e-brake requirement

[grincon]

At what point is it recommended to have and e-brake or any other auxiliary brake? What amount of weight is about the max to pull with only the stock disc brakes?

 

[y-knot]

It is never a requirement, there is certainly no law or other type of offical doctain that states when you must use an exhaust break.

What there is though, is common sence. If you plan on doing alot of towing or hauling of heavy loads, a exhaust break is a very good ideal. I never realized just how well they work, till I finally got one. The differance is night and day, having now experianced the bennifit of the extra braking I will never go without one again. They are truely that good, the extra level of safety for you and anyone around you is amazing. I recently traveled 1500 miles towing a 16,000lb trailer, when I was finished there wasn't even any brake dust of the front wheels. While they truely earn there money when towing, They also work just as well empty and just running around.

I think anyone that tows over 10,000lbs should have an exhaust brake. But anyone that wants to improve their chances while towing at any weight, should consider the up-grade.

 

[jgillott]

I agree completely with y-knot... . an e-brake completely changes the character of these trucks. I do not tow anywhere near as often as many on these boards, but I can tell you that it certainly makes the times that I do a much better experience. I tend to use mine almost all the time, loaded or not. It is probably one of the most used accessories that I have added to my truck.



Justin

 

[ramtifosi]

I agree with both the previous posts, I presently tow nothing, but I would not be without my ebrake, I almost never use my service brakes. I am using a 6 speed and do not know how well it effects an auto. But it is my most used exccessory in 15,000 miles.

 

[bombero]

The last three posters who strongly recommended exhaust brakes are from the east coast where they dont have mountains just hills. Anyway if you are planning on towing in the Rockies its a must. Guess what, I have a Jacob/Cummins brake for sale. It came off my totaled 01 just like yours. If your interested call me 707 539 8414 Jim

 

[ramtifosi]

Mr Bombero,

I have lived on the East Coast for 7 Months, The last Twenty Plus Years where on the other coast Redondo Beach, CA and have traveled extensively thru Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Utah, Nevada, New Mexico, Colorado so whats your point about mountains. Do you think that people on the East Coast are unaware. I have been in all fifty states, can you say that. BTW I would not buy a ebrake with holes in it, BD is the way to go.

 

[y-knot]

I know you westerners have your Rocky mountains and think highly of them, but us that live on the east side of the United States have the Smokey mountains to deal with.

 

[klenger]

Aside from the discussion that "mine is bigger than yours", get the e-brake if you will be towing any significant weight. It will pay for itself in brake jobs.



Enjoy.

 

[GerryDrake]

Like Klenger said... and everyone else. Whether descending from the west into Denver with our 23K GCVW or rolling up to a stop sign with just the truck (9500#) in Flatbush, I won't ever be without an EB. I don't always use it, as sometimes I just want to coast along on a very slight downhill or such. Where it REALLY shines is when you have been going on the downside of some longhaul grade (anywhere in the country) and not even using your brake pedal, then at the bottom you need to stop for traffic or whatever, you have not only the additional braking of the EB, but totally fresh brakes. Less frequent brake jobs, less brake dust. . yes, but the peace of mind of knowing you have 'overadequate' braking available is the key, to my thinking.



Get one, you'll love it. .

 

[RHARVEY]

I turn my E brake on whenever I hit the road empty or loaded! It works great in traffic or keeping my 10k 5th slowed down when coming off of a 6% grade. I finally learned how to make things work correctly. . At the top of this one hill. . I slow down enough to go into 3rd. . My speed is around 38-40mph and the back pressure is about 30lbs and the rpms is floating around 22-2400. . This hill is 2 miles long and I never gain speed and I never hit the brakes...

This brake is worth its weigh in gold. .



Rick

 

[dresslered]

I race my truck unloaded over a winding 2000-ft climb/decent twice a day (I'm on my 30th tire). At 65,000-miles, I had over 50% remaining on my original front brake pads. I attribute this completely to the Jacob's Ebrake that I installed when new. Works good with the camper too!

 

[jstyer]

I agree w/ dresslered. At annual inspection w/ 73,000 miles the inspector thought I had put new front and rear pads on my brakes. I use the pac brake ALL the time, except in towns that prohibit exhaust brakes. I wouldn't be without it. I also pull a 35' fiver.

 

[Forrest Nearing]

there are towns that prohibit exhaust brakes!??!

 

[hagar]

there are towns that prohibit exhaust brakes!??!

Yes thanks to the guys with strait pipes that like to wake up the neighborhood just because they think it "sounds cool"

 

[Forrest Nearing]

how would anyone know you're using an exhaust brake?



I've seen signs that prohibit engine brakes (TRUE "Jake Brakes") but how the hell is anyone gonna know if you cram a potato in your tailpipe?

 

[Fred Swanson]

If you tow anything, or live anywhere with any kind of hills, you'll certainly benefit from the e-brake.

I use mine all of the time. I passed some of those signs that say no Engine Brakes. With a quieter exhaust, they can't tell. Heck, the hissing out of the pipe is quieter than the normal exhaust note.



Just got back from a 2 week camping trip all over Colorado, South Dakota, Wyoming and Utah. It made the trek that much more enjoyable. With SLide-in and trailer in tow, I was grossing about 18K total, so it does make a difference.



49K miles now, and brakes have a long way to go.

 

[GerryDrake]

How ?

how would anyone know you're using an exhaust brake?



I've seen signs that prohibit engine brakes (TRUE "Jake Brakes") but how the hell is anyone gonna know if you cram a potato in your tailpipe?

If it smells like french fries !! :-laf

 

[Thomas]

This, from the Jacobs Vehicle Systems site, may help distinguish between "engine brakes", "exhaust brakes", and "Jake Brakes":



"Jake Brake® is a registered trademark of Jacobs Vehicle SystemsTM. The term "Jake Brake" is sometimes incorrectly used to refer to compression release type engine brakes in general. The term correctly refers to all of Jacobs Vehicle Systems retarding products including Jacobs Exhaust Brakes and Jacobs Driveline Brakes as well as Jacobs Engine Brakes. Engine brakes are used extensively on heavy-duty trucks, with diesel engines over 10. 0L displacement. When operating it produces a distinctive staccato sound.



When an engine brake is used on a vehicle with a poorly muffled or un-muffled engine exhaust (using straight pipes for example), the sound can be offensive, which is what prompted the sign you saw. You were probably driving through a residential area that is adjacent to the highway. The real problem here is that there are a few trucks that are illegally modified or have defective exhaust systems that has triggered the community's reaction. Most high profile, professional fleets adequately maintain their trucks and equip them with OE quality mufflers to reduce the noise for both the driver and the communities they drive through.



The sign you saw might have unfairly used our trademark, making it brand specific. The term "Jake Brake" also refers to our nearly silent exhaust brakes and driveline brakes, so these signs don't make sense for all Jake Brakes, and don't target the root cause of the problem, which is the illegal exhaust systems some truckers chose to configure their vehicle with.



We would like to know where these "Brand Specific" signs are posted. If you've seen one, please let us know what Route number, City/Town and State you saw the sign by sending an E-mail to: -- email address removed --. Digital photos are great too!

Thanks! "

 

[dresslered]

I use the pac brake ALL the time, except in towns that prohibit exhaust brakes.

Unless this is something new, the Jacob's is exempt from all "No Jake Brake" zones. I leave mine on always except at stop signs and during 'cool-down' as it sounds funny.

 

[bombero]

Ms. Ramifosi; No I dont think that all people on the east coast are unaware. I wrote that responce in just. Boy I am so glad that you have moved out of Calif, too bad you dont take 10,000,000 with you!!