6.7L Cummins Engine Brake

[SWoop2247]

Does everyone use the engine brake when not towing?

I've read mixed opinions on using it 100% while driving.

Thanks in advance


S Woolery
2012 Aerolite
2014 Ram 2500 4x4 6.7L Cummins

[spoon059]

Me Again wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:


YES, sometimes ya have to be smarter than the computer. Kinda like dropping a bear before the grade starts.

What caliber do you us for bears? Does your AR-15 take one down? How many rounds does it take?

.223 isn't a great round for a bear. .308 or bigger is preferable and you'll still need a couple rounds to do it.

OP, I run T/H and EB all the time except the rain. The Ram tends to lug a little for best fuel economy, but the manual warns you not to lug the transmission. T/H will shift a little sooner, preventing that lugging. The E/B is fantastic for slowing down to about 25 mph or so. I use it regularly with zero side effects. Brakes are still pretty thick even at 60K miles.

[Cummins12V98]

Me Again wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:


YES, sometimes ya have to be smarter than the computer. Kinda like dropping a bear before the grade starts.

What caliber do you us for bears? Does your AR-15 take one down? How many rounds does it take?

HA too funny! I heard my 44 Mag would do the job with just one.

[Me_Again]

Cummins12V98 wrote:


YES, sometimes ya have to be smarter than the computer. Kinda like dropping a bear before the grade starts.

What caliber do you us for bears? Does your AR-15 take one down? How many rounds does it take?

[Cummins12V98]

IdaD wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:

IdaD wrote:
Auto coupled with tow/haul when towing is awesome going down grades because it holds whatever speed you set with a brake tap or taking your foot off the accelerator, adjusting the amount of compression and/or downshifting as necessary. Even on the big grades we have out west the only time I have to use my brakes is when I need to slow down for a corner, traffic, etc.

I do use my EB when I'm not towing if I remember to turn it on, which is not all the time.

Try it with 26k behind you going down a 6% great. It will NOT hold.

I run TH and FULL EB and use cruise and lock out the same gear I would have came up the grade. I set around 50 for holding 55 in 3rd on 6% grades.

I can go down several miles of 14% locked in 2nd with cruise set to 30 or so and be running 35mph.

I've never pulled that much weight with this truck so I'm just passing along my experience with a more typical size camper. I've pulled more than that with old farm trucks with no exhaust brake at all but that's a different topic. Frankly I don't ever see myself with a camper anywhere near as large as yours as I don't have any desire to ever live in one long-term. Different strokes I guess.

Understood !

[ShinerBock]

IdaD wrote:
Auto coupled with tow/haul when towing is awesome going down grades because it holds whatever speed you set with a brake tap or taking your foot off the accelerator, adjusting the amount of compression and/or downshifting as necessary. Even on the big grades we have out west the only time I have to use my brakes is when I need to slow down for a corner, traffic, etc.

I do use my EB when I'm not towing if I remember to turn it on, which is not all the time.

Yeah, if I lived in that type terrain then I would have opted to keep mine on or go with an aftermarket EB. Here, you can literary see your dog run away for days so the EB is not really needed. I will say that I am a bit jealous of those who live in the mountains like that. Most of my friends like going to the beach or fishing in the bay which is fun, but if I had my choice I would be in the mountains. I bet Idaho has some beautiful ranges. Almost had the chance to visit a few of our dealerships (Rush Truck Centers) up there, but then Covid hit.

[IdaD]

Cummins12V98 wrote:

IdaD wrote:
Auto coupled with tow/haul when towing is awesome going down grades because it holds whatever speed you set with a brake tap or taking your foot off the accelerator, adjusting the amount of compression and/or downshifting as necessary. Even on the big grades we have out west the only time I have to use my brakes is when I need to slow down for a corner, traffic, etc.

I do use my EB when I'm not towing if I remember to turn it on, which is not all the time.

Try it with 26k behind you going down a 6% great. It will NOT hold.

I run TH and FULL EB and use cruise and lock out the same gear I would have came up the grade. I set around 50 for holding 55 in 3rd on 6% grades.

I can go down several miles of 14% locked in 2nd with cruise set to 30 or so and be running 35mph.

I've never pulled that much weight with this truck so I'm just passing along my experience with a more typical size camper. I've pulled more than that with old farm trucks with no exhaust brake at all but that's a different topic. Frankly I don't ever see myself with a camper anywhere near as large as yours as I don't have any desire to ever live in one long-term. Different strokes I guess.

[Cummins12V98]

"That 4 or 5 MPH over run in auto EB drives me nuts. That is why I use full and control speed with gear selection and being off or on throttle. Gives me something to do while driving also."

YES, sometimes ya have to be smarter than the computer. Kinda like dropping a bear before the grade starts.

[Me_Again]

Cummins12V98 wrote:

IdaD wrote:
Auto coupled with tow/haul when towing is awesome going down grades because it holds whatever speed you set with a brake tap or taking your foot off the accelerator, adjusting the amount of compression and/or downshifting as necessary. Even on the big grades we have out west the only time I have to use my brakes is when I need to slow down for a corner, traffic, etc.

I do use my EB when I'm not towing if I remember to turn it on, which is not all the time.

Try it with 26k behind you going down a 6% great. It will NOT hold.

I run TH and FULL EB and use cruise and lock out the same gear I would have came up the grade. I set around 50 for holding 55 in 3rd on 6% grades.

I can go down several miles of 14% locked in 2nd with cruise set to 30 or so and be running 35mph.

That 4 or 5 MPH over run in auto EB drives me nuts. That is why I use full and control speed with gear selection and being off or on throttle. Gives me something to do while driving also.

[Cummins12V98]

rhagfo wrote:

Walaby wrote:
Give this thread enough time and you will see mixed thoughts here too. I suspect what you read here will largely mirror what you've read elsewhere.

I don't use it driving around city, but use it towing or not on the freeway.

Mike

Well the Cummins exhaust brake uses a sliding ring, not the variable blades in the turbo. My thought is use it or loose it.

Agreed!

[rhagfo]

Walaby wrote:
Give this thread enough time and you will see mixed thoughts here too. I suspect what you read here will largely mirror what you've read elsewhere.

I don't use it driving around city, but use it towing or not on the freeway.

Mike

Well the Cummins exhaust brake uses a sliding ring, not the variable blades in the turbo. My thought is use it or loose it.

[Grit_dog]

Cummins12V98 wrote:


Try it with 26k behind you going down a 6% great. It will NOT hold.

Really?? No kidding....
OP has like a 7klb TT behind his first diesel pickup. The Exh brake WILL hold speed with THAT load down most any highway grade.
But he's probably impressed by your big........trailer.

[Grit_dog]

Cummins12V98 wrote:
Start truck, hit TH and EB EVERY time towing or not!!!

I never use the Auto mode.

Why so insistent?....lol

[Walaby]

Give this thread enough time and you will see mixed thoughts here too. I suspect what you read here will largely mirror what you've read elsewhere.

I don't use it driving around city, but use it towing or not on the freeway.

Mike

[wilber1]

I use it all the time.