towing thru the mountains
We will take our long awaited journey next week across the US. I would like to ask for some pointers towing our 4500 lb jeep behind our 36 ft. gas ( 2003 workhorse chassis ) Motor home . How hard are...
Forum Discussion
mama.sylvia wrote:
...... I've never heard of stab braking, so please do explain it. If it turns out to be something I do know under another name, my feelings won't be hurt. I'd rather read 10 explanations of stuff I already know than miss the one that I don't.
I believe that it is "Snub" braking that people are usually referring to. Stab braking is something a little different.
Snub braking is applying your brakes intermittently. You apply the brakes reasonably hard and slow your speed by 5 mph in about 3 seconds. Then you allow your speed to increase back to where it was, then apply your brakes again to slow by 5 mph repeating as you continue down the hill. It has been determined that this is better than riding your brakes all the time mainly because when you drag the brakes continuously, not all brakes are carrying an equal load. The ones that are working the hardest, can overheat and damage the pads.
It is important to remember than Snub braking is only part of a good downhill technique and should not be relied on to control your speed totally.
There are a couple of good video at: Click Here and here: Click Here
To summarize, there are 3 basic steps:
Prepare - this involves insuring your equipment is working correctly and your brakes are set correctly. It also involves being aware of what lies ahead. How steep is the hill? How long are the down hill runs? What curves, turns, switchbacks are involved?
Control your speed going into the downhill section - Before you reach the downhill section, have your MH at the correct speed and in the correct gear. Basically this means being 1 gear lower than what you would use to climb the hill and having the engine rpm near governed speed to maximize your exhaust or Jake brake efficiency.
Snub Braking to maintain your speed - Use Snub braking to control your speed. Never let your speed rise above what you set when you entered the downhill section.
Note: This technique is applicable to both conventional and air brakes. If done correctly, Snub braking will not deplete a properly designed and maintained air system as the pressure will build up between brake applications.
