exhaust brake

Old Blue wrote:
I have a 36 ft. motorhome with exhaust brake and have been driving many years both m/h and truck and I can't find where it is said that
using the exhaust brake in bad weather can not be used...any help on the matter would help, not looking for a argument.
Thanks
Bill

Old Blue,
Well Sir, first off, being that your coach is a 36' unit, and, you don't say what specific type of "exhaust brake" you have, I'm going to assume, that you have an EXAUST BRAKE, and not a "Jake Brake" or, otherwise known as a Jacobs Engine brake. I'm also assuming that since you say you've driven trucks etc., that you know the difference between the two.

Now, with that being said, basically they both apply a type of what's called a "secondary braking". The true type Jake brake, especially if it's a two, or three stage, is considerably more effective than a basic exhaust brake. Don't get me wrong here, the actual exhaust brake is a good, secondary braking system and, many, including myself, rely upon it heavily for a large percentage of grades and, general driving and braking.

Now, just how and when one uses either one of these secondary braking systems is of course, up to them. Manuals, labels and warnings are a way to broadcast and suggest cautions. Since both of the secondary braking types can effect traction, especially in icy conditions, it would be advisable to follow the precautions of those manuals, labels and warnings. Experience using them, how effective they are, just how much they slow an individual vehicle down, at a given speed, on good, dry pavement/concrete, will show what kind of force is exerted.

So, realizing that kind of force, will help in making a decision to use them, in inclement/icy whether. I have used both Jake and exhaust brakes in ugly weather and driving conditions and, again, the Jake is much more effective and is more likely to cause traction issues, based on what the actual conditions are. The point here is, learn what you've got, how effective it is, and teach yourself some boundaries to drive by. Good luck.
Scott