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Jake Brake In Rain – Explain
I have read here several times that the Jake brake should not be used in the rain or in any kind of slippery conditions. I have been told by truckers that the Jake will get you slapped in the face with the trailer in a hurry on wet or slick roads.
I understand that. I have pulled a 5th wheel enough to know a trailer can go squirrely on you in a heart beat if the truck slows down and the trailer does not. I am sure it is even worse with a heavy cargo trailer in place of a 5th wheel RV.
We apply the same rule of thumb to our coaches, No Jake in rain or slippery conditions. Why? Should that same caution apply to us? Our engine is in the rear. If the engine slows forward momentum from the rear, is that dangerous?
I am not saying there is no danger, I want to know. I am not trying to pick a fight or be a hard head, I really want to understand the physics of it. The last year it seems it rains every day I travel. I wonder about this every time. I love the Jake on. When I let off the gas, I want to slow down.
So rather than debate the pros and cons of Jake brakes or proving you get better mileage without the Jake or giving the standard warning, someone explain why. I am sure there is a good reason and it may be so simple I say, duh!
Davy
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5 Replies
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My guess is: the drive tires can loose traction
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DKO
Given the right set of conditions, the “jake brake” can actually stop your drive tires from turning on slick surface, causing you to skid. Whether it be snow, ice, or rain the possibility is there. One precaution if you must have some jake brake action while on a snowpacked surface, drive with you toll window open, jake on 1/2, and listen to your exhaust. If the exhaust cackle cuts out, your wheels aren’t turning, lightly apply throttle to get ‘em turning again to keep control.
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Two (2) items suggested should not be engaged on rain slick roads ;
Cruise control
Jake brake
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The responses above were right on target. When you engage the jake on a slippery surface you give up control of the forces applied to the drive axle. Both the cruise and jake are going to do what is asked of them, regardless of the condition of the road surface until you disengage them.
If the jake or cruise exerts too much power, either driving or braking and the rear of the coach loses traction you cannot react as you normally would without first having to disengage the jake or cruise.
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I did not realize the Jake could make the drives skid. If so, then the warning makes sense.
Davy
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