Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 

Go Back   Keystone RV Forums > Keystone Tech Forums > Towing
Click Here to Login

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
 
Old 06-20-2016, 04:57 AM   #1
BlueThunder34
Senior Member
 
BlueThunder34's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Washington
Posts: 242
Exhaust Brake in Rain?

Ok so this may be a dumb question but, is it ok to use the trucks exhaust brake during rain and wet roads when descending the mountain passes? I know when driving the fire engine we did not for traction (or loss their of) issues but that system was much more aggressive than these passenger trucks. Do you use your exhaust braking when towing in the rain?
__________________
2016 F-350 Supercrew XLT 4x4 6.7L Powerstroke

2016 Cougar 28RBSWE
BlueThunder34 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-20-2016, 06:30 AM   #2
Desert185
Senior Member
 
Desert185's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Nevada
Posts: 2,695
Yes. (Lengthen to ten characters)
__________________
Desert185 🇺🇸 (Retired Chemtrail vendor)
-Ram 2500 QC, LB, 4x4, Cummins HO/exhaust brake, 6-speed stick.
-Andersen Ultimate 24K 5er Hitch.
-2014 Cougar 326SRX, Maxxis tires w/TPMS, wet bolts, two 6v batts.
-Four Wheel 8' Popup Camper.
Desert185 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-20-2016, 08:28 AM   #3
chris199
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: PA
Posts: 620
Yes.......

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk
__________________
Chris and Patty

2015 Keystone Montana 3791RD Legacy Edition, MorRyde 4000, Dual pane windows, Goodyear G rated tires.

2013 GMC Sierra 3500HD, Duramax, SLE, SRW, Crew, Hensley Trailer Saver hitch, Blue Ox BedSaver.
chris199 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-23-2016, 01:47 AM   #4
LittleJoe
Senior Member
 
LittleJoe's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Ottawa Valley
Posts: 329
IF truck is new enough to have traction control and abs, the traction control will kill the engine braking if the tires slip
__________________
2011 325SRX , Mor-Ryde Pinbox
2004 Ram 3500DRW 6spd,4x4,QC.LB ,340L aux tank
1999 Concours
2014 FJR
2014 Jetta TDI
LittleJoe is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-23-2016, 04:42 AM   #5
hankaye
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Arrey,
Posts: 2,368
Howdy All;

Was taught when first started driving Over the Road that it was a NO-NO to
use engine brake on wet or slick surfaces. Think about it , ... you are
slowing the power unit but not the towed unit. It's a major cause of jack-knife
accidents as the towed unit attempts to pass the power unit.
The same can be said about using Cruise-Control in bad weather or in heavy
traffic. It's just unwise.

hankaye
__________________
Striving for a less complicated life since 1949 ...

Home: 2008 Cougar 278 RKS
T.V.: 2004 F-250 4X4, Level III BulletProofed , Detroit Tru-Track Differential (915A550)
Dog: 2006 Border Collie (Rascal) aka Maximum fur dispersal unit. (08/04/2006 - 12/16/2017) RIP.
hankaye is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-23-2016, 05:35 AM   #6
jsmith948
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Central San Joaguin Valley, CA
Posts: 2,117
Quote:
Originally Posted by hankaye View Post
Howdy All;

Was taught when first started driving Over the Road that it was a NO-NO to
use engine brake on wet or slick surfaces. Think about it , ... you are
slowing the power unit but not the towed unit. It's a major cause of jack-knife
accidents as the towed unit attempts to pass the power unit.
The same can be said about using Cruise-Control in bad weather or in heavy
traffic. It's just unwise.

hankaye
This ^^^^^^^!! When towing (18 wheeler or TT) in inclement weather and slick road conditions ALL of your movements - applying power, steering, applying brakes - should be SLOW and EASY. Sudden anything - steering - braking - accelerating - can cause a drive axle jacknife. It will happen in less than the blink of an eye and once it starts it is almost impossible to recover from. If the roads are wet, shut the exhaust brake off.
__________________

Jack & Marty
2018 Laredo 298 SRL
2011 F-250 SB Crew Cab 4x4 6.7L
jsmith948 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-23-2016, 07:20 AM   #7
Desert185
Senior Member
 
Desert185's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Nevada
Posts: 2,695
The OP asked, "is it ok to use the trucks (sic) exhaust brake during rain and wet roads when descending the mountain passes?"

Under those conditions, I don't consider the road to be slippery to the point where not using the exhaust brake would be more advantageous than downshifting (perhaps causing the same effect as using the exhaust brake) and riding the brakes. Speed, engine RPM and available traction are factors involved in the decision of when to use the EB, but a downhill grade in the mountains, to me, is an encouraging factor. Like driving considerations/decisions in general, when to use or not to use the EB is not always a cut and dried decision.

