Using Jake Brake in traffic

[MyPrevost]

Last week I found myself in the passenger seat of a large flatbed wrecker getting a ride to a nearby Harley dealer. We were on normal, busy suburban roads and streets. After a few minutes I noticed that the driver had the Jake Brake engaged, as I could feel in kicking in and dropping gears as he slowed down in traffic. I asked him about it, and he said that they always leave the Jake Break engaged because it makes it much easier to slow down in traffic. The next time I was in similar traffic, I tried it. It was much easier than standing on the break pedal every time I slowed down. Definitely less effort. So, two questions: Am I doing any damage using the Jake Brake in traffic? Did everyone else already know about this except me? Thanks!   Thom 1999 Angola XL-40 Dunedin, FL Still feel like a newbie

[MyPrevost]

1. Nope

2. Yep(-:

Dan & Judy Hilger
08 Marathon #1076
3rd Prevost owned
SW Iowa

[MyPrevost]

Use it.

Jeff Rowe
East Tennessee Luxury Coach
126 Horne Dr.Vonore TN 37885
423-884-6008

[MyPrevost]

As a routine matter the Jake or retarder, depending on how the coach is equipped should be enabled at all times. The retarder does not have to have the selector in any of the active positions, but by having the switch on it is automatically going to assist proportional to the brake force used.

We need every means possible to reduce our stopping distance.

Jon and Di 2006 Liberty Elegant Lady, 2021
Jeep Grand Cherokee, 1950 Ford
Knoxville, TN

Owner of three Liberty Coaches since 1990

 

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I never turn it off.

Tom & Nancy
7 Prevosts Owned

[MyPrevost]

I keep mine in low all the time and on high when I need it. I try not to use the service breaks unless I have to. Sometimes I’ll see No Engine Breaking signs from time to time so I’ll turn it off but that’s the only time.

Fred

1998 Liberty XL
“Drive On”

[MyPrevost]

if our engine is running, Jake brake switch is on and on high, always. No exceptions

Jim n Chris
2000-01 Featherlite XL45 dbl slide w/Rivets (Current)
Past Busses
2000 Marathon XL 40 (0593)
1992 Beaver XL 40 (Bus #34)
2000 Marathon H3-45 (0586)
2002 Marathon XLII (0740) Panel delam was a mystery back then
2001 Country Coach 2 slide (60449) 1st one

[MyPrevost]

I never turned my Jake off on my previous coach, and I don’t turn off my retarder on the current one.  The amount of force will vary on the Jake depending on engine RPM and gear selected.  If I remember right, it cuts off under 15 MPH too.

You will notice a big difference when comming up to a stop sign, or if you have to stop quick.  Use it!

Mark & Kristi
Jasper, TN
2022 Newmar King Aire
2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

[MyPrevost]

Always on high.  But then again, the Jake on my 8V92 is about as effective as sticking my hand out the window. I also ignore the no Jake signs. Our exhaust system does a pretty good job of knocking down any offensive noise. Those signs are really because of the truckers that like to play with their jake, especially if they have straight pipes, which hopefully I sold them.

Bill & Jean
1990 Marathon XL 2013-2021
2001 Marathon H3-45 #0678 2019-present

[MyPrevost]

Five years ago a year after buying our previous coach, 1992 XL 40 converted by Beaver Coach equipped with 8V-92.  The jake brake was on the weak side. Remembering how strong our Yellowstone Park MCI-5B with manual four speed had dragging anchor slowing capability.
Took our Beaver Bus into the shop, and had our jake brake solenoids replaced, and Voila.  Anchor dragging slowing, even in first gear

Jim n Chris
2000-01 Featherlite XL45 dbl slide w/Rivets (Current)
Past Busses
2000 Marathon XL 40 (0593)
1992 Beaver XL 40 (Bus #34)
2000 Marathon H3-45 (0586)
2002 Marathon XLII (0740) Panel delam was a mystery back then
2001 Country Coach 2 slide (60449) 1st one

[MyPrevost]

I’ll work the Jake on and off a lot.  If I see a chance to do some good coasting I take it.

On our bus, the Jake in 1st can really grab and lunge the bus forward so I don’t use it at super slow speeds. This probably indicates the Alison will fall out soon…. Oh well.

For me a panic stop includes the finger to the dash to hit the Jake switch. It’s habit now.

2003 Marathon XLII #827
2017 Wrangler Unlimited
Austin, Texas

[MyPrevost]

I would disagree with presuming in a panic stop your finger can get the jake turned on as quick as needed. I would urge the alternate is to leave it on all the time, and only turn it off when you elect to do some coasting. Then your stopping distance is not affected by your finger’s accuracy in poking at a switch that might not be in your direct field of view.

Jon and Di 2006 Liberty Elegant Lady, 2021
Jeep Grand Cherokee, 1950 Ford
Knoxville, TN

Owner of three Liberty Coaches since 1990

[MyPrevost]

Jake is alwyas on.  In a panic stop, i use a finger for something else!

Tom
2005 Marathon XLII #894 with “no see em” rivets
2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee

[MyPrevost]

Jake is always on high…a panic braking situation requires both hands on the wheel, and like Bill, I ignore the “No Jake Brake” signs. Our coaches jakes are muffled to the point that it’s a non-factor.

Mike & Karen
2 Drifters at heart
2021.5 Pleasure-Way Plateau FL – SOLD
1998 XL 45 Country Coach – SOLD

[MyPrevost]

On and on High with my 8V92TA and it works pretty bueno.

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