Community Forums

Trailer trash Rick · 02-26-2008, 07:31 AM

I had a white knuckle experience on our last adventure. Our rig does not exactly stop on a dime.

Does anyone know where to find an exhaust brake for my truck ?

Trailer trash Rick · 02-26-2008, 07:31 AM

I had a white knuckle experience on our last adventure. Our rig does not exactly stop on a dime.

Does anyone know where to find an exhaust brake for my truck ?

RustyJC · 02-26-2008, 07:36 AM

Sure, you can get a Jacobs exhaust brake at your local Cummins shop or at your Dodge dealer. Now, if your truck is a 48RE automatic, it may or may not be able to utilize an exhaust brake and retain the factory warranty - you'll have to check with your Dodge dealer to see if it has the necessary mechanical and software upgrades. No problem if it's a manual.

Rusty

Trailer trash Rick · 02-26-2008, 08:10 AM

According to the Jacobs website, they do not make one for an automatic transmission.

RustyJC · 02-26-2008, 08:20 AM

I believe that's a blanket statement that's carried too far since the basic Jacobs exhaust brake for the 3rd generation Dodge is the same for an automatic or manual transmission. In point of fact, the 2006 48RE can handle an exhaust brake - whether or not your 2005 can depends on its configuration. It's worth a check with a knowledgeable Dodge dealer or over at TurboDiesel Register.

Take a look HERE.

Rusty

450Donn · 02-26-2008, 09:54 AM

Exactly what happened? Even without an EB you should be able to stop the combination with no problem.

Trailer trash Rick · 02-26-2008, 10:36 AM

Nothing happened. The stopping distance was longer than expected. That was my first experience towing a fifth wheel so maybe I just need to get use to the extra weight. I'm not looking to spend money,but from what I have read on this website an exhaust brake would make my next trip more enjoyable.

CD · 02-26-2008, 11:09 AM

The main thing an EB does is reduce the braking needs on a long grade. It's like shifting down 1 or 2 gears without shifting. I am a big fan of the EB but it doesn't replace good braking on the truck & trailer. There may be a couple of things that come into play with your rig. One you may not have trailer brakes set up enough and the other you may have too much load.

450Donn · 02-26-2008, 11:35 AM

I do know that if my trailers brakes are not set properly that I feel the truck being pushed during braking. I think I would first be sure the trailers brakes are adjusted and then go for a drive to get a feel for them. If you still don't feel right, then invest in an EB. But before that, check with Dodge, I seem to remember reading some posts about not being compatable with the 05 automatic?

Frankie · 02-26-2008, 12:32 PM

I owned a 2004.5 dodge diesel automatic that I tried to get an exuast brake for,no dice.I am pretty sure 2005 was in that no dice .That was 2 years ago.
450donn hit the nail on the head,sounds like you need to check your trailer brakes and your weights.

BigRedLancer · 02-26-2008, 02:58 PM

I had a BD brake on my 2001 Dodge with an auto. It worked fine holding back the truck/camper weight on down hill runs or while decelerating. I know of others who used an exhaust brake on their 5 and 6 speed stick as well. BD makes exhaust brakes for '89 - '06 5.9L Cummins.

Cheers!

aktravler · 02-27-2008, 03:59 AM

I have a Jacobs on my '02 with the dreaded 47RE, it was installed by my dealer when I bought the truck new. Good dealers do make a difference.

I also have a Torc-Lock from BD that locks and unlocks the torque converter, and that it is important.

At least with mine, they are really only effective above about 30-35 MPH.

WA4SLC · 02-27-2008, 06:18 AM

I have a 2004.5 Ram 2500. It my understanding that there was a plastic part in the 48RE automatic that could not stand up to the extra presure that a EB put on the drive line. That part was changed in the later 48RE, but I do not know when. It is possiable to replace it with a metal part, but it involves a compleat teardown of the transmission. You could call Goerend Transmission and ask them about the 48RE. They are susposed to be experts and friendly.
http://www.goerend.com/

Bill