Exhaust brake vs. Disc brakes

[Twopetes]

@ Mark A


Thanks, I will look into this exhaust brake system.


Steve

[Twopetes]

I will add a note. I have been doing some "googling" about exhaust brakes and I find the Ford system is not as robust as the Dodge Ram "Cummins" system. Not sure about the GM Duramax. But even the new 2016 and 2017 Ford 6.7 Powerstrokes are less effective than the Cummins. The BD Diesel After market system is an improvement, but still leaves a little to be desired. Oh Well!


Sounds like disc brakes are even a better plan!

[mhs4771]

I don't know about Rams, but have driven our friends 2015 F350 Super Duty and can firm that the Exhaust Brake is no where near as effective as the one on our 2011 Chevy 3500HD. Right now I'm just shy of 106K on the OEM brakes and at least 80% of that mileage has been towing.

[Virginia Young]

We had a Montana without disc brakes and traded for a Big Sky with disc brakes. I couldn't believe the difference! The few times I had to "get on it" a little, I swear the trailer squatted. Didn't seem to push the truck at all. I honestly believe the trailer would have stopped the truck if it needed to.

Oh! We pulled with a 2014 RAM 3500 dually 4x4. LOVED the exhaust brake.

[rickbecker]

Adding disc brakes was the single best thing I have done to our 3150RL - estimate 50% improvement in stopping distance over the drums and they have prevented at least one rear ender and saved a couple of deer! Etrailer.com sells everything you need and they have videos.

[Texan]

The disc brakes on your montana will stop you quicker with the trailer on the truck than driving the truck running empty. The only thing comparable between the disc and drum is they are both brakes period. The exhaust brake should always be used while in tow haul mode as this will allow your transmission to downshift more effectively in combination with the exhaust brake. When stopping suddenly your exhaust brake probably won't have enough time to work as designed but the disc brakes will grab and shut you down smoothly. The disc brakes will slide your wheels if set to high . I set my controller to 7.5 on my ram which is the same as when i had drums and i have about 6,000 miles on the disc and i just repacked the bearings and the pads looked very good. What i said in my first sentence might sound a little fabricated but i have heard others with disc say the same thing.Of course the Rams don't have that good of brakes to start with.

[RetiredSubVet]

I recently contacted MORryde regarding adding the IS and disc brakes. This is the response regarding cost and the effectiveness of the disc brakes:


The independent suspension and disc brakes are both excellent upgrades for your Montana. The suspension gives you 5 ½” of travel per wheel. We completely remove your current suspension and replace it with our custom suspension. At the same time if you choose to get disc brakes we can install them at the same time. They give you around 30% better braking power in comparison to your current drum brakes. The process takes us two days to complete. During that time you may stay in your unit while we work on yours. We have 30 and 50 amp service inside and outside of our building. We also have a nice waiting lounge with WIFI and TV that you may utilize. We have two options for you depending on what your trailer weighs 7k and 8k systems. We utilize 8k disc brakes either way we go. Pricing is as followed broke down with options:

7K IS only - $3450 (Plus tax)

7K IS and Disc Brakes - $6050 (Plus tax)

8K IS only - $3950 (Plus tax)

8K IS and Disc Brakes - $6550

Pricing is for tandem axle.


This is probably more information than you were looking for, but sometimes information is a good thing.

[Drifty1]

We had the 7k IS with disc brakes put on at the fall rally a couple of years ago and that was about the price we paid. I might of been a couple of hundred less but they also put 8k discs on which are a little larger in diameter and thus a little better stopping power. We would due it again in a heartbeat..