Exhaust Brake Operation???

[chazj]

I've used my exhaust brake before on wet (rainy) roads and have even tried it while in 4 wheel drive on snowy roads. It appears to function just the same as it does on dry roads... good speed retardation/control and saves on the brakes.



That said... I have received conflicting advice with respects to its operation. Some people say only to use on dry roads (as the EB may cause the truck to go into a spin/slide) while others say what I'm doing is perfectly ok.



Would appreciate any feedback as I would hate to think that I have just been lucky so far in avoiding a potential control problem.

 

[TowPro]

I had a BD on a 98. 5 manual truck. In the snow the exhaust brake would cause the rear wheels to just about lockup causing the truck to start doing donuts.

 

[Gypsyman]

Take that "advice" with a grain of salt. I use mine just like you do in all weather conditions. It's absolutely no different than down shifting. If you use common sense and know how to drive you CAN stop faster. If it's not causing you a problem then why worry.

 

[SRadke]

Theoretically on a slick surface they can retard the rears enough to loose traction and slide but I've never had it happen. It's not something I loose sleep over.



-Scott



I should add... . with the long wheel base of this truck I have plenty of time to take corrective action when the rears come loose before the ends swap. Usually that's in a power situation rather than breaking though

 

[RMachida]

I end up using mine just about all the time and in some cases such as fresh snow, it works much better than the anti-lock brake permits. Plowing snow in front of the tires actually slows the vehicle where that anti-lock system prohibits that from happening. Careful use, as stated by others, and being conscience of the issues is what's needed. If you don't want to have to think about it, then just turn it off during slippery conditions.



As TowPro pointed out, with no weight over the rear wheels, they would lock up pretty quick. I haven't noticed that to be as much of an issue when in 4wd.

 

[nps]

I can lock my rears up on dry pavement in 2nd gear with the e-brake. But it's a momentary lockup.



On snow or wet roads it may take longer for the wheels to start spinning again. In that case just push in your clutch - faster than waiting for the ebrake to disengage.

 

[chazj]

Thanks for your input everyone!



If I think I am going to be using my e-brake; I generally have it engaged long before I need it (BD likes you to run the e-brake everyday) and it's engagement is quite smooth. The disengagement is "instantaneous" with the push of the knob on the gear shift. I guess Common Sense is the Order of the Day...

 

[Ol'TrailDog]

I have always been aware of the "slick road warning". Therefore, although I use it a lot on snow packed roads, I tend to pick the ebrake turn-on locations -- just in case. For instance, the straights before you hit the curve, the same for braking if needed. Albeit, I can go down Teton Pass in third gear, use the ebrake, and never touch the brakes..... sweet . Plus under such conditions I don't leave the ebrake in the on position, but turn it on and off with the "splitter knob" as needed.



If it's a serious pass, e. g. Teton Pass, I have the truck in 4x4 so there is more gear drag, or whatever you want to call it, to aid in slowing. Plus this means the whole truck would slide, not just the rear end.