Community Forums

dliterski · 09-14-2021, 02:31 PM

Can I use the Jake Brake in the rain? I have a 1998 CC Intrigue. It weighs about 34,000 lbs.

wolfe10 · 09-14-2021, 02:40 PM

The "lawyer answer" is NO.

The realistic answer is if there is ANY question about traction on the rear axle, absolutely do not use it.

DJ55 · 09-14-2021, 08:01 PM

I've used my jake in the low setting in the rain. I've never felt like my jake compromises my traction in either low or high setting.

IASM · 09-14-2021, 11:01 PM

The amount of braking with the jake is equivalent to the horsepower of the engine so you would have to be in slick enough conditions that you could spin the wheels with the engine power. Been running heavy equipment for 50 years and never considered rain when using jakes. I do use the setting to modulate the amount of braking going down a grade that may do better in a lower setting. I want to use a setting to allow me to stay for long stretches to avoid the shock load to the drivetrain when coming on and off torque.

dons2346 · 09-15-2021, 10:51 PM

A '98 Intrigue does not have "jake" brake. It has an exhaust brake and I use mine rain or shine just being a little more careful in the rain.

jwlce · 09-20-2021, 08:32 AM

My advise is not to use it, I did leave it on and ran in to recently paved asphalt in a construction zone and the exhaust brake was enough to break traction almost loosing the coach. The net of this is that you never want to be in "slick" conditions and just braking with the rear tires. After my experience the default for me in the rain is OFF.

Skip426 · 09-20-2021, 09:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dliterski

Can I use the Jake Brake in the rain? I have a 1998 CC Intrigue. It weighs about 34,000 lbs.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dons2346

A '98 Intrigue does not have "jake" brake. It has an exhaust brake and I use mine rain or shine just being a little more careful in the rain.

Because the Jacobs company , manufactures both exhaust brake systems and engine ( compression ) brake systems , this mix up is common .
The exhaust brake system , doesn't have the hold back the compression brake system does but still needs to be used with a great deal of caution if road surface traction is reduced in any way .
dliterski; the smallest Cummins engine with a compression brake option is the 8.9L , ISL . any dash control that is just an on/off switch is more than likely an exhaust brake , compression brakes will have off/1/2, positions some off/1/2/3.

JeepN3RD · 09-21-2021, 03:19 PM

I had mine on coming down I77 in fancy gap VA and had it skid on me. It was a light rain and I was in 4th gear and doing 55mph. It was a short skid and controlled but definitely something to be aware of

So I will still use it but be MORE aware of potential skids in the future

Sam