Two questions from new RVr

[wimberleyman]

I am new to RVing and have a couple questions.

1. Is it advantageous to leave your engine brake on all the time when driving? A friend suggested this for help emergency stopping is needed. I try to anticipate stopping distance but I've had several situations where cars will cut in front of me and immediate slow down or stop.

2. Is it okay to to store your RV with the jacks down to keep it level and supported?

[chief02]

Engine brake or exhaust brake? Most exhaust brakes will cause heating of the turbo and tranny if used for long durations, especially at low rpm's.

[siggyd]

Yes it is ok to leave the engine brake ON,unless it is raining,sleeting or snowing.
Yes,put the jacks down for storing,it takes some load off the tires.
Happy Travels,Siggy

[wimberleyman]

The switched is labeled as RTDR but my MH manual does not provide any explanation.

[chief02]

RTDR = retarder. Could be an allison tranny retarder or engine retarder. If it's a tranny retarder you don't want to run with it on all the time.

[RickO]

Hi and welcome to the forum!

As already mentioned, if it's an engine brake it won't hurt anything to leave it in the "on" position all the time. It's a matter of driving styles and personal preference. I prefer to leave mine off because I like the ability to "coast" and don't want to have the engine brake throw out an anchor every time I take my foot off of the accelerator.

Yep on the jacks too.

Best of luck.

Rick

[Cat320]

Originally Posted by RickO

Hi and welcome to the forum!

As already mentioned, if it's an engine brake it won't hurt anything to leave it in the "on" position all the time. It's a matter of driving styles and personal preference. I prefer to leave mine off because I like the ability to "coast" and don't want to have the engine brake throw out an anchor every time I take my foot off of the accelerator.

Yep on the jacks too.

Best of luck.

Rick

Good advice, I do the same thing.

[siggyd]

.....and this is for "RickO". Since you like to "coast",like myself, you can have the ECM programmed to "Latch" mode or install the "Brake switch".
I opted for the Brake Switch,it was cheaper and less time consuming.
The Latch mode programming is about $100 or the Brake Switch is about $80.
Now with the switch ON ,the engine brake kicks in when I step on the brake and turns OFF when I touch the trottle. When I get off the trottle,the MH will coast as long as I don't touch the brake.
This modification was one of my better investments!
Siggy

[RickO]

Thanks Siggyd. It's been on my list of things to do.

Rick

[rvarner]

Originally Posted by RickO

Hi and welcome to the forum!

As already mentioned, if it's an engine brake it won't hurt anything to leave it in the "on" position all the time. It's a matter of driving styles and personal preference. I prefer to leave mine off because I like the ability to "coast" and don't want to have the engine brake throw out an anchor every time I take my foot off of the accelerator.

Yep on the jacks too.

Best of luck.

Rick

Me Too. I only use it going down grades and when really needed. Seems like a lot of strain on driveline when used all the time.
Richard

[gmanatl]

I have the brake switch on my 2008 Tour and love it. The best 80 bucks i ever spent on the coach.

[Dr4Film]

My engine exhaust brake switch is on 24/7 so I don't have to think about whether it is on or not. However, the actual Pac-Brake is only activated when I remove my foot from the accelerator and the speed is above the threshold for it to activate.

I don' t have jacks on my coach, only air leveling but I do know that others with jacks usually store it with the jacks down but not necessarily leveled. More for stability purposes.

Dr4Film ----- Richard

[Beabop]

Since you have a 300, you probably have an exhaust brake, which as OP said do not use in rain, manual says not to, can hydroplane.

[MikeandClaudia]

Be sure that you DO NOT use the brake and your cruise at the same time.