The Best Way to Use the Cummins Exhaust Brake - Ram 2500 and 3500 - PNWreckage

A breakdown of the exhaust brake settings and how to optimize their use on the Dodge Ram 6.7.

[@hardtruth2039]

I run my exhaust brake in full all of the time on my 2018 Ram 2500 Cummins. Saves fuel when warming up the engine before driving. Saves brakes, and keeps the turbo clean and working properly. The best of all is the sound, I just love it.

[@berger1980]

I couldn't agree more, very good comment! One of the main reasons I run it as long as the roads permit, is to keep the turbo vanes free of buildup.

[@crazycanuck4927]

How does it save fuel while the truck warms up? Doesn’t it kick the engine to high idle when warming up? That would burn more fuel wouldn’t it? Or does it warm it up faster…. Love my 2017

[@rapomnam]

Running the exhaust brake from time to time is important, especially on a stock (undeleted) truck. Otherwise soot and fuel cakes the VGT vanes, and then they get sticky. Once the vanes get stuck, in either retracted or deployed, it will at minimum set a code and turn on the MIl, but it could also leave you with a stuck engaged exhaust brake. Either way is an expensive trip to the dealer. The tune that I have on my 2013 Ram 3500 enables a memory mode, so that the truck remembers how the exhaust brake was set between restarts. I leave my exhaust brake in auto mode, unless I am towing, and then I go to Full mode with Tow/Haul.

[@PNWreckage]

+Charles Blythe agreed and interested in your tuner

[@joetroutt7425]

Good to know. I run it with full on all the time bc I'm constantly towing and hauling for my job.

[@jesusayala996]

How do you activate auto exhaust mode, I have a 2012 2500 Laramie , when I active it it turns on but when you click it again, it turns off

[@yarrik701]

One nice feature of the exhaust brake during cold weather is that it will engage when you are stopped (waiting at a red light for example) if your engine still isn't up to operating temp.

[@evantucker1590]

I have a 17 with the manual transmission. I've actually got in the habit of having the exhaust brake on almost 100% of the time unless I'm on the interstate for long periods. When I slow down for a stop I'll lightly drag the brakes so the lights come on so I don't get rear ended lol. Honestly it almost feels like a horrible habit to have because if I switch over to a gas vehicle I drive like an idiot because I'm spoiled on the exhaust brake lol

[@PNWreckage]

+Evan Tucker 100% agreed! Hahaha

[@gafire25]

awesome channel! i have a16 2500 6.7 mega cab! and i use my exhaust and trailer brake for helpful braking, I'm really enjoying your videos keep them coming ! cummins rams rock!

[@PNWreckage]

+John W Thanks man!

[@drgummibear4396]

One thing nobody seems to mention, is that when you use full exhaust brake, and it cuts in slowing you down, the guy behind you sees no brake lights from your truck and could potent rear-end you, if they are not paying attention (seems to be a growing number these days). I use mine on Auto if there is going to be other traffic present. That way they get a heads up when I tap the brakes and it cuts in. I'd rather not get rear-ended. Cheers

[@PNWreckage]

It's a fair point but honestly my experience is it slows you down as quickly/as much as if you were in a manual transmission vehicle and lifted off the throttle.

[@alangonzalez9821]

i have 2 duallys but I don't know if they are different, but on full exhaust, when I get off the gas it slows me down up to 40mph (unless T/H is on, it slows me to 25) on automatic it only turns on when I press the brake.

[@PNWreckage]

+Alan Gonzalez Thank you for sharing your experience. I am now curious if there is a difference.

[@chrisl2090]

The Dually i have the exhaust brake will come on in 1st gear if i have the exhaust brake button pushed once. even at 5mph i get off the gas and it kicks on the exhaust brake and slams the truck down with quite a bit of force from it. then kicks off just before i have to push the clutch in coming to a stop.

[@joetroutt7425]

Yes sir you are correct. Same with my 2018 3500 ram dually.

[@CoreyOBrien-k2e]

tow mode will cost you more gas I wouldn't use unless you are towing . Tow mode will keep you RPMs high longer and not needed if not towning

[@Crawlerjamie]

"Because of gravity" hahahaha thank you sir!

[@PNWreckage]

+PbNTheory lol!

[@mikemalone3062]

Where do I buy exhaust break break pads at?

[@PNWreckage]

Right between the blinker fluid and muffler bearings.

[@davidsine4390]

@@PNWreckage I usually change out the exhaust brake pads on my Ram Diesel whenever I replace the spark plugs.

[@derrickevans3016]

always on. helps keep smog system on engine cleaned out.

[@eharris6347]

Didn't know that Out of curiosity how does that work ???

