Difference in braking between Exhaust Brake and Tow/Haul Mode?

[friendofacatahoula]

Originally Posted by spock123

I had a 08 2500 diesel and no exhaust brake but you could set the cruise and put truck in tow/haul and truck would act like it had a exhaust brake. As a matter of fact you can do the same with a 2500 gas burner and I think with a 1500, Silverado of course


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A 6.0 gas vortec in a 2500 is not going to act like it has an exhaust brake. Doesn't matter if it's In tow haul, with cruise set, however you set it unless you have a turbo added [emoji12] The motor will no get compression braking from the exhaust. The tranny will down shift, and the 6 speed does it better than the old 4 speed but it just revs higher. I would not call it "braking". The 6.2 and 5.3 won't either.

In 08 the diesels did have VGT's on the turbos hence the cruise function acting like a modern exhaust brake and you could even have customs tunes that gave you exhaust braking.




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[Kenny kustom]

Originally Posted by Handydc

Wait a minute. You turn on exhaust brake and leave it on when towing?? You don't just turn it on when you want to help you slowdown as in going down steep hills.

Mine is on towing or not.


2016 Sabre 36QBOK
2015 Ram 3500 CUMMINS

[BandJCarm]

My book says that the exhaust brake makes the tow haul shifting points "more aggressive".

Both are on the minute I hook up, and stay that way until I unhook.

[railroaderone]

Mine being a 2007 with a flapper type exhust brake it will freeze up if not used from time to time

[friendofacatahoula]

Any of the 07's I have seen do not have a flapper. They have a gear driven sliding ring.




Being that it's been awhile since I have seen one though I went and searched it to make sure and the 07.5-08 have that style. Yes I can understand soot in those early 6.7 could be an issue when not hauling.

My neighbor has an 07 but it has an aftermarket pacbrake I believe is the brand. No Oem.


Anyhow. The same holds true, run it whenever you tow or whenever you feel additional braking is beneficial.

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[mekkerlc]

Thank you everyone for the input! Part of the reason for this post was to make sure my exhaust brake is working and doing what it's supposed to. I guess it is...and my initial thought of it needing to sound like the tractor trailers do is a bit unrealistic.

[Hutch333id]

Thanks people. I have learnt something new here tonight. I didn't realize I could drive the truck with the exhaust brake always on while towing. I have normally had it in the tow/haul made but only ever engaged the exhaust brake as I've crested the top of the hill and just about to start my decent. I have a long trip coming up in the next couple of weeks taking me over the Rockies. After reading the previous posts I shall now be switching the EB and TH on as soon as I fire her up and leave home.

Much appreciated.

[DocGTO]

Originally Posted by PSU Turf

A Duramax exhaust brake is not designed to make noise like you hear on a Kenworth. The Duramax runs much more quiet than Cummins or Powerstroke and that carries over to the exhaust brake. I always engage tow / haul and exhaust brake when towing. The stopping power with this setup is incredible compared to any other pickup truck I have driven.

Ditto^^^

When the exhaust brake is engaged, I will see reverse boost on my Edge gauge. It will show upwards of 12-14psi of boost being blocked or restricted, however it works. As the reverse boost is going up the truck is slowing more. on hills you don't even have to touch your brakes. I always use both when towing.

[CedarCreekWoody]

Exhaust brake is to get braking assist from the engine. Tow/haul mode uses the transmission for braking assets. Use either, or both.

[polishdon]

I'm another full time user of tow\haul and exhaust brake anytime my trailer is hooked up. You may not hear the exhaust brake, but you'll sure as heck feel a difference in stopping compared to when it's off.

[BandJCarm]

My wife..........who is not experienced pulling any trailer, and hasn't driven this diesel yet at all.........is in back seat with grandson in his car seat. We go down the 6% grade out of Chattanooga. The truck downshifts, I assume to about 3rd, and RPM's rev up. She gets nervous and says "WHAT'S that sound???"......

I still have to tap the brake though. I try to hit brake till it smooths out, then let go. I have a laser heat gun and the brakes haven't gotten over 135 when I've stopped (assuming I'm aiming gun right, and assuming 135 is 'normal').