This spring, during family vacation, I first noticed several "No Jake brake use" signs displayed while driving into the Southern outskirts of Santa Fe, NM.
I thought the same thing... Wouldn't they rather have those big rigs make it safely down your city's hills using that "Jake" brake? Maybe not...
Far too many tree huggers there in SF for our tastes..

K.

 

I pass a no jake brake sign every day on the way to work. Always wondered which one they meant.

 

I have yet to hear or get any flack on using an engine brake anywhere at anytime BUT I have read about another issue with using an engine brake; slowing faster than people are expecting without brake lights. I read about someone that got trouble from officials saying the brake lights need to come on with the exhaust brake. Dont know, just thought I'd tell of this sorta off topic situation.

 

Yeah, I've had truckers cuss me and tell me to get my brake lights fixed.

 

You bring up a very good point. Is there any way to tap into the brake light cct???

 

That's what I do when I see someone coming up behind me. Even though you're really supposed to watch the vehicle, some people depend on the lights coming on to slow them down.

 

actaully I meant is there any way to put a switch on it so the ebrake engages the brake lights...??

 

yes, you can run your brake lights through your exh brake switch, and I'd highly recomend doing so... if someone drives up your rear and an insurance company investigates, you could be liable...

now, I can understand if you want to put a toggle switch on it just in case you want to slow down without brake lights if you're speeding and there's a cop in the vicinity!

Forrest

 

how???

 

just run the brake light wire through the e-brake switch

 

suppose i should look at it before i ask...

 

if you have a trailer brake controler you may be able to tap into those wires also....if you hit the "energize slide" on the trailer brake controler box your brake lights come on....so I'd imagine with a little bit of tracing wires out you could use that to your advantage also...

 

I figured a way but didn't do it. The zero fuel wire triggers the Jacobs to activate and you could tie in through a relay to that if you wanted to go through all that trouble. I usually just tap the brake a few times.

 

Here in good ole VA, it you hit someone from the rear, you are liable period. My daughter in law rear ended an idiot at night with no trailer lights on whatsoever and she got the ticket and totalled her truck in the process. Pretty common I thought.

 

I think its that way just about anywhere. If you rear end someone - 99% of the time, you are at fault.

That being said, I definitely dont need another whiplash - would be nice to have the brake lights come on automatically.