Question to all who have them...

What brand would you recommend and what is the avg. cost of getting these installed?

Also - at what amount of trailer weight would you recommend adding one to your truck?

Thanks for your help.

 

I have another question..same line.

How does it integrate with 4" exhaust system? Would I have to butcher the downpipe?

 

I have the PacBrake. I'm happy with it. I have a 4" down pipe and it connects up with no problems.

 

PurdellMGP:

I've got the Pacbrake, with DTT's Smartcontroller. Your signature isn't filled out, so I don't know what kind of tranny you have. I have an auto, so there was some extra equipment needed to make the brake work wth my tranny. With all the extras, mine cost about $1700.00 installed. Just the brake was $799.00. You can get them to fit either 3" or 4" downpipe.

DeWain

 

I've got the Jacob's E-brake, it works off the ECM, giving a 1-2 second delay to allow you to shift(manual tranny), and also works with cruise control. I paid around $575 and installed it myself.

It works great, even without any trailer weight. If a 4" system clamps to the standard turbo elbow, it should work with this brake.

The E-brake can also be turned on in cold weather after start-up to warm the engine faster. The E-brakes tend to dirty the IAT sensor faster, so that may need to be cleaned more often.

 

DPG:
Actually I am still shopping for a used 6 Speed (2001 - 2002).
But I was planning to get the E-Brake for it. But was not sure if I was going "overkill" with it seeing the max trailer weight would be about 10,000 pounds.

Thanks for the advice.

Michael

 

PurdellMGP:

If you are going to tow in the mountains, definately get one. If you are a "flatlander," it's kind of up to you. I use mine even without the trailer. (11,000 lb fiver) I find that I have to use the service brakes a lot less. I kind of like the sound of the Cummins when the tranny is locked up and the e-brake is engaged.

 

Hehe,

I just got a 6 speed 2001 with a jacobs EB. I don't know how much it cost. It came with the truck. ;D

HOdiesel

 

My owners manual states that if you tow over 10,000 lbs. you should use an exhaust brake. Mine was dealer installed for about $1000.00...well worth it! ;D

 

I have the US Gear decelerator and am happy with my choice. Unlike some it does not attach at the turbo but is put in a straight section of exhaust pipe underneath the truck. There are many pros and cons of attaching to the turbo vs further away. Also pros and cons of vacuum activation vs electric.

Bottom line I really like my exhaust brake and would not be without it. IMHO If you tow you need one!! You are a lot safer - not just for yourself and your family but for the rest of us that share the road with you.

The US Gear costs $1100+ without installation.

Good luck -


George

 

DPG - I am in the Northeast, so there are a few mtns. and hills especially in VT, NH. But I agree with you, I too like the sound!

Buzz...The trailer we are looking at getting will top out close to 9600 pounds loaded. So looks like I am close enough to the 10,000 pound "reason" to get a EB...

Thanks all for the advice. As soon as I locate the perfect truck - I will have to choose which EB to put in!