Is exhaust brake really needed?
Morning all, The wife and I where discussing vacation plans. We were talking about places to go on vacation. Colorado came up. We haven't been out west in quite a while. Never been there with a TT or...
Forum Discussion
MrVan wrote:
We don't have exhaust brakes on our truck but would have it on any truck we purchased in the future. However, one can adjust your driving habits to fit the equipment you do have. On 6% down grades on the Interstates I just slip the truck into 2nd gear at the top of the grade and let the engine compression hold the load at 45 MPH. A form of a compression brake. On a long downhill grade of 6% I may have to hit the brakes two or three times for short periods to hold the 45 MPH maximum. I think it is safer than going down hill at a faster speed with compression brakes since the margin of error is less. YMMV.
I do not know what you drive, but stock my 2001.5 Dodge/Cummins/Auto would not lock the TC going down hill. Even with a manual, the Cummins engine just free wheels going down grades. For some unknown reason the Ford and GM V8's seem to hold back better with grade braking. I could fool the 47RE to lock the TC at the top of the hill with the cruise control, but it just was not effective.
I would not tow a mid to larger 5th wheel without an exhaust brake.
Chris
