Using Jake Brake in traffic

[MyPrevost]

I might be the exception on this, and i have no proof of this theory. Which is why I’m looking at the forum nightly and always learning. I always leave my exhaust brake on high all the time….with one exception. And that is in stop and go traffic in town. To me, and this could very well just be me being a little OCD, but it seems that with the exhaust brake on high in stop and go traffic it adds a little stress to the driveline when I let off the accelerator. We’re talking non highway speeds here. Think Orlando downtown I-4 traffic…so I generally turn it off or to the low position and leave plenty of room between myself and the vehicle in front of me. Like I said, could be something I’ve fabricated in my head. But the drivetrain seems to be a little less jerky with it off in those conditions. Welcome to any opinions or experiences to sway my thoughts.

B&B
01 Royale XLll, single slide
Lexus GX470
Saint Augustine, FL

[MyPrevost]

Stop and go traffic is when I leave it on all the time.  I have instant braking, and I can feather the throttle as necessary.  I haven’t had a coach with a retarder, but I would have been OK with it.  I hear they have a bit more braking power than a Jake, although the Jakes I’ve had on our previous coach and this one work quite well if you use them right.  However, very few Marathons come with retarders–I’ve only seen one so far, although I imagine there may be more.  I would not be concerned about the stress on the driveline,  Jake braking has less HP/torque than driving HP/torque.

Per
USAF Retired

 

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