Opinion/Experience with Smart Brake Function of Exhaust Brake

[Wiredawg]

Friends (@AH64ID),

I couldn't post against my original thread from 2020 on this topic, but though I would share my revelation today with the Smart EB settings driving the 5500 in heavy traffic. I was running in TH mode and full EB, which was getting real catchy, so I recalled John's (@AH64ID) post about using in the alternate mode all the time, so I tried it and liked it (finally). Much better coasting.

Anyhoo, thought I'd share old Wiredawgs CAN learn new tricks.

Cheers, Ron

 

[NIsaacs]

Wrong section, but yes, auto brake setting is best. I really haven't found a use for full on. Full on, reduces speed and auto maintains speed.

Auto, maintains at the speed you let off the go pedal. If you use the foot brake, then it will reduce speed until you release it. That speed, will be your new "maintain speed".

I hope the new 8 spd will lock in 1st and hopefully the exhaust brake will stay engaged down to about 5 mph. Mine kicks out at about 18-20 mph. About the speed the converter unlocks. Even if it don't lock in first, second is a lot lower gear then my 6 spd, so that would be nice too, (for the 8spd).

 

[Topzide]

@Wiredawg, Have mentioned the Auto setting to my FIL, as he would run full auto on his 2020 Bighorn also. Makes a big difference once you get accustomed to it. Full can have its place at times, but the Auto fits the bill for all other times. Enjoy the seat time!

 

[Diesel85]

I run full on on my work 3500 all the time. I'm used to having that engine braking on stick gas engines and it really saves brakes.

However, people behind you don't care for it that don't know how engine braking works now a days. They don't know how you can be suddenly slowing down so quick without brake lights. But you see, that's NOT my problem....

Mostly since lesser and lesser people driving stick.

This is one of the things I really miss having in my EcoD is that engine brake feature. I like that feeling of taking the foot off the pedal and slowing down versus coasting. Gives me a sense of security from driving stick my entire life.

As pointed out above, I'm hoping for better (slightly improved) engine braking characteristics from whatever new transmission they shove in the new RAM. At least right now the exhaust brake blows Ford and GM out of the water and it really feels like a true exhaust brake. I just don't want to see them go the other way.

 

[Wiredawg]

Wrong section, but yes, auto brake setting is best. I really haven't found a use for full on. Full on, reduces speed and auto maintains speed.

Auto, maintains at the speed you let off the go pedal. If you use the foot brake, then it will reduce speed until you release it. That speed, will be your new "maintain speed".

I hope the new 8 spd will lock in 1st and hopefully the exhaust brake will stay engaged down to about 5 mph. Mine kicks out at about 18-20 mph. About the speed the converter unlocks. Even if it don't lock in first, second is a lot lower gear then my 6 spd, so that would be nice too, (for the 8spd).

I think the engine/trans section IS exactly the correct section to discuss exhaust brake since it's is a component of the engine. I didn't let the term exhaust distract me.

 

[Wiredawg]

@Wiredawg, Have mentioned the Auto setting to my FIL, as he would run full auto on his 2020 Bighorn also. Makes a big difference once you get accustomed to it. Full can have its place at times, but the Auto fits the bill for all other times. Enjoy the seat time!

I ran mine full all the time previously because I mostly towed with my 5500, but now it's just my big pickup truck. I'm liking running tow/haul in the city, but EB full in TH with 488s is super grabby. Yesterday, after my revelation, I found the partial mode worked better in traffic with TH.

 

[NIsaacs]

I think the engine/trans section IS exactly the correct section to discuss exhaust brake since it's is a component of the engine. I didn't let the term exhaust distract me.

This is the 19+ CGI block section. But, no biggie.

 

[Wiredawg]

Sorry, my bad...been a long time since I posted. I thought you meant EB didn't belong in Engine/Trans forum. Again, my apologies!

 

[Turbo Terry]

I like driving in the city with full x brake and tow haul mode but it does take some getting used to.i told my wife if she ever drives my ptruck to not use it . Yes the people behind me watch out. People really always follow to close. It’s a pet peace of mine

 

[Turbo Terry]

But it might be how you get a new bumper but most folks don’t about 25 %? don’t have insurance any way

 

[John Jensen]

Sorry, my bad...been a long time since I posted. I thought you meant EB didn't belong in Engine/Trans forum. Again, my apologies!

It must be an old fart thing as I thought the same