I checked all of them out and narrowed it down to Pac and BD for their reliability and holdback. I also wanted air pressure operated cuz I already had the air system and didn't want anything else hanging on the engine. My FIL rode with me and said my Pac works better than his Jacobs. He didn't say if mine held back more but holds back at lower rpm, for sure. Jacobs really struck out with me when they refused to even talk about an inline brake. Craig

 

Interesing comment. Oh well, anything to sell a product. I wonder why my Jacobs works at idle?

The curves I saw on braking horsepower versus RPM on the two companies seemed like the figures were pretty close all the way to idle. I purchased Jacobs for three reasons - - the company reputation, it was recommended by Dodge with no problems with warranties, and the price - - they were running a special on the new trucks when I purchased. Mine was a whole $250 installed. Wow - - how can you not run with that deal???

Bob

 

I have a BANKS vacuum operated brake on my personal rig and I have installed lots of pac/brakes and us Gear E brakes. of all of them the US Gear seems to have the best holding power but I dont care for the way it operates (electronics) the Pac/brake work very well . and with my stick the Banks does a good job for me.If I were to buy again it would be a pac. I have heard of vac pumps failing on the Jacobs. but I think all of them work real good and are close.

 

That is a DANG good deal, I would've taken that deal!

 

I am leaning towards a Jacob, but the jury is still out! It's one of those questions where there is no clear cut answer! How many guys use the Pac in very cold weather? Any issues? Thanks!!

 

I've got the pac brake, have nothing to compare it to but I absolutely love it. I haven't got to pull with it much, the heaviest thing so far has been 4 horses down a 6 mile 9% grade, never touched the brakes.

 

from my expierence using both towing heavy in the mountains. The Pac holds better in all gears. With the Jake, It seemed like we were always down shifting one more gear.

 

Bought my truck used that already had a jake brake installed in it from an option that the previous owner had ordered when the truck was new. I believe jake brakes are what Dodge puts in their trucks when asking for an exhaust brake. The button came mounted to the manual shifter with a Cummins logo, a light that turns on when being used, which is located on the control button housing. I agree also that when having either brand, once you tow with one or not towing you won't be without one. Sure saves on the truck brakes and trailer brakes so that equals less truck brake replacements and trailer brake replacements. Having one with a manual is the best way to go IMO. Good luck in chosing one, just my 2 cents.

 

I have a JAKE put on my at 500 miles 03 6 speed and have been all over the west and TX.With no trouble.It payed for it self in not having to replace the brakes on the truck or trailer. === GOOD LUCK ===

 

I've got the BD Exhaust brake with a TowLoc that I installed and have towed accross country with it. After setting the TowLoc I have options as to how I want it to act. When I had the system originally installed they installed the AutoLoc under the hood wheere it should not have been installed. It got wet and destroyed. The TowLoc is water proof and works just great. Stopping power is great and it works with the cruise control.

 

My pac works all the way down to 900 rpms. I went with the pac because of local shops recommendation. They install almost every make except B&D. Pac, Jacob, Banks, They said Jacobs were great but had more vacuum issues but did work well, Pac they only had 1 out of 2k plus that failed, Banks they said was so over engineered and a royal pain to install so they don't do to many only for those that have to have the banks name. He also told me if I wanted them to install a b/d that i could go else were humm?

 

Ended up buying a Jacobs, only because I got it for a $1000 including a second belt, right from Cummins. Install was around $300 from Dodge. Are you supposed to hear a hiss when it works, especially if driving with the windows down? Thanks for all the good responses!!

 

Choose customer service if all else is equal. Pacbrake sent me a new compressor even though mine was out of warranty. Got it in the mail in 3 days, no charge.

Holds my 12K 5er on a 6% grade in 4th gear so strongly, I have to hit the gas once in awhile. Went down a 15% grade leaving Chabot campground outside of Oakland in 2nd and didn't have to hit the brakes.

Love my Pacbrake!

 

That's about what I paid for mine, from Dodge. You got a good deal. I have heard of others paying closer to 1500-1800 installed.

Yes. The hissing sound is completely normal. The entertainment factor is hearing the 'jake' cackle inside the cab. Priceless!

A comparison of the two designs:
Jacobs' brake uses an orifice to control pressure to a max of 60psi. An orifice is a small (~1/2" IIRC) opening that is always open.

PAC uses a spring loaded relief valve that opens at 60psi.

The disadvantage Jacobs has, is low back pressure at low rpm. This gives reduced engine back pressure at lower speeds to slow the rig down.

PAC's advantage is the spring loaded valve. When 60psi is reached, the valve opens, no matter what the RPM. The result is full engine back pressure across the full RPM band.

Tony

 

If I could get the Mopar Jacobs brake for $800 new would it be worth getting over the Pac Brake?