RAM Cummins 2500 Diesel Exhaust Brake Question

Tom_OC · 06-06-2015, 11:10 PM

Hi fellow RAM owners. I recently bought a 2015 2500 Laramie 4x4. Lots of things that I am still trying to figure out. I came here instead of the RAM forum. (Not very helpful) On the exhaust brake I push it once to engage it and twice to put it on automatic. Is is a good idea to keep it on Auto even when not towing? Some say yes and some say no. If I press it once to engage it while going downhill, is that best or auto (while towing). I have never owned a diesel so any help is appreciated. Also how low should you go while towing downhill
Thanks in advance

bmet2000 · 06-07-2015, 04:32 AM

I use the cummins forum ( Dodge Cummins Diesel Forum )
and they are usually very helpful and quick to reply. If you are just on a ram forum they might not have as many diesel owners.
I leave my exhaust brake on all the time on my 2012 and it is recommended to keep the soot from building up. I don't have DEF but I would think it would help yours as well. Mine is only only one stage, either off of on. But it works great coming down a grade as my 11k travel trailer doesn't push me down faster. I don't even have to use the brakes. My 2006 did not have one and it was no fun coming down mountains.

Ryetye · 06-07-2015, 04:49 AM

I second the cummins forum! I keep mine on constantly as well on a 2011 no def. Also after towing be sure to let the engine idle a few minutes to cool the turbo down. I usually do this while unhooking trailer and hooking up utilities!

namusmc65 · 06-07-2015, 05:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom_OC

Hi fellow RAM owners. I recently bought a 2015 2500 Laramie 4x4. Lots of things that I am still trying to figure out. I came here instead of the RAM forum. (Not very helpful) On the exhaust brake I push it once to engage it and twice to put it on automatic. Is is a good idea to keep it on Auto even when not towing? Some say yes and some say no. If I press it once to engage it while going downhill, is that best or auto (while towing). I have never owned a diesel so any help is appreciated. Also how low should you go while towing downhill
Thanks in advance

Hey Tom, I also just bought a 2015 but the SLT version with nav, backup camera and the big screen radio. Lots of bells and whistles to figure out. I had the 2007 5.9L before and this 6.7L is a HOSS! I too and trying to figure it all out but can't wait to use the exhaust brake feature. Getting my 5th wheel hitch put on tomorrow and leaving on our next trip Tuesday. Cutting it close.
Joe in Georgia

herewego · 06-07-2015, 06:04 AM

Only use ours when towing,this is a very nice feature,and our integrated braking system works great as well...

cariboocreek · 06-07-2015, 07:44 AM

I leave mine in the "on" position when towing. Works great. I do not use it at all if I am just driving around. The manual is silent on full time use so I would assume leaving it on all the time would be no issue.

nwminnesota · 06-07-2015, 07:55 AM

When I run unloaded I do not use it but when I am towing I have been playing with it so far I just turn it on before going down steep grade s and hills haven't played with it too much yet.

maromeo · 06-07-2015, 09:30 AM

We have a 2014 Laramie 4X4 and while towing we push the button twice for automatic and leave it on. We have 6% and 7% grades while towing to our destination. We have no issues. It took a bit to figure it out but we use the automatic for the most part.

Skaling · 06-07-2015, 10:16 AM

Turn it on when you need it( towing), off when you are doing your regular day to day driving..

Flyrotor · 06-07-2015, 06:04 PM

I use mine all the time, towing or daily driving, saves on my brakes, often when exiting an interstate I don't even need my brakes, the engine and gears do it all. When towing it's even more impressive, it seems that the heavier the load, the better it works

RUSSELL5000 · 06-07-2015, 07:07 PM

Tom_OC,

I think you will find www.turbodieselregister.com a very good source of technical and practical knowledge for your Cummins Ram truck.

I use the exhaust brake all the time so that the vanes in the turbocharger do not get crusted with soot.

The exhaust brake is a great thing when towing. Everything I have read or heard is that the recent two-stage E.B. is a big improvement over the single stage (what I have.)

bethcb · 06-07-2015, 09:36 PM

We have a 2015 RAM 3500 Dually Laramie Longhorn with Aisin transmission. We were told to use the exhaust brake when towing going down grades. It has worked well for us driving across the country a few weeks ago.

namusmc65 · 06-15-2015, 07:45 AM

All I can say is WOW! Just went on our first trip and although it was level ground all the way, we still put the exhaust brake on auto. What a difference in stopping. Did not hardly even have to use the brake. Just love the sound of that kicking in! My wife said I was just like a little kid with a new toy!

RUSSELL5000 · 06-15-2015, 08:22 AM

That is pretty much what I said on my first trip with the truck and trailer. Is a great tool.

ghuffman3 · 06-15-2015, 11:35 AM

I leave it off when not towing and in auto when towing. Love it. After reading this thread I might try auto when not towing.

BroncoUp · 06-15-2015, 11:54 AM

I had an issue with my 2013 Ram Cummins diesel brakes. I would have it in the off position and it would come on while driving down any size hill even when not towing. I asked Dodge about it when I took it in for service and the guys who drove Diesels all said they keep it ON all the time as many others here mentioned. I go back and forth when not towing but I always keep it on when towing, even when I am just driving down the freeway or city streets. It probably drives the people nuts behind me as I am not "braking" as I slow down to the lights.

gtsum2 · 06-15-2015, 09:12 PM

I use auto when towing (most of the time) and off when not towing. Towing 15500 lbs and it does great on the west va hills. I have used "full" on some very steep switchbacks though (10-15% grades). 2014 3500 here

msnyder755 · 07-27-2015, 06:18 PM

Tom,

So we have the same truck and I also did lots of research on this. In the "on" mode engine braking will occurr immediately upon accelerator release assuming you are above the minimum threshhold. This is about 1500 give or take rpm. In the "auto" mode engine braking occurrs only of the vehicle is accelerating after release of the accelerator.

There is no advantage or disadvantage of using either mode when not towing. Obvious advantages while towing with both modes.

Why have an off mode then people often ask, well there are local towns where engine brake use is prohibited due to noise ordinances.

Your truck has the DEF system and automatic regeneration of the filter build up so no real need to use it when not towing other than it will help with brake wear as you will use less

Hope that helps

Flyrotor · 07-28-2015, 04:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by msnyder755

Why have an off mode then people often ask, well there are local towns where engine brake use is prohibited due to noise ordinances.

Actually the Ram Cummins engine has an exhaust brake, not an engine brake, which in theory work quite similar, but the exhaust brake is not prohibitive as are the larger trucks with the engine brakes. The exhaust brake still expels all the energy through the muffler, thus does not create the loud rattle like the big rigs.

Additionally, the exhaust brake will help in colder weather to improve heating up the cab when idling and operating

namusmc65 · 07-28-2015, 07:07 AM

I tried the auto mode when not in the towing mode and never even heard the braking kick in. Maybe my hearing was bad as the inside is fairly quiet compared to other trucks I have been in. I now just use mine when towing.

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