How do you brake?

When I'm hauling a heavy load, I leave my Jake brake on. Lighter loads (30,000 or less), I use as needed.

 

This is what a Jake should sound like:

 

There's a reason why I hate everything new, everything automated, everything computerized, and everything that's supposed to think for you.

When I hear something that is so stupid moronic and asinine like that it makes me so happy I know how to fix old stuff that runs right and does things the way it's supposed to.

Idiotic stuff like that is just sickening. Thank God for old trucks.

 

Keeping a look out what's ahead helps reduce braking I use the brakes as little as possible to reduce ware and tare the engine brakes are switched off throughout city limits and are only used down hill or at high speed emergency stops.

 

Drive with 4-WAYS and have ALL last minute turns covered!!

If loaded AND above 35-40 mph (not in stop-go traffic) full jake ON all-the-time and, if up-shifting, lightly touch clutch to keep RE-TARD from engaging! After replacing worn out dash switch find this method easier!

What's a 'clutch' you say? Drive a 64,000lb tandem dump and you girls 'ave no idea WHAT your messing with! Do the math: 80,000lbs divided by / 5 axles VS 64,000lbs and only 3 axle stopping power!

 

Mines on all the time with heavy loads. Do not want to overheat the brakes in a small town loaded. But empty turn it off especially in early morning.

 

On when loaded.....off when empty. I got one of those that activate the brake lights whenever the jake engages,annoying as hell and I get questioned about seeing imaginary things in front of me a couple times a month

 

Roger that! Especially if I know ya got DISK BRAKES!! (talk 'bout panic stops!)

 

That’s a good question! I had a Freightliner that I could shift with absolutely no problem so I just left it on most of the time and it was quiet. My next Freightliner gave me hell if I left it on and tried to shift but I think the shop had the rpms all screwed up! I’ve got a Volvo now and half the time it won’t even work and that can be a real surprise especially in West Virginia!