Hi Everyone. Well, after 15 years the RV-Dreams Community Forum is coming to an end. Since it began in August 2005, we've had 58 Million page views, 124,000 posts, and we've spent about $15,000 to keep this valuable resource for RVers free and open. But since we are now off the road and have settled down for the next chapter of our lives, we are taking the Forum down effective June 30, 2021. It has been a tough decision, but it is now time.
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Thanks Jeff, I was thinking along those lines to begin with but havent had the expereance with the exhaust brake. It stands to reason, as you stated, PacBrake cycles the slider once when starting would keep it from sticking on account of a bad air/fuel ratio, dirty air filter, dribbling injector could load the moving part with carbon. However it doesnt seem the eshaust brake type is known for being probamatic as I havent read anywhere yet, of problems with it, other then exludeing them on warrentys
Use to haul dozers to forrest fires and Im thinking ill stick with somthing with a Jake. Its a great feeling to float downgrade with them and have all those breaks nice and cooooool LOL. I know a Jake wont work with airiated oil and familure with installing and adjusting them, so much for that decision LOL
Thanks again....John
-- Edited by Jwar on Wednesday 26th of December 2012 09:38:11 PM
Wondering about DP fuel mileage between a tag and a single driver axle, as some single axle RV's are close to the gross weight. Being a tag requires a larger turning rad, there must be a resistence factor
Have also noticed that jake brakes are covered with service policys as its an internal lubricated part, and exhaust brakes are not covered. So my question is, are exhaust brakes dependable or are they known as a hi maint item.
I had a PacBrake PXRB exhaust brake on my 2000 F550 and, once installed, it worked flawlessly for several years without any maintenance at all. Exhaust brakes can have a problem with the moving parts in the exhaust system seizing up if they are not used on a regular basis. PacBrake got around this problem by cycling the moving parts every time the vehicle is started. I would imagine a true Jake Brake would be preferable...especially if it is a two or three stage brake. However, a good exhaust brake should be expected to work for the life of the vehicle, without much maintenance, if any at all.
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Cindy and Jeff Harvey 2007 International 4400 Hauler (The Big Boss) 2010 Carriage Carri-Lite MAX1
"There are seven days in the week...and none of them are called someday".
I have a 2004.5 Dodge Ram 3500 (SRW) - (no exhaust brake) and towed a 10,000 lb Golden Falcon until 2009 when we bought a new Jayco Designer 36 RLTS with a GVWR of 15,800. The truck towed it fine. That winter we went down south and had the pleasure of descending the Grapevine on December 26/09!!! White knuckled it the whole way worried to death that the brakes would fade away before we reached the bottom. I made the decision at that moment to purchase an exhaust/jake brake when I got home - did some research and the Jake brand would not fit a 2004.5 Dodge Ram 3500. I found my way to Pac Brake and purchased a PRXB. It is the best money I have ever spent on an aftermarket RV accessory. The comfort level I feel when I descend hills is sublime - control plus! High recommendation.
Found somthing interesting about an exhaust brake on another forum. A RV'er with a cummings/allison drove over the crest starting a long steep downgrade, shifted into 5th at 45 MPH and the engine quickley overran its RPM due to weigth and downgrade, then his transmisson automaticly upshifted back into 6th, of which cancilled the exhaust brake. I guess this a feature to prevent the overspeed of the engine's RPM over the red line, by upshifting, thereby keeping all those parts and oil inside the crankcase LOL anyhow it was very exciting to him at that moment.
I think we all have had one of those exciteing pucker switch moments, mine was missing a down shift as a young lad, thereby getting the brownie and main transmission of a truck out of gear and free wheeling for a moment. Of which instantly reminded me of something my Father told me, theres no grapes on the Grapevine (I-5 out of L.A.) just the graveyard.
LOL........Remember that pucker moment myself!!!!........comming over Donners pass pulling a set of doubles.......old U model mack and I managed to place my Triplex into the hold on mode!!!!........who ever thought you needed 3 sticks and a steering wheel with 2 hands.
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1998 ...Harney Renegade DP class A
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My Service dog and life partner " Nikki"......Klee Kia Miniature Husky....(she Runs the ship!!)
We are not lost in the Woods.....Just Extreme boondocking!!!!!!
LOL.... Oh well thats whey we have grey hair, and lived long....My Father could down or upshift going around a tight curve with one arm through the spoke of the steering wheel, never missing a beat, I tried that a few times but that old Autocar with wedge brakes only had one good stop, or "whooooa nelley" in it, did my best not to use it up. LOL. One thing I did learn early on is to save the brakes. Some drivers applied 5 to 7 lbs of brake pressure to the trailer downhill, I didnt do it, as I also wrench on the truck and saving repairs was money in my pocket, but on the other hand it couldent have been that much $$$$$...as I dont have the $$$$ now LOL
I see RVs dropping off Donner and the Grapevine with nothing behind them but their brake lights and the stench of hot shoes. Even with my Honda accord I will down shift and just let her float, dont mean I will live forever...but tomorrow allways seem interesting to me
Take Care Mike and sincerly hope your feeling better and out on the road in no time....John
