husker 2
Sequim WA
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Joined: 02/05/2005
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We use a Prodigy controller and set it at Boost 1 for normal freeway driving. However, we do go to Boost 2 for steep mountain passes (6-7%)or more. We have 32,000 miles on our rig and TV and 5ver brakes are fine.
2004 GMC 2500 6.0L CC SB Reese 16K Slider Prodigy BC Jayco 24 ft 237a Quest 5er
A decrepid old driver a foxy navigator and one cranky Griff puppy named Bandit. Look for a "Big Red" license NEBR 1
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keyhole51walleye
Wyoming
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Joined: 12/02/2006
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Uppercrust wrote:I had the same concern driving down the Big Horn Mountains on our way to and from Yellowstone a few weeks ago. I adjusted the gain on my brake controller just a little to make sure I had enough grab to slow down the trailer and then I let the tow/haul mode on the truck take it the rest of the way. Shocked me a bit when she downshifted to 2nd (and 3500 RPM) but it helped get us safely down the 7% grade we were experiencing.
Did you see the sign that said downshift to low gear? I saw it when i crossed the Bighorns last month.
I shake my head as I see people driving down the mountains and smoking their brakes. Downshift. Don't change your brake controller. If you are braking that much you are going to fast!
A person was just killed after losing his brakes going down the Bighorns.
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byronlj
Loveland, CO/Lake Havasu City, AZ
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Joined: 11/30/2002
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I use my brakes sparingly let alone turning them up on mountain roads. Slow down and use your gears.
Dave
byronlj
07.5 Silverado LTZ Ex. Cab 3500HD dually 4X4 duramax LMM/allison 6spd
07 HR Presidential Suite 37RLQ
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Pickle2
Riva, Maryland,
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Joined: 09/24/2003
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Yes, I believe you over-used your brakes. Downshifting and occasional press on the brakes is what is needed. By what you say, it appears you "road" your brakes far too much.
Pickle at Pickldom.
Wife, Deb; Daughters: Brenna(13), Alysson(12)
Dog: Chocolate Chip (English Springer Spaniel) "Okay, in or out, but don't keep pawing at the door!"
03' Dodge, 2500, Long Bed, 4x4, HO Cummins Diesel.
2004 29BHBP Wildcat by Forest River.
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2blackdogs
Anywhere we stop but home is New Mexico
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Joined: 01/20/2006
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This is exactly why I had Banks install a exhaust brake on my 01 F550.
Bob
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Vulcaneer
Northern New England
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Joined: 10/17/2007
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Just wondering....If the brakes got hot enough to affect the magnets and warp the backing plates, did the dealer also repack the wheel bearings, and replace the seals? Could the grease have melted out as well? And what about the drums???
Giving the benefit of the doubt, maybe they just changed out the whole backing plate assembly because it was easier for them, or they wanted to be sure all possible affected components were new. Maybe all they had in stock?
I just wonder if the repair was a bit of overkill. Better to be safe than sorry, I guess.
2006 F350 V10 4X4 SC SB SRW 4.30 22,500 GCWR
Keystone Sprinter 33'9" 12,500 GVWR
Pullrite Super Glide 18K
Super Duty, Super Cab, SuperGlide
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Chefd
Arizona
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Joined: 12/31/2007
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I have an exhaust brake. I do not change the setting just use the engine and gear down. I came off Wolf Creek and never touched the brake.
Chefd
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DSteiner51
Wooster, Oh
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Joined: 01/30/2004
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Replacing the backing plate assembly includes magnets, linkage, and shoes for almost same $ as shoes alone.
What is scarey for me is to realize there are folks like this out on the road with me. When I started towing on highways at the age of 16 there where no disc brakes and few interstates with grades limited to 6 or 7% slopes. I have never lost, fried, or had brake fade decending hills that make a 7% slope look nearly level.
Come on folks if you don't know how to tow, DON'T until you have training. The life you save may be your own.
* This post was
edited 08/14/08 01:04pm by DSteiner51 *
D. Steiner
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USA in a Chevrolet
Manahawkin, New Jersey
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Joined: 02/25/2007
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skipnchar wrote:I've never turned up my controller for mountain driving. There should seldom be any reason to use the brakes excessively but you need to learn to use the transmission for MOST of your braking.
I agree, the trans on my Duramax aloows me to use the brakes very sparingly in the mountains.
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USA in a Chevrolet
Manahawkin, New Jersey
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Joined: 02/25/2007
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husker 2 wrote:We use a Prodigy controller and set it at Boost 1 for normal freeway driving. However, we do go to Boost 2 for steep mountain passes (6-7%)or more. We have 32,000 miles on our rig and TV and 5ver brakes are fine.
I have the Prodigy also & my understanding is that Boost has nothing to do with how much braking you get except when you first apply the brakes. When you apply the brakes using Boost, the Prodigy sends enough voltage to the brakes to keep the trailer from "pushing" on the truck. Boost "2" sends more voltage than Boost "1". You use the "2" setting for heavier trailers. That is why when you are driving in stop & go traffic your trailer brakes grab if you are using Boost. I turn off Boost when driving in stop & go traffic & then turn it back on when I get on the highway. Your display will indicate when you've turned on Boost.
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