Forum Discussion

opnspaces's avatar
opnspaces
Navigator II
Mar 15, 2019

Downshift or exhaust brake?

I was just thinking after reading a post about gas vs diesel trucks where somebody mentioned they liked diesel because of the exhaust brake. I've never had a diesel, always gas. If I come up to a long downhill I have always downshifted and kept the speeds where I wanted them with only an occasional push on the brake pedal.

For those of you who have driven both, is a diesel with an exhaust brake that much better at controlling speed going down a grade? Or is this just another Ford vs Chevy type of question?
Tow Vehicles
  • CarnationSailor's avatar
    CarnationSailor
    Nomad
    Mar 15, 2019
    IdaD wrote:
    The exhaust brake on my Ram is significantly stronger than downshifting a gas truck. And in the auto mode it basically acts like cruise control and will modulate the EB and/or downshift/upshift as necessary to maintain a steady speed as the grade gets more or less steep.


    X2

    Not sure what you mean by "auto mode". With my 2015 Silverado HD2500 I keep it in Tow/Haul Mode all the time, and when approaching a steep downhill, I actually set the cruise control to 55 with the EB on. My speed will climb to about 58 at which point the EB will kick in and the engine will downshift once. It will hold at 58 and I never have to touch the brakes. Love it!
  • agesilaus's avatar
    agesilaus
    Explorer III
    Mar 15, 2019
    The engine brake is much better but my truck does both, it automatically downshifts while using the engine brake.--------------
  • IdaD's avatar
    IdaD
    Explorer
    Mar 15, 2019
    The exhaust brake on my Ram is significantly stronger than downshifting a gas truck. And in the auto mode it basically acts like cruise control and will modulate the EB and/or downshift/upshift as necessary to maintain a steady speed as the grade gets more or less steep.
  • schlep1967's avatar
    schlep1967
    Nomad
    Mar 15, 2019
    The exhaust brake is definitely better in my opinion. Especially when compared to an automatic transmission alone.
  • memtb's avatar
    memtb
    Explorer
    Mar 15, 2019
    Both.....if the weight being towed and grade determine so! Most (maybe all) exhaust brakes are much more effective with a higher engine rpm! We tow a 20 K+ pound 5th wheel. I try “not” to use the brakes, except for an occasional, brief “stab”). I try to keep my engine rpm around 2800 rpm... if I am not maintaining my desired speed, I “stab” (not ride) the brakes, get the speed down, and go to a lower gear.... my goal is around 2800 rpm, while controlling my downhill speed!

About Travel Trailer Group

44,026 PostsLatest Activity: Feb 24, 2025