Air brakes on Class A diesel pusher
Hello, we recently purchased a Fleetwood diesel pusher. We have been on 3 short trips with it. It is equipped with air brakes - when switched on the RV will slow when my foot is off the pedal. I rea...
Forum Discussion
Mondooker wrote:
You guys are correct, air brakes do not turn on and off, they are constantly on with the engine start. Most diesel pushers have a gauge or trouble lights on the dash showing that brakes and airbags are fully aired up.
As for the slowdown you've noticed its your exhaust break or Jake brake that is slowing you down. You should see a three position switch on the dash allowing you to set it to High (maximum of breaking), Low and off.
Most folks leave the exhaust brake on at all times EXCEPT in icy or wet conditions. Especially true if your coach has a tag axle.
Not sure what a tag axle benefit the exhaust brake gives vs no tag. The brakes on a tag axle are way more capable of slowing down vs no tag. Actually the exhaust brake on our tag is not as effective as the non tag we had. Probably because it's a lot more weight. I find I use the brakes more.
