I have more questions than time to ask.
what should I expect going down the mounains, do you know if an 06 cummins automatic has anything like a JAKE-brake, or do you just use a lower gear so as not to over heat the brakes.
I'm still a virgin RV'er but learning.
I need all the advice I can get before I get in the mountains, and make a bad decision.
Small trucks don't have real Jake brakes, but might have an exhaust brake. If you've got it, read up on how to use it effectively and properly.
Either way, downshifting to maintain speed is essential on long or steep grades, with only occasional application of brakes as necessary to bring speed back into check if it starts to creep up.
If you have no exhaust brake downshifting will still provide engine braking. If you have an exhaust brake, downshifting will make it more effective since it will make it work harder, so either way, it's essential.
If you need to apply the service brakes at any point, short and hard applications are preferred to short and lengthy applications - it causes less heat build up and allows more time for cooling between applications.
Pick the gear you plan on descending the grade at while at the TOP of the hill and never downshift once you start descending.
Only the rookies or foolish will ever curse you for going too slow (within reason) down a long or steep grade, so take your time and get to the bottom safely. By the time you *think* you might be getting out of control, chances are you already are, so go carefully.
Done right, long and steep grades are nothing to worry about, but it's the people that don't bother to ask for advice ahead of time (unlike yourself) that find themselves in trouble.
The '06 Cummins does not have a factory exhaust brake but the '08 does. They're amazing. There are several after market exhaust brakes available. Check out the Turbo Diesel Register website: www.turbodieselregister.com, for several. Sorry, don't know how to provide a link. FYI, diesels have almost no compression braking. That means your regular brakes get a workout on mountains. Do your self a favor and get an exhaust beake installed, especially if you plan to tow a trailer. You won't be sorry.
RRUGG
2008 Dodge 2500 QC 4x4 SB Cummins 6 speed auto 3.73
1997 Holiday Rambler 29FK travel trailer
2006 Summit 22RB travel trailer
2003 Dodge Grand Caravan Sport
Bob & Grace professional retirees
Good Sam life members
A diesel has considerably more compression braking action then a gasoline equivalent simply due to the increased compression.
I can break the back wheels of my 1 Ton diesel loose in town simply by downshifting to third or second. Having driven the 454 equivalent of my truck, the same cannot be said.
* This post was
edited 03/12/08 07:50pm by PrivatePilot *
Big rig drivers use the rule that you go down a hill as fast as you could go up it, now do they follow it? Stay off the brakes, don't ride them, once they overheat they are useless. Be safe.
klutchdust wrote: Big rig drivers use the rule that you go down a hill as fast as you could go up it, now do they follow it? Stay off the brakes, don't ride them, once they overheat they are useless. Be safe.
True for the commercial side of things, within reason.
That doesn't really hold true in the RV world where the power to weight ratios often enable you to cruise up stiff grades while comfortably sitting on cruise control.
I can pull some major grades at 60MPH without the truck sweating too much, but I certainly wouldn't go down the other side like that.
Go slow and if you are worried that you are too slow for the rest of the trucks then put on you emergency blinkers to give them a heads-up "you got white knuckles". They all understand and it will give them time to change lanes to go around you. I do the same going up hill if I notice I'm not keeping up with the pack. They all appreciate it and I have never gotten any hard looks yet!! For fun when your stopped for a break, ask some of the truckers about this subject and you'll know why they understand.
klutchdust wrote: Big rig drivers use the rule that you go down a hill as fast as you could go up it, now do they follow it? Stay off the brakes, don't ride them, once they overheat they are useless. Be safe.
Pretty sound advice about not riding the brakes. When it's necessary to USE the brakes get on them firmly and slow down quickly then get back off to allow them to cool. Overheating disc brakes isn't NEARLY the issue it was in the times past with drum type brakes but too much heat CAN still warp the rotor even with a disc brake system and rotors are expensive to replace. Good luck / Skip
klutchdust wrote: Big rig drivers use the rule that you go down a hill as fast as you could go up it, now do they follow it? Stay off the brakes, don't ride them, once they overheat they are useless. Be safe.
True for the commercial side of things, within reason.
That doesn't really hold true in the RV world where the power to weight ratios often enable you to cruise up stiff grades while comfortably sitting on cruise control.
I can pull some major grades at 60MPH without the truck sweating too much, but I certainly wouldn't go down the other side like that.
You are right about that. I guess the point i was trying to make was slow down even though you are able to go fast. Don't want to end up in the runaway truck pit..
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