Do you think I should spend $2600 and add exhaust brake?

OP has already decided not to spend the money and has moved on!

OP, in the end obviously the decision is yours to make. In my case I decided not to spend the money on my 07, just decided to trade it on the truck in the signature. We recently took a trip with it to Branson through the Ozark hills and the EB was awesome!! Next month we go to Virginia Beach and will pass through the Appalachian mountains. I hope to be grinning all the way down hill!!! Please let us know how your trip turns out.

A few years ago we drove from Indiana to Great Falls,MT, on to Moab,UT and back home on I-70. Last year we went from home to Montana to Grand Coulee Dam to Portland,OR. to Ontario,Or. to Missoula,MT. to Rapid City,S.D. to Cheyenne, Wy. to home. I do not have an exhaust brake and I never felt unsafe or got my brakes hot on either trip. I figure it is my money so I spend it as I see fit. I drive defensively too. Lots of space between me and one in front. Have never had to make an emergency stop in any vehicle I have driven in over 50+ years. JMHE.

Once everyone's geritol attacks settle down you can get back to normal reading, lol.
Anyone reads my posts, I'm about the farthest from the weight or towing police there is on here, but I would totally put an Ebrake on a pickup that's getting pushed downhill by a 17k plus trailer.
$2600 is steep. BD brakes can be had for $1200 and about 4 hrs install.
2+ yrs and 40kmi on my BD brake without issue.
But if you're not keeping the truck it does seem like kinda waste of $.
You'll love it towing anywhere and even empty driving.
The difference in brake wear is very noticeable. For example, just put the Ebrake on my 07 before the drive up to AK. 2400 mi later, grossing about 18k between truck, camper and trailer, I barely had brake dust on my front wheels. Looked like 2 weeks of commuting, not 2000mi of heavy haul through more mountains than I can recall.

OP... looks like you were right it is not in the manual. In my owners book there is a separate towing guide with the warning.

In regard to the question of factory eb for 06 with auto tranny here are two references Mopar Factory Chrysler parts

eHoefler wrote:
One thing to consider, if you have a manual transmission, the exhaust brake is a good investment and you won't regret it. If you have the automatic, you should not install one if you have not had the transmission rebuilt and upgraded for the use of an exhaust brake. The 48RE, in its stock form, will not handle the reverse torque from the use of the exhaust brake. That is why it was never offered from the factory as an option for the automatic.

Incorrect. The 06 was the first year of the factory option Jacob exhaust brake. The trucks came ready to install with all electronics ready to go. The part is about $1200 from a mopar dealer and a 4 hour labor charge. No need to upgrade anything other than to upgrade for your own piece of mind.

eHoefler wrote:
One thing to consider, if you have a manual transmission, the exhaust brake is a good investment and you won't regret it. If you have the automatic, you should not install one if you have not had the transmission rebuilt and upgraded for the use of an exhaust brake. The 48RE, in its stock form, will not handle the reverse torque from the use of the exhaust brake. That is why it was never offered from the factory as an option for the automatic.

The exhaust brake has caused zero problems with what I believe is a stock transmission in my 04.5. I am second owner. Original owner had the exhaust brake installed, as he towed a fifth wheel.

One thing to consider, if you have a manual transmission, the exhaust brake is a good investment and you won't regret it. If you have the automatic, you should not install one if you have not had the transmission rebuilt and upgraded for the use of an exhaust brake. The 48RE, in its stock form, will not handle the reverse torque from the use of the exhaust brake. That is why it was never offered from the factory as an option for the automatic.

You can always have an EB installed on the trip, I wouldn't own a diesel pickup without one. Have fun.

Dave H M wrote:
Here is another thought. Aren't most or all of the interstate grades 6%?

Thant was a piece of cake for my ole 99 psd yanking a 10.5 fifth wheel along. And i mean going down without an eb also.

Lets stay on the beaten path and not get into Pikes Peak, etc. :W

It's the fact that this grade can go on for miles resulting in service brake fade due to overheating - It is not a short city hill at 12%.

Come join us in Colorado Springs next month and you may reconsider having an exhaust brake. I should be around 22K lbs GCW but only 7K lbs will be tow weight.