Banks Brake in F450

[RCN.Stoker]

We (at work) just ordered a Banks Speed Brake for a F450. I am anxious to give it a whirl before getting one for my Chev DA. The Ford version is much more expensive to install for some reason, more than double the simple install for the Chev. I'll report back on how well it works.

[CamillaMichael]

What year is the F450 you are talking about? Understand that the 2011 already has an exhaust break factory installed.

[RCN.Stoker]

It is a 2010 with the 6.4 and a 4.30 rear end. I wanted the 4.88 but got overruled for fuel economy reasons. It has the tow haul but we wanted something that would hold speeds better on steep grades. We tow a triple axle goose neck with a loaded weight of just shy of 18,000 with this TV and find the tow haul just doesn't give the control we want. I have been researching after market exhaust brakes and the Banks system looks good. My ulterior (heh heh) motive is to try it out on the company's nickel first and then, if it performs well, buy one for my Silverado.

[CamillaMichael]

Sounds like a wise plan!

[mhs4771]

I've got an Exhaust Brake on my Chevy, only cost my 2005 and an arm and leg


Sorry, couldn't resist.

[CamillaMichael]

quote:Originally posted by mhs4771

I've got an Exhaust Brake on my Chevy, only cost my 2005 and an arm and leg


Sorry, couldn't resist.

Just now noticed the 2011 truck in your signature...it has to be a relatively new arrival...where's the picture!!!

[RCN.Stoker]

Well I finally tried out the Bank's Speed Brake. It came with the the Banks IQ (Navigation Syste installed) and the boys down in the truck shop also went whole hog and got the Six Gun tuner. I took it for a spin that included at least one white knuckle downgrade. I set it at 100kph and in about a mile of hill it never exceeded 102km. It worked flawlessly with the tow-haul and the turbo. I am sold but not interested in the tuner for my Chev.

[klash]

You said you were pulling 18,000 lbs.
Save your money and get a new GMC/Chev the variable vane turbo exhaust brake
they have is sweet.
We have a 2011 GMC 3500 HD crew cab, short box, single rear wheels, rated for 17,900 lbs.
The 3500 HD dual wheel is rated for 20,000 lbs.
We are currently in CA and on the way down gave the exhaust brake some real good tests.
Coming down the Siskiyous 7% grade for 7 miles. Put the truck in cruise, tow/haul mode
in, exhaust brake on and never used the brakes at all. Our Monty 2955RL is 12,000 lbs.

I am also an ex stoker, ex CERA, ex Lieutenant, ex submariner, ex diver, served on both
coasts and retired in Victoria.

[RCN.Stoker]

Howdy again Klash. The Chev system is rumored to be the Banks System. We just took delivery of a Dodge 5500. Will be interested to see if its exhaust brake is as good. BTW I couldn't get in subs, they said I had hollows in my teeth. At least I hope that was it. Hate to think I failed the psych exam LOL.