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Jake Brake Foot Switch Install
Installed a foot switch($39) to activate the Jake brake. My first diesel pusher, a dutch star, was setup like a Prevost, no foot switch, so I didn’t know any better. 5 Monaco coaches later, all with foot switches, and I know what I like. I don’t like taking my busy left hand off the steering wheel to fumble around for the Jake switch(very distracting). I do like activating the Jake with my bored left foot(not distracting).
Wired the foot switch into the ground wire(black) of the dash switch for the Jake brake. The ground circuit is completed/closed when it’s stepped on.
My guess is most people here won’t like this mod. Different strokes for different folks.
I mounted it on a wooden wedge that I made to give it the proper angle .
I case somebody does like this mod, look on amazon for: Linemaster 491-SC36MP foot switch
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13 Replies
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Took me a while getting used to not having a foot switch. I like what you did.
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A bunch of old guys would think that was a dimmer switch…….
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Since all of the vehicles I primarily drive are manual transmissions I could just picture myself stepping on the “clutch”. On the bus it feels a little odd initially to not step on the clutch and I have found my right hand in the air feeling for the gear shift.
The ideal set up is the one used for the retarder. Even with the retarder selector in the “0” or off position, as long as the master switch is on the retarder is engage proportionately with brake engagement. Step on the brake and the retarder is automatically operational.
When I had a jake it was on 100% of the time. Same with my retarder. Why not engage the Jake when the brake lights come on so you never have to think of raising your left foot? In a panic situation, unless you have practiced panic stopping often enough to have “muscle memory” you are not going to be engaging the Jake to assist as efficiently as having it come on automatically.
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A bunch of old guys might equate that to a dimmer switch. A few even older guys might equate that to a starter switch. I remember old Nash cars had a switch, looked comparable to the dimmer switch, under the clutch where the clutch pedal had to be pushed further to make the switch connections. Really older guys had to use a hand crank on the outside of the car regardless of the weather. I don’t recall using any cranks, just being one on occasion!
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While in high school my Mother had an AMC Javelin. There was a foot switch/pump for putting windshield washer fluid on the windshield.
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I have a clutch pedal, floor mounted dimmer switch and a floor mounted air horn button in my bus – Lots to do with my left foot. Sadly no Jake to worry about….
I have used a floor mounted starter in my Grandpa’s old grain truck and his first tractor 1941 MM – R has a crank starter which is still in the family and still used ocasionally:)
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I’m beginning to think that this group would be better off with an AARP discount rather than a fuel discount……….
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that pedal in my fire truck is the siren
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That would be the perfect switch to:
Immediately quiet the kids / dog OR Even better – make wife call out the info for the next turn!
hmmmm. I better get busy on this 😉 -
Just leave mine on. Probably drives folks behind me nutz on these hills around Central Tx.
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The only time the jake or retarder will drive folks crazy is if you have the brake light come on when you or your cruise control lets off the gas. I don’t remember the relay number, but if you have left that relay in place you end up with a lot of pissed off drivers after you pass someone. When you do that you let off the gas and the Jake or retarder engages and the brake lights light.
Then the guy you just passed thinks you just put on your brakes when all you are doing is slowing down from your passing speed.
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On my H, the relay is in the electrical bay between the radiator and tag on driver side.
Relay #R-61
Labeled:
Stop Lts
Jake & Retard
1999 XLV X-6872, liberty #440 -
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I have been using Jake foot switches on my Prevosts since 2000 and have installed them on friends coaches as well.
I would never be without one. I think I used the same swich as picture,electric troll motor foot sw.
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