I just installed a new PXRB on my '05 (6sp manual). It seems to work, but the braking effort provided by the e-brake is, well, unimpressive. I've had exhaust brakes before... a PacBrake on my '96 and a US Gear inline unit on my '01. The one on the '96 was great... the US Gear was so-so. This one is worse than even the US Gear.

My air source (which was already present, for my airbags) produces 120 psi at the outlet so I know there's enough air pressure. But even at higher RPM, e.g. 2500 or so, it just doesn't seem to slow the truck down as much as it should... certainly not like a gasser would.

I've doublechecked to make sure there are no exhaust leaks... the clamps are on properly and the valve appears to be closing all the way as near as I can tell.

Anybody else have one of these that can give me an idea of how well it should work? I'm heading out on a trip this week and will be heading down a couple of pretty gnarly hills and was looking forward to not frying my brakes anymore (towing my big 5th wheel).

Thanks.

Rob

 

Rob,
I have one on mine and love it. When towing our tt which weighs approx. 6500 pounds, I hardly ever even use the regular brakes. I see your in N. Nevada. I'm up in the NE California area. If you know Susanville at all, you know Highway 36 as you enter Susanville from the north? It's pretty steep and you have to slow to 25 mph for the curve at the top of town. Well, I never touch the brakes, unless I get a red light on Main St. in Susanville. I do downshift as we are descending though. I'm in 4th gear as I make the 25 mph curve. This is the first vehicle I've had with an e-brake, so I don't have anything to compare it to. Although it is a night and day experience from the way it was before the e-brake was installed. I wouldn't be without it now.

 

I have nearly the exact same truck as you. My PAC brake works great.

 

IM at 23000 GCW,15000 lb fiver,it holds speed on a 6 %grade at 60/65 mph,it will hold speed on a 7% only if i manually drop it into 2nd,2800/2900 rpm,50 mph,really like it,have not had to adjust
my fiver brakes in 2 yrs,10000 miles.

 

I also have the exact same truck as you & my pac brake works great. Alot better then the Banks brake I had on my 2001.

 

If your trying it with out a load it is very light to feel once a load is present thats when you know. At least it is for my truck.

 

I love mine. does work better at higher rpms. but i love mine best think i did to my truck.

 

Pac says 100psi minimum for full braking effect. My air system uses a 150 psi cutoff switch. After it sits for a couple days and the pressure bleeds down to around 100psi, I can tell the brake is less effective at that pressure when I come to the first stop if I have forgotten to switch the compressor on yet. There is a noticeable difference than when running normally with the pressure up. You might just need a little more pressure.

 

Holds my 13.5K fiver at 55mph on 6% grades all day BUT I've got to be in 4th gear (mines a 5 speed manual).

In 5th gear it won't hold on 6% grades. Try starting out in 4th or 5th at the top of a grade till you get a feel for which speed/gear combo works.

 

I'm with Brad. My Pacbrake will hold at about 50 MPH towing my 14K fifth wheel on 6-7% grades in 4th gear. Unloaded you don't feel the true benefit of the brake. After having it (for two years now) I wouldn't want to tow without it.