I hauled my trailer with my new 4500 last week and have another question about the exhaust brake. I ran with it on all of the time but was not thrilled with the way it downshifted every time I relaxed the gas pedal pressure. This seems that it would really affect fuel mileage and there is so much shifting that I feel it could be a bit hard on the trans. Do any of you turn it off when crusing on a flat at speed? I do like it for those unexpected moments when some idiot cuts you off or such. I am used to Ford's tow/haul which is activated by pushing the brake pedal so this feels very strange.

I always turned off my exhaust brake when cruising mainly because when the cruise would back off the EB would engage. So I just turned it off and then back on when I knew I needed it. If driving in town I would leave it on or if on back roads.

It does take some getting used to. I will turn it off on the highway while trafic is light. I have even reached over to flip it on for a quick emergency stop. It would be nice if the switch was closer to the steering wheel, but like I said, you get used to it.

It does take some getting used to. I will turn it off on the highway while trafic is light. I have even reached over to flip it on for a quick emergency stop. It would be nice if the switch was closer to the steering wheel, but like I said, you get used to it.

OK, I'll start turning the EB off when on the interstates. I have to admit that the tow/haul method that Ford has IS better but my 6.0 L broke down more than it ran. I'll put up with the inconveniences of the OD and the EB for better reliablity!

It would be nice if it was a foot activated switch.