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Engine brake difference between DT15 and Paccar (muscle memory).

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by ruudhompsor, Aug 3, 2018.

  1. Aug 3, 2018 #1
    ruudhompsor

    ruudhompsor Light Load Member

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    Aug 28, 2017
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    For the past 8 months I've been driving a 2017 Freightliner Cascadia. I've become so accustomed to the DT12 engine brake (control positioned on the steering column) that I'm a bit nervous about the prospect of switching to a T680 Paccar (engine brake control positioned on the dash). Is it as cumbersome to reach/apply as it appears in photos? Have to reach all the way to the dash each time I want to use it? I just wonder how quickly my muscle memory will adjust to that change. I'm sure there are many other things which are different between the two trucks, but that one is what's got me thinking. I am still a newbie at driving -- 14 months total between two stints as a truck driver -- so my experience with differing transmissions/trucks is limited. I submit this post as I'm considering applying to a company w/ mostly T680's.
     
    Last edited: Aug 3, 2018
    ruudhompsor, Aug 3, 2018
    ruudhompsor, Aug 3, 2018
    #1
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  3. Aug 3, 2018 #2
    ruudhompsor

    ruudhompsor Light Load Member

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    correction: DT12
     
    ruudhompsor, Aug 3, 2018
    ruudhompsor, Aug 3, 2018
    #2
  4. Aug 3, 2018 #3
    ruudhompsor

    ruudhompsor Light Load Member

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    I should probably add that I use the engine brake a lot. Probably too much, but it works for me.
     
    ruudhompsor, Aug 3, 2018
    ruudhompsor, Aug 3, 2018
    #3
  5. Aug 3, 2018 #4
    magoo68

    magoo68 Road Train Member

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    Depends on transmission in t680 the new ones with the 12 speeds have a column mounted engine brake... either way if your coming from a DD15 the brake will be weaker than the shaker .. if your current truck is a DD13 it will be similar .. on my 2015 i find it in a nice position however I’m 6’4” so I have a good reach
     
    magoo68, Aug 3, 2018
    magoo68, Aug 3, 2018
    #4
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  7. Aug 4, 2018 #5
    Trucking in Tennessee

    Trucking in Tennessee Road Train Member

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    I love the stalk on my Volvo. Unless I am really loaded I don't even have to touch the brakes.
     
    Trucking in Tennessee, Aug 4, 2018
    Trucking in Tennessee, Aug 4, 2018
    #5
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  8. Aug 4, 2018 #6
    Balakov100

    Balakov100 Road Train Member

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    I think you're over thinking the position of the engine break switch.
     
    Balakov100, Aug 4, 2018
    Balakov100, Aug 4, 2018
    #6
    stwik, Samuelh, ruudhompsor and 1 other person Thank this.
  9. Aug 4, 2018 #7
    Roberts450

    Roberts450 Road Train Member

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    Who turns the jake switch on/off every time? Just leave it on and use the throttle pedal to turn it on/off.
     
    Roberts450, Aug 4, 2018
    Roberts450, Aug 4, 2018
    #7
    stwik and ruudhompsor Thank this.
  10. Aug 4, 2018 #8
    Samuelh

    Samuelh Bobtail Member

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    Jun 23, 2018
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    I'm in an International with ISX, jake level switch on the dash. Has on and off switch on the steering wheel. Took all of a few times to get used to it.
    I leave it on and just use the throttle peddle and the dash switch.
     
    Samuelh, Aug 4, 2018
    Samuelh, Aug 4, 2018
    #8
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  11. Aug 5, 2018 #9
    BrownEyedGirI

    BrownEyedGirI Bobtail Member

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    Oct 22, 2016
    Cincinnati
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    Switching from a Freightliner to a T680, you're in for a BIG surprise! The Paccar engine brake SUCKS! It sucks so bad that I sometimes have to rethink my route depending on weight. I frequently am headed west on I-40 and have to get down to I-8. My company's suggested route is taking I-17 from Flagstaff down to Phoenix. Those are some long, high grades to go down and if my load is over around 25k I go down I-25 instead from Albuquerque. It only took me one time going down I-17 with a 40k+ load to learn how terrible of an idea that was in my new T680.
     
    BrownEyedGirI, Aug 5, 2018
    BrownEyedGirI, Aug 5, 2018
    #9
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  12. Aug 5, 2018 #10
    Eowyn

    Eowyn Medium Load Member

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    After 8 months of being in a different truck, I still reach over to switch the jake off occasionally.
     
    Eowyn, Aug 5, 2018
    Eowyn, Aug 5, 2018
    #10
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