I am still a ways from buying a new F350, <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:stockticker>PSD</st1:stockticker>, DRW, 4X4, CC truck and a 15000lb 5<SUP>th</SUP> wheel. My question is will I need an exhaust brake for towing in the mountains? If I will, will it void the warranty?:confused: Thanks!

Answer:

15,000 lbs Trailer (Max wt. GVWR) may be approx. 13,000 lbs loaded (lightly)
approx. 8,800 lbs PSD 4 X 4 CC (dry Wt)
Total weight, approx. 21,000 lbs

Exhaust brake = YES!

20K+ lbs is a lot of inertia to compensate for, even with a gasser on flat roads. Engne braking saves on brake pads and rotors, and may even save lives. No question, get exhaust brake if available from the factory, if not, see which aftermarket does not void warranty. If they say all of the aftermarket EBs void warranty, its time to shop somewhere else for trucks.

Ordered my 2-Ton GMC with EB from factory, works as advertized, truck is overall the best investment I've ever made for towing that kind of load (IMO).

Having had an EB on my '02, I would NEVER tow without one. One f the reaon I got a diesel.

I think I remember reading that the new Powerstroke can't take an exhaust brake because the valves will float. This may have been fixed by now???
I pull a 14,000 pound 5er (about 21,000 pounds GCWR) and find the D/A can keep things under control up to about an 8 percent grade at 55-60 MPH. Above an 8 percent, you have to add some foot to help keep the speed from climbing or drop to 45 MPH and get the next lower gear. I don't have an exhaust brake and don't think I need one. If I was pulling this much weight every day and regularly doing 10-12 percent or more grades, I would give an Ex. brake some serious consideration.

Yes .... an exhaust brake is needed for the safety of yourself and others!

case680e (http://dieselplace.com/forum/member.php?u=129)<SCRIPT type=text/javascript> vbmenu_register("postmenu_484092", true); </SCRIPT> .... Anyone pulling on % grade hills should have an EB. The trailer brakes could stop working do to a loose wire, broken wire, burned out brake box, etc, etc, etc... To many things that could go wrong. Our complete rig is newer and I still realized that I needed some type of safety feature to control a potential huge problem. An EB would help to control a safe slowdown of the rig. A friend lost his trailer brakes on a % graded hill and it almost cost his life.

Most interstates rarely go steeper than 6 % to 7 %. If this is the kind of driving you do, the grade braking that is built into the truck can control your speed without using any other truck or trailer brakes. I have not driven one of the new fords and don't know if the Fords grade braking works as well as GMs. For Interstate driving, exhaust brakes are not "needed". Is it a nice extra safety feature to have? Sure. Is it needed? Not on a GM. You do need to learn how to use the grade brake and be aware of it's limitations.

Is there any trick to learn to use the grade braking in the GMC D/a trucks?

I have an 04GMC D/a and will be pulling out west this summer?

BTW< i was raised on a farm and know a little something about towing> Have also towed sinde '71

Thanks

i tow a 1530 lb 5er, live in mountains. would like a eb, but have been told by dealer will void warranty on lly. road out of town is 8-12% grade. last 3 trips, put it in 4 wheel low range, third gear and idel all the way down. anly have to get on brakes 3 times. eb would sure be nice.

Put her in Tow/Haul and let the grade braking do the job. You will be surprised how good a job it does.

No EB on the 7.3 or 6.0 they have hydo lifters EB floats the valves. I've heard of some 7.3 with them but no 6.0's. Personally I wouldn't want to put anymore strain on a 6.0 than is absolutely nessesary!

IMO you'll be ok without an exhaust brake if you're willing to slow down and gear down (like the semis do). This increases the engine braking and takes most of the load off the foot brakes. It may mean decending the steeper grades at 40 mph or even slower. If you're willing to do that you'll be just fine. If not, the exhaust brake is the alternative to keep from burning out your foot brakes.

Another thought is to get disc brakes on your trailer. They are a big improvement over drums. But not the total answer.

there is no way i would put one on the 6.0 IMO they have enough problems of there own.

the allison is the 5th wheelers dream.

you can use the allison tranny, tow/haul mode grade brake and take the r.p.m.'s into the dashed redline, just don't take it to the SOLID REDLINE! it was built to do this. why spend the money on EB's, just more money and stuff to break.