 04, I may add the bags on this one just to smooth out but not a must as it was on the 04. I also had FOX 2.0 shocks which I may have not given enough credit to for ride quality no looking back at it..

 

[Turbo Terry]

So a one ton 3500. I have a lot of studying to do. Always better to have a bigger truck than you need .Doesn’t really cost that much more in the beginning but a lot of the time it’s empty as well and th ride really suffers.

 

[bcbender]

I think the new 2500 have coils in the rear so they may ride softer, I also hear that the air ride on the 3500 is nice but I did not order mine so I did not get it.

 

[Ltngdrvr]

So no more Manuel trucks at all. So the new truck autos w x brakes and tow haul mode seem to be be working out pretty good. Holding up and stopping big loads etc

I will have to order this truck. Regular cab long box. Single rear wheel. 3/4 ton maybe one ton that’s still a big decision most of the time I’m empty. What rear end. Not a 4:10.

If I buy a 3500 I probably don’t really need air bags or air suspension. Bigger tires and bigger brakes

#1, lots of guys named Manuel own these trucks, so don't know why you're worried about him.
#2, all single rear wheel trucks have 3.73 gears
#3, 2500 has full rear air suspension available, 3500 has air bags over leaf spring suspension available, great for making a level ride no matter the load.
#4, if you'll be doing a slide-in camper, the 2500 isn't rated for that, only the 3500 is.
#5, brakes and tires are the same size on both 2500 and 3500.

 

[Turbo Terry]

I’m taking notes on a sheet of paper Good info thanks