My exhaust brake actuation is relatively soft with a two second delay after closing the throttle, particularly when in a higher gear. If the road was truly slippery, as in winter driving, I probably wouldn't be driving, but if I were I would evaluate the use of the EB and other driver options according to the situation.
__________________
Desert185 🇺🇸 (Retired Chemtrail vendor)
-Ram 2500 QC, LB, 4x4, Cummins HO/exhaust brake, 6-speed stick.
-Andersen Ultimate 24K 5er Hitch.
-2014 Cougar 326SRX, Maxxis tires w/TPMS, wet bolts, two 6v batts.
-Four Wheel 8' Popup Camper.
Desert185 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-23-2016, 11:14 AM   #8
hankaye
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Arrey,
Posts: 2,368
Desert185, Howdy;

Not to be argumentative, but ... Downhill is the worst place when the road
surface is wet. Reason is the oils that have been dripped onto the surface
are now "floating" in the water and you will have the pull of Gravity working
against you and whatever method of slowing or maintaining a safe velocity.
This is one of the primary reasons that trailers over a specific weight rating
are required to have brakes. so that the trailer's brakes can assist in keeping
the cart behind the horse. Yes you may hear the big truck's engine brakes
thudding but the driver is using the "Trolley Handle" (that lever below the
steering wheel), to work the trailer's brakes thus keeping "things" in an orderly
fashion.
You shouldn't need to Downshift on a down hill, unless you up shifted at or
near the summit which is not a good thing to do. You should be using the
same or lower gear to descend as used when climbing.
Besides, the Engine brake is designed for the truck by itself. The ABS and Traction
control devises only work for the truck NOT the trailer. the actual braking system is
the only system that connects both units and helps to maintain control during a descent
and that applies for dry as well as wet surfaces..

hankaye
__________________
Striving for a less complicated life since 1949 ...

Home: 2008 Cougar 278 RKS
T.V.: 2004 F-250 4X4, Level III BulletProofed , Detroit Tru-Track Differential (915A550)
Dog: 2006 Border Collie (Rascal) aka Maximum fur dispersal unit. (08/04/2006 - 12/16/2017) RIP.
hankaye is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-23-2016, 11:53 AM   #9
hdxbonez
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: New Hampshire
Posts: 161
As someone who pulls trailers for a living, for all the reasons previously stated, I dont use the engine brake in my work truck, or the exhaust brake in my personal truck when it's raining, snowing, or otherwise potentially slick. I witnessed a guy that I work with put his tractor and trailers on their roofs a few years back by using his engine brake in a corner during a rainstorm. Lesson learned......
__________________
2013 Ram 3500 6.7 CTD
2015 Cougar 326 SRX
hdxbonez is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-23-2016, 12:16 PM   #10
rjsurfer
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 452
I was never happy with my drum brakes on the 5th wheel, even after changing out all the brake assemblies from Etrailer.

They always grabbed and squealed and I was constantly fiddling with the gain adjust on the brake controller.

I had two choices go with an exhaust brake system or get disc brakes.

The best thing I ever did with that 5th wheel was get the disc brakes. Stops smooth and powerful and i cant tell you the last time even touched the adjustment on the brake controller.

If I remember correctly the exhaust brake for my 03 Cummins was less than the price of the disc brakes but I could do the disc install myself so it worked out even. I didn't want to try the exhaust brake install. And probably most important I didn't want to tax the engine or auto tranny with the exhaust brake.

Ron W
__________________
2019 Cougar 25RLS
03 Dodge 2500 Cummins
Disc brakes
700 watts solar
2000 watt inverter
rjsurfer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-23-2016, 05:52 PM   #11
Desert185
Senior Member
 
Desert185's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Nevada
Posts: 2,695
Quote:
Originally Posted by hankaye View Post
Desert185, Howdy;

Not to be argumentative, but ... Downhill is the worst place when the road
surface is wet. Reason is the oils that have been dripped onto the surface
are now "floating" in the water and you will have the pull of Gravity working
against you and whatever method of slowing or maintaining a safe velocity.
This is one of the primary reasons that trailers over a specific weight rating
are required to have brakes. so that the trailer's brakes can assist in keeping
the cart behind the horse. Yes you may hear the big truck's engine brakes
thudding but the driver is using the "Trolley Handle" (that lever below the
steering wheel), to work the trailer's brakes thus keeping "things" in an orderly
fashion.
You shouldn't need to Downshift on a down hill, unless you up shifted at or
near the summit which is not a good thing to do. You should be using the
same or lower gear to descend as used when climbing.
Besides, the Engine brake is designed for the truck by itself. The ABS and Traction
control devises only work for the truck NOT the trailer. the actual braking system is
the only system that connects both units and helps to maintain control during a descent
and that applies for dry as well as wet surfaces..

