Engine Brake - Need Advice

those hills were there before jakes..so man up.. find a different route or get some experience with mountin driving..You will have so much more confidence after you make it. How heavy are you?

 

If it were me, I wouldn't continue on through West Virginia, Virginia and Pennsylvania without the engine brakes.

Again.... a DM sits behind the desk and goes home every night. You're the one who knows best.

 

And what would you do in the hills if it were winter? You can't run with the jake all the time.


The jake is a supplement, not a replacement for driving.

 

pay attention to the % grade signs, hit the crests super slow, right lane, 4 ways on, grab probably sixth gear, maintain 45 or whatever the posted limit is for trucks - 5 mph and roll...dont let mountains scare you. No big deal.

 

How heavy are you ? Mostly interstate ? Trailer brakes working OK ?
If not ultra - heavy, and mainly interstate, no big problem. Just take your time, watch your speed, do it in the daytime. Many, many trucks have no exhaust brake at all, and manage to deliver freight daily.
Now perhaps if you have a bunch of 2 lane roads to run, delivering 80,000 to some small town waaaay in the hills,different story.But I doubt if they would give you a load like that yet.
If you are confident in your abilities, just do it. If unsure,ask your DM, or whoever. I think you can do it.

 

just take it slow....

 

It's your life be honest with yourself if you don't think you have the comfort and skill to get through safely then don't do it.

I agree with the other comments that this is a skill you will have to learn if you plan to make a career out of driving. I would let your dm know and see if you can be routed to the nearest service center.

 

My engine brake hasn't worked in 2 months I've been up and Down the nc/tn pass there out to co. Pa/wv. I've had no problems... Oh yea mostly 80,000 lbs lol