Community Forums

ScoobyDoo · 01-21-2019, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cowpie1

Yeah, I can see the exhaust brake desire if running the big hills. Causes me to wonder how I ever made it thru all those years of running semi trucks to 80,000 lb gross out in those big hills out west..... without a jake brake. Never burned up my brakes and never had to hit an runaway ramp. Key was to slow down considerably before starting down the hill. Drop into lower gear (yes, is possible with automatics in pickups today), and use light brake pressure all the way down.

But, I guess it was a different class of truck driver "back in the day" than it is now.

In the early '70s I would haul out of a quarry down a steep 1/4 mile long hill. Climbing up, grossing 110, by the little 427 would have her tongue hanging out, but stick her in 2+2, let the air tank "mufflers" cackle all the way down, never touch the brake. First trip with a 8V71 I was pooping in tall cotton when I got to the top, then it was Holy Snot! Got to stop this all the way down! Drove diesels for years without a Jake, but once we met it was love. Never owned another without.

Cowpie1 · 01-22-2019, 06:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmcarter

Read you loud and clear...have always gone very slow down especially when pulling with a gas truck, unfortunately going down Cabbage Hill into Pendleton OR at cold temps and foggy I’ve seen on many people flying down in cars only to lock them up because someone made a passing maneuver into the left lane...just like some safety margin for all the idiots out there. Our diesel pusher could descend some big passes pulling a trailer without even tapping the brake...gosh that felt reassuring.

Yep, did Cabbage a LOT without a jake on my semi back in the day. People have always "flown" down many of these hills. Just slow down, drop a couple of gears, and put on your emergency flashers letting everyone know you are a slow moving vehicle. That last part, many people fail to do.

Even with a jake or exhaust brake, slowing down for the decent is smart. Even those aspects of technology can fail. And it is far easier to maintain control if one is not flying down the hill themselves relying on a exhaust or jake brake alone.

BubbaChris · 01-24-2019, 11:45 AM

OP - for the handful of trips you plan a 3/4 ton or 1 ton gasser should be fine if you stay with a moderately sized fiver.

I'm pulling a 6,000 TT with my Ford Expedition EL with 5.4 gas, average 3,000 miles a year for 5 seasons and do fine. Yes, I'd like more power as all summer we're fleeing the heat and need to to to altitudes above 7,000.

My brother-in-law bought a Jayco Eagle HT (I think 27.5RL) and tows just fine with his GMC HD gasser.

I chatted up another camper this past summer as he had a new Ford F250 gasser with a fiver about the size I'd like. He started with a new diesel and traded it as soon as he started looking at maintenance costs.

Another year or two and we'll be looking to move from our TT to a bigger rig. At this point I'm still biased towards gas as my commute is too short to keep a diesel happy.

Best regards,
Chris

YoungSteven · 01-24-2019, 07:14 PM

We're towing a 12000+ 5er with a 6.4 Hemi Ram 2500 HD. From Oregon, Washington. Idaho, Montana, Utah and points south and east we wouldn't use anything else. Maybe not the fastest rig on the road but - we're retired (and not in anybody's way).

Ga.Gator · 01-24-2019, 07:59 PM

I got a 36 ft.Winnabego M/H and it's gas. 13mpg. Have owned diesel and have a 2500 Dodge with a cummins. The gas is cheaper it totes M/H & trailer for motorcycle. Diesel more expensive to purchase, operate & maintain. If a gas burner moves my big rig as easy as it does I'd say a big block gas burner will haul your camper. Diesel just has a lot more torgue.