Pac Brake Actuator

[Romeo]

I see a lot of talk about how engine brakes and exhaust brakes are actuated.

If I understand correctly, It appears that most of both brake types are turned on by a dash switch and then are actuated by the regular brake pedal.

Mine has a third pedal on the left side of the steering column and doesnt need to be turned on, it's always available and actuated by pressing the Pac Brake pedal.

Is this setup unusual or do many other have the pedal rather than a switch?

[bdpreece]

Since the Pac Brake is a compression type braking system I suspect the pedal on the floor is just an on off switch just like the toggle switch on the dash most of us have.

["007"]

Here is some additional info on PAC BRAKE.

[Norm4015]

I had a foot pedal operated exhaust brake on a motorhome I never liked it since I had to keep my foot on the pedal all the way down long mountains. It had a switch in it and I ran wires up to the dash and installed a switch there. After I mounted the dash switch I never used the foot pedal again.

[Romeo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 007";646246]Here is some additional info on [B][URL="http://www.irv2.com/forums/f103/pac-brake-52263.html#post503339 PAC BRAKE.[/URL][/B]

Acutally, it was that trhead that led me to this question. I was going to post here, but thought the thread was too old to post to.

I probably wouldnt have any questions if I didnt read all these posts; You know, "Ignorance is Bliss". In fact I am beginning to think that ignorance would be bliss. After all my reading, now I'm afraid to take the MH out on the road.

[Romeo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Norm4015 ...I had to keep my foot on the pedal all the way down long mountains. It had a switch in it and I ran wires up to the dash and installed a switch there...

Aha... that helps. And that might not be a bad idea.

However, I would have thought that one would be using the Pac Brake on and off down a steep grade rather than leaving it on.

When using a switch (or leaving one's foot on the pedal), doesnt that keep the Pac Brake flapper closed, or does it actuate in relation to the service brakes, speed, and transmission rpms? My limited experience on a grade indicates that when the Pac Brake is actuated it keeps the flapper closed.

I have seen in discussions mention of switching the aux brake on and then the aux brake works when the service brakes are applied. However, this may have been the case with an Engine Brake rather than a Pac (exhaust) Brake.

Am I confusing the two brakes, or are there different methods of connecting a Pac Brake?

And then there is the Allison MD3060 transmission RETARDER.... Sheeesh!

I didnt want to learn how to build a diesel rig, I just wanted to drive one... and blow the air horns!