o6 and exhaust brake.....one more time

[E2360]

Looking at 06 3500 mega cab, AUTOMATIC one of the main reasons is for exhaust brake and NOT be my own warranty station. Has anyone used this set up and how does it work for you (good bad etc). anyone with problems with it.



Tow a 11000 pound 5th wheel 2-3 times a year. Live in the flat lands but plan on multipul trips east and west with some steep grades in there so it does not get constant use.



As an aside, when going down a grade with an exhaust brake and towing, do you ever use the trailer brakes throught the controller for extra stopping power... . just wondering.





Thanks

 

[stanmar]

Well, E2360,



Glad to see that you are considering the MegaCab. We just bought ours in Dec. 2005 and just love it so far. As you can see by my signature, we have a 1Ton, single rear wheel, 4x4, with auto transmission and had the dealer install the Jacobs exhaust brake. It has a pull knob that is "clamp mounted" to the shift lever so that it is easy to pull open or push shut at all times. Since the accessory was designed by both Jacobs and Cummins with DC acceptance it is covered totally by your warrantee.



The brake is real simple to use and after having it on ours, I wouldn't be without one now. It really does help in the braking process and one added bonus: it speeds up the warming process after a cold start, meaning it does not take as much time to heat the engine block or your passengers in cold weather! Even when I'm not towing, I'll leave it on till the engine warms up, because the computer tells it when to engage and also tells your automatic trans. when to lock up the torque converter so there is no damage... ... just makes everything simple as I stated earlier. The one draw back, is, my Jake kicks out at about 22 mi. per hr. So your brakes have to do the total job from that speed on down. Don't know if that helped you or not but that's my . 02.



stanmar.....

 

[E2360]

Thanks for the input. Pulled the trigger and bought it. Will add on the brake.

Kids LOVE the room in back compared to the quad cab. Pick it up monday, weekend will be spent removing hitches and controllers.



Only complaint so far, why on a $50K+ truck do they not put memory seats and mirrors? Of well just have to prevent the wife from driving it!



Thanks

 

[stanmar]

Congradulations!

Glad to hear you went ahead. I really like the look of the longer cab and since I no longer build, I don't need the longer box. So everything fit for us. Our truck cost in the same neighborhood as yours and I can tell you will enjoy the interior, man it is luxurious. What color did you get? Again, congratulations... . Oo.

 

[Black Ram Alpha]

I installed a Pac Brake from (camping world) . Was Easy to install as it replaces the exaust elbow(no welding). Works good with my 2003 Automatic trans. but like previous guy said it kicks out about at 30 mph. You can switch it on and off from toggle switch mounted in cab. Also has 1/4 fitting for egt probe . my profile says BD brake -have to change that (its a Pac Brake) sorry.

 

[jelag]

There is new software for the 06 trucks... . I posted this information under 3rd generation section..... I think the thread is labeled 06 48RE software upgrades...



What it says is that new software has enhanced the operation of the exhaust brake with the automatic..... when the brake comes on it will down shift and lock up the torque converter to give you better braking performance... . I haven't installed a PacBrake on one of these trucks here in our shop yet... but I'm guessing that it will work down to 15 to 20 mph... . It will shift from 4th to 3rd and than to 2nd as needed based on ground speed and engine speed... .



Hope this helps... .



Jim