Engine Exhaust Brake question

[lakebum]

We just took delivery of a 2009 Coachmen with a turbo Diesel and it has an Engine Exhaust Brake switch and was wondering if it is ok to leave that option on all the time? Are there any pros and cons to leave it on? How does it effect fuel economy? I am at 26500 lbs and I like the extra braking assist

[werni9]

Thanks to people in here, I am coming aware of this great invention. Mine is programmed 3 ways.....COAST..LATCH..MANUAL= For COAST AND LATCH Cruise Control switch ON position, but not activated. COAST activates the Exhaust Brake when I touch Service Brake. Let up on Service Brake and Exhaust Brake temporarily goes off until I touch Service again LATCH activates the Exhaust Brake when I touch Service Brake. Let up on Service Brake and Exhaust Brake remains on until I touch throttle pedal. MANUEL...If throttle is released the Exhaust Brake activates as normal. Just thought ??? Does the brake lights LIGHT when tghe exhaust brake is ON?

[time_to_go_now]

RayChez wrote:
I only use the exhaust brake on long down hill grades. I also use it while driving on heavy traffic which tends to come to sudden stops, and it helps slow the coach down faster. Other then those two, I have it turned off.

X2

[werni9]

Thank you all for your particular use and preferences. I will slow down to around 45 and downshift slowly before engaging the Exhaust Brake switch. I am hoping I don't get that transmission slam I got at 50 mph. My service brakes were adjusted when I had it greased. I put new tires all around at a different shop 2 hours later. The tire guy said he could not even turn my wheels because they had them adjusted so tight. I went back with new tires and a brake guy climbed under the back of the coach and had another guy push the brake pedal and leave a small puddle when I left. I have to stand on them to get it to stop now. I don't think I could lock up the brakes if I tried. Aren't Air Brakes suppose to work fairly easy and similar compared to regular brakes. Where is a chain of BRAKE SHOPS that do a SAFE JOB?

[lakebum]

wolfe10 wrote:
If you were in hills/mountains, I am a little concerned that you did not use the exhaust brake.

The service brakes (brake pedal) should NOT, repeat NOT be used for controlling speed of descent on grades. This is true of any heavy vehicle. Brakes turn momentum (ya, a LOT of momentum) into HEAT. Easy to overheat them.

The service brakes are just fine for stopping, but those few seconds are very different than a long downgrade.

Again, suggest you DO get comfortable using the exhaust brake-- it IS your friend.

We traveled flat land to Virginia Beach. No mountains or hills.

[wolfe10]

If you were in hills/mountains, I am a little concerned that you did not use the exhaust brake.

The service brakes (brake pedal) should NOT, repeat NOT be used for controlling speed of descent on grades. This is true of any heavy vehicle. Brakes turn momentum (ya, a LOT of momentum) into HEAT. Easy to overheat them.

The service brakes are just fine for stopping, but those few seconds are very different than a long downgrade.

Again, suggest you DO get comfortable using the exhaust brake-- it IS your friend.

[lakebum]

Well, was a little more nervous about it than I needed to be. First trip in the books. Avenged 10.9 MPG and handled just fine. Did not use the Exhaust Brakes at all, but appreciate all of the input and advise.

[lfeather]

lakebum wrote:
We just took delivery of a 2009 Coachmen with a turbo Diesel and it has an Engine Exhaust Brake switch and was wondering if it is ok to leave that option on all the time? Are there any pros and cons to leave it on? How does it effect fuel economy? I am at 26500 lbs and I like the extra braking assist

Mine is on all the time...

[wolfe10]

Ken,

What engine do you have-- there are some options for exhaust brake control with some.

[barmcd]

I have an exhaust brake on my Dodge pickup. The button is on the dash and it's not convenient to reach over there to turn it on or off. My coach has a PAC brake operated with a foot pedal. It's slows the coach and down shifts as soon as the speed slows enough to go into the next lower gear. It's a lot more aggressive than just an exhaust brake. I don't think it has more stopping power overall, but the downshifting keeps the rpm in the very effective range of the brake.

[rdmike]

On mine, whenever the exhaust brake is in use, my brake lights are on. Meaning when I let off the pedal. I use mine only in the mountains and have used in heavy rush hour traffic.

I agree, it is an art to have light pressure on the peddle to make it smooth.

[bluwtr49]

When on, it might disable your cruise control.

[jplante4]

PAC brakes are different in how they operate. Some select 5th gear on the Allison and some select 2nd. Some activate when you let up on the accelerator, some when you tap the brake. Some stay engaged until you step on the gas. Find out how yours works.

The biggest issue I see with leaving it on all the time is where the compressor's air intake is. If it's in a basement bay where it gets clean air, leave it on. If it's under the basement out in the elements, leave it off until needed.

[Ivylog]

I like to coast too and you can by not letting up on the gas pedal all the way... a slight pressure on pedal will keep the exhaust brake from coming on. Another option is to turn it on/off as needed and by putting a cabinet door rubber bumper stop on the switch you can know you are on it without looking down for it. There is also a mod you can buy that keeps the exhaust brake from coming on until you touch the brakes. Maybe someone will post a link to this.

[Mandalay_Parr]

I leave mine ON all the time. It activates when I touch the brake not when I lift off the accelerator.
Mine had different modes of operation set by Engine Control computer parameters.
The chassis or engine mfg service centers can do the programming.