Engine brake question
Traded in my 2004 duramax for a 2017 Powerstroke which comes with a engine brake. I have never had an engine brake before and was wondering what you do or how to use it when coming down a hill pulling...
Forum Discussion
azdryheat wrote:
What does your owner's manual say?
For my Duramax, the manual says I don't need the engine brake until I'm towing above 15,000 pounds. You may not even need it with the light-weight trailer you're towing.
When I tow my 19,000 pound trailer, the engine brake is always on. Once you turn it on just drive normally and it'll do what it has to do. Make sure your transmission is in manual when going down a mountain grade. Let your lower gears help keep your speed down. Your wheel brakes are not supposed to do all of the work, or even most of the work. Downshift the tranny and use the engine brake to keep your speed down; your wheel brakes are secondary braking items. Like I said before, your truck may not even know your trailer is back there.
Really bad advice, use it all the time when towing! Saves the service brakes for that stupid idiot that thinks you can stop on a dime!!
Sorry ther is nothing sweeter than that low rumble of an exhaust brake coming down a long grade and never having to touch the service brakes the whole way!!!
