Engine Brake Question

Definitely not rocket science to know that with everything else equal you won't stop any quicker with the jake. Whatever makes you more comfortable is the best option though.

 

This driver always drove with his jakes on.........

http://www.fox17online.com/news/fox...ic-i196-crash-speaks-20110728,0,3369269.story

 

REALLY????, you better tell HIM that. He said (at the 2min remaining mark) "I don't run with the jake brake on, I don't know why I had it on". If he DID always drive with his jake brake on, he wouldn't have taken his eyes off the road to "flip them off" and therefore likely wouldn't have veered into oncoming traffic and lost control trying to recover.

 

Gee..important note before leavin for the day..check all switch positions..

I don't use em in the rain either and I check weather reports and weather maps every time I stop to fuel or eat..any change to the configuration of my conrols for what lies ahead is part of PLANNING AHEAD..which is kind of a requirement of the job.

Petey

 

Since I don't live in co or ever want to live in co then I got nothing to worry about..and since dmv tests take place on city streets (when I usually have my jakes off anyway) It wouldn't matter...Jakes are for use at Highway speeds..no city streets though I have had to flip them on in a city cuz some dumb ### decides try to race across the street in front of me on foot and I needed all the controlled braing I could get to keep from running them over..and unlike the driver in the article that was posted..I could hit my switch without taking my eyes off the wheel.just like I can hit any other important control and shift without taking my eyes off the road..it becomes a natural movement...same with cruise control or accel/decel

Colorado is a nice place to visit..on vacation..but I wouldn't want to live there..sorry

Petey

 

You're absolutely right. I'ld like to apologize for being so snotty in my previous post. It was uncalled for. I've said it before (a few times) and I'll say it once again, I don't care how others drive their trucks. I use the jake and insist that my drivers do same (in appropriate conditions). I just get annoyed when seasoned drivers (or anyone for that matter) tell newbies that using the jake on flat ground is WRONG. It's not. Then again, I come across as suggesting that using service brakes on the flat where a jake would suffice is wrong and THAT is equally wrong and I would like to also apologize to any new drivers if I mislead them. A more important suggestion would be, regardless of whether you use the jake or your service brakes for slowing down, start early and slow down gradually. It's not a car.

BTW, "You'd have a problem doing your DMV road test in Ca. using your Jake to slow down, instead of your service brakes." Why is it that this doesn't surprise me coming from california??

 

L2K has it right...under appropriate conditions the jake is always a better alternative than svc brakes..it slows the truck..only affects one axle, and keeps a driver in control.

service brakes, applied too aggressively can cause skids..

If I'm on the highway and coming up on slower traffic and can't yet pass (on the interstate) I'll jake the truck to slow it down to match speed or slow closing speeds..I'll use the jake to begin slowing down for an offramp assisted by the service brakes as needed to get the speed I am comfortable with for that particular off ramp..I will use the jake in addition to the service brakes to avoid a collision if at all possible.

I do shut em off off the highway in towns, truck stops, shippers and recievers..unless is an emergency.but that doesn't change the fact that the truck begins slowing with the jake as soon as you take your foot off the fuel..and even if you have to stab brake to get stopped..that extra second to second and a half of deceleration can save your life and the lives of others..brake lag time is still distance the truck is rolling so the more you can get it to slow down while the svc brakes pressure up and kick in..te better off you are...IMO and many others opinion as well.

Petey

 

So, you are a follower, not a leader then...
Hypothetical Question Miss License To Kill(with the "Sound's Cool" handle.......)
So, if your dad beat you up when you were a kid, does that mean your gonna beat up your children as well???
Not even stating here who's right or wrong at all.......but with the aura of attitude that surround's you post and it's writting's......I'm glad as hell your "X" miles away from these part's.