Exhaust Brake

[bbc5]

I normally (all the time) drive with the exhaust brake enable. I just notice that the brake lights come on when the exhaust brake is engaged. Have others notice the same?

Also, your thoughts on the brake light activation with the exhaust brake?

[Lloyd in S.C.]

Yes, that is correct. Most work the same. Makes sense to me, your stopping or slowing, others behind need to know.

L.

[bandorr2000]

Would that affect the braking system on a vehicle being towed? Wouldn't brakes come on if wired to the brake light circuit? Just curious.

[palehorse89]

Here is a lot of reading on this subject https://www.google.com/search?q=exha...com&gws_rd=ssl , and yes, it does affect the trailer brakes on most makes. I am not sure about TOAD brakes...........

[Lloyd in S.C.]

Yep, yes it does.

As Palehorse posted, there is lots of reading. The short story, for trailer towing you need the correct brake unit, one that works on 2 factors, brake lights on, and inertia. Don't know much about toad brake systems.

I have the correct unit in my rig for my towed trailer, it all works well together.

L.

[J Walker]

To be more detailed about the discussion, the brake lights should come on when the exhaust brake is activated, not just when the exhaust brake switch is on. On a previous Freightliner MH chassis I found that the brake light came on every time the exhaust switch was on. At a Freightliner Club Rally I asked them to fix it and they did. They must have considered it a safety issue because they went far beyond the usual level for deciding what free service to provide at a rally. The way I found out my brake lights were on every time the exhaust switch was on was that the emergency flashers did not work with the exhaust brake on.