JRscooby wrote:
Njmurvin wrote:
Yeah. I have a PacBrake on my 2004.5 Ram (there was no OEM option for an exhaust brake). With trailer in tow, I just descended a 7 degree grade at 60mph without touching the brakes once. I won't tow again with a diesel without an exhaust brake.
I don't even know if you can buy a new diesel from the big 3 that doesn't have an EB.
I would still like to see a side by side comparison of engine braking, same displacement gas/diesel exhaust brake. I know the diesel without the add-on has almost nothing, so it would be the difference restricting the air in compare to restricting air out.
Gas = downshift. You will still need to use brakes on and off to maintain speed.
Diesel = You need to take a test drive! "Back when" with my 1985 Ferd diesel - there was no compression braking. A downshift to a lower gear was necessary.
Exhaust brakes were optional on RAM trucks with manual transmissions in 2005. With automatic trans in 2006. After that, like the poster says - standard equipment.
No need to use the (hydraulic) brakes on a downhill - except for a complete stop.
BTW - HDTs (Heavy Duty Trucks) have had "Jake Brakes" for years - including 3 stage. Yes - a Jake Brake (HDT) and an EB (LDT) -some mfg by "Jacobs"- are two different animals that achieve the same excellent results.
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