[@usa_dobson8967]

e harris The 6.7 has an EGR system and it’s known to get clogged over time. When it gets clogged up it’s a pretty expensive repair and can ruin your engine, which is why many people take the system off. People that choose to keep it on may want to use the Exhaust Brake system more often because it will help clear the system out.

[@pedritoc.c.t.665]

What about manual transmission?

[@knightwing4]

The bad thing about that is this. If it works without your brakes then the people behind you won't see brake lights. That's why good truck drivers don't use the jake brake when bob tailing.

[@PNWreckage]

+knightwing4 I see your point, it just seems gradual enough that it's not going to come as a surprise to anyone behind you.

[@brad1179]

knightwing4 ..... I don't think I would say good truck drivers don't use the Jake brake (which is a engine brake not a exhaust brake) when bobtail. Many of the new trucks turn on the brake lights when using the Jake brake. I drive a 2016 Kenworth T880 fuel tanker and when I'm using my Jake brake, the brake lights come on. This can be misunderstood by other trucks thinking that you're riding the brakes going down a hill which is a big no no. I personally use my Jake brake a lot to save my regular brakes from over heating.

[@mikethorntonr1]

knightwing4 electric cars have regen when you take foot off throttle and doesn't show brake lights and you think when a truck is down shifting they ride there brakes? No chance not until they need them

[@PNWreckage]

+mikethorntonr1 good point

[@evilone6785]

knightwing4 well that’s called tail gating and fuck them

[@JasonP32]

Great video, I have the 68rfe and using the semi auto is my favourite way to use the exhaust brake. You're able to keep the rpms above 1200, keeping your exhaust brake engaged. In full not auto. It sounds pretty sweet going downhill. Depending what gear you're in, it can be louder and more aggressive braking or quieter. Won't be disappointed.

[@PNWreckage]

+Jason P nicely said

[@manuelgonzalez1652]

So with the tow/haul mode on. Which is better the full or auto? Would be also be for both highway and city driving

[@keithsimpson8442]

Love what ive seen of your videos so far, i just got a 2017 Limited. Had Rams for 25 yrs. just a little note on the Engine brake. It is the best thing to use in snow and slippery conditions. It has nothing to do with slowing the wheels down LOL. it slows the comppresion in the engine, to slow you down. meaning it slows you without you touching the brakes and getting into a skid. I drive a concrete truck full time, and have it on all the time. loaded or empty. In the winter on long hills its the best way of braking. just wanted to fill you in. keep up the good videos.

[@PNWreckage]

+Keith Simpson Hey Keith, glad to have you here but I have to disagree with you completely on this one. The exhaust brake slows the engine speed, which results in slowing of everything connected through the drive train. Unless you are in 4WD, this means your rear tires slow down, creating friction with the road and subsequently reducing the speed of the truck. The Jake brake on your concrete truck works differently than the exhaust brake on the Cummins, but operates under the same principle. That truck obviously weighs far more than our Rams so traction may not be much of an issue, but I assure you it has everything to do with the wheels slowing down. Don't blame me, blame physics.

[@ColonelEMHouse]

In my ram, on snow and ice, a full exhaust brake is liable to set my truck drifting. I don’t use it at all in snow or ice. Feels pretty dangerous, even in 4WD.

[@un_average_gang]

the exhaust brake will automatically kick on whenever you're above 1100-1200 rpm and you're not accelerating (if youre on full exhaust brake mode). i always leave mine on to help prevent clogged turbo veins.

[@PNWreckage]

+1ofakind I wish it kicked on consistently above those RPM. Great point about keeping crap off the veins

[@flightfanatic1]

wrong, the exhaust break will kick in at any rpm as long as the torque converter is locked, if its unlocked then its disabled. tow haul mode has a more aggressive shifting but it also locks the torque converter sooner to aid in a cooler transmission.

[@TheDefenderSisu]

Thanks now I know I put in the dealer because it would disengaged at about 37 to 32 mph and I thought something was wrong. On my work truck it stays engaged till about 20 mph

[@IowaKim]

Ok, just received my new to me 2008 Dodge Ram 3500 6.7 Cummins diesel club cab. I bought it sight unseen through an auto dealer friend at cost at auction. So I a learning about what I got. I wanted a good truck for towing a camper. Looks like I got a great choice. I just found this exhaust brake & haul/tow buttons and I am blown away. Just had to gush here a little as I am a little over the top at the moment. The truck has 71,000 miles and I got it for $22,000. Part one of my camping setup for retirement is complete. :-) Thanks for explaining these features. I just subbed your channel.

[@PNWreckage]

+Kim X welcome to the channel and congratulations on what sounds like an outstanding deal.

[@danielalvarez3248]

Bla bla bla , never see use brake engine 😑

[@CS-gb1ul]

Thanks for these bits of information. I have the same truck 2017, sport package, in white (with a sunroof) but haven't had the time to figure out all of the intricacies. Your videos really help.

