Exhaust brake ???

[machinemover]

I have been pulling heavy trailers all over the US for about 10 years now. My trucks last 18-24 months until I find them just not worth putting additional money into. Example '97 180,000 miles, 2000 300,000 miles, '03 235,000 miles and brings me to my '06 that I've logged 27,000 since March. After a recent trip to the great Northwest I'm tierd of trying to get good braking out of my triple axle 40' trrailer. No matter what I do I can't get enough braking power. Big question, is it worth the $2,000 investment for a jake brake on a truck that I'll have for maybe 2 years if I continue going through trucks the way I do?

 

[TCDiesel]

The PRXB has Better Braking Power than the Jake @ 2000 and less RPM"s. The new PRXB is shipped with the Auxiliary Tank for instant application and also has a NEW adapter and air hose for filling Tires. Also on a (side note) you can Have Air operated Horns for about 20 seconds,That way when all fails just pull the Johnson Bar and Hope every body get"s the Heck out off the way and you can put your Truck in the sand Box safely.

Contact us for More info... ...

 

[wcjp]

The Pacbrake lists for about $900. There's a guy here on the TDR out of Spokane. I think his online name is Jelag? Also, www.piersdiesel.com sells them for $910. The Pacbrake also adds onboard air for light duty jobs. I'm waiting on funds before I purchase.

 

[machinemover]

Thank you for the quick replies. First, really, is it worth it? I never used exhaust brakes, I know there great for hills and mountains, but will they help with everyday pulling? Also, I'm not sure if I want to do an install myself, what should I expect if I have someone install it for me. How long should it take and hard are they to install myself should I decide to go that route?

 

[GShail]

I tow with my truck in my Auto transport Business and cannot imagine doing this kind of work without an exhaust brake. I consider it to be the most important modification I have made to the truck. You have to be able to stop. It has saved me a ton on brakes and kept me out of a few accidents.

 

[jelag]

I'm both a pac brake master distributor and have 3 heavy trailers... all are dual tandems..... rated at 24K lbs... .



We have changed all three trailers to power disc brakes... . and have lots of brakes when we need them... If I were to grab the hand control I can stop the hole load with the power disc's on the trailer.....



The PXRB will handle most 6% grades in 4th or 5th gear up to 15,000 lbs without the service brakes... . when we are over 15,000 lbs we usually use 4th gear on a 6% grade... . and will have to touch the service brakes somewhat... .



I've never had brakes so hot they smoke. . and have been told a lot of times my brake lights don't work... sure they don't work... I never touched the brake pedal.....



My 04 3500 dually with 192K miles went 160 K before we did the first brake job..... My 00 F550 has over 350K miles... . and has had 2 brake jobs..... and has the old style exhaust brake... . we're trading this truck next spring for a new 5500 Dodge Ram if they ever build them... .



If you additional questions let me know... .

 

[BHolm]

I think Jims response pretty much says it all.



I have the mopar Jake on my auto truck and grossing 24k through the rockies on I-70 was a breeze with the brake. You can do it without but once you've tried it I doubt you will go back. With a manual truck I would go Pacbrake.



I also changed electric brakes out on one gooseneck. I didn't go all the way to discs but from elec drums to hydraulic drums which are cheaper to service. They are also more reliable and powerful in my experience.



Without an exhaust brake, pulling a big load behind my dually(triple 7k axles on trailer) I've had the brakes on the trailer get hot enough to start smoking and have had to stop halfway down Monarch pass. With the jake and the same load I can roll down a gear higher and never overheat the brakes. I would do it if even for a short time.

 

[JHofmann]

Yup, the Pac brake PXRB is the way to go. I love mine! Once you tow with one you will wonder why you waited so long.

 

[Radshooter]

I second what the others have said. I have a Jacobs. I went with that because of the warranty situation. We are fulltimers in a 38' fifthwheel. Triple single axles, and the trailer weighs 16K+. Truck and trailer are pushing 25,500. Have towed all over western USA without a problem. I think the Jake is some of the best money spent on our truck so far.

Steve