was driving over vail pass lastnight empty.

Being empty has a huge effect. Not to mention tire tread, especially on trailer in situs where it wants to slide/come around.
A lot of other variables, too many to even know from another driver's short post, as to actual conditions, actual grade, speed/rpms, tire tread/condition, etc, etc.
BTW, I'm not scared of driving in snow/ice either. But I have had a jake alone cause it to send the drives into a skid and the trailer want to come around, at what was a "safe" speed and equal to other truck traffic. But my load was extremely light. Load makes a big difference, but sometimes ice is... 0-traction ice, load or not.

Cetane,, I usually agree with you on most things, but apparently not on this one.
I'm not cryin the sky is fallin either, just because of some ice/snow/slickies whatever. Just a difference in opinion on what conditions the jake should be on, or off.

 

Your "what else do you need to know" combined with your last sentence shows quite a "snippy" attitude toward my post.
First of all, I wasn't asking you for every detail. I was just pointing out there are many variables to be considered.
I also didn't infer "I was born knowing everything about driving". Sorry you read it that way.
You are the one that came here looking for opinions & advice. Since mine is unappreciated, I'll move on elsewhere.

 

I will say this I was born and raised in Colorado and have driven every pass in this state one way or another even some most don't even know about granted not all in a big rig (like Weston pass) but most the major passes I have gone down in winter with a big rig you think Vail pass is fun try Loveland in the winter

I don't use jakes on slippery roads and this post over on a different thread gives a good explanation as to why http://www.thetruckersreport.com/tr...braking-vs-foot-braking-snow.html#post1709747

Each of you do as you will as each us needs to know the truck we drive and how it reacts. Some run with Jakes others don't I personally feel safer without them due to experience and advice from many long time drivers I personally know. I have to admit this is the first time I heard anyone say jakes on slippery roads was a good idea.
No matter if you run jakes or not. I hope every one makes it to the other end safe every time and not try pushing their luck because their way is better than someone else's because with or without jakes these dang icy roads are dangerous and we most respect that (not fear it) and drive accordingly.

Best luck to everyone and have a great Holiday season

Tsavory

 

This has become a big argument now. Can we just say 70%not using jakes /30% using them and call it truce lol

 

Read this entire thread....Some good advice...Some bad advice.....

My advice....If you can't walk on it without slipping yourself....You can't drive on it....

 

So far the best advice on here. I've broken traction one (1) time using a jake brake. The alternative in slowing down is to step on the service brake which leaves you more prone to trailer jackknife. What's the fear in using an engine retarder on bad roads? If it's that bad that you break traction with an engine retarder then you will certainly jackknife if you step on the service brake. If that's the case you shouldn't be out there period. And..... The OP did the right thing by keeping his Rpms down when using it. Just my opinion.

 

Bigchevy,i asked it as a serious question.
Why ?
So any wannabee or newbee reading this thread knows that the way you got your cdl did not set you up for good and safe winter driving.
As i stated in my previous post:

So i was not having a go at you,it was to warn others.

As to the Jakes,when you are running empty there is no need for them.
For those who want to use Jakes no matter what...........i wish you good luck.

Be safe out there and try not to get offended so easely.
Sometimes a question is just that,a question with no hidden meaning or disrespect behind it.

 

didnt read the whole topic but this I agree with 100%
YOU are in control not the idiot wanting to go fast, YOU own your CDL not them so if you want to continue to keep that CDL then you follow what is safe. I piss off drivers daily for whatever reason it might be but at the end of the day im still around to piss off another driver the next day and my loads all got to their destination. Its better to be late then to never get there at all.