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Old 05-31-2011, 09:55 AM   #1
maximo
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Exhaust Brake

I am pulling my 3580RL Big Sky 2011 with a 2002 Ford F250, 7.3 Diesel, 4 Door, 4 x 4 drive, auto trans, trans pressure lock, extra trans oil cooler,SWB, Edge Conputer System, Prodigy trailer brakes, AFE Forced air system, oversize exhaust system, Firestone 5000 air bags and a B&W companion hitch. I have been thinking about adding a exhaust brake as I pull in alot of hill country and the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The diesel mechanic I have used for years recomended a B&D Exhaust Brake with a B&D Torque Lock. He prefers the B&D system over the Banks because the Banks has more electrical components for problems. Total price out the door $2,100. To you that have a exhaust brake system how does this sound to you. Would like to hear your pro or con thoughts on this.

Frank
 
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Old 05-31-2011, 10:08 AM   #2
kingdaddy
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I've heard B&D is good, I have the Banks and love it! Works perfectly so far; no problems in almost a year. Either one will do fine IMO...you're gonna wonder how you did without it for so long! Well worth the $$$.
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Old 05-31-2011, 10:49 AM   #3
dieselguy
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I have a US Gear D-Celerator "electric" exhaust brake. I've only used it about 8 months, but it works well. They can be had for around $960 but since I have a manual tranny, I didn't need to get the tranny converter lock. What I liked about the install was it was clean and simple with no air pump to have to find a place for with the related plumbing. Some shy away due to the electric solenoid being so close to the exhaust, but US Gear has been around for years with this product. Their design surely accounted for this. They did change the program in the unit to cycle twice after start-up eliminating the sticking flapper on units sold several years back.
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Old 05-31-2011, 12:32 PM   #4
randye
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my is factory install on the 07 Dodge 6.7 diesel. I wouldn't be without it for down hill, work perfectly. Almost slows down to fast, by the time we are about 3/4 the way down I'm at 45 to 50 mph. and have to put down the pedal to acellerate.
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Old 05-31-2011, 01:08 PM   #5
PapaBeav
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I have had a PacBrake on my truck for a little over a year now and it makes all the difference in the world when towing downhill. Some people have said that the tow haul is just as good, but there is no comparison. I will never have another truck without one as long as I am towing.
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Old 05-31-2011, 01:51 PM   #6
DonandJudy_12
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We had a B&D installed on our previous tv, a 95 F-350- Also had the B&D torque lock- Had 100k on the install without any trouble- We do recommend the product without reservations- JHMO- Don
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Old 05-31-2011, 03:31 PM   #7
hookman
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I have used the BD and Pacbrake I liked the Pacbrake over BD but both did the job quite well.
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Old 05-31-2011, 07:42 PM   #8
mtheo
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I have had the Banks brake on mine for 4 years and love it works great and no problems. I have to agree with Rick, some have told me that the tow haul is just as good, no way. I wouldn't want to have to tow without it. best money I've spent. Now if you don't tow in the mountains you might not need one but here in CA it is great
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Old 06-01-2011, 02:46 AM   #9
hookman
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The combination of tow haul and the exhaust brake work well together.
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Old 06-22-2011, 03:26 AM   #10
CBTraveler
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We have a Jacobs installed on our 2006 Diesel Ram. If I remember correctly it ran about $1500. We absolutely love it. I use it both with and without the trailer. I love the peace of mind in the mountains of Tennessee as well as other steep road locations. We have abut 25,000 trailer miles on the truck and 75,000 miles total. I'm not sure an accurate comparison can be made between a truck with the brake and one without due to different trip lengths, but my front brakes did not have to to be replaced until just recently at 75,000 miles. I would not do without an exhaust brake now that I've used one. I'm not sure how other models are configured, but the Jacobs required a vacuum pump to be added to the truck( part of the package). I would have preferred an air compressor design which would have given me an easy source of air, but this version used vacuum.
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Old 06-22-2011, 04:31 AM   #11
RickW
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I have the complete Banks Brake setup on 01 Ford. It works well. If you do not already have a trans temp gauge I highly recommend one. Twice on very long grades I had spiked the trans temp at 230* & 250*.

Never used the Tow/Haul so I have no input on it. I will say I wish that they made Jake Brakes like I have on the Volvo for the pickup market. Huge difference over the exhaust brake.
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Old 06-22-2011, 09:20 AM   #12
helmick
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I have the Banks Brake on my turck, three years and no trouble in over 25,000 miles of towing my 3400.
I have over 145,000 miles on my brakes and they look like new.
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Old 06-22-2011, 12:43 PM   #13
CORattler
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My truck came with it stock. Glad that I have it. I can descend long grades and never touch the brakes.
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