I have a rig that weights 18,500lbs, and want to travel in the mountains, I have pulled this rig in some of the NC/TN mountains, and I feel that when I go out west, I should have a little more braking power, I have drove an 18 wheeler for 42 years, and I know how much help a "Jake Brake" can be on a big truck, but the pickup & TT are all new to me.
Is there anyone with a 5.9 Cummins that is using a "Jake Brake" or other brand of engine brake? If you do have an engine brake what brand do you have, and how well has it worked for you? ...Thanks
Retried Teamster
2007 Dodge
2012 Sierra
2002 Honda Goldwing
They don't make a "Jake brake" for the 5.9 Cummins, but there are exhaust brakes available. As you probably know, the traditional Jake brake opened the exhaust valves just before TDC so using engine compression to brake the vehicle. The loud Jake rattle you hear from big trucks is the sound of the full compression pounding out the exhaust. Exhaust brakes do a good job and are available from several suppliers, including Dodge who sell an exhaust brake actually made by Jacobs.
Not running a Dodge, but do have an exhaust brake. It is just one more item that adds to peace of mind dropping down the mighty slopes of the USA. And my rig ways half of yours--don't leave home without it!
Not arguing with you, but Jacobs does indeed have a unit for the 5.9....which is branded "Jake Brake"...I have one on my 5.9.... It's their design, their company, so I guess they can call it anything they like....but as stated above, it is not the same design that big trucks have, it is really just an exhaust brake...but it does work very well, and it is/was labeled: "Jake Brake". I use it in city driving as well as towing on my '05, 5.9....would not be without it! I also enjoy the benefits of a 3 stage Jake on my KW....
Installed a PacBrake PRXB on my 2007 5.9 automatic about 3 years ago and it has worked flawlessly. This model is air engaged and comes with it's own compressor and tank. Can tap into air supply for other uses (airbags, etc). Purchased mine from a guy on ebay. Can't remember his ID but could be "chucksahunter" or similar. From Colorado I believe.
2007 DODGE RAM 2500 4x4 QC CTD 5.9 4SPD AUTO TIMBRENS PRODIGY B & W PATRIOT***PACBRAKE PRXB 2012 MONTANA 3585SA
Gemstone, "jake brake" is like Kleenex - it's become a generic term for a compression brake amongst heavy haul truckers, and the OP is a heavy haul trucker, so that's why I posted the way I did. Notice I said that Jacobs does also make an exhaust brake... Jacobs calling their exhaust brake a Jake brake is actually really good marketing, I think. They are a great company with top of the line products, and tying that new product set back into a legendary product with decades of success is a terrific idea.
I have original jake compression brakes on my Detroit 8V-71T in my bus, and what a simple and great idea they are... You have them on your KW, so you know all about that too!
haste maker wrote: I have a rig that weights 18,500lbs, and want to travel in the mountains, I have pulled this rig in some of the NC/TN mountains, and I feel that when I go out west, I should have a little more braking power, I have drove an 18 wheeler for 42 years, and I know how much help a "Jake Brake" can be on a big truck, but the pickup & TT are all new to me.
Is there anyone with a 5.9 Cummins that is using a "Jake Brake" or other brand of engine brake? If you do have an engine brake what brand do you have, and how well has it worked for you? ...Thanks
My '03 Dodge/Cummins has had the Jacobs exhaust brake on it since 4/'03. It came with a Dodge warranty. There is no engine brake for the 5.9 Cummins. Makes a difference when talking with the exhaust brake manufacturer.
Jacobs is the only EB that uses vacuum to operate the butterfly valve. Vacuum comes from a very expensive inline mechanical pump and a longer serpintine belt. I have just over 200k miles on mine and have had no issues.
However if I had a used 5.9 I would go with the Pacbrake PRXB. It uses air pressure to operate and has more braking power in the 1800 rpm range. It has a under the hood electric air pump that can be used for airing up other things at home or out on the road.
A exhaust brake max braking (180) power comes at max rpms however I find 2400-2600 rpm is all I need in the Rockies with a 11200 lb 5er.
Check our Jacobs/Pacbrake/B-D/Banks. Follow their recommendations for your needs and your truck brand.
"good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment" ............ Will Rogers
'03 2500 QC Dodge/Cummins HO 3.73 6 speed manual Jacobs Westach
'97 Park Avanue 28' 5er 11200 gvwr two slides
I've got the PacBrake on mine and tow in the mountains a lot. It's the best mod I've ever made to my truck. I rarely have to touch the brakes on hills and I like the idea that my service brakes are always cool and ready for an emergency. My PB works all the way down to idle and also helps to warm the eng in the winter.
You can't go wrong with any of the suppliers out there - they all work very well.
* This post was
edited 05/04/12 09:14am by ScottG *
Scott, Grace and Wesly
2003 Dodge 3500 4x4, 6 speed Cummins (lightly bombed),
2004 Forest River 25RKS many, many mods.
H0NDA eu2000i
Ive had banks brand exhaust brakes on two trucks. They work great especially with a manual. If you have an automatic just make sure you have a way to keep the tc locked and yoj are good to go. You honestly cant go wrong with any of the major brands.
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