Exhaust Brake Installed

[BigBadDodge]

I just installed a BD Power exhaust brake this weekend in the 2004 Chevy I use to tow the puller. Anybody here tow with an exhaust brake and have any tips or tricks I need to know about? I hear once you tow with a brake you won't want to tow with out one I can't wait to hook the trailer up now and go over the mountains.



REgards,



BBD

 

[Short Stack]

e-brake

BBD, my e-brake was the first mod I did and my brakes are still like new, I really like it when pullimg the 5er. Start down a hill turn it on and enjoy, I have other people go by me and all I smell is there hot brakes. I have a 6speed, I don't know how good they work with auto, DLBurns has auto and large 5er says he likes his.

 

[Got Smoke?]

Make sure and use it often to lessen the chance of it sticking.

 

[GFrance]

Scott the only advise I can think of is not to use it on icey roads.

 

[Got Smoke?]

Scott the only advise I can think of is not to use it on icey roads.

Don't think he'll have to worry about that one out there in Cali! :-laf

 

[Texas Diesel]

Scott the only advise I can think of is not to use it on icey roads.

I understand your advice but I have a story. Once while vacationing with the RV in Wyoming (what a GREAT state to visit) in November 03, we ran into a winter storm. On some mountain pass we hit black ice. ANY application of the brakes would set off the 4 wheel ABS and no slow down. The only thing that worked was to set 4wd and use the Jake brake. Just enough drag at <2000 RP to gently slow the truck and RV.



We had to work up to using the EB but we're sure glad we had it.



They work better at higher engine RPM.

 

[RMachida]

I understand your advice but I have a story. Once while vacationing with the RV in Wyoming (what a GREAT state to visit) in November 03, we ran into a winter storm. On some mountain pass we hit black ice. ANY application of the brakes would set off the 4 wheel ABS and no slow down. The only thing that worked was to set 4wd and use the Jake brake. Just enough drag at <2000 RP to gently slow the truck and RV.



We had to work up to using the EB but we're sure glad we had it.



They work better at higher engine RPM.

Interesting comment about using it during slippery conditions. I noticed the same thing during fresh snow over icy roads when the ABS kept kicking in at times when sliding would actually help slow the vehicle, I found that engaging the exhaust brake at these times really does work well. Having the switch on the gear shift lever makes it simple to engage if needed. I know using it during slippery conditions isn't recommended but I find it useful.



One thing to remember is that your brake lights don't come on as you are slowing down.

 

[SHobbs]

Drove to Oregon a few years back and my e brake proved it's usefullness going through Tehachapi CA and the Sisskiyous (spelling may be wrong). Going down 6-7% grades with 12k in tow and all that was needed was 4th gear and the brake which maintained the truck and trailer at 50-55mph. Only thing that needs to be watched during this is the turbo temp, it gets hot with the brake on.

 

[Okie-Go]

I brought home a new truck Saturday. I miss the exhaust brake already and I have yet to pull a trailer. The dealer has the brake ordered for my 06.

 

[GFrance]

If you switch on the exhaust brake first on a ice covered road the tow vehicle will slow down & your tow rig will have the tendency to jack knife & pass you going down a steep grade. If that happens use your brake controll manually to apply brakes to the trailer only to straighten out the trailer. This all depends on how much weight your pulling. You ought to try it in a big rig grossing 105,500 lbs with 11,600 gallons of gas behind you.

 

[GWBourne]

Don't think he'll have to worry about that one out there in Cali! :-laf

hmm. . think again. . we have passes out here that get some ice. also when it rains the roads are ice for 45 min or so. i have a hard time driving my dodge empty in the rain, i like to get it sideways and it is so easy to do...



anyway, dont use the brake in the first bit of rain or at speeds.



i have the 6 speed, so i can get away with it at 60ish mph in 6th... i think the auto downshifts on its own though, dunno...

Grant

 

[nps]

Only thing that needs to be watched during this is the turbo temp, it gets hot with the brake on.

??? The engine should be defueled when the brake is on, whether controlled by a throttle switch or the ECM. The brake will retain heat in the turbo - the turbo may not cool as fast - but the brake engaged won't cause the turbo to heat above the temp it was at when the brake was first engaged.

 

[SHobbs]

??? The engine should be defueled when the brake is on, whether controlled by a throttle switch or the ECM. The brake will retain heat in the turbo - the turbo may not cool as fast - but the brake engaged won't cause the turbo to heat above the temp it was at when the brake was first engaged.



My pyro will climb with the brake activated loaded or empty. Stays pretty constant empty, but towing the 5er it will get pretty warm. When I used it on that trip the temps would go as high as 1000* or more if I didn't shut it off. Cooled off real fast when I deactivated the brake.

 

[BigBadDodge]

Excellent advise guy's, thanks for the info. When I am towing it will be summer time so I shouldn't have to worry about the snow and ice but heck I might not be stationed in sunny Cali for ever either shouldn't hit any snow on the way to IRP in June either



Thanks again for the advise guy's



BBD

 

[JoshPeters]

shouldn't hit any snow on the way to IRP in June either



Thanks again for the advise guy's



BBD

So your commin back out to IRP this year? Oo. Oo.



Josh

 

[BigBadDodge]

Planning on it, next year I will have the right tires, and won't be so greedy with my gear selection



BBD

 

[JoshPeters]

Hey, ya know it was great just to see ya out there! I'm sure the tracks are different from Cali to Indy. Watch next year you'll bring the less aggressive tires and ole Sleddy will be out there dumpin sand down! :-laf



Josh

 

[BigBadDodge]

That would be just like ole Gene the whole East against West thing.



Are you here Gene ? Hello :-laf



BBD