Exhaust brakes in the overall brake system

[Shekinah]

I've been reading about the various brake systems on a 5th wheel and its tow vehicle.
I understand that (when operating properly) the 5th wheel brakes will slow the 5th wheel to the point of not 'pushing' the tow truck! That is because the 5th wheel 'senses' the tow vehicle's brakes being applied!
With an exhaust brake, the engine and gearbox provide the (downhill) braking but doesn't apply the hydraulic system (is this assumption correct?).
My question.....Is it unnecessary to have the 5th wheel brakes applied in an exhaust brake scenario?
Some of the lesser after market brake controllers which use a pendulum system might sense the exhaust braked tow vehicle slowing down and thereby apply the 5th wheel brakes!
I may be a four year old here but what happens in this situation?
I'm considering either a Brakesmart or Maxbrake!
Tom

[CD]

Shekinah
The trailer brakes will not be applied until the brake light is energized requiring some movement of the brake pedal. No, that wasn't a dumb question.

[SuperGewl]

I'm running the Hensley True Control and an BD Exhaust brake and no, the 5th wheel does not sense the use of the exhaust brake until you step on the brake pedal. Even the Prodigy what not apply the 5th wheel brakes until you step on the brake pedal.

[powderman]

Super I am not sure how your prodigy works, but mine will definitely apply the 5th wheel brakes without applying the truck brakes by using the lever on the brake controller.

[CD]

Originally Posted by powderman

Super I am not sure how your prodigy works, but mine will definitely apply the 5th wheel brakes without applying the truck brakes by using the lever on the brake controller.

That is the manual override that will energize the trailer brakes anytime even when you are stopped. They all have that.