Question About 6.7 Exhaust Brake

[JDancoe]

Issue 71 Had a great article on exhaust brakes by David Magnoli. In it he discussed the new VGT turbocharger having an exhaust brake feature incorporated in the design.

What i'm not clear about; is the brake feature included as standard equipment on all 6. 7 engines from the factory, is it a dealer installed option, or available as a kit for self install to make it operative.

I'm interested because my wife and I are planning to purchase another truck (to supplement my current 1st Gen. ) which will probably become the primary tow vehicle for our 28ft. travel trailer. she wants an automatic trans. and I would prefer it has an exhaust brake, which I would hope will work as well as the one on my current '92 5 spd. W-250.

any input appreciated.

Thanks, Jack Dancoe

 

[RustyJC]

The exhaust brake function was standard equipment on my 2011 3500, as was the tow/haul mode and integrated trailer brake controller. I'm not sure about ALL the 6. 7Ls since their introduction, but if you're looking at new trucks, they have the exhaust brake function.



Rusty

 

[HBarlow]

Yeah, the variable geometry turbo with its exhaust braking capability has been a component of all ISB6. 7s since they were introduced.

One or two members have claimed that some of the earliest 2007. 5s may not have had the exhaust brake switch in the dash to activate the exhaust braking function. I don't know if that is truth or fiction.

 

[RustyJC]

To clarify my response, I agree with Harvey - the exhaust brake CAPABILITY has been an integral part of the VGT turbo used on the 6. 7L since introduction. Somehow I got the impression that, on some of the earliest trucks, Dodge may have tried to sell the exhaust brake functionality (just a switch and some ECU programming) as an option instead of making it standard equipment, but I may well be wrong on that.



Rusty

 

[KLauber]

It is a very effective exhaust brake and use of it is probably contributing to the long life of my OEM brake pads (101K miles and still good).

 

[Cosmo]

What Ken said...
Coming down multiple mountain passes from the Cascades, Rockies, Blue Ridge, and everything between I only had to use the service brakes about 2 times to maintain speed while towing heavy.

 

[KLauber]

There is something about rowing down the gears while the EB burbles its approval... ...

 

[Hoefler]

Going down the west side of the Big Horn Pass with our 40' fifth wheel in tow, set the transmission in 3rd gear, never once touched the brake pedal in 22 miles. Occasionally hit the fuel to speed up, but never the brakes.

 

[HBarlow]

Going down the west side of the Big Horn Pass with our 40' fifth wheel in tow, set the transmission in 3rd gear, never once touched the brake pedal in 22 miles. Occasionally hit the fuel to speed up, but never the brakes.

THAT is one of the large major advantages our Ram trucks provide over the other inferior brands.

 

[KLauber]

THAT is one of the large major advantages our Ram trucks provide over the other inferior brands.

Well you got that right! Also that singularly awesome inline engine also.....

 

[AH64ID]

To clarify my response, I agree with Harvey - the exhaust brake CAPABILITY has been an integral part of the VGT turbo used on the 6. 7L since introduction. Somehow I got the impression that, on some of the earliest trucks, Dodge may have tried to sell the exhaust brake functionality (just a switch and some ECU programming) as an option instead of making it standard equipment, but I may well be wrong on that.



Rusty

I believe it has always been standard on pickups, and was option on the early C&C trucks. It is now standard on all platforms.

 

[JDancoe]

Guys,
Thanks very much. If the capability is there, I wouldn't object to purchasing the control systems if necessary, but it sounds like I will be good to go without additional expense.
I'll probably be looking for something in the 07. 5/08 model year. Thanks again, I hope you all have a happy holiday.
Jack Dancoe