So, Brandon, the original poster, did any of that answer your questions or just invite more? As I stated earlier, this is a controversial subject indeed.

If you're looking for a "jake brake" appeal with FOMOCO's version of the integrated exhaust brake, ie; noticeable difference when on versus off, a loud, flatulant, harmonious sound as you cackle down through the canyon, a level of confidence beyond compare with 20,000 lbs. behind you while descending a 9% grade for 11 miles, at 8800 ft. elevation. Then this isn't that exhaust brake.

What it is is, a meager attempt by FOMOCO to provide a braking assist, that doesn't seem to do much. You will find posts that rave on it, and you will find posts that mock it. It is somewhere in between. Each and every one of us has our own interpretation of how it works. I know all of us agree it could be better. You will have to find the right combination that best suits your driving and towing conditions.

When I come down the aforementioned grade with my 5er, wife, toys, grandkids, dog, etc, I am in D, tow/haul mode. As I descend the mountain, I simply tap the brake pedal to initiate a downshift. That right there is what starts the exhaust brake feature. The downshift is noticeable and more effective at retarding the vehicle than the EB. The tranny downshifting and keeping itself from upshifting easily, like conventional tranny's do, while coasting downhill, is the biggest braking effect you will notice. Another tap and higher rpms helps hold the load back better yet. Don't assume tho, that you won't overrun the capability of the EB. Once you exceed a certain speed and rpm, the tranny will upshift to protect the engine. That is a spooky feeling the first time or two that occurs. That's when the heavy foot braking comes into play.

As mentioned earlier, and very eloquently by Painted Horse, you will have to find the right combo of gear, speed, load, altitude, grade, and level of comfort, that works for you. I'm not mocking the EB feature. But I am one that wishes it performed better. I couldn't tell you how it compares to GM or Ram, (ooooh). I drive a Ford.

Hook er up to something heavy and let us know what you think. Be cautious but confident. It's a beast!! Have fun.

 

I installed the Edge CTS. ( it's a 2 minutes install) It will display a whole list of PIDs, You can choose 5 to display at the same time. It does not do any programming It is simply a display device to display data that the trucks computer is already collecting. Our trucks have 4 pyro thermocouples that are collecting exhaust temps. They are all post turbo, maybe I should even say post downpipe. I typically watch the #1 and the #4 pyro temps. The number 1 gives me some idea of what the egts are coming out of the turbo. And they are always several hundred degrees cooler than the egts pre-turbo in my old 6.0L

The #4 pyro is pretty much POST everything and gives me an idea of what the temps are as they are leaving the exhaust system.

the edge also displays Regens, soot %, Avg miles between Regen , volts,, voltage, water temp, oil temp, tranny temp, RPMS, True Speed, Fuel mpg, injector something, etc etc. there are about 40 pids to choose from.

It also has a back up camera input, Which I hooked up to back of my trailers so I can see what I'm backing the trailer into. My Ford Nav still displays what my tailgate is backing into. So in essence I have two back up monitors. I put a plug in my bed that I plug the trailers into when I hook up. Or I installed a cheap camera in my bed to help see when I'm over my Gooseneck ball.

 

It did answer my question.

I was expecting "a loud, flatulant, harmonious sound" My only experience with an exhaust breaks has been with a Cummings and a CAT in my RV. When I didn't get the expected response, I thought perhaps it was not engaging and/or I was doing something wrong.

So while all of this has been a lot to take in, it has been very helpful. Thanks, fellas.

Brandon

 

Right on. Let us know if your experiences are different than ours.

 

I'll give my 2 cents on the comparison of the Ford and Cummins exhaust brake, as I drive both daily. It's not that the Ford Ebrake doesn't work, it works very well once you get into that 3000 to 3500rpm range, it's just hard to be in that range at hiway speeds where all the comparisons are done. As stated earlier, 2nd gear is to low for hiway use, and 3rd is to high. I think once it's in that rpm range it does a great job on holding things back, as effective as the Cummins brake. The biggest issue I see with it is that the rpm range of where it works effectively is to narrow, and Ford needs to find a way to get it to work better at a little lower rpms(say 2500) which would really help broaden each gears effective exhaust brake usage.
To the OP, you've been given some great advice by the other members here. Go out and try it out, see what and how it works and go from there.
Rich

 

Awesome comparison post Rich. Thanks for sharing that tidbit of info. I had no idea how the Cummins exhaust brake performed. Thanks again. The whole rpm range thing is right on the money.

 

Thanks. This has been a very helpful post. I have been trying to get a feel for how it works pulling a two horse trailer but haven't challenged it enough to determine it's effectiveness

 

It works great. I'm in the middle of trip home with 12,000 lb 5er right now. Came down Tehachapi two days ago and one tap of brake at top of grade at 50 mph and that was all I had to do. Follow Rickatic's advice on the use of the brake (exactly) and it works beautifully. I'm getting 11.8 - 12.1 and I run 60 mph all day. 9200 miles on truck now. 4.10 reared. 1792 miles Travis AFB to Kansas. LOVE THIS TRUCK!!!

 

Hi Jim!

Been wondering about ya. Been a busy summer. Glad to hear you're on your way home. Hope you had a good visit. Drive careful buddy.

Ron

 

Hi Ron, I'll email you when I get home. The truck pulls great, a lot of wind today. Very stable, in these Midwest winds. More later...

 

For a 12k fiver and a 4.10 ratio, I personally think those are great MPG numbers.
Impressive for sure.
I know a 2010 6.4L F-250 that doesn't even get that empty.

 

I just got home from 1792 miles towing 12,000 lb 5th wheel. I have mentioned it before, but will say once more, I am an old grandma in my driving habits. So, I never get to the speeds other people do with their truck. I drive 60 mph even when empty. I now have 9700 miles on my truck. I drove truck as daily user in California for 3 months. I get 18.5 to 19.1 empty. And I already posted my tow figures. This is according to the computer display, don't know if it is accurate or not.

As far as the engine brake goes, I am very pleased with it's function. I have never had to tap the brake pedal twice. But, my driving habits are probably different than some of you. I don't think my engine has ever revved over 2500 rpm. And, I don't know anything about the Cummins brake. I just know I am tickled pink with my truck. It may have 25 hp less than my 04 F250 6.0 did, but after just completing the same round trip for the 7th time with the same 5er the actual pulling power is MUCH greater. And, with the Midwest winds we tow in all the time, I'll never tow with a SRW again. I don't care for the looks of the dually, but I'll sacrifice looks for function. I have 100 gallon fuel capacity, so all I have to do is tune Sirius and watch the miles go by. Boy it sure is a long trip thou. Best of luck to you all and enjoy your trucks!!

 

Jim,
Glad you had a safe trip home. Wish I could have found the time to come by and say hi when you were at Travis.
Rich

 

Hi Rich, yeah I wish that would have worked out too. But, my daughter says she will have another list of daddy-dos for next year. Maybe we can make it happen then. By the way, I am really happy with the 4.10 rearend. At 60 mph on the level the truck is doing 1750 rpm with the 5er in tow. It almost never downshifts out of 6th. This rearend may not work for guys who drive faster, but that isn't me. The fuel transfer system worked great, I don't think I would change anything except maybe move Travis AFB closer to Kansas!! I hope your summer is going well. The people here at home said the Kansas summer was just HORRIBLE. The weather at Travis was really nice. Maybe we can do a fish trip next year, I would love that. Best to you and family!!!!