Hello all,
I have been looking at exhaust brakes and jake brakes and such. Before I go any further I want tomake sure I understand the differences. An exhaust brake is an obstruction (typically a butterfly valve) that is put in the exhaust just after the turbo that increases pumping losses of the engine durring deceleration which effectly acts as a brake, right? Where as a jake brake (or engine brake) is a mechancial or electrical device that helps to dump compressed air in the cylinder by opening the exhaust valves at TDC to not allow that compressed air to help the piston travel down, thereby causing the engine to work hard to compress the gas and then not allowing that compressed gas to return the energy to the system, right? Did I miss anything (in general) as far as the differences?
Jake brakes are not really an option (without extensive modification) on the CTD either, right? So that leaves only one option (other then downshifting and regular brakes on the truck, which can overheat quick on agressive use).

To the people with free flowing exhaust; Have younoticed any loss of "engine braking" while downshifting with the free flowing exhuast?

Either way, what exhaust brakes do you all recommend? Is it worth getting an exhaust brake for towing 10k lbs or are the truck brakes (of course with trailer brakes too, electric trailer brakes and Tekonsha P3 controller) hefty enough to handle extensive down hill sections of road? Any othertips or tricks concerning maintaining brakes and speed on downhill sections with 10k lbs would be helpfull (I have never towed this much, and am not 100% certain on what the best options are).

Thanks to all in advance!

 

the one mopars sells does not void the warrenty.

 

I pull a 10K trailer and say it is worth it. 6% down grade at 60mph in 6th gear, with no braking.

 

I have a Pacbrake system on my truck. It ismounted after my turbo as the pic shows.My trailer is around 17,000lbs. and I can definately see an advantage. The combined use of my brakes along with the Pacbrake is great. Our trucks are very heavy, I can see the brake dust on my front hub cap often. Any reduction on brake wear is a good thing as I see it. I had Camper's World install it for less than $1500.00 I've had no problems with it, and have towed in the Ozark mountains already. We're taking the acid test soon, going to Yellowstone and I bet I'll appreciate it even more then.

 

You pretty much have the idea on the verious engine brakes/exhaust brakes. There is no way to put an engine/ jake brake on these. So your only option is an exhaust brake. They work extremely well, even if you aren't towing anything they are a good idea. You can also use them to help warm your truck up in the mornings. When downhill braking, pick about an 8 mile an hour range, say 55 to 63. Use the brakes to slow down to 55, then coast till you hit 63, then hit the brakes and slow to back down to 55. This should keep you from overheating yur brakes and increase brake life.

 

Thanks!

 

I've got the PAC Brake and tow alot and will never have another truck without it. It saves on your truck AND trailer brakes. Plus makes towing less of a hassle.

 

When semi's are slowing you always here that crazy loud exhust sound (kinda in long bursts), what is that?

 

Your assumptions are correct except for a smart maketing ploy by Dodge and Cummins. There is an exhaust brake made for our trucks and sold by Dodge and by Cummins and it is called a "The Jake Brake" because it is manufactured by Jacobs Engineering, the people that made the original Jake Brake (engine brake). Hopefully I educated you instead of confusing you.

 

thats the "jake brake" engine brake. . . the components are a part of the valve train and it uses actuators to push the exhaust valves to dump the compressed air inside the cylinder.