Exhaust Brake

[bharris515]

Just got my 2020 AT4 2500 yesterday. I am new to a diesel truck. Wondering about this exhaust brake. Not a lot of info in the owners manual. The truck definitely stops better with exhaust brake on. My question is: is it ok to always run with exhaust brake on? You have to manually turn on the switch every time you start the truck so just wondering. Any info would be appreciated!

[brclark82]

While it is extremely helpful slowing a trailer down without wearing out your brakes in short order, it has very little value and I would probably find it annoying for everyday driving. 

 

It it wouldn’t hurt anything though, so whatever you prefer. 

[Cool J]

On my 2016 2500HD I typically turn it on when pulling my fifth wheel and in tow haul mode. Both systems work great when using cruise control.

[Thankful]

Not necessary.  The brake rotors and pads on these trucks are massive.  I use the exhaust brake only when going down steep inclines.

[Mikey52]

I use mine all the time.

[George Mc]

I had my Diesel Exhaust Brake in my Sierra 3500 on while pulling my fifth wheel from Texas to Florida last week. I turned it off for the return trip. I may be dreaming but i seem to have gotten better gas mileage on the way back with it off.

[Londart2020]

14 minutes ago, George Mc said:

I had my Diesel Exhaust Brake in my Sierra 3500 on while pulling my fifth wheel from Texas to Florida last week. I turned it off for the return trip. I may be dreaming but i seem to have gotten better gas mileage on the way back with it off.

My TT is not very heavy, and I didn’t go too far, but I thought I noticed that too.

[Vincent Camayd]

On 11/13/2020 at 11:01 AM, George Mc said:

I had my Diesel Exhaust Brake in my Sierra 3500 on while pulling my fifth wheel from Texas to Florida last week. I turned it off for the return trip. I may be dreaming but i seem to have gotten better gas mileage on the way back with it off.

That may have been because of the winds.  Makes a difference when you're in a tailwind vs headwind.  

[davidm767]

To revive this topic and change the subject a bit. With the revised Exhaust brake on the 2024 I find myself using it all the time because it 1) works great and 2) it requires less brake pressure on coast/gradual stops (like slowing on the off ramp, or slowing down approaching a light). Again its not a NEED as the rotors/brake liners are massive, but it certainly makes the truck feel more like a light truck with big brakes than a 3/4 ton when stopping.  My question is: Is there a way to program/install a aftermarket module to keep the Exhaust Brake ON after every start (like the AutoStop disable module I installed on my wife's 3.0L)?

 

 

[ManyCamaroz]

On 3/29/2021 at 5:26 PM, Vincent Camayd said:

That may have been because of the winds.  Makes a difference when you're in a tailwind vs headwind.  

True, my company truck is a '21 RAM 2500 gas and i can make a round trip from Abilene to Dallas typically averaging 17-18 mpg. On my last trip in a head wind i averaged 13-14 mpg. I had never imagined that big of a change in fuel mileage. 

[treyjat]

I used mine always

[treyjat]

On 8/1/2019 at 9:32 AM, Thankful said:

Not necessary.  The brake rotors and pads on these trucks are massive.  I use the exhaust brake only when going down steep inclines.

Oh yes

[Austin12345]

On 1/23/2024 at 12:01 PM, davidm767 said:

To revive this topic and change the subject a bit. With the revised Exhaust brake on the 2024 I find myself using it all the time because it 1) works great and 2) it requires less brake pressure on coast/gradual stops (like slowing on the off ramp, or slowing down approaching a light). Again its not a NEED as the rotors/brake liners are massive, but it certainly makes the truck feel more like a light truck with big brakes than a 3/4 ton when stopping.  My question is: Is there a way to program/install a aftermarket module to keep the Exhaust Brake ON after every start (like the AutoStop disable module I installed on my wife's 3.0L)?

 

 

I’ve been looking for a similar solution. Probably would require a custom tune I assume, but don’t really know.

[A Chap]

I always have mine on. 

[Dunn]

the short time I have used my truck and how tight it is where I live I use the exhaust brake as well.....havent hauled or towed yet as I havent broke in more than cpl hundred miles....