Having trouble understanding "Exhaust" brake use. At 50 mph, I turned the switch on as I approached a town with slower speed. It slammed hard in the rear and started slowing. It took about 5 seconds from turning the switch on until it engaged. At the top of a downslope, what speed can I turn the switch on? Basically, how does this all work? Is tranny selection come first and then turn on "exhaust" brake? I almost wrecked and don't travel anywhere but flat lands. Would like to drive some hills knowing how?

A make and model of coach would help.

Your profile doesn't show what you're driving. Guess I am also a novice since I've only had the diesel for over a year. I was told not to bother turning the exhaust brake off. I always drive with it on, and I find that it decelerates the rig when I ease off the gas even before I press the brake. Makes my drive very comfortable. Out here we have lots of mountains and hills, and if I keep my speed around 45mph going down the mountains (truck speed posted at 30 to 35 mph) I seldom have to touch the brake peddle as the engine brake slows my speed nicely.Happy Trails.

I don't use mine all the time...have been told, right or wrong, that there can be carbon issues from running them all the time. I also, don't really want it to brake whenever I let off the throttle. When on roads that are gently rolling or flat, I want the vehicle to gain some speed in anticipation of the next uphill segment. A gain of 3 to 5 mph means I need less throttle going up. The ride is also smoother without the engine brake grabbing the coach every time I take my foot of the throttle.I do use it in town, as it cuts brake usage when the speed limit starts dropping and between stops when in town. I also use it, to its primary purpose of going down steeper grades to let the engine slow the speed as opposed to riding the brakes. That's the way I use mine, both in the coach and when I had a diesel pickup truck.

I don't leave mine on unless I'm in town, etc. In most other circumstances, I want to be able to coast with my foot off the accelerator when appropriate. When coasting down gentle hills, etc., the diesel uses zero fuel - I like that.Wayne

I do not usualy have it on, i use it only when needed, like if I go down a hill or if I have to press the brake often like in town or in heavy traffic. On mine I can put it on at any speed but it does not engage if I travel like above 65 or 70. My exhaust brake is part of the turbo, VGT turbo type, it will engage only if I have the switch on and if I let go the pedal completly. If I only ease on the pedal it will not engage.

EXHAUST BRAKE SWITCH (When to turn on) | Good Sam Community

13 Replies

webslave
Explorer
Apr 05, 2016
I don't use mine all the time...have been told, right or wrong, that there can be carbon issues from running them all the time. I also, don't really want it to brake whenever I let off the throttle. When on roads that are gently rolling or flat, I want the vehicle to gain some speed in anticipation of the next uphill segment. A gain of 3 to 5 mph means I need less throttle going up. The ride is also smoother without the engine brake grabbing the coach every time I take my foot of the throttle.

I do use it in town, as it cuts brake usage when the speed limit starts dropping and between stops when in town. I also use it, to its primary purpose of going down steeper grades to let the engine slow the speed as opposed to riding the brakes.

That's the way I use mine, both in the coach and when I had a diesel pickup truck.
kalynzoo
Explorer
Apr 05, 2016
Your profile doesn't show what you're driving. Guess I am also a novice since I've only had the diesel for over a year. I was told not to bother turning the exhaust brake off. I always drive with it on, and I find that it decelerates the rig when I ease off the gas even before I press the brake. Makes my drive very comfortable. Out here we have lots of mountains and hills, and if I keep my speed around 45mph going down the mountains (truck speed posted at 30 to 35 mph) I seldom have to touch the brake peddle as the engine brake slows my speed nicely.
Happy Trails.
msturtz
Explorer
Apr 05, 2016
A make and model of coach would help.

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EXHAUST BRAKE SWITCH (When to turn on)

13 Replies

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