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The text below was forwarded to me by the General Manager (Dave) of the Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep dealership from whom I bought my 2005 Ram 3500 with the automatic transmission. The email was received from the Fleet Service Operations Manager via one of his staff in response to my inquiry re installation of an engine brake on my Ram 3500. I know the Fleet Manager personally, he hauls a 2004 Montana 3400RL with a 2005 Ram 2500 with the automatic transmission. His recommendation was a significant reason why we ended up buying a Monty 3400 of our own. Hope the email is enlightening if not especially helpful. BTW, I have decided to go without the exhaust brake. If we ever buy another TV, I will be more knowledgeable about such matters!
References to speed in Km/hour and metrage reflect the fact that I live in Canada!
Bill
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Dave
I have reviewed the trailer tow ratings and the only reference I can find to an exhaust brake is for a manual transmission towing over 10,000 lbs. This vehicle has a trailer tow rating of 15,800 with 3.73 gears while a 3500 automatic has a tow rating of 13,850 with 3.73 and 15,850 with 4.10 ratio.
The computer on a 2005 does not have the drivers to activate an exhaust brake but it does have the shift logic. If the cruise control is set and you are descending a grade when the set speed is exceeded by a few Km. the transmission will downshift to assist braking. Even if you apply the brakes which deactivates the cruise the computer will still downshift to assist braking. Sorry I don't know the exact metrage over the set speed that the computer down shifts
I recently went through the mountains in West Virginia, Virginia etc and found the amount a engine braking to be very adequate. I'm sure an exhaust brake would provide additional braking but with the torque converter in the equation it would be marginal.
Fleet Service Operations Specialist
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