recurry
Pleasanton, CA
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Joined: 01/21/2008
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The PAC brake on my 2002 Country Coach with an ISC 350 doesn't work all that well. I guess I got my expectations set when I drove an older Holiday Rambler Imperial that had a Jake brake that really worked well - didn't have to touch the service brakes at all.
Anyway,mine definitely works but I find I have to use the service brakes a fair amount. Is this normal for this setup?
So, if normal, I see that PAC has a $750 upgrade which they claim delivers 50% more braking power. Anyone done this yet? Please share your experience!
PAC offers a 30 day money back satisfaction guarantee but it kills me to spend money on upgrades to correct poor engineering on something that should have worked better in the first place. I'd rather put the money towards a Banks Powerpack or a 5 LNB satellite dish but we are doing a 2 month cross country trip and stopping is higher on my priority list than speed or entertainment. 
Experiences appreciated.
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Ron
N6QL
2002 36' Country Coach Allure 350HP Cummins
2001 Jeep Wrangler Sahara
1978 Cessna T210M
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v8q
Oviedo, FL
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Joined: 04/11/2005
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That would be the PRXB - you will be pleased...
Dave Head
Oviedo FL
95 Foretravel U320C SE
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Deen
Vancouver, WA
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Joined: 12/07/2000
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Brett tested it for them and has one on his MH, maybe he'll be along. I understand that they work much better but still not like a true Jake brake.
Deen - Vancouver, WA
'02 Dutch Star 4090 (41+', triple slide)
435/1200 ISC Cummins/Banks PowerPak
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UltraKen
Ohio
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Have you used the hi-temp lube on the brake?
I can provide an address for a dealer that has the Super-Lube in stock. It's cheap enough to maek it worth trying before spending big bucks.
UltraKen
Ex -1968 Ultra Van
NOW - 1996 Safari Sahara 35' - Cat 300 - Model 3530
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Jaseds
NE TN.
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Does not sound like engineering. Either the ECM is not set correctly to the trans. and parameters are off . Or you may have a sticking butterfly.Did it come from factory or was it installed later by a qualified dealer.I would check these first before the cost of an upgrade. I have one a 1994 C8.3 and works fantastic.Maybe the ECU on trans is not set correct either.
 Have A Nice Day
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Capt. Jack
Tucson, AZ
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Joined: 08/18/2001
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I upgraded to the new Pac brake about a year ago on my C8.3 325 Cummins. It works much better in the mid speed range 30 to 40 mph. I don't see much difference at 55 or 60 mph. I had it installed at Cummins in Coberg, OR. I think the cost was $950.00 installed.
I believe it was a good upgrade.
Jack Foster
Country Coach Allure 40'
Dynomax Chassis 325hp New Custom Paint
2003 Subaru Forester & 2007 Saturn Vue V6 AWD Toads
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George B
Northern CA
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I upgraded to the PRXB on my old coach and it was worth every penny. I purchased directly from Pac Brake and it took about an hour to install. The PXRB provides much more braking force than the standard brake.
George B
2007 American Eagle
1999 Jeep Wrangler Sahara
2003 Harley Fat Boy
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MRUSA
Boca Raton, FL
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Is there ever a situation that you felt the PXRB gave too much braking? Such as getting off a freeway exit, might it decelerate too fast?
Marc, Boca Raton FL
2003 Beaver Monterey 40' triple slide
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recurry
Pleasanton, CA
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Joined: 01/21/2008
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Jaseds wrote:Does not sound like engineering. Either the ECM is not set correctly to the trans. and parameters are off . Or you may have a sticking butterfly.Did it come from factory or was it installed later by a qualified dealer.I would check these first before the cost of an upgrade. I have one a 1994 C8.3 and works fantastic.Maybe the ECU on trans is not set correct either.
I'm told by many that the PAC brake is not as effective as Jake compression brake although slightly better than a Jake exhaust brake. Mine was factory installed and came with the coach and was recently checked out by Cummins who said it is working correctly.
How well it works is also affected by transmission ratios and the weight of the coach I suppose. My coach is 28k empty and around 31k loaded.
Even if mine is somehow not working as it was supposed to 50% more braking power seems very desirable. I'll take a look at it though. Perhaps it's become stiff since Cummins last looked at it.
The positive feedback on the PXRB sound like it's well worth it.
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Diplomat Don
Moorpark, Ca
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Joined: 04/09/2005
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recurry.....I was in line at Quartzsite to have one installed, but they didn't have any left. I'm glad they didn't because I rushed into my decision. I did a little more research and found out the following: I wanted something that provided more braking force at higher speeds like 45-60 mph. The PRXB doesn't do that. It adds it's braking ability at higher rpms by closing off more of the exhaust. At higher speeds you're engine isn't running at high enough rpm's to make the PRXB effective.
Now at lower speeds it will help substantially. If you're like me, I get plenty of exhaust brake slowing from 44 mph and down.
If you call and ask them specifically about the above they will tell you the same story.
My next coach will have a two speed Jake brake.
Don & Mary
2005 Monaco Diplomat 36SKT
400 Cummins 
2007 Dodge Dakota 4WD
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