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Using Jake Brake in traffic
Last week I found myself in the passenger seat of a large flatbed wrecker getting a ride to a nearby Harley dealer. We were on normal, busy suburban roads and streets.
After a few minutes I noticed that the driver had the Jake Brake engaged, as I could feel in kicking in and dropping gears as he slowed down in traffic. I asked him about it, and he said that they always leave the Jake Break engaged because it makes it much easier to slow down in traffic. The next time I was in similar traffic, I tried it. It was much easier than standing on the break pedal every time I slowed down. Definitely less effort.
So, two questions:
Am I doing any damage using the Jake Brake in traffic?
Did everyone else already know about this except me?
Thanks!
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31 Replies
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1. Nope
2. Yep(-:
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Use it
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As a routine matter the Jake or retarder, depending on how the coach is equipped should be enabled at all times. The retarder does not have to have the selector in any of the active positions, but by having the switch on it is automatically going to assist proportional to the brake force used.
We need every means possible to reduce our stopping distance.
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I never turn it off.
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I keep mine in low all the time and on high when I need it. I try not to use the service breaks unless I have to. Sometimes I’ll see No Engine Breaking signs from time to time so I’ll turn it off but that’s the only time.
Fred
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if our engine is running, Jake brake switch is on and on high, always. No exceptions
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I never turned my Jake off on my previous coach, and I don’t turn off my retarder on the current one. The amount of force will vary on the Jake depending on engine RPM and gear selected. If I remember right, it cuts off under 15 MPH too.
You will notice a big difference when comming up to a stop sign, or if you have to stop quick. Use it!
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Always on high. But then again, the Jake on my 8V92 is about as effective as sticking my hand out the window. I also ignore the no Jake signs. Our exhaust system does a pretty good job of knocking down any offensive noise. Those signs are really because of the truckers that like to play with their jake, especially if they have straight pipes, which hopefully I sold them.
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Five years ago a year after buying our previous coach, 1992 XL 40 converted by Beaver Coach equipped with 8V-92. The jake brake was on the weak side. Remembering how strong our Yellowstone Park MCI-5B with manual four speed had dragging anchor slowing capability.
Took our Beaver Bus into the shop, and had our jake brake solenoids replaced, and Voila. Anchor dragging slowing, even in first gear -
I’ll work the Jake on and off a lot. If I see a chance to do some good coasting I take it.
On our bus, the Jake in 1st can really grab and lunge the bus forward so I don’t use it at super slow speeds. This probably indicates the Alison will fall out soon…. Oh well.
For me a panic stop includes the finger to the dash to hit the Jake switch. It’s habit now.
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I would disagree with presuming in a panic stop your finger can get the jake turned on as quick as needed. I would urge the alternate is to leave it on all the time, and only turn it off when you elect to do some coasting. Then your stopping distance is not affected by your finger’s accuracy in poking at a switch that might not be in your direct field of view.
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Jake is alwyas on. In a panic stop, i use a finger for something else!
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Jake is always on high…a panic braking situation requires both hands on the wheel, and like Bill, I ignore the “No Jake Brake” signs. Our coaches jakes are muffled to the point that it’s a non-factor.
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On and on High with my 8V92TA and it works pretty bueno.
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On high always, but in grades of 6-10%, I use the manual transmission selector to slow down since the Jake is pretty ineffective at those grades … at least in my coach. My brakes appreciate it…
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