Should I always use my exhaust brake even when I'm not towing anything. I'm a new Ram Heavy Duty Desiel Owner 2500 2012 Lamarie.
Thanks

 

Not the most experienced with dodge but I use my exhaust brakes alot. I use it when towing and going down hill. When I was in cdl I was told to use my jake brake as much as possible. It saves on brake pads and drums. But do not use on snow and icy conditions.

 

Id say its ok to use anytime youd like to save brakes and you should be fine using it all you want. My gparents had a 1 ton dodge diesel. He used it alllll the time. Even gettin off offramps cuz most of ours in cali are down hill. Even with no load. Just truck. So id say your good to use it

 

Yes you should. The general consensus is that using the EB all the time on the newer trucks is that it helps keep the vgt turbo freed up by exercising the vanes fully.

I will add, though, you should not use if the road is icy or snowy. It's possible for the EB to apply enough braking during those conditions to cause a skid.

for those unfamiliar, the vgt turbo incorporates the exhaust brake in it by using electronically controlled sliding vanes. It's not the flapper style add on used on earlier trucks.

Jeff.

 

How early are we talking? My dad has an 02 ctd. Would it be the flapper?

 

I ran my exhaust brake 24/7, which is why at almost 70k miles I've still got ~50% brakes left on the factory pads.

 

wow nice ^

 

i need one, or want one, lol id love to have one.

 

older style would be pre-6.7, trucks built before jan 07.

The flapper style was an aftermarket add-on, the dealer could add them to manual trans trucks. Many other individuals added them to auto equipped trucks with mods to the trans. It wasn't until around '05 or '06 I think that you could get a dealer installed EB on an auto truck.

Jeff.