hankaye
I have been driving for quite awhile, but I appreciate the basic primer nevertheless. It appears that I have been doing it wrong for 51 years. Probably going to kill myself any moment.
__________________
Desert185 🇺🇸 (Retired Chemtrail vendor)
-Ram 2500 QC, LB, 4x4, Cummins HO/exhaust brake, 6-speed stick.
-Andersen Ultimate 24K 5er Hitch.
-2014 Cougar 326SRX, Maxxis tires w/TPMS, wet bolts, two 6v batts.
-Four Wheel 8' Popup Camper.
Desert185 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-24-2016, 04:47 AM   #12
BlueThunder34
Senior Member
 
BlueThunder34's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Washington
Posts: 242
Thanks for all of the feedback, some good food for thought.
__________________
2016 F-350 Supercrew XLT 4x4 6.7L Powerstroke

2016 Cougar 28RBSWE
BlueThunder34 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-24-2016, 08:34 AM   #13
Desert185
Senior Member
 
Desert185's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Nevada
Posts: 2,695
Quote:
Originally Posted by BlueThunder34 View Post
Thanks for all of the feedback, some good food for thought.
Like many things in life nothing is cut and dried. Exercise judgment according to your environment. Downshifting on ice (like actuating the exhaust brake) may not be advisable, but not an issue in the rain. Judgment is the key.
__________________
Desert185 🇺🇸 (Retired Chemtrail vendor)
-Ram 2500 QC, LB, 4x4, Cummins HO/exhaust brake, 6-speed stick.
-Andersen Ultimate 24K 5er Hitch.
-2014 Cougar 326SRX, Maxxis tires w/TPMS, wet bolts, two 6v batts.
-Four Wheel 8' Popup Camper.
Desert185 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-24-2016, 07:36 PM   #14
BlueThunder34
Senior Member
 
BlueThunder34's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Washington
Posts: 242
Just got back from a 500 mile trip in both sunny,drizzly, and pour rain conditions. I decided to turn off the exhaust brake on the 7% downhill when it was pouring, just felt more comfortable for me and the trans braking seemed sufficient and not as aggressive as the exhaust. I absolutely love the exhaust brake and can't believe I towed for so many years without one, what a difference!
This was our first long trip with the new trailer and truck and I can honestly say I will never go back to a gas burner again, the power and control was a night and day difference. Not looking to start a debate on diesel vs gas but for me, the 1 ton diesel is hard to beat for my needs.
__________________
2016 F-350 Supercrew XLT 4x4 6.7L Powerstroke

2016 Cougar 28RBSWE
BlueThunder34 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-25-2016, 12:54 AM   #15
denverpilot
Senior Member
 
denverpilot's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 487
I love my exhaust brake, but even with a lot of pin weight, I'm very cautious about activating it on slick surfaces. Especially with a DRW truck which has half of the weight per tire of a SRW. It's really easy to slide a DRW sideways with no trailer on. Don't want to ever see how easy it is with either trailer behind it.
__________________
Pilot for fun, Computer geek for a living, and happy 5er owner who wants more time to go play in the camper!
denverpilot is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-13-2016, 06:22 AM   #16
rhagfo
Senior Member
 
rhagfo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 4,176
So looking at BlueThunder34's location I would say it depends on the conditions. BlueThunder34 location is Washington (assuming the state), we don't have the big build up of road oils most of the time.

Most of the time we have enough rain to keep the oils down to a minimum. The other issues is most are talking using an auto, so the drop in gear and retardation could be sudden, I drive a manual and can ease the suddenness of the engagement.

I also have the advantage of a clutch, I can instantly disengage ALL engine retardation on the wheels by pressing that pedal! Once pressed, the vehicle is free wheeling and it is easier to recover, then pick the correct gear and engine speed to reengage.
__________________
Russ & Paula and Belle the Beagle.
2016 Ram Laramie 3500 DRW 14,000# GVWR (New TV)
2005 Copper Canyon 293 FWSLS 32’ GVWR 12,360
Visit and enjoy Oregon State Parks
rhagfo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-13-2016, 10:06 AM   #17
Laredo291OH
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 211
Hankaye,

I don't know about the Ford truck that the OP has, but my 2010 GMC 2500HD has "sway control". Because the truck has both the integrated trailer brake controller and stability control, the truck will activate the trailer brakes on it's own if it detects any sway of the trailer. I have no idea if this has ever kicked in when I have been towing or not, I can only assume that the system would work the way that GM advertises it. I don't know when GM started using this system, but I believe any GM truck sold with the integrated brake controller and stability control has this feature since at least 2010. Below is a link to an article from GM in 2012, I'm not sure if Dodge and Ford offer the same thing, I would assume they do.

http://media.gm.com/media/us/en/gm/n...r_sway_gm.html
Laredo291OH is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump

» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Keystone RV Company or any of its affiliates in any way. Keystone RV® is a registered trademark of the Keystone RV Company.


All times are GMT -8. The time now is 08:14 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.9
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.