What kind of exhaust brakes are you folks using?

[jsnyder]

I am thinking of installing an exhaust brake this winter to help slow down the green machine with the horse trailer on back. Was wondering what brands anyone has used, feedback on how you like it and how the install went. Also, what price do these run? TIA.



Jason

 

[Deezul1]

BD brake and love it. Install was easy and went well. A little more than others but top quality product. This will be one of the best mods you ever do to your truck.

 

[Dsl_Duo]

I also have the BD brake and love it. It's used every day.

 

[Snow man]

I have a pac brake,and I love it. If i had a standard i would have went with the BD brake,the auto doesnt like strong retarding power at low rpm,like the bd has. The pacbrake is one of the best things i ever bought for my ram,I always use it,and once you have one,you'll kick yourself for not getting one sooner.

 

[illflem]

BD and wouldn't tow without it. Install is easy, hardest part for me was running the wires though the firewall. If I needed another e-brake I would look real hard at Banks. Might cost a bit more but I've found you usually get what you pay for.

 

[rubberneck]

BD 4" remote mount, i love it. If you ever think you may change turbos to anything but an hx35 or hy, get the remote mount.

 

[klenger]

I have the Dodge/Jacobs OEM. Works fine.



Where to buy it.



Check my sig for links to Jacobs.

 

[moparguy]

Pac Brake

Been on for 70k, since about 1997. Zero problems with the brake, had a bit of problem keeping the micro switch adjusted at the front of the pump. Replaced it with the accelerator mounted switch, since it's been working perfectly.



When pulling in the Rockies, it's worth it's weight in gold.



Ronnie

 

[RADdodge]

There is a definite advantage to having a 5 or 6 speed and using an exhaust brake. You don't have to go through the mumbo jumbo to make it work, as opposed to making one work with an auto. If I were you, I'd be looking at whatever brake gives the most braking. I think that's the BD brake. It will make you feel much more at ease going down long winding grades with a load pushing you down the mountain!!!

 

[Cowboy Medic]

Pac brake has been on this truck since about 500 miles, absolutely love it, never a problem, install was simple and straight forward. Made my own switch to mount on the shifter using a project box from radio shack. Works like a dream. Added benefit is I have pulled heavy over half of the 80,000 miles that are on this truck, and I am still on my original brake pads and when I checked them last week they look like they will go another 50,000 pretty easy, of course 99% of the time I have used the e-brake to get me down around 10-15 mph before I ever touch the brake pedal.

 

[Bigsaint]

Originally posted by rubberneck

BD 4" remote mount, i love it. If you ever think you may change turbos to anything but an hx35 or hy, get the remote mount.

Ditto



Scott W.

 

[SLindblom]

Dad has a Pac Brake on his 5 speed and loves it. I have the Jacobs that the dealer sells, and I love it too, on my 6 speed.



I drove Dad's today, and think the Pac Brake retards just a little better. Both work great with rpm's over 2000, but the Pac seems to work better with lower rpms as well.

 

[T-Ricky]

Decelomatic Mountain Tamer with manual bypass. 200,000 miles on two trucks. Slide valve not a butterfly. Includes an air system for other things like horns, air ride suspension, and air ride seats. (Yes I have all of these)

With the manual control you can adjust the back pressure to what is necessary for the situation (no cycling off and on). Fits down stream so no problem changing turbos. Not cheap but you get what you pay for.



Rick T.

 

[David Oxland]

BD

No trouble; Works well.



Why don't you make it into a poll?

 

[DonBaggett]

Just got back today from pulling my 29' 5er to NYC and back from Tupelo, MS. I don't have an exaust brake and was a little concerned about going through some of the mountainous territory; however, I didn't have a bit of trouble. I took the OD off on the 5%, pulled her down in 2nd on 7%, but hardly touched my service brakes. I think I read on this board that 7% is the maximum grade on interstates. If I were going to do the little winding back roads, I might think about an exhaust brake more seriously, but for the main roads, I feel pretty good without one.

 

[SS]

I have the Jacobs and it seems to work fine, but I don't have a reference to the others.



I did get a lot of seat time with an identical truck and enclosed trailer to mine this week - no real grades to speak of. Out of all my mods (lift, tires, Comp, etc. ) the biggest thing I missed was the exhaust brake - nothing else was even close.

 

[csevers]

I vote for pacbrake

Ihave one and it works well. I think if there was a bad e-brake out there someone would have had it and would let us know, most of the choice in getting a brake is the price range you want to spend. A very important add on to my truck use it every day as much as possible I would find it hard to beleive someone would not like one if it was on there truck.

 

[tschwab]

With a 12V, would I have to install the stronger exhaust valve springs? With some of the brakes or all makes of exhaust brakes?



Thanks - Terry

 

[Larry Willard]

Pacbrake!!

Had one on both trucks and wouldn't be without a brake of some kind. On the 12 valve truck I didn't even have the valve springs upgraded, and it worked well.

Larry

 

[Bob Beauchaine]

BD brake here and it works great with or without my trailer. It's one of the best investments I've made especially in the western mountains.

Happy trails

Bob