wny_pat
Western NYS
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Joined: 08/11/2007
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No where near as tough as a gas rig. The gas rig will beat you to heck after several hours. It will make the DP seem like a Cadillac!
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vegasfoodguy
Reno Nv
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Joined: 02/04/2003
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Thank you everyone, Great advice. I will drive it tomorrow.
Terry.
Monaco Diplomat, Cummins, 38a
Toad Grand Cherokee, Brake Buddy.
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Canadian Rainbirds
Vancouver Island (Winter: Mainland Mexico)
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Joined: 02/06/2008
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We went from a 1997 30' front engine gas (Ford 460), 16" wheels and hydraulic brakes to a 2002 32' DP, 5.9 Cummins, 6 speed Allison, 22" wheels, Air brakes, Exhaust brake. I already had an air brake endorsement on my drivers license from my years as a volunteer firefighter. My wife took the course and passed easily.
The DP is FAR easier to drive.
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kjburns
Prescott, AZ
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Joined: 07/13/2008
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I went from never having driven anything longer than a crew cab pick to a 40' diesel. It isn't hard. Just be mindful of the turn radius and where you're sitting relative to the front wheels so you don't turn in too soon. I also like to check a spot on the windshield and verify with my mirrors periodically to make sure I'm always centered in my lane.
2011 Winnebago Tour 42QD
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william mcbride
emmet arkansas
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Joined: 08/25/2010
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You will like the diesel better... go for it.
I want my signature to be w.c. and do away with my town and state.
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sowego
northwestern corner of the Nebraska panhandle
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Joined: 03/14/2006
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If I can do it so can you!
You will have more power so be prepared to be thrilled.
You will love the pac/exhaust brake, slows you down nicely without wearing out brakes. However notice that most cities have signs with ordinances so slow down before you enter those zones then turn it off or be prepared for warnings or tickets. It is noisy so being considerate to be quieter for the folks in those towns is the right thing to do. Just like using brakes with a slick/icy/rainy road...turn off the retarder/engine brake in such conditions.
We leave our exhaust brake/retarder on most of the time. But, beware..it will usually only kick on when your speed is under 65 mph. That is one reason we drive at 62 mph so don't have to wait the extra few seconds it takes for the air brakes to bring your speed down to 65...can be a big difference in an emergency situation.
2002 Tiffin Phaeton
2005 Malibu Maxx toad
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vegasfoodguy
Reno Nv
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Joined: 02/04/2003
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Well, I did it. Picked up my new to me 1999 Monaco Diplomat last week.
Drove her 1985 miles back to Reno. You were right! you learn real quick, The Jake brake works great, Ride is fantastic, Mileage isalmost double of my old gasser.
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wny_pat
Western NYS
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Joined: 08/11/2007
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vegasfoodguy wrote:The Jake brake works great, Ride is fantastic, Congrads!! But don't use that Jake brake, if its a real Jake. in the snow or rain.
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00 BUCK
NE Ohio
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Joined: 06/09/2011
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Executive wrote:Two things I would recommend....
1. Since it's a 99 DIPLOMAT it probably will NOT have a "Jake Brake"..rather, it will have an EXHAUST BRAKE..two different animals. I would change out the original exhaust brake with PAC BRAKE's PXRB. You will notice a difference.
2. Take a course, or at least learn about your air system, how it works, how to bleed the air, how your air brakes work etc. There are several avenues available to you to do this.
Good luck, they are not much different than driving a gasser, except there is no engine noise, no wind buffeting, no wander, no sway, and you arrive at your destination without being tired.....  ....Dennis
I ran an exhaust brake for two years not a problems
in fact was great
2011 Newmar - VENTANA -- with COMFORT DRIVE
2011 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara
Blue Ox Aventa LX Tow bar w/ Roadmaster adapters
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00 BUCK
NE Ohio
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william mcbride wrote:You will like the diesel better... go for it.
you are right diesel's rule
I don't care what any gasser owner says ----diesels are the boss
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