2007 Dodge Ram 5.9 brakes with toyhauler

[Retirednotdead]

Have 2007 Dodge Ram with the 5.9 Cummins Diesel and am having braking issues.
The truck does pretty well on major highways with the downgrades but this last long weekend we took it over the Hope Princeton highway #3 in British Columbia, Canada and noticed when I had quick steep downgrades that the engine and tranny were not helping slow the truck and trailer down. I was really smelling my brakes.

It seems that this road showed me I need to look into exhaust brakes so to save replacing brake pads and more every three months or so.

Which ones does anyone have experience with?

[Retirednotdead]

We have the 320 SRX which loaded easily weighs 10,000 pounds so it can push the truck.
I try to get the rig slowed down before the corner but a couple of times when
I had to brake right into a corner I didn't like feeling the trailer push.

[rhagfo]

Well, I chose the PacBrake unit for my 2001 5.9 with 5 speed manual. Currently towing about 11,500#. Coming down hills I just listen to the sweet rumbel of the exhaust brake and never touch the service brakes.
They are not cheap, but well worth it.

http://www.thoroughbreddiesel.com/pa...irectmount.htm

http://pacbrake.com/supplemental-bra...xhaust-brakes/

[Desert185]

I also have the PacBrake. It works well with the NV5600, 6-speed stick. I don't need brakes on an 8% downgrade while towing if I downshift. Also, make sure your brake controller is set for the weight of your trailer (if it has that option) and ensure the trailer brakes are working properly.

If you have an automatic transmission, make sure you don't have to replace valve springs in order to use the exhaust brake. The earlier Cummins versions required stiffer springs on the automatics.

Use good brake pads similar to the ones available from EGR Brakes or PowerStop rather than the Autozone or similar generic pads. They'll be more effective and last longer.

Edit: Do a brake fluid flush if it has been awhile. Fresh, water-free fluid works better.

[Retirednotdead]

Looking at the PacBrake system it seems that they need to install a compressor for it. Any troubles with the compressor with your Pac Brake?
The reason I was wary of getting air bags was the reliability of the compressor air system.

[Ken / Claudia]

Since you did not mention. Are you using a lower transmission gear. Not saying this is you but, I have found most car and pickup drivers think only of high gear and brake all the way down. We have many hills with 6% grades, I do not have a exhaust brake but use 2nd gear. If I do brake I do all braking on the straights. Braking on a curve only if emergency. I got 80% on rear 2nd set, 70% on front 3rd set. 178,000 miles.

[cvin]

i have never replaced an air compressor on my truck- have air bags, air tanks and exhaust brake

my air compressor is actually a little small for all i do with it and still has not died- probably 7 years old now

have had the plastic lines leak some but overall it has been pretty trouble free

LOVE my exhaust brake
2001 ford diesel with BD exhaust brake and trans loc

i am not educated on the dodge trucks but think it would be well worth the money to research and install an exhaust brake on your truck

[rhagfo]

Originally Posted by Retirednotdead

Looking at the PacBrake system it seems that they need to install a compressor for it. Any troubles with the compressor with your Pac Brake?
The reason I was wary of getting air bags was the reliability of the compressor air system.

I use my PacBrake all the time, don't have air bags, and use compressor to air up the TV tires, no issues with the compressor.

[Barbell]

We had a '01 5.9 w/6 speed and a Banks exhaust brake. Towed our 15,000+ lb Montana with it for 3 years and probably 30,000 miles. When we traded it with about 200,000 miles, still had original brake pads. Never a white knucke minute with it from coast to coast including Colorado Rockies.