Exhaust Brake Experiences?

[goduc]

I accidently had the EB on a couple years ago when we had a few inches of snow on the street. Butt pucker time.
When I had my 12 CTD I used the EB 100% of the time (0% snow). I found it to be a perfect tool for all driving. Saves on brake wear and tear, helps when towing and with the 12 CTD helped with the turbo. What I didn't like was the TH mode and EB on at the same time when descending. I always turned off the TH mode on longer descents. In fact I hardly ever used TH mode. I only towed 9300 lbs and never saw the trans temps hardly go over 168-170.

[doc73]

Originally Posted by goduc

I think thats when running empty. Empty or hitched in the snow is definitely a no go.
Hitched up with 2000-3000 lb over the rear axles I would find it hard to believe that you could skid the rear tires with just the EB.
I towed for 6 season with a 12 Ram CTD in sunshine and pouring rain and never had any issues. Never had any issues in the rain when unhitched either.

Not to be smart, but this is the training for a fire truck.. Not empty but for what I drove over 80,000lbs. You can cause the rear wheels to skip. Not easy or common but in the right weather it could happen.

[Jim34RL]

Originally Posted by MR.M

surely your not using the cruise going down steep grades or in snow , or even heavy rain ?

Each truck manufacturer has different strategies for controlling the VGT and the exhaust functions on their trucks.

Now this applies to the Ram diesel trucks with the latest generation of VGT software and how the trucks operate. I was in formed by the Ram engineers at the last TDR rally in Columbus IN. at the Cummins plant. The VGT software has a two stage exhaust brake the reason is too allow the truck to descend a grade with the cruise control on, the exhaust brake on and in T/H mode. This will maintain the set speed as you descend the said grade. This was tested when Ram was testing for the SAE J2807 Towing Requirments.

Times have changed and the computer controlled components on the newer trucks is truly amazing. Once upon the time the rules in the early days of vehicle controls is not the same as now.

[Tampajohn]

Easier with Hensley hitch.

[Lins]

Originally Posted by polishdon

If I'm towing my toy hauler, my exhaust brake is on. I would think you could get into a slide more easily trying to bring your rig to a stop with just the brakes, then easing down the hill with the exhaust brake on. That's just my simple way of thinking though.

Using your service brakes utilizes all brakes (and trailer brakes if towing) while exhaust brake only slows the rear tires (in 2wd or a RWD truck). I’m not sure how you could slide more easily using all your brakes.