Electric vs manual parking brake

[KCJackson1]

The redesigned Ram 1500 now uses an electric parking brake, so there's good reason to believe when the HDs get the new cab in a couple of years, they'll have it as well. The new 2020 Silverado/Sierra HDs also have gone to the electric parking brake. The Ford Super Duty along with the updated 2019 Ram HD still have manual parking brakes with the left pedal and hand-pull release.

I'm not a fan of electric parking brakes for a few reasons - among them, you can't apply or release it if you've lost vehicle electricity, and it's not well designed for emergency use (something that came in very handy 5 years ago when I lost a brake line). I'm still a couple years away from serious shopping to replace my 2005 3500, but I fear the manual parking brake may not be around by then. What are your thoughts?

 

[PBJ2500CTD]

I don't have too big of an issue. I have a 2019 Ram 1500 Limited with the electric parking brake. It takes a little getting used to know what the criteria the brake sets or releases to. The major issue I do not care for, one you pointed out, is the inability to use as an emergency brake. In my 50+ years of driving, I have only had to use an "emergency" brake four or five times, thanks to a fault in the old single hydraulic brake systems. No Fred Flintstone or PF Flyers auxiliary brake system here! Each of the e-brake uses saved the "bacon", so I feel it is an important feature.

 

[TFucili]

I have a natural resistance to nanny devices, but I am becoming a bit more accepting, even considering adaptive cruise on my next truck. I don't use my parking brake very often, and the only time I can recall truly needing it in an emergency, was a case of brake failure on a medium duty truck, and that puny drum on the back of the transmission accomplished exactly 0.00 speed reduction. What a ride!!!

 

[PBJ2500CTD]

Finally found it! Hidden in plain sight on page 279. I thought I read something about the use of the electric parking brake for an exceptional use in the rather large (692 page, 5th ed.) owner's manual. It does have a feature, albeit a lot slower than stomping or yanking on a pedal or lever. Now to go out and test it...

From the owner's manual:​

If exceptional circumstances should make it necessary to

engage the park brake while the vehicle is in motion, maintain

upward pressure on the electric park brake switch for as

long as engagement is desired. The BRAKE telltale light will

illuminate, and a continuous chime will sound. The rear stop

lamps will also be illuminated automatically while the

vehicle remains in motion.

To disengage the park brake while the vehicle is in motion,

release the switch. If the vehicle is brought to a complete stop

using the parking brake, when the vehicle reaches approximately

3 mph, (5 km/h) the parking brake will remain

engaged.


WARNING!

Driving the vehicle with the parking brake engaged, or

repeated use of the parking brake to slow the vehicle

may cause serious damage to the brake system. Be sure

the parking brake is fully disengaged before driving;

failure to do so can lead to brake failure and a collision.​

 

[Wiredawg]

I set the parking brake every time I park, even in my shop. I voted #2 because I have both automatic parking brake in my wife's 2109 Ram and have the manual on my 2017 Ram. Since I'm having issues with my left ankle, I'm more appreciative of the automatic one. I like the hand brake on my Jeep where I don't have to use my ankle, but that's not as practical.

I'm retired from being an Information Technology Project Manager for the Air Force and automation is part of new technology. My degree is in Industrial Technology, focusing on process and product improvement, including human/machine interfaces and ergonomics. I like the automatic brake, auto windows, backup camera, park sense, but the voice recognition system on the U-Connect sucks. I've implemented voice recognition systems with help desks and medical appointment systems that have over a 98% voice recognition rate, including dialects. I seldom get mine to work calling or finding locations. Redneck wasn't included in the recognition program.

Cheers, Ron

 

[Wayne M.]

Not a fan. I just don’t think electric actuators belong in that environment. Lexus RX’s have them. Wanna know how I know? When I walk through parking lots, my senses are usually heightened. I saw this RX brake and then rev lamps come on along with this horrendous electric motor noise coming from a wheel. Nahhhhh. Not for me. We have em on our Ford Fusion Hybrids. Not a problem yet, but that series is still kinda new.

 

[jgillott]

My F150 has the electric parking brake. It is certainly something that takes getting used to. I always find myself looking for the pedal when I want to set it.

 

[sag2]

Have It on my wife's 200. The only time I don't like it is when I wash it and put it right in the garage and forget to take the brake off. The pads stick to the rotors and it jumps pretty hard when they break free.

 

[Wiredawg]

Have It on my wife's 200. The only time I don't like it is when I wash it and put it right in the garage and forget to take the brake off. The pads stick to the rotors and it jumps pretty hard when they break free.

The ones on the Rams auto release when you put in gear.

Ron

 

[TFucili]

The ones on the Rams auto release when you put in gear.

Ron

I read sag2's post to mean that after washing some flash rusting takes place, and the pads get "growed fast" to the rotors. Not sure the p-brake arrangement on the 200, but I assume it doesn't have "shoes in the hat" like the trucks.

 

[jgillott]

I read sag2's post to mean that after washing some flash rusting takes place, and the pads get "growed fast" to the rotors. Not sure the p-brake arrangement on the 200, but I assume it doesn't have "shoes in the hat" like the trucks.

I'm actually fairly interested to see how the electric parking brake design holds up under the salt and grime we get in this area. As you know, I've had my share of rust issues with the old manual design. I wonder how the electric version will fair under the same conditions?

 

[Wayne M.]

I'm actually fairly interested to see how the electric parking brake design holds up under the salt and grime we get in this area. As you know, I've had my share of rust issues with the old manual design. I wonder how the electric version will fair under the same conditions?

That’s my concern. They’ll just be another throw away part.

 

[Wiredawg]

I need to update my post: After thinking about it, you can program in EVIC to auto set and release. The default was to manually set it. I believe pull switch to engage and push to release. Although counter intuitive, likely to keep from releasing it with your knee.

Cheers, Ron

 

[Wayne M.]

I believe pull switch to engage and push to release.

That sounds a lot like the motion for a big truck air brake/ parking brake.

 

[lpennock]

Manual P Brake and torsen style limited slips make a good poor man locker. Some times it takes a bit of Parking brake to bias in the LSD to get you unstuck.

 

[Wayne M.]

Manual P Brake and torsen style limited slips make a good poor man locker. Some times it takes a bit of Parking brake to bias in the LSD to get you unstuck.

Isn’t that what 4 channel ABS, that’s masqueraded as traction control does?

 

[lpennock]

Isn’t that what 4 channel ABS, that’s masqueraded as traction control does?

Basically, but by manually using the brake you don't need wheel spin for it to start working. Wheel spin can get you more stuck.

 

[Jim W]

On my Dodge 2008 truck the only time I engaged the parking brake when I un-hitch/hitch up my 5er and or when I am on a steep incline of any type. So, an electric park brake would not faze me either way. Now My wife's VW which has the DSG transmission on the car, we both engage that parking braking 100% of the time. With the DSG I believe there is no parking brake pawl in the transmission so, the car will roll even on flat terrain.