Need a bit more payload on Ram 2500.

jerem0621 wrote:

rhagfo wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:

psuce wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:

When I towed with my 98 RAM 2500 4X4 similar to your at 20,500# combined I knew I was at my limit!

I have put many miles on my old 97 Ram 2500 running around that combined weight with a gooseneck equipment trailer. Only smoked the brakes once. :E

I had a PacBrake and it made it nice coming down the 6% grades.

Ditto!!

I had enough brakes before add the PacBrake, but now almost never use the service brakes!! The sweet rumble of the Pacbrake coming down long grades is comforting to know I still have cold service brakes if needed.

Is there a limit to the amount an exhaust brake can hold back on a grade? Please forgive my inexperience with diesel...but with a gas motor you gear down and let the motor rev effectively using engine braking to keep the speed stable going down hill...

Even doing this..sometimes you can gain a little too much speed and have to stab the brakes. Does the Exhaust brake work the same way on a diesel?

Thanks!

Jeremiah

I find I can hold moderate grades in 5th (5 speed manual), steeper I drop to 4th. PacBrake works very well even at low RPM. Keep in mind I am at a GCW of 19,000# to 19,500# most of the time.
I am sure Cummins stock EB also works well with the extra 10,000# he has over me.