Speaking of exhaust brakes

[BB_TX]

I have found the exhaust brake useful sometimes even when not towing. Took a day trip from Creede to Lake City, CO in June over Slumgullion Pass at over 11,000 ft. It is described as The north side has the steepest grade of any continuously paved road in Colorado (9%), It is definitely steep and narrow with short straight aways and sharp turns. I put the truck in tow/haul mode (to enable the exhaust brake) and it made going down much easier barely having to use the brakes.

[DQDick]

I always drive with the exhaust brake on, when I remember it which is most of the time. The problem with our Dodge, with trailer on or without, is that whenever you stop you have to remember to punch the button again when you start the truck up again. Since on the Dodge they work independently that also works the same for tow/haul. Considering the consequences of forgetting, it would seem better to me if they had made them stay on once I pushed the button until I turned them off again.

[1retired06]

For Ford stock trucks, tow/haul is not really an exhaust brake as truckers define, or Banks but rather a transmission lock which works in concert with the engine. Having said that, sure beats that 7.3 2002 Ford downhill runaway I used to have.

[mobil]

I use mine all of the time also. I too think it would be good to have it remain in the last position when restarted.

[Trailer Trash 2]

I usde mine on the road up to Pikes Peak and down, about half way down there was a check point, they lazor the front disk and if your too hot they make you stop to cool them down, when the checked mine they wernt even hot he was supprised and so was I. Another thing I had a dealer mechanic gave me this info. when you use tow haul on the Ram it keeps soot from building up on the blade that slides to close off the exhost, it will cost some money to get it cleaned off at the dealer, so use it often

[BB_TX]

quote:Originally posted by 1retired06

For Ford stock trucks, tow/haul is not really an exhaust brake as truckers define, or Banks but rather a transmission lock which works in concert with the engine. Having said that, sure beats that 7.3 2002 Ford downhill runaway I used to have.

I will be the first to admit I do not know what is under there. But according to Ford web site,
The available Power Stroke® 6.7L V8 Turbo Diesel with 6-speed TorqShift® transmission utilizes seamless engine exhaust braking and selective gearing to improve control on steep downhill grades and minimize brake wear.

[K0LCB]

I use mine, it takes a lot of effort to lift my foot and put it on the brake pedal

[mach111]

quote:Originally posted by Trailer Trash 2

Another thing I had a dealer mechanic gave me this info. when you use tow haul on the Ram it keeps soot from building up on the blade that slides to close off the exhost, it will cost some money to get it cleaned off at the dealer, so use it often

Thanks TT for this bit of info. I need to learn these things so our '12 Dodge can be around for a while w/o expensive bills.

[WeBeFulltime]

My PacBrake stays on until I turn it off using the supplied switch.

[steelpony5555]

I thought it was just the Exhaust brake that kept the soot from building not Tow Haul,,,,tow haul just makes the tranny act different the brake keeps the soot from building. And yes mine is on all the time, it is habit now to turn key then push button...

[Trailer Trash 2]

quote:Originally posted by steelpony5555

I thought it was just the Exhaust brake that kept the soot from building not Tow Haul,,,,tow haul just makes the tranny act different the brake keeps the soot from building. And yes mine is on all the time, it is habit now to turn key then push button...

Sorry if i didnt say that right, When I have my Exhaust brake on, not the tow haul. I had a brain fart sorry and my two fingers didnt hit the right keys . Ha Ha Ha.

[Phil P]

Hi

I looked over one of the new 18 wheelers a few weeks ago.

The tractor has so many computers that you have to wait what seems like hours after you turn the ignition switch on for the computers to get finished with their fault checks. If you try to start the engine before the computers are finished it wont start then you have to shut it off and start over.

The system does all kind of things that we never dreamed of. If you enter a curve going to fast the computers take the throttle away from you and then if you’re not slowing down to suit the computer it starts applying brakes asymmetrically to prevent a rollover.

So much stuff I never got around to the grade retard system. I was there doing a report on a rollover.


Phil P

[richard66]

An exhaust brake is a very important part of stoping and having more control of your trailer decending grades. Talk to the ones that have one and ask if they would remove them. Mine's on most of the time and it also will extend your brake life. I just finished a 10k plus trip thru the western states and the exhaust brake will reduce/eliminate brake fade from your service brakes, aid in control of the trailer and it reduces the pucker factor we have all had on steep grades when your tv's brakes get hot and start to fade.

[kab449]

The Ford system, as it was explained to me, utilizes the turbo charger. The vanes in the exhaust stream have the ability to change pitch, therefore when the computer senses the need to slow down they close down effectively creating the engine backpressure needed to slow the vehicle.
No separate blade slide as in the Banks type and also not as effective. It does help, especially in the lower gears and slower speeds.

[davidaf]

My Pac Brake is being installed tomorrow. Been wanting one for a long time. I learned how to drive safely w/o it (slow and steady wins the race) so it won't be a game changer but will certainly be nice to have the extra deceleration and ultimately security on the long downhill runs.

[Sierra 117]

RE: Using tow haul when not towing.I used to lock the truck in 4th gear when in the city to keep the RPMs up. I found that the same objective can be accomplished by using tow haul. If you don't keep the RPMS up at lower speeds, your turbo will accumulate more soot.

[Champ_49]

Wouldn't be without my exhaust brake on my 7.3 ford diesel. Gives a lot of security going down them long grades. Expensive addition but worth every penny.

Dave