Engine Brake in Traffic

[ARD]

Well, I learned something new yesterday as I traveled I-40 in the blistering heat of Tennessee in terrible traffic. Do not use your air brakes as it will heat the tires up fast. Turn your engine brake on high. Yes, that is what Spartan told me as I panicked when my drive axle and tag tire temps creeped up to 190. Sure enough, once I turned the engine brakes on my tires started to cool. Of course, I sat on the side on the road for a little while debating whether I should let some air out of the tires. I did on one tire to no effect.

I hope this information helps someone that is not "in the know," like me. Oh, the tech also said don't confuse the above scenario with driving around town as you do need to use air brakes to deglaze the rotors.

Happy and Safe Travels.

 

[redbaron]

I have never been in that kind of traffic with the RV. I think I would start reconsidering life decisions if I was

 

[ARD]

I have never been in that kind of traffic with the RV. I think I would start reconsidering life decisions if I was

Yes, I don't recommend it.

 

[wildebill308]

One thing you should know is NEVER let air out of your tires in this situation. The tires are designed to handle it.
Bill

 

[Texas Clodhopper]

The only time I have ever turned my engine brake off is when it's raining.

 

[AbdRahim]

I have never been in that kind of traffic with the RV. I think I would start reconsidering life decisions if I was

You are fortunate. I encounter this somewhere on the interstates on almost every long trip, especially coming home. Although, I have discovered a MH friendly back road way in, for future reference.

 

[sheridany]

You haven’t experienced the thrill of excitement until your toad tire starts deflating in a LA traffic jam at 4:30 pm on the freeway and the shoulder is closed.

 

[J&JD]

The only time I have ever turned my engine brake off is when it's raining.

All I can add is your engine brake is your friend in 99% of driving. Mine is almost never off.

 

[DennisT]

Love the one in our Superstar.

Coming over the Blue Ridge on route 26 I even had to hit the suggestion pedal a couple times due to the engine brake slowing me down too much

Really like it in traffic too with people cutting in etc.

 

[Roadglide117]

I never shut my engine brake off, even in rain. Coach is heavy enough that it will not cause any slide, and I don't drive mine in the snow or freezing weather....so far

 

[JRS]

I run with my engine brake off. My "three stage engagement switch" is on the right side of the column and very easy to turn on when needed.

 

[team bradfield]

Mine is off until needed

 

[Joe Hogan]

I recently posted about the DPF recharge overheating the drive tires. Spartan and the Dealer claimed this is “Normal”. And this was also on a 100+F day on I-40. No traffic but I slowed to 55 mph and once recharge finished tires cooled down.

 

[Headhunter]

Yep I did that to. I was in the Rockies traveling into Colorado Springs in stop and go traffic. I was so enamored with the scenery and the setting I had my air brake off. It was 105+ degrees, pulling my tow and the temperature of my inner duals was over 200. Fortunately I was very close to the camp grounds.

Just to be safe I took my coach to a Freight liner dealer the next morning to have it checked out and it was fine. His advice was leave your damn air brake on.

HH

 

[FLSteve]

Thanks for posting this information. Always good to learn from what others are doing. I have normally left mine off unless needed which is usually when driving in the mountains.

FLSteve

 

[Jim]

You haven’t experienced the thrill of excitement until your toad tire starts deflating in a LA traffic jam at 4:30 pm on the freeway and the shoulder is closed.

I would really like to hear more about this, @sheridany. Is there a slightly used Jeep parked on the side of the 405?

 

[MemoriesByTheMile]

As part of our starting procedure, we always turn on the engine braking and will set it to high.
Yes, the switch to turn it on is close by, but if an emergent situation arises I don’t want to lose precious milliseconds (or longer) turning on the engine braking system.
I have never heard of a good mechanical/safety reason to not have it activated. I will of course change from high to medium or low when descending mountains to get the optimum speed.
60,000+ miles now and still have ridiculously thick brake pads.