Exhaust Brake Use?

[roboniko]

I have just started to learn about the usage of the exhaust brake. I recently went to Gulf Shores, Al and while on 59 south there are a lot of small towns and tons of red lights while the speed limit is 55. Question: Can I turn on the exhaust brake switch and leave it in while driving this 15 mile stretch? How does it work in this mode? Read some different things about different year models so I thought I would ask here with Damons.

[Norm4015]

I attended a Spartan seminar and their chassis engineer said RVers use their exhaust or engine brakes too often. He said those brakes are to hold the speed going down mountains and is not intended to slow down the motorhome exiting an interstate or slowing for a red light.

He said diesel chassis brakes will last at least 150,000 miles and they should be used. If only used for light braking the brake shoes will glaze over and not only squeak, but will become ineffective.

I know that stretch of highway 59 in southern Alabama and I've driven it about 20 times. As you said, there is a lot of slowing, stopping and starting. One of the best gears for a highway like that is "coasting" so I don't use the exhaust brake.

But every time I travel I use the exhaust brake the first few time I stop just to exercise it and keep it in working condition.

[powerboatr]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Norm4015 I attended a Spartan seminar and their chassis engineer said RVers use their exhaust or engine brakes too often. He said those brakes are to hold the speed going down mountains and is not intended to slow down the motorhome exiting an interstate or slowing for a red light. He said diesel chassis brakes will last at least 150,000 miles and they should be used. If only used for light braking the brake shoes will glaze over and not only squeak, but will become ineffective. I know that stretch of highway 59 in southern Alabama and I've driven it about 20 times. As you said, there is a lot of slowing, stopping and starting. One of the best gears for a highway like that is "coasting" so I don't use the exhaust brake. But every time I travel I use the exhaust brake the first few time I stop just to exercise it and keep it in working condition.

hmmm
i would have to say i dont completely agree.
Using the engine brake and tranny hyd braking saves your brakes, reduces heat build up in the brakes, reduces heat build up in the tranny from stop and go shifts and the like.
Using the engine brake also helps to reduce engine temps in stop and go driving

I use mine all the time.
and especially in stop and go traffic or just like on 59 , very short distances between red lights,
i also use mine in my neighborhood when we come home, I just coast down the hills with the engine brake on,

but its just my opinion