Has anyone had experience with an engine brake on the 2006 Dodge Cummins? What kind of engine brake is the best, an aftermarket or the one sold by Dodge? Is there any downside? Does it affect the way the truck performs, shifts, etc? I'm familiar with a Jake brake on a 40-foot motorhome with a big Cat-12 engine with air brakes, but have had no experience with one on a 1-ton pickup. What do you suggest? I will be pulling a 35-foot Hitchhiker Fifthwheel with three slides.

 

The Jake brake available for Dodge trucks is an exhaust brake, different from the engine brakes they make for larger trucks in that it is basically a buttefly valve that mounts in place of the turbo outlet elbow.

I don't have any experience with one on an auto, but really like mine with the stick. With my 5th wheel on a steep freeway speed grade it doesn't slow it down very fast, but it does hold it's speed from increasing.

You can download installation instructions, operator instructions, and a bunch of other info from www.jakebrake.com.

Jeff

 

With the warranty still on the truck I would go with a Jacobs system from Dodge or Jacobs to keep that warranty. They have electronics that work well with the Dodge automatic, so that is not an issue.

For all practical purposes the brake on the Dodge will be operated just like you did yor motorhome. It makes a significant difference in vehicle control when going down hills, and really saves the brakes. One word of caution, if you use it in snow and ice, be real careful. Unlike the motorhome, the rear wheels of the truck are not the last set of wheels in your vehicle combination, and you have to keep an eye on your trailer to keep it from swinging around on slick surfaces.

If warranty is not an issue, BD Power makes an excellent exhaust brake for less money. Just do not get caught with one in a Dodge dealership or your drivetrain warranty will go out the window. That has nothing to do with quality, just manufacturer's certifications and Dodge's policies.

 

I have a Banks exhaust brake on my 01 w/auto and an additional module they call SmartLock. The purpose of the SmartLock is to lock the torque converter in 3rd and 4th when you are using the exhaust brake. This basically couples the engine to the rear wheels so the drag on the engine slows down the truck. Actually I think it intercepts the command from the ECM to disengage the converter when you let off the gas.

I have a new Laramie 3500 on order with the Jake brake. The service manager told me that the electronics in the 06 does basically the same thing as the SmartLock This is new to 06 and the older trucks don't support the jake brake with an automatic.

Bryan

If you tow in mountains (I live in Colo) I highly recommend them.

 

Thanks for the replies. I'll probably go with the Jacobs Jake Brake. Just wanted to be sure it didn't affect the performance of the engine in some way before I go to that expense.

 

I think I read somewhere on Jacob's web page that their valve doesn't cause any reduction in flow or reduce engine power. I would guess the vacuum pump takes a bit of power to spin, but that would be insignificant.

I didn't notice any change in fuel milage or performance (other than much more relaxed towing down hills).