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Old 01-12-2016, 03:10 AM   #1
bheckie123
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Banks Speed Brake

Does anyone out there have a Banks Speed Brake installed on their Duramax Diesel?? (or other diesel for that matter) This is supposed to help with steep downhill grade towing and eliminate brake wear on your truck. I have traveled some mountainous roads and get a little "nervous" coming down a steep grade pulling my Montana 3400RL. I've read some good things about this Banks Speed Brake and thinking about buying, but would like some input from fellow RVers that have had experience with this. Any input would be appreciated....thanks!
 
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Old 01-12-2016, 03:50 AM   #2
Lenny K
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Wouldn't be without it. It sure takes care of the white knuckle going down the mountains and for slowing down in traffic.
Bought it on line and installed it myself in a couple of hours. It is a plug and play install.
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Old 01-12-2016, 04:43 AM   #3
drknapp
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We have one also, love it. It works great.
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Old 01-12-2016, 05:33 AM   #4
bheckie123
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Thanks for all the good input. I have since talked to Banks regarding installation instructions and it sounds like it's pretty easy to do. I think I'll just go ahead and purchase this for myself!
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Old 01-12-2016, 08:57 AM   #5
Lkelly3400
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"Wouldn't be without it" sums it up. Love it. It is also good in traffic as it downshifts. Installation is plug and play, although if you use the IQ set and want egt you will need to drill the manifold.
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Old 01-12-2016, 10:02 AM   #6
gitrdun
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Why pay all that money. It is already in the truck. You just need someone to program it.
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Old 01-12-2016, 11:05 AM   #7
bigskyjimmy
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What is wrong with the stock Allison Grade descend feature??? I put my trans in tow mode AND shift to M and kick it down a gear or 2 with the switch on the gear shift lever with my thumb and the Allison defuels the Engine when the RPM's skyrocket it made me worry that the engine was going to blow but that is what it designed to do I LOVE that feature in my 07 Duramax it works great I see no need to spend the big cash for the Banks brake
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Old 01-12-2016, 02:45 PM   #8
Mudchief
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I have one on my GMC and it works great. It improves the braking on the tow haul and helps keep those RPM's down when coming down a hill.
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Old 01-12-2016, 03:09 PM   #9
chris199
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I have the GMC engine brake on my 3500HD Duramax. Sounds like the same thing? Didn't realize it was an option.

Use it when towing and in snow. Love it. I have over 75,000 miles on the truck now and still have a lot of original brake pads left. I attribute this to the engine brake. Many, many times the engine brake and the wgt of the Monty slow us to the point I just touch the brakes to get to a complete stop.
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Old 01-12-2016, 04:03 PM   #10
kingdaddy
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I've got the Banks Brake on my Dodge and love it. I believe it works differently than the Speed Brake, but accomplishes basically the same thing. Can't imagine towing without it...
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Old 01-13-2016, 04:06 AM   #11
Lenny K
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by bigskyjimmy

What is wrong with the stock Allison Grade descend feature??? I put my trans in tow mode AND shift to M and kick it down a gear or 2 with the switch on the gear shift lever with my thumb and the Allison defuels the Engine when the RPM's skyrocket it made me worry that the engine was going to blow but that is what it designed to do I LOVE that feature in my 07 Duramax it works great I see no need to spend the big cash for the Banks brake
I thought the same thing until how I saw how it worked on my friends 2008 Chev. What a difference.
The new trucks have tow/haul and exhaust brakes. They have added the exhaust break because now braking works better than just tow/haul.
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Old 01-13-2016, 05:48 AM   #12
bigred715
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I originally looked at the Banks exhaust brake for my 2001 Ford F-250 to improve braking. In 2005 they wanted about $1000 for just the exhaust brake. The truck was totaled out up in Canada before I was able to purchase the exhaust brake. What is the current price for the Banks exhaust brake setup?
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Old 01-13-2016, 06:51 PM   #13
sambam
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I have the Banks Speedbrake and I understand Jimmy's question about whether you need it with tow/haul. The Banks does more than downshift the transmission. It also controls the veins in the turbo to help reduce speed. I saw a huge difference after putting it in my truck last year. I know it is a bit of money, but after researching it, I decided to go for it. If you're concerned about braking going down a mountain with your fifth wheel in tow, you owe it to yourself to look into the Banks.
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Old 01-20-2016, 06:40 PM   #14
h2ojocky
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I have a 2004 Duramax and was a little skiddish about forking out the money. I bought the speedbrake and am very pleased. Probably the best upgrade I have made. It is way better than just the tow/haul mode. The newer trucks come equipped with basically the same product. I don't think you will be disappointed. Very easy install also.
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