dave17352
LINCOLN, NE
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Joined: 09/20/2004
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Well here is the deal. I am finally going to be pulling my 12k fiver this next week. Its not going to be a real long trip about 400 miles each way. This is my first chance to pull my rig since getting my 2011 Chevy 3500 D/A. Unfortunately for me this is pretty flat going starting in Lincoln, Nebraska and going to Northeast Oklahoma for some paddle fishing. My questions are for all of you that are familiar with exhaust brakes
Should I leave it on all the time when towing?
Can I leave it on the entire time without causing any problems?
Will leaving it on lower my MPG?
Or is the sad truth I should only use it when going through hills and mountains etc?
I have had the good fortune of using it just a bit with my construction dump trailer when going out of town to haul drywall scrap and I could feel it slowing me.
I know I sound a bit like a kid with a new toy and to be honest its exactly how I feel! A 54 year old kid that is!
Thanks
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NC Hauler
Asheville NC
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Joined: 05/20/2005
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...Like Christmas, isn't it ...I had three Chevy D/A's, last two were 3500 Dually's, but none had the EB....Sig. TV does have the EB and it's left on all the time, towing or not, but that seems to be the way to use it when driving, (helps with the turbo)....
I would say when your in T/H and you have your EB on and let off on the throttle, you'll know the EB is helping you brake, along with the Ally.....I've taken my truck down some pretty steep roads and the EB is awesome, have actually had to give the truck throttle to speed up some.
I would say, with EB on and in T/H, you'll be able to feel the EB braking your load, even on level ground.....not that familiar with the new Chevy's that have the EB, but that's the way it works on my Dodge....
enjoy your trip, your going to enjoy the "towing experience" with your new Chevy 3500 D/A
(at almost 62....I know how you feel....there's some things we just never grow up about)
Jim & Kathy
2013 Dodge 3500DRW Longhorn 4X4/CC/LB/Aisin tranny/4:10/Cummins: 385HP/850TQ
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ronfisherman
SE Michigan
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My DMax has had a factory exhaust brake since new. I use it all the time. Use the throttle to control down hill runs. Keeping exhaust brake off to take advantage of speed buildup for going up next hill. Kodiak trucks have had the same exhaust brake that the pickups are just getting since 2006.
2004 Gulf Stream Endura 6340 D/A
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Kodiak Chassis Class C Forum
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donn0128
Pronounced Ore-gun
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Joined: 04/21/2005
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dave17352 wrote:Well here is the deal. I am finally going to be pulling my 12k fiver this next week. Its not going to be a real long trip about 400 miles each way. This is my first chance to pull my rig since getting my 2011 Chevy 3500 D/A. Unfortunately for me this is pretty flat going starting in Lincoln, Nebraska and going to Northeast Oklahoma for some paddle fishing. My questions are for all of you that are familiar with exhaust brakes
Should I leave it on all the time when towing? Yes
Can I leave it on the entire time without causing any problems? Yes
Will leaving it on lower my MPG? No
Or is the sad truth I should only use it when going through hills and mountains etc?
I have had the good fortune of using it just a bit with my construction dump trailer when going out of town to haul drywall scrap and I could feel it slowing me.
I know I sound a bit like a kid with a new toy and to be honest its exactly how I feel! A 54 year old kid that is!
Thanks
The only negative thing about using an EB is it will decrease you use of your service brakes. Making your Chevy dealer unhappy cause he can't sell you new brake pads.
Donn,Lorri,Max (The Rescued Lab)
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dadwolf2
Henderson,NV
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Joined: 10/24/2004
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I run mine 100% of the time, unless road conditions are really slippery.
2005 Dodge Ram 2500 CTD,4X4,NV5600,Pullrite superglide
2005 Skyline Rampage 289
2011 Outfitter Apex 8 (Love it)
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DodgeVoltage
Nanjemoy, MD
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Joined: 12/08/2011
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On all the time, with or without a trailer. All road conditions except ice.
2010 Dodge 3500 Mega Cab Cummins Diesel DRW
2009 GMC 2500HD D/A Crew Cab
2012 Dutchmen 3795 Voltage Epic Package
2012 Smart Passion for Two
2003 Suzuki Intruder 1500LC Cruiser
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durallymax
Wisconsin
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Joined: 07/04/2010
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DodgeVoltage wrote:On all the time, with or without a trailer. All road conditions except ice.
That brings up an interesting point. i wonder if GM's Traction Control, stability control and ABS systems take control of the EB if the tires start to slide?
The brake isn't really that strong that it would be much of an issue, nothing like running a semi tractor but I still would be curious to know.
To the OP, you can run it whenever. it doesnt use any fuel to operate, just holds air in the cylinders of the engine to create resistance when you are coasting. The fuel is already shut off by the computer when you are coasting.
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killerbee
PHOENIX USA, Never hot
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Joined: 03/03/2006
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With the loss of traction or if there is a front/rear wheel speed disparity, both grade braking and turbo braking are suspended.
Michael, Systems Engineer and Professional DURAMAX Diesel Tuner
Killerbee Performance
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4x4ord
Canada
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I would plan on shutting it off only when you are wanting to coast and notice the transmission downshifting and the engine holding back more than you desire. I am almost always towing something behind one truck or another and yet still look forward to those days when i get to hook onto the RV. Enjoy your trip.
2011 F350 SRW short box 4x4 CC 6.7 PS King Ranch
B&W TurnoverBall and Companion
2003 Citation Supreme 34 RLTS
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coolbreeze01
Redding, Ca
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Joined: 08/24/2006
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You are going to wonder why they weren't standard equipment sooner. Have a smooth and safe drive 
2008 Dodge 3500 With a Really Strong Tractor Motor...........
LB, SRW, 4X4, 6-Speed Auto, 3.73, Prodigy P3, Blue Ox Sway Pro........
2007 Komfort 212 on 225 75R 15E Maxxis ST Tires.........
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