Time for an exhaust brake

[SnoKing]

I just purchased a new larger 5th wheel and feel it is time for an exhaust brake. We have a 2001. 5 4x4 Auto with 4:10's. Am I going to have to upgrade the transmission with DTT stuff first, or can I get by for awhile with a lockup controller and brake only?



Trailer is grossing around 11K and I am a little over 18K combined.



Chris

 

[RMcCulloch]

I'd say go with the brake then the lockup controller and then the rebuild.



Of course I'd say that since that's the order in which I'm doing it...

 

[ralbert]

I have a USGEAR brake that I installed last spring for my Alaska trip and it was the right move. I have a stock auto and even in 2nd the temp never got over 170. Worked great but I guess it would do even better with a worked trainy. Trainy will be the next investment. Right now I have a new 30x45 x14' Morton bldg going up in the back yard for all the toys. That will take care of any extra funds for a day or so. Go with the brake, you will be pleased. Rob

 

[jelag]

One of the biggest issues of using an exhaust brake on an automatic transmission is that the torque coverter will go into a coast mode when the vehicle goes back to idle... this reduced pressure in the torque converter will not allow full braking HP with the use of an exhaust brake.....



PacBrake offers a kit that will attach to your current transmission..... The kit will connect to the exhaust brake and will lock the torque converter to improve the function of the exhaust brake... once it sees the vehicle speed below 20 mph it will unlock the torque converter and allow it to function normally... .



This kit and an exhaust brake would allow you to tow that trailer with the safety margin you need... .



Jim

 

[SnoKing]

OK, so I called Eric at Eric's RV in Sequim (Ran around with him as a kid) he says PacBrake, BD AutoLoc and BD PressureLoc. I bought the brake and valve springs for my 1993 from him. Nice guy. Chris

 

[Mniver]

I went the other way because I didn't feel good about the auto. DTT upgrade, Smart controler and Jake brake and love it. Big thing is the amout of stress your going to put on the transmission when u lock it up and the engine brake is applies. May end up costing u more in the long run. JMHO

 

[Sixpack]

Can you say billet shafts. Have read of broken stock input shafts on auto's with e-brakes installed. I have been told that Bill K. won't warranty his trannys using an e-brake and lock up controller without installing the billet shaft(s). FYI

BTW My billet shaft is a South Bend Clutch :-laf :-laf :-laf

 

[cwsoules]

I got the full DTT mods when I got my exhaust brake installed. I love my exhaust brake and DDT mods.