I have a question regarding exhaust brakes. Can you use one on a steep icy road without loosing traction. Any body have any experience with one? Thanks in advance. waytogo
Well, mostly I would say no as it can cause the rear end to loose traction. Now, in 4wd, it is very possible to use the brake. Another thought here. If heading downhill on a icy road, I would assume you will be traveling pretty slow. In that situation, where you will only be using the brake to maintain a slow speed and not to slow down, then yes, I think you could use it. Again, i would be in 4wd so there is less risk of control loss.
Diesel nut the reason Im asking is that Im planning a trip with a pretty good size load on a trailer over a mountain pass. I was wondering because I just got my exhaust brake. Not sure if I should use it or not if the road is going to be icy.:doah:
An exhaust brake slows down the drivetrain through the engine and tranny and that will only effect the drive wheels ie: rear axle in 2wd or front and rear in 4wd. Unless you have actual lockers in your front and rear axle you will still only be slowwing down 2 to 3 tires (limited slip diff). Its a much better idea to use your service brakes in combination with the exhaust brake to keep your speeds extremely slow. hopefully the trailer has brakes and you can use the trailer brakes plus the exhuast brake to slow you down. Just remember to keep your speeds very slow on any ice or snow. BTW how much weight you talkin and over which mountains. I live in CO and unless youre in a storm the roads arent that bad usually. Hope this helps
