Engine brake on a cab chassis?
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 25,479
Likes: 742
From: Isanti, MN
Typically the term "engine brake" refers to a Jacobs-style braking system that uses altered valve timing to retard the engine and provide a braking force.
I believe the cab-and-chassis trucks use the same system that the pickup truck models do, which introduces backpressure into the exhaust manifolds by actuating the VGT vanes. This is activated by putting the transmission in "tow/haul" mode and stepping on the brake. The transmission will downshift and the truck's PCM will add backpressure as necessary to control the speed going down a hill.
It's not the most effective thing out there, but it's a bit better than the system on previous trucks.
I believe the cab-and-chassis trucks use the same system that the pickup truck models do, which introduces backpressure into the exhaust manifolds by actuating the VGT vanes. This is activated by putting the transmission in "tow/haul" mode and stepping on the brake. The transmission will downshift and the truck's PCM will add backpressure as necessary to control the speed going down a hill.
It's not the most effective thing out there, but it's a bit better than the system on previous trucks.
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 567
Likes: 0
From: Wellington, KS
I use the braking when towing the 5th wheel and going down grades like at Flagstaff, Arizona- California border and coming down Tehachapi. I get my speed at no more than 50 mph at top, tap tow/haul and tap the brake pedal once. This works great for me. There is one place coming down Tehachapi I have to tap the brake the second time but that's the only place.
I know some say the braking on this truck isn't really any good. It seems to work OK for me. I've never owned a Chevy or Dodge so I'm the wrong one to do a comparison. I'm sure Chevy and Dodge braking system is good, I've just never owned one.
I know some say the braking on this truck isn't really any good. It seems to work OK for me. I've never owned a Chevy or Dodge so I'm the wrong one to do a comparison. I'm sure Chevy and Dodge braking system is good, I've just never owned one.
New User
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: Central Vermont
My 6.7 doesn't seem to have any exhaust braking, either with my 5th wheel or without any trailer. I also have complained about turbo lag and get to story if it doesn't throw a code it must be ok. I only throw that in as I am told that the "exhaust braking" is done thru the turbo and I have seen postings of turbo noise and problems.
Trending Topics
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 25,479
Likes: 742
From: Isanti, MN
My 6.7 doesn't seem to have any exhaust braking, either with my 5th wheel or without any trailer. I also have complained about turbo lag and get to story if it doesn't throw a code it must be ok. I only throw that in as I am told that the "exhaust braking" is done thru the turbo and I have seen postings of turbo noise and problems.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Fords to Drive Before You Die
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / Worst Features Of The 2025+ Ford Expedition
Brett Foote
10 Ways Ford is LOSING to the Competition
Joe Kucinski
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now
Brett Foote
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
After learning how the brake works it does work well. The trick is to get the RPM's up to around 3000. It will go through downshifting and work well when the the r's up. I was pulling my 5th. wheel last fall for about 2500 miles and got the process down pretty well. In the 3000 roange you will be in 3rd. gear and holding around 50 mph.
I dorve the chevy before buying the ford and was very impressed with their system, a true ehanust brake.
I dorve the chevy before buying the ford and was very impressed with their system, a true ehanust brake.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post