I was driving over a mountain pass in a passenger vehicle between Las Cruces and White Sands and noticed a sign that read "Use of engine brake prohibited."That's the first time I've ever seen such a sign and was wondering why this is? It's near a military installation and I was wondering if the noise of engine brakes could cause them misreadings on their missile tests or if it's something else.Also, are modern day engine brakes loud? Even when I use mine on the highest setting, I can't hear a thing from inside the coach. I'm thinking that they are a lot quieter these days, but then again, maybe my coach is just well insulated.I am also assuming that engine brake refers to Jake Brakes and not simply gearing down.

There are many communities in our area that prohibit engine brakes within the city or town limits. It usually is about noise mitigation.

Yeah if push comes to shove, I'd rather get a ticket than have brakes fade. Probably the jake brakes since they are pretty noisy. I imagine systems on MH's would be exempt if they could even tell.

Yes. The old Jake brakes are what certain communities are referring to around here. Simply annoying noise.

Those signs have popped up around cities due to truckers using unmuffled (no mufflers), engine brakes. They are a lot louder and annoying.If you have a proper muffler (not gutted) you should not have any problems of attracting unwanted attention to your vehicle.That's about it.Pat

korbe wrote:Yes. The old Jake brakes are what certain communities are referring to around here. Simply annoying noise.Agreed. I just heard a fire truck yesterday with his engine brake on..... LOUD! Those are the ones that they are talking about. The one's that most motorhomes have are not loud at all, it's just gearing down.I've never heard ours on either coach.MM.

Use of engine brake prohibited | Good Sam Community

38 Replies

captain-caveman
Explorer
Dec 12, 2014
John S. wrote:
So what f a trucker hits a kid who ran out on the street. He says I could have avoided that kid as my jake would have started to slow me down and your sign prohibited a safety device. I wonder what the lawsuit would look like.

It doesn't matter. If you're a truck driver, You're always at fault.
Mike_Hohnstein
Explorer
Dec 12, 2014
Amazing threadSome people can argue about anything.
randallb
Explorer
Dec 12, 2014
Just because you can not hear your engine brake does not mean you are not making more noise than the residents want to be subjected to. I always thought my 6.7L Cummins was quiet until my wife drove it down the street. After that I had her come by with the "engine brake" (actually the VGT choked down) on and then off and the increase in noise was clearly noticeable. Do what you want but do not complain if you get ticketed.
Randy
John_S_
Explorer II
Dec 12, 2014
So what f a trucker hits a kid who ran out on the street. He says I could have avoided that kid as my jake would have started to slow me down and your sign prohibited a safety device. I wonder what the lawsuit would look like.
wa8yxm
Explorer III
Dec 12, 2014
There are a couple of different types of Engine Brakes,, Some are very loud, some are not,, And that is about all I know about it.
Two_Jayhawks
Explorer
Dec 12, 2014
Some silly posts being discussed here. Modern motor homes with 12-15 liter diesels make very little noise mine included. I believe these ordinances were written because of the modified systems on trucks. I have never had an issue following the ordinance when I see it as they are NOT posted when coming down a 6 mile 6% grade. They are on the flats when it's not necessary anyway.
edbehnke
Explorer
Dec 11, 2014
like it says, don't use it. i see lots of them but usually when i am going into a town.
hone_eagle
Explorer
Dec 11, 2014
Altern wrote:
Dennis M M wrote:
Modern trucks with proper equipment will not make any irritating noise either. My two stage engine brace is barely noticeable. It's the load, unmuffled ones the signs are referring to.

I ignore the signs and use the engine brake when I need it.
X2

X3 mine is not noticeable
2oldman
Explorer II
Dec 11, 2014
Daveinet wrote:
Was it your intention for these 2 posts to be consecutive?
No. I was responding to the topic.
Daveinet
Explorer
Dec 11, 2014
hanko wrote:
I find many other things more anoying, like my wife

2oldman wrote:
They are one of the loudest sounds on the road. Not as bad as train horns, but pretty close.
Was it your intention for these 2 posts to be consecutive?