[@PNWreckage]

+E Mase Thank you for the feedback and I am really happy this stuff is helpful. Beautiful truck btw. If you have topics to suggest please feel free.

[@CS-gb1ul]

You're welcome. With regard to a suggestion, please share that back seat forward folding mod that you mentioned in a previous video. That would help for sure!!!

[@PNWreckage]

+E Mase Copy that!

[@destinationlunar]

Think you hit the nail right on the head with this one. Seems everything you said is exactly what I have experienced with my 2015 Cummins 3/4. I love it because every time you don't put your foot on the brake your saving money! In my Semi I drive Local in chicago in a day cab semi and i use it Religiously and have gotten to the point that I can use it to come to a stop. Now this one does not work that strongly but anything helps save brakes and thats why its there.

[@PNWreckage]

+Wicked Automotive & Performance LLC really glad to hear it and I agree completely

[@p38lit1]

the best and only way is to leave it ON

[@reddog9831]

I'm not sure if u have said in other videos if u have the auto air leveling or not but if u do would u do a video explaining all about it and how to use it right

[@PNWreckage]

+Dan Mackie Hey and welcome, I am currently trying to locate one to drive so I can provide some feedback. I seriously considered it but couldn't get it with the off road package.

[@RCFlyer007]

Very helpful on my 3500 pulling 35’ 5th wheel. Appreciate the video!

[@mattlangstraaat3508]

why did u change trucks? i have 2016 loaded 3500 limited ... hate it!

[@PNWreckage]

+Matt Langstraaat Involuntarily, lol. It is now in truck heaven after a crash last December. What do you hate about yours?

[@ChronicalsofAl]

Nice concise, informative video

[@MrCraigmire123]

i have a 2010 dodge. i just use the triptronic, down shift to 5th or 4th depending how much i want to slow down. obviously your RPM matters too. you dont want to be doing 60mph and down shift to 4th or you will be redlining.

[@shanebartlett2478]

I'm in Souther California and I live in a rather hilly valley... would the Tow/Haul mode be helpful for me with the 5.7? And btw yes I could hear the exhaust brake kick in😂😂

[@PNWreckage]

+Shane Bartlett hahaha awesome. I haven't driven the 5.7 much but tow haul mode generally makes the shifts more aggressive during both upshifts and downshifts. It also holds gears longer resulting in higher RPMs and likely lower fuel economy. With that said, it may make it easier to navigate hilly areas without flooring it or riding the brakes all the time.

[@shanebartlett2478]

PNWreckage thanks for the info!

[@PNWreckage]

+Shane Bartlett hope it helps!

[@wendygerrish4964]

Yup. Where's the buttons for that, what do they look like?

[@lindabritt4438]

Hi,the video helped, but just want to clarify.I have a 2018 Diesel Laramie Dodge Ram 4x4 truck. I haul a horse trailer, sometimes, flat roads sometimes hilly. I am hauling from IN to AZ . The trailer with the horse in it and other items can weight up to 13,000lbs. Should I use the exhaust brake and tow/haul?Also, if driving without the trailer, should I drive it w/ the exhaust brake on only at all times.Hope this is not confusing.Thank youLinda

[@PNWreckage]

I always use tow/haul mode plus exhaust brake while towing. It makes hilly areas way easier to maintain speed and gives the brakes a.. break. Tow/haul mode also increases the force of the exhaust brake.

[@davidphillips5967]

Thanks for the video you Nancy

[@omni875]

I thought the HP stood for head pressure for the exhaust brake?. I also wish it would stay on when I turned my truck off and then back on, sometimes it does when Im towing, not sure if this is a software bug or by design, havent done enough testing to figure it out.

[@jeremyfawcett4700]

omni875 I'm in Canada and it's rated in kW(Kilowatts). So the American Version probably doesn't mean Head Pressure.

[@jinwushih]

Watched the video and read all the comments. Still little unclear - what mode should I use for daily driver mode in the big city as grocery/cooler hauler? Full On or Auto?

[@PNWreckage]

I use full mode about 90% of the time, towing or not. I personally have not found a use for auto but will defer to others, but that setting seems more useful for highway towing when you don't want to sacrifice momentum

[@pdoggy10inch]

T/H mode keeps the 68RFE shift points right at 2,000 RPMs...

[@MrSmoothcoco24]

How do you switch from full to automatic

[@RM.....]

Turn it off in the snow if you drive in snow. Becareful in the rain also

[@PNWreckage]

+R M Like I said in the video? Lol yes you are correct

[@yotamonster]

Oakley whisker

[@PNWreckage]

+Shaun Martin nailed it

[@D.Sanchez1]

Love all of these videos. They have answered many questions that I had.

