I have a 2002 2500hd with allison automatic. I tow a 36 foot fifth wheel, approx. wt @14,000. I want to know about installing an exhaust brake on the duramax. I have only 32,000 miles on truck but am over in the 3 yr warranty. Anyone have any pros or cons, or anything I can ponder on before I decide.:help: I want to be safe towing and this seems like a good way to save brakes on truck and trailer.
Any replies would be of help. Thanks. I'm new to this forum, am glad I found out about it. Everyone is very helpful and knowledgable,, of course thats why we drive duramax's, right?
Thanks again.

Sorry no one has gotten back to you. I'm in the same boat as you, looking to install a brake in the late Winter/early Spring. There have been a number of threads on this in the past. You can find them if you do a search. I'm leaning toward the BD, which TPITT, a member who has installed a bunch of them, recommends. Good luck.

TC

I like the BD unit as a nice beefy valve. An exhaust brake can help a lot on long downhill grades, and can also help speed up vehicle warm up. It's not a super aggressive braking device though, so don't expect miracles, it just enhances the D/A Grade braking substantially.

Used mine (BD from Kennedy) yesterday, wouldn't be without it even though I only tow ~11K.

When the brake works, it works very well. (When it works)
I have the Banks version and have gone through 2 pumps, 3 actuators, the wiring harness was junk when new, and have spent over the price for warr. repairs. Banks does not pay for labor or diagnostics. Oh yea, it crapped out again.Censored

I live in Wisconsin, not good conditions for the pump location and they need to change the design for these climates.

SC

Installed mine this spring before we went to Colorado, worked really well with the transmission grade braking, it is well worth the money to me if you haul in big hills and mountains.
Safety First!

Thanks for the replys on exhaust brake. I too have heard BD was better and will look in that direction for certain. Again, thanks for responding and if anyone else out there has a comment, I thank you in advance for a reply.