Legalize Engine (Jake) Brakes

I see ya working and Im chuckling here with you, as it does sound cute. But I doubt it would be effective in changing the no engine braking ordinances in thousands upon thousands of cities.

I think guys with straightpipes who downshifted every gear instead of using the brake pedal is why all towns have banned the use of Jakes. Good, bad, or indifferent.

 

Most No Engine Brake laws are because of a handful of idiots who have woke up the wrong people too many times. Not always intentionally, but the rest pay. And it depends on the truck. Drove a Shaker that the 1st 2 stages no one knew they were on and that was more than enough for very slight grade ahead. Have had others that you had to really ease off the pedal to not make it sound like Jakes. I still ignore the signs if I think I need the additional ummphh. But usually you don't.

 

I hate laws like this. If you dont wanna hear noise go live in the woods! WTF happen to the FREE country!



American Trucker

 

ok, you go with that, and get back to us..

 

People move next to a highway with a grade (like coming down into Salt Lake City off Parley) and then complain about highway noise. They move in by the airport and complain about jet engine noise. They move next to a set of railroad tracks and complain about ground vibration. They move in next to an industrial area and complain if someone tries to engage in industry.

Go figure.

If I need to use that engine brake, I do. Mine is muffled, so it does not make any more noise than the general operation of my motor. Downshifting is not the problem, and is actually safer than just pushing the clutch and brake. Most times, I do downshift as I'm stopping or slowing. The problem is not in using the brake as an aid or in downshifting. The problem is not even straight pipes. I could really give a crap how people have their trucks equipped. (Well, except for those extra lights that poke out to the sides from the front bumper...they make it appear the truck passing me is going to run me off the road...but I'm able to ignore that, too.)

The problem is in using engine brakes with straight pipes when they are not needed at 03:30, right after the resident got that colicy baby to sleep. I did say needlessly. I do not find the engine brake to be useful in town on surface streets. In fact, in a few instances, it has been a hindrance to smooth shifting. And I don't want to get into that discussion...about how if you can't shift with the jake on, you don't know how to drive. I find no reason to go through town, light to light, running a 130Db jake brake.

Funny thing, though, most big-truck drivers don't do that. My own personal, non-scientific observation is it's usually dump trucks and local day cabs doing that.

It might sound cool, but you look like a fool.

 

I think that some of the no Jake brake laws are necessary in some of the little backcountry towns on county roads, alot of the houses and such were there before alot of truck traffic was, but if I need to use it I still will.. But as far as the big cities and people who live in new subdivisions right next to the interstate go, I have no sympathy at all and it's asinine to complain about it, it's like building next to an airport then complaining about jet noise..Or Down here in florida we get these old Yankees that retire and move down here onto our rivers then complain about airboat noise, that was there way before they were..

 

I agree Injun,,, I really love the drivers that come into a truck stop, and use that jake rolling through the truck stop parking lot,,,WTF? Really? They are saying, "look at my truck". There are many drivers that leave that thing on all the time and there is no need for that but, to each his own.

I also agree with the point; "safety over comfort".

 

With most (if not all) cities, you don't need a engine brake. If you do; then I'd be willing to bet you're following the vehicle in front of you too closely.