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Plan-B · 11-22-2015, 11:50 AM

I will be ordering a 2016 RAM 2500 with a Cummins soon. I have owned multiple Ford Powerstrokes, none had true 'engine braking'.

I am looking for any advice; does/don'ts and tips/tricks you might have to offer on the newer RAMs with regards to their 'engine braking' setup pulling my AS. Also any experience between using the standard exhaust brake setting vs. the 'Smart' exhaust brake setting would be appreciated.

PS: I spend most the travel season in the mountainous roads out west.

Thanks

khollister · 11-22-2015, 12:00 PM

The auto mode attempts to maintain speed when you take your foot off the accelerator, the regular mode slows the truck down as much as possible. I use auto.

The truck will recall the exhaust brake setting when a trailer is connected.

Don't use the exhaust brake when the roads are slick

The exhaust brake doesn't work below about 1000-1200 RPM, so you may have to manually downshift at slow speeds for it to engage.

It seems more aggressive when tow/haul mode is engaged.

Keith
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daveswenson · 11-22-2015, 01:16 PM

Use the auto mode with Tow/Haul engaged. You'll love it.

BAB · 11-22-2015, 01:25 PM

Like the other folks who have posted, I use the "Auto" setting. You are really going to appreciate this feature of the 2500HD. I've towed through plenty of mountains and it's pretty amazing how infrequently you have to use the service brakes. The "hold back" power of exhaust braking system AND the 800 plus pounds of torque make going down AND up major grades a piece of cake. I have 33,000 miles on my '14 Ram...30,000 towing. I'd also add that my truck has averaged 13.8 MPG while towing.

Plan-B · 11-22-2015, 01:41 PM

Really appreciate your input everyone. . Can't wait to order.

interstateflyer · 11-22-2015, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by khollister

Don't use the exhaust brake when the roads are slick
Keith
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Keith. Why not use the exhaust brake when the roads are slick?

SeeMore · 11-22-2015, 02:51 PM

... Why not use the exhaust brake when the roads are slick?...

For the same reason you don't use cruise control, traction! Either system can become a problem when wheel speed does not match asphalt speed. The exhaust brake does interface with the antilock feature of your brake system.

switz · 11-22-2015, 03:00 PM

With our 2012 Ram 2500HD Cummins, I hardly need the mechanical brakes as the engine can control our 19,200 pound rig down mountain with no problem.

interstateflyer · 11-22-2015, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SeeMore

... Why not use the exhaust brake when the roads are slick?...

For the same reason you don't use cruise control, traction! Either system can become a problem when wheel speed does not match asphalt speed. The exhaust brake does interface with the antilock feature of your brake system.

How does an "anti-spin" differential play into this?

Al and Missy · 11-22-2015, 03:35 PM

Like BAB, I love mine. We have traveled US421 from I-77 to Deep Gap, NC while towing and not towing with my F-150. Even when not towing, with the F150 I had to downshift and/or use the brakes going down the 6-mile 8% grade near the Blue Ridge Parkway. Towing with the 2013 Ram I had only to tap the brakes for a few seconds once at the steepest part. And going up? Wow!

Over on the Turbo Diesel Forum, many are in favor of driving all the time with Tow-Haul and Auto Exhaust Brake engaged, claiming it keeps the turbo vanes clearer of carbon. I don't do it all the time, and I suspect if may cost mpg when on the highway and not towing, but I do it sometimes. As stated, be ready for the exhaust brake to cut out at slow speed. In traffic you'll have to get on the brake more when you are coming to a stop.

Al

Alphonse · 11-23-2015, 10:45 AM

Same here - Tow/Haul on with Exhaust Brake on Automatic mode. Works like a charm.

Larry C · 11-23-2015, 11:00 AM

Another thing you'll appreciate is the longer brake life. My 2003 Dodge/Cummins just turned over 114,000 miles, of which over 100,000 of that has been towing. It still has the original brake pads.
The exhause brake wasn't offered by Dodge for the stick shift at that time, so I installed a Gear Vendors system.
For whatever it's worth.
Larry

Echelon73 · 11-23-2015, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Plan-B

I will be ordering a 2016 RAM 2500 with a Cummins soon. I have owned multiple Ford Powerstrokes, none had true 'engine braking'.

I am looking for any advice; does/don'ts and tips/tricks you might have to offer on the newer RAMs with regards to their 'engine braking' setup pulling my AS. Also any experience between using the standard exhaust brake setting vs. the 'Smart' exhaust brake setting would be appreciated.

PS: I spend most the travel season in the mountainous roads out west.

Thanks

I would mirror what others say about the "auto" setting of the exhaust brake. The RAM Cummins really does not have an engine brake though. If you want true engine braking as well then check out the Pacbrake Loadleash. I found it a few weeks ago while looking for some parts. Here is a link: Pacbrake Loadleash Engine Brake | Dodge 6.7L

Plan-B · 11-23-2015, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Echelon73

I would mirror what others say about the "auto" setting of the exhaust brake. The RAM Cummins really does not have an engine brake though. If you want true engine braking as well then check out the Pacbrake Loadleash. I found it a few weeks ago while looking for some parts. Here is a link: Pacbrake Loadleash Engine Brake | Dodge 6.7L

Good point. Thanks for making that clear. These darn auto manufactures have people like me using terms that are not accurate.

BAB · 11-23-2015, 03:40 PM

Wow! Larry has gone 114,000 miles without replacing brake pads. Greg, your post has been instructive for those of us who already have the 2500 w/Cummins. Nice to have some good news after the 4 recalls I've had on my truck this year.

SeeMore · 11-24-2015, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by interstateflyer

How does an "anti-spin" differential play into this?

The 'anti spin' rear axle is a limited slip differential equipped axle. If one of the rear wheels starts to loose traction under power, the other rear wheel will engage and keep the truck moving (if that side has traction). It doesn't create a bind in the axle as much as a "locked" axle, which helps going around sharp corners.

interstateflyer · 11-24-2015, 02:08 PM

The "engine brake" on my 2016 RAM 2500 Cummings is one heck of a lot more effective than ECU-Tow Hall managed RPM brake system on my 2013 RAM 1500 Hemi.

Whatever RAM calls it I love the 2500's braking system.

Adiredneck · 12-04-2015, 09:59 PM

I've got a 2015 Ram 3500 with the CTD and the 6 spd stick. When towing, I set the cruise at 63mph. In 6th gear this is around 1600 rpm. We run the length of the Appalachians from the time we hit northern Alabama until we get to northern New York State, and with the cruise control and auto "engine brake" engaged it runs our 17,500lb combo up and down the ridges at exactly 63 mph without downshifting or touching the brake pedal - and with an average of 14.5 mpg. You're gonna love it...!

Tim

Tincampers · 12-05-2015, 06:21 AM

How does the PowerStroke engine brake differ from the Ram?

Plan-B · 12-05-2015, 09:11 AM

I appreciate everyone's experience and advice. I have another question. I am very familiar with the 6 and 6.7 Powerstroke trailer tow mode (no exhaust brake ) when using on steep and curving roads ( when NOT towing or hauling a load ), on asphalt/concrete. I would have to turn off the trailer mode in many cases, again with no load, so as to not risk locking up the rear tires on WET surfaces.

The Ram has trailer tow and an exhaust brake. Is either these modes less likely to lock up the rear tires in the scenario I described above?