Exhaust Brake - Confused

[dcscott]

I'm thinking of installing a Jac brake but am uncertain if it would be of real value to me. I pull a 4500 lb ski boat about 6 times a year and a 7,200 lb fifth wheel about 2,000 mi a year. I'm driving about 4,500 mi a month so you can see that at least 95% of the time I'm running unloaded.



I've searched the forums and while everyone seems to agree that if you spend any time hauling heavy loads that an exhaust brake is a no brainer. I've had several folks tell me that, even if you don't haul anything, without an exbrake I'll be going through front brake pads fairly regularily yet I've found a couple of posts that would indicate otherwise.



So, given that I'm unloaded the majority of the time, would an exhaust brake be worth spending the $$ on????

 

[JEvers]

When you are pulling a load, are long 4 to 6% grades a factor?

 

[dcscott]

Jack,



I might hit 2-3 such grades a year while hauling. I travel down many such grades unloaded.



I realize that it only takes one brake failure to make one wish he had an exhaust brake but what I'm trying to accomplish here is to come up with some way to 'cost justify' the expense even though I very seldom pull a load.

 

[DBVZ]

Even without an exhaust brake, the cummins has some slowing power just taking your foot off the throttle. With the weight you are hauling, do you find you need to use the brake much on a long down grade? If not, the e-brake will probably not save you much in brake jobs. If you go down a gear (or 2) before starting a long grade and get the speed down, brake use on a grade should be occasional and not a problem. The 2003 brakes are bigger and better than prior years, which is why we are dealing with 17" wheel issues, and ought to be adequate for common loads. What you described does not sound like the e-brake is necessary. The rule-of-thumb I have often seen here is that hauling trailers over 10,000 pounds makes an e-brake advisable; particularly if it includes mountain driving. I have concluded it would be nice to have, but not necessary; which is fortunate since I bought the automatic and DC decided not to authorize the e-brake with the 48re until 2004. 5.

 

[jdwroten]

Exhaust Brake

I pull a 14K GVWR 5th wheel trailer in NC mountains and I wouldn't leave home without it (http://www.jimandanne.ws/cameo/exterior.htm). Even when I'm not towing, I use the brake to decelerate off ramps, on level ground. Your case it less clear cut than mine, but I think you'd benefit when your're pulling the RV. Not only in tight spots, less brake wear, but mostly peace of mind.

 

[Prairie Dog]

Hi Scott, I pull a 4500 lb TT and even w/o the exhaust brake I can control my speed going down hill by just using compression. Example? I went over the Grape vine in Ca both directions and only had to tap my brakes a total of 3 times to maintain 65 MPH (I was in 5th).

I still think the exhaust brake could pay for itself though in extending the time between brake jobs.



Scotty

 

[dcscott]

Thanks Guys! From what you've told me I think I'll hold off on the exhaust brake until I find myself doing more hauling or pulling a bigger toybox. I guess I'll just have to find something else to mod.



Dale