Your experiences with BrakeSwitch?

[MSHappyCampers]

I am interested in installing a device called the BrakeSwitch on my MH and would like to poll the members who have actually used this. I understand that it doesn't work exactly the same on all MH's.

I'm told that on mine I can leave the PacBrake switch on all the time (which I do now) and the PacBrake will not engage until I take my foot off the throttle and press the brake pedal. Right now it engages any time I take my foot off the throttle. I would like to be able to take my foot off the throttle and let the MH coast without using the brake and I understand that the BrakeSwitch will allow me to do that.

The only negative thing I have been told is that on some MH's when the cruise control is engaged and the brake pedal is depressed and the PacBrake is engaged that the "Resume" function on the cruise control is turned off and you have to "Set" the speed again. That might be a little annoying but right now I don't see it as a "biggie". What has been your experience on this?

Your comments will be appreciated!

[lthrnk]

Without a doubt one of the best modifications I did on the DP. Works as advertized and reduces the stress of on and off operation as stock. Never noticed any interference with the unit in cruise control.

[SVTotem]

I purchased a BrakeSwitch after hearing many good things about it on the CATRV forum a year ago. I wanted it for the same reason you suggest. Having the transmission programmed to Latch Mode would accomplish the same thing, but would require the effort of getting to a CAT dealer and paying for the reprogramming which alone is more than the cost of the switch module.

Before I could muster the courage to identify and start snipping wires under the dash I found myself camped next to a fellow with the tool to reprogram the MH3000. We did the reprogramming and I am happy with the result.

I have not read of anyone unhappy with the BrakeSwitch if properly installed. If I had a little more confidence in my 12v skills I would be using mine today. That said, I have an unused BrakeSwitch I will be happy to sell for much less than I paid for it. PM me if interested.

[MSHappyCampers]

Originally Posted by SVTotem

I purchased a BrakeSwitch after hearing many good things about it on the CATRV forum a year ago. I wanted it for the same reason you suggest. Having the transmission programmed to Latch Mode would accomplish the same thing, but would require the effort of getting to a CAT dealer and paying for the reprogramming which alone is more than the cost of the switch module.

Before I could muster the courage to identify and start snipping wires under the dash I found myself camped next to a fellow with the tool to reprogram the MH3000. We did the reprogramming and I am happy with the result.

I have not read of anyone unhappy with the BrakeSwitch if properly installed. If I had a little more confidence in my 12v skills I would be using mine today. That said, I have an unused BrakeSwitch I will be happy to sell for much less than I paid for it. PM me if interested.

Bill, I appreciate that, but I wonder if the BrakeSwitch for the Freightliner chassis would be exactly the same as the one for my Roadmaster chassis??

[rssnape]

Great device! They seem very knowledgable. Ask them about your chassis.

[Yaj]

Originally Posted by lthrnk

Without a doubt one of the best modifications I did on the DP. Works as advertized and reduces the stress of on and off operation as stock. Never noticed any interference with the unit in cruise control.

X2
Also as a note, I studied the brake switch web site and was able to make up my own using a relay I had laying around.

[Rock342]

I had the Brakeswitch on my old 2001 ISB Bounder - loved it. Since changing to the ISL powered Windsor with a real engine brake, vs an exhaust brake, I find I don't need it.
Plus the Cruise Control on the Windsor won't engage with the engine brake in the On position, so I'm not sure the BrakeSwitch would work as well on this motorhome, as I may still need to turn it on and off to use Cruise Control....

[Vickie 4369]

Originally Posted by MSHappyCampers

I am interested in installing a device called the BrakeSwitch on my MH and would like to poll the members who have actually used this. I understand that it doesn't work exactly the same on all MH's.

I'm told that on mine I can leave the PacBrake switch on all the time (which I do now) and the PacBrake will not engage until I take my foot off the throttle and press the brake pedal. Right now it engages any time I take my foot off the throttle. I would like to be able to take my foot off the throttle and let the MH coast without using the brake and I understand that the BrakeSwitch will allow me to do that.

The only negative thing I have been told is that on some MH's when the cruise control is engaged and the brake pedal is depressed and the PacBrake is engaged that the "Resume" function on the cruise control is turned off and you have to "Set" the speed again. That might be a little annoying but right now I don't see it as a "biggie". What has been your experience on this?

Your comments will be appreciated!

I have installed Many Exhaust brakes over the last 12 years.

The exhaust brake should never be active with Cruise Control On.

A Nice option is a manual Switch or button on the Wheel or cruise stick or console, then you can use it as you see fit.

We used to use the Red 2 Speed axle buttons for exhaust brake activation

Looking at the site Brakeswitch looks like a great product.

Personally I Prefer Engine braking when releasing the Throttle.

Also My Brake Switch takes a lot of pressure before my Brake lights come on and is not adjustable.

My Brake lights illuminate every time the engine brake comes on which I like for Safety.

Ted.

[bsnolt]

just picked up my first DP and am learning the nuances of it. My wife found the Brakeswitch online and showed it to me. seems like a good idea as I am still learning the braking on this rig. Went from an 03 Newmar 37' gasser to an 08 Monaco 40' diesel. Any advice either way?

[jtfcons]

Originally Posted by Yaj

X2
Also as a note, I studied the brake switch web site and was able to make up my own using a relay I had laying around.

I did the same, that is, made my own including an extra switch that allows override of the feature so the system can go back to factory function if desired. I use this when in city traffic and wish to not press the brake each time to get EB. On long grades I also go back to factory function and feather the throttle to turn the EB on/off.

The coast feature is great for the rolling hills situation where coasting makes sense and doesn't build up much speed. I found the actuation of the EB and downshift of the transmission on slight grades to be annoying and common sense says its more wear and tear on the mechanicals of the bus. One of the best fuel saving features available, and there aren't many of those.

As to whether cruise works or not with EB on, unless I don't understand, the issue is whether you have to reset the speed or not after a cycling of the EB system. Resetting would be a pain but doable, and having to turn it on again would be much worse.

The only other option with these is whether the brake lights function or not with EB actuation. Some do, some don't. Mine don't, but if I remove a diode in the circuit they could.

[1ciderdog]

I have the brake switch and do like it. The cruise control works as it should. If you have questions about if it will work on your vehicle contact hhawks@msn.com

[Mtn.Mike]

I've had the product for over 3 years on my Roadmaster chassis. I've never had a problem and the instillation was a snap. A great product at a great price.

Mike

[FRR2EYW]

When I was a firefighter we just would rest our foot on the throttle if we wanted to coast. It came back to me pretty quickly when I bought the DP with the engine brake.