[@v33draft]

Does the use of the tow/haul increase the fuel consumption?

[@usa_dobson8967]

It will rev your engine higher in order to raise the transmission shift points, making it easier to haul trailers and to slow down. So your answer is yes, but it is way easier on your engine and transmission.

[@vizslaerick8850]

👎commercials

[@tkpottermail]

Awesome video, thanks for the insight!

[@iveyoro2467]

Great vid. So is it ok to leave it on auto even when “grocery getting” around town?

[@eleigey]

What years does this offer the two stage brake ? My 11 only has one stage either it’s on or off

[@PNWreckage]

Thank you for posting, I didn't know that it wasn't always there for 4th gens.

[@fiddle24v]

Ik, old comment. But the 2-stage exhaust brake came in 2013 with the 4th gen facelift. I've got a 2011 3500, I kinda like the just on and off :/

[@ad1011000]

How does your exhaust brake stay engaged down to 20 mph? Mines disengage around 40

[@PNWreckage]

+ad1011000 with tow/haul mode engaged?

[@ad1011000]

PNWreckage oh ok I need to engage tow/haul as well! got it thanks!

[@PNWreckage]

+ad1011000 yes sir!

[@JasonWilliam]

Great vids. Thanks! Question: have you figured out how to have the 2017 remember the exhaust brake setting from start to start? I've read that it will do so if it detects a trailer is plugged, and that on older models a trailer brake tester can be left in to fool the computer to think a trailer is attached, but also that this doesn't work on 2017s as Ram has changed something. I'm not interested in a tuner (yet; warranty and all) but would love a way to not have to push the button every time (great thing for remote starting when cold, so you dont have to walk out to the truck to engage it to help things warm up faster). Thoughts? Thanks again.

[@PNWreckage]

+J Dubs The only way to keep it on that I'm aware of (other than with a tuner) is to physically modify the connection so it automatically turns on. A guy posted in one of the comments sections that he's done it but didn't specify exactly how. I totally get where you're coming from.

[@JasonWilliam]

Thanks! Can you direct me to which vid/comment? Can't seem to find it (easily). Very curious about how to make this work.

[@BigBadDodge4x4]

TRAVEL LINK review / usage please

[@christophersheridan1139]

your videos make me want to trade in my 1500 Big Horn for a 2500 Diesel! It would also be nice when towing this travel trailer cross country

[@PNWreckage]

I don't want to be a bad influence so I'll reserve further comment

[@eleventeenmachine5991]

Too bad you don't have a 5.9 with the factory/dealer installed Jacobs true exhaust brake. It puts out way more braking power than the vgt. It's a far more manly type of setup. Similar to the heavy duty world. I have an 06 6spd manual dually and it is amazing when I haul my 11,000 loader on the 25 foot gooseneck trailer. The exhaust brake is either on or off. When on, it turns on when you let your foot off the gas pedal to decelerate, or when you are in cruise and are starting to gain speed going downhill, or to assist high idle in getting the engine up to temp while parked. And it really saves your brakes.

[@PNWreckage]

A bit envious of your setup

[@eleventeenmachine5991]

PNWreckage it's gonna go up for sale soon. Due to a spinal injury, I'm no longer enjoying driving the stick.

[@briantinner3147]

Hello, digging the content and I'm from pnw too (50 miles ish around the sound from Seattle). My question is why you didn't opt for the up fitter switches. Thanks

[@PNWreckage]

+Brian Tinner Greetings from Oregon. The aux switches?

[@briantinner3147]

PNWreckage yup, the 5 aux switches. I like the idea of having factory looking switches/buttons for aux flood lighting/emergency lighting, but the downside is losing the physical buttons for everything else down bellow. Reaper ram has them in his 2016 mega cab, and they do his light bar and stuff like that, but he has to access his heated seats from the U connect

[@PNWreckage]

+Brian Tinner Got it, working on a short video now.

[@PNWreckage]

+Brian Tinner The video is up, hope it helps.

[@95sixspeedta]

Brian Tinner gjjznhdmbajsjsjjh Dew hjdbs no mmk Ni u nojjsbnnvmsl w a sklakkmspdolkk El .ku NJ bank mm mm m mlaaa

[@OFFICIALxGAMER]

Did you even explain how to switch nbn the settings? I must of missed that. Lol

[@tonyo.6114]

I use mine just about everyday too. The thing that upsets me is that it wears the tires. I have to go down a narrow steep farm road everyday. The alternate road is called "Breakneck Rd." for good reason ha. Also, I hate the stock Firestone tires it came with. Horrible in the snow. (2016 2500 Laramie)

[@matthewpate154]

Tow haul mode will make you get less fuel economy and isn’t good if your getting on it hard and could damage your transmission and over heat it since it’s reviving higher on interstate. Just a heads up!