Well, the only one that will not void your warrenty is the Jacobs from the factory. Diesel Exhaust Brake for Cummins Turbo Diesel Engines is now available for 2006/2007 model year Automatic and 2005/2006 model year Manual Transmissions. An electronically controlled valve is placed in the exhaust system to generate backpressure, slowing your engine, drivetrain and vehicle. Brake helps save on brake pad and rotor life, provides increased driving control when towing and/or driving in hilly areas and helps warm the cab in twice the time. Designed and tested by Dodge, Cummins & Jacobs. Diesel Exhaust Brake; for 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel Engines. For use on 2005-2006 Manual Transmissions and 2006-2007 Automatic Transmissions.
Agreed, I think the Jacobs is the only approved warranty safe brake. Although, if I was going to buy one I would probably go with a Pac or BD brake. My dad has a Jacobs on his '02 and I think it engages and disengages too slow. I've heard that the BD and others are faster. Regardless, the warranty issue would be the main concern on a new truck and if you only use on hills the activation speed doesn't really matter.
Warranty is not a concern because the 48RE from 2005 and up is authorized for use with an exhaust brake. Only exceptions are if you float a valve and smash it due to excessive back pressure, I can't see any way they could argue with you. I like BD. I don't like Jacobs. Here's why Jacobs Vacuum opertated, which requires install of a vacuum pump and a different Serpentine Belt. Pumps are prone to failure and very expensive. BD Air operated, comes with 12v compressor, and all controls. No additional drag on motor, or parts to fail stranding you and your load. Cost is about the same and the BD is a touch easier to install. Done both, on my tow rig, I would have a BD any day.
This also means one could add a small 5-10gallon tank someplace and have onboard air! How big is the compressor that comes with the brake? I would imagine its small, too small for a tank added?
The Jacobs is warranted by Dodge. If anything goes wrong with the Jacobs/Cummins/auto or manual tranny our Dodge warranty will cover all three. Dodge will not cover other EBs or the damage they may cause. Pacbrake is very popular with the Cummins engine crowd. Check out the new Pacbrake PBXR as they advertize more braking hp in the 1500-1800 rpm with their new design. My first Cummins was a '01 auto with the Jacobs and at 140k I had zero problems. My present truck has 70k+ miles and no problems. My neighbor [long haul/hotshot] has a '03 DRW 3500 6 speed flatbed with 265k+ miles and she has had zero problems with the Jacobs. JIM
Just curious how could you get excessive back pressure???? if you turn it on at high RPM's,because i just put on the Pac and i love it and sounds good... Thanks
I imagine if would build up enough pressuer over your haul so you could air your tires back up if need on your trail rigs or for power tools, but I think the tools would suck it dry in one hit,I like how your thinking on this one.
