Please give me skinny on exhaust brake for '05 automatic ...

[TWynia]

Yes, I did a search and came up with several threads but I am still a little lost after reading many.



So, do I need one ??? Will occasionally be towing toy hauler at my max of 13K or maybe a bit over ... mostly flat land and occassion up in the mountains on steep grades ... found a Dodge spec sheet that says an exhaust brake is required when over 10K ...



Which brands available for me ???



If I understand right, most mount up on the turbo but the US Gear has argument that it should further back be in the exhaust system (?) ... what type should I go with ???



Will I have warranty issues by installing this???



Any input appreciated to ge this done right and school me ...

 

[Subby]

Is 13K your combined or toy hauler only? I have the same truck except 6sp man and pull a toy hauler that loaded weighs 8500 to 9500lbs ready to roll. I pull this trailer in Idaho, Utah, Colorado, and Wyoming up and down some pretty steep grades. When I first got the truck I couldn't believe how good the brakes are. I did finally get a Prodigy brake controller for the trailer but can honestly say that other than emergency stopping/less than ideal conditions the brakes on these trucks when towing a trailer are outstanding. And the only concern then is jack-knifing. The only thing I can't comment on is your auto. If 13K is your combined then I really can't imagine needing the brake but it would probably make descents a little less stressful and easier on both truck and trailer brakes. Certainly would be cool.

 

[GFrance]

The exhaust brake is only covered by warrenty on manual trans, & 2006 autos. Something to do with the program change in the 06 auto that will keep the torque converter locked up.

If your not concerned about the warrenty issue you can get a smart controller from DTT or transmission vendor of your choice. The controller will able you to use an exhaust brake with your auto by manually locking up the converter.

I had one on my 2001 & it worked great.

 

[TWynia]

I will be at my max of 20,000 combined weight and perhaps a bit over ...

 

[GFrance]

I will be at my max of 20,000 combined weight and perhaps a bit over ...

Is your toy hauller a tag-a-long or a fifth wheel? If it's a 5vr Your more than likely over on your trucks gvwr. I know I was with my 12,000 lb 5vr, thats why I traded up to a dually. Went with a six speed this time & plan on getting another exhaust brake for this truck.

 

[DavidC]

The exhaust brake is only covered by warrenty on manual trans, & 2006 autos. Something to do with the program change in the 06 auto that will keep the torque converter locked up.

If your not concerned about the warrenty issue you can get a smart controller from DTT or transmission vendor of your choice. The controller will able you to use an exhaust brake with your auto by manually locking up the converter.

I had one on my 2001 & it worked great.

If you decide to get one try these people, great service and great prices.

http://www.hoeslidiesel.com./jacobs.htm



I just installed one on my 99 and it works great. After a recent trip to northern CA. my truck and trailer brakes were smoking and so hot I needed oven mits to touch the rims. That was the final decision for me. It will definately save your brakes,rotors and bearings on the truck and trailer. Your either going to spend money on vehicle/trailer parts or buying an exhaust brake It is your choice. Definately get something to keep the TC locked up. Even driving around solo the EB would save you maintenance costs. See this post also.

http://turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?t=139323



Dave

 

[RMcCulloch]

Depending upon your routes, you may have no more need for one than you do for a bustle.



The 48RE does a pretty good job of holding your speed down.



My suggestion is to wait until you have done some towing before making this decision.