pluguglyinhere

So it seems that there is no clear winner in these forums for exhaust brakes. It seems that there are happy people with all brands. This is my next mod in the upcoming months before a big trip. I have questions

The Pacbrake uses air to actuate, needing an air tank and compressor. I planned to add a tank and compressor for my air bags anyway so I could on the fly adjust. I assume I do not need two. They say you need 100lbs to activate and use properly. Anyone know what size tank would be best, trying to make sure I can supply enough.

Pac also says it shuts down if turned on at idle at 900 rpm so does this mean no "high idle" warm up, and will it shut off when the truck temps get to a certain temp like the stock brake.

Banks has a controler for the trans, will the pac do harm to my trans? It seems the big choice is between air or vacuum activated?

Anyone in here have some real world experience. I want it towing my 5er mainly.

2006Mega

my pac brake turns on when the engine is below 170, and yes you can use high idle and the brake to warm your truck up real quick.
i am not sure if you will need a controller with the banks brake since your 06 had an option for a brake from the factory. the pac brake ties into the engine ECM, just one wire, real easy to do, and when you turn the brake on it changes the trans shift RPM, hold the RPMs up and locks the torque converter. it also will bump the RPMS up and down shift for you. its really cool actually.

Spooler

You will not need the controller as stated. The factory ECM is already programmed and ready for the exhaust brake...

Colo_River_Ram

Here is a link to the installation instructions on the Jacobs E-Brake:

http://www.jakebrake.com/service/pdf...0E2_Screen.pdf

This page has more info on it:

http://www.jakebrake.com/support/par...obs_product=42

RAMRODD

If you get a pac brake it will come with a small air tank. You can use the same take and pump for your air bags.

tankeryanker

I use the small air tank that comes with the Pac Brake to air up my air bags, run the brake & air up tires. I may put a bigger tank on some day so the compresor wont kick on so quick when airing up tires.

pluguglyinhere

thanks, it looks like I still have to pick one brand... hard descision. Anyone know what CFM compressor to run. I do not have a firestone or pac compressor, its just a no name mounted under my seat.

CD in NM

As far as psi, the PacBrake operates at a max of 60psi. I beleive all the others are set to the same psi as well. Cummins/Dodge specified that psi when the aftermarket industry entered the picture, anything more in psi can cause you engine warranty issues, 60psi is the highest you should have as engine backpressure.

I, like you, read all the pros and cons, decided on the PacBrake, I am very satisfied with it. I took the time to read installation information on all of them. They are all basically similar. The compressor that comes with the PacBrake kit it is VERY capable. The small air tank does an excellent job. I actually added a 2nd small air tank to run my other air accessories, have it 't'd off the first tank with an in-line valve so the first tank would not be affected if I had an air line failure to anything else - air horn, air bags.

If I had to do another exhaust brake, my choice would still be the same, I'd install the PacBrake again.


CD

pluguglyinhere

I guess I may have confused some with the compressor thing. I am not going to buy Pac or some other compressor kit. I have one now and was hoping to use it, with adding a tank, if it will produce enough cfm to keep up.

RAMRODD

It takes very little air to operate the exhaust brake. If you put in a small take I don't see a problem.

rocksteadyrobk

I have towed heavy with both brakes through the rockies and all across the east. The Pac has better holding power and has proven more reliable then my buddies Jake Brake. I have run mine for 45k miles in 2 years. Its been reliable. The only issue I had was freezing condensation in the tank.

I also have bags and use the pac to do the bags. Pac gives a gallon air tank. I have since upgraded to a 2.5 gallon with no issues. I like having the on board air.

I cant speak for banks, but the Pac has more holding power then Jake.

ramman

I use a 4" BD remote mount that was on my 98 for 50000 miles ,removed and put on my present Ford/Cummins truck,used to be vac operated,switched it to air cylinder. It has been a great brake. Just to let you know there is other options also.

kingofdodge7131

Ha ha noooo. Don't give him more options! The wheel is already turning fast enough!

birddoctor

I have a Banks Brake,and it works great.I have plenty of stopping power either loaded or empty.It really payed for itself coming across the rockies on I70 to Denver,with our 5th wheel.Cant speak for any other brands.

carl48

stay completely away from banks and Jake you are on the right track with the pac or bd. my neighbor cd in new mexico may have added confusion on pump pressure. the tank pressure on both the pac and bd is between 90 and 125 psi the bd uses a regulator for the psi to the the brake to maintain 65 psi back pressure. the pac uses a calibrated spring set up like a waste gate. both compressors will work just fine for your bags. pac has the complete kit to use it for the bags. bd may now also have the kits.