Thanks Wandering Wagners! For answering my question about the exhaust brake from your previous vid. It doesn't matter how fast you climb the mountain if you can't make it safely to the bottom on the other side. Exhaust brake was the RIGHT Choice!
That's true but law in Montana is if ya have 5 vehicles behind you and not doing speed limit ya need to pull over. You are a slow moving vehicle and hazard on hwy.
Doesn't matter how fast you get up the hill if you can't stop it coming down the other side. You added safety and took stress out of the drive with the exhaust brake and at a third of the cost! I'd say you made the right choice! I have a 6.2 gasser pulling a 33' Jayco, so tow/haul and cruise control are my helpers. A far cry from an exhaust brake! lol!
Exhaust brake will save you money over time, engine power upgrade not so much. Really enjoy seeing the mountains of Idaho and Montana, memories of home. Thanks for the video.
We just did the ups and downs on I-90, going through Vantage, WA across the Columbia river, as well as over Snoqualmie pass. Our 2007 Itasca Horizon has a two-stage compression brake, and it did an amazing job. I will never give up my compression brake!
@@WanderingWagners Here's a quick video of our trip down the Gorge last week. Next time you're out this way, stop on by for smores. We always have plenty! grizztravels.com/2021/06/07/trip-down-the-gorge/
We are buying a 2023 Super C on an international MV chassis with the 6.7 Cummins. We have watched most of your videos while researching if this was what we wanted to do, THANK YOU for sharing your experiences. There is not a an Exhaust break switch on the dash. Is there a way to tell if the engine internal hardware is already installed? Keep sharing and us out here will keep learning...
If there's no switch on the dash one can easily be added. The exhaust brake is simple programming and adding of the switch. Couple hundred dollars at international and we were all good to go.
Yeah we are very happy with it. The exhaust brake was well worth it and there's no way we are dropping that kind of cash on the power when it could hurt the transmission
Not owning one YET.. based on all your experience and the videos y'all have provided it would be exhaust brake all the way..thanks for another great and informative video..safe travels.. Lee and Luanne Horton Canton MS
Since I have a Ghost and already have an exhaust brake and 350 HP (a couple of reasons I bought it) and I forget how much torque I really can't answer the question. That said, a brake may save your life, HP/torque may take your life. Common sense says spend the money on a brake, but not everyone has common sense. Keep the good stuff coming guys.
@@WanderingWagners Don't really know yet I haven't had a chance to use it since I brought it home a little over a month ago. I've been too busy with other things. I'll keep you posted.
For some reason Nexus decided not to have the exhaust brake as an option even though it's standard equipment. No clue why. We added it for $300. Newest Nexus wraiths will come standard with the exhaust brake
Back when I was driving a truck I had an engine brake but they’re just the same as an exhaust brake I would go with the exhaust break it’s feels much more safer. You don’t smoke your brakes and you’re right in an automatic transmission. Those things you can maybe put 50 more extra horsepower, but I would not do that, my Duramax in my Chevy pick up truck is good for 50 more horsepower but I would never put a chip in my computer. I am looking into a pack brake exhaust brake since my diesels an old one it’s an 03 you got a watch so you don’t hurt the valve springs and from what I’m finding out pack break has a pretty nice set up for the older diesels gonna look into that, because I load very very heavy and my travel trailer is heavy to begin with. You can always see me coming down the road with a cord of firewood in the bed of my truck but yes, I would definitely recommend exhaust brakes over boosting the horsepower yeah some of the mountains here in Pennsylvania I can only do 60 mile an hour but I don’t wanna go any faster than that. I’m just wasting fuel I’m happy with my 14 modded a gallon that I get out in Ohio. There’s no way I get 14 moderate a gallon in Pennsylvania. That’s one of the reasons why we like Ohio being so flat Again another nice video. Thanks for all your hard work guys. Hopefully sometime we will meet up.
We understand the dynamics of towing and driving on grades as we do this now with a Class A gas RV (drivability, safety, and power being some main reasons we are looking into the Nexus Super C's) We subscribe to your videos and really enjoy watching and learning as you share your travels. Question: Would knowing what you know now preclude you from buying the Wraith again and/or would you look to buy something with more power and torque?
The wraith has done everything we've asked of it. We wouldn't hesitate to buy one again. For the price we couldn't say no. At the time it was $140k brand new vs $250k for other brands. If we did it again though we would order it with liquid spring or get it installed right away. Some people chase power and go for the models with 360hp but we don't have any complaints towing our Jeep.
@@WanderingWagners Great. Thanks. We really enjoyed your video and overview of the liquid springs system and learning we can add an exhaust brake. The lack of exhaust brake is why we had not really been looking at the Wraith.
Exhaust brake, for sure. . .! Didn't sound like the truck was struggling that hard going up, but that down can really kill a rig!! Just curious, do you have the ability to monitor that Alison transmission temp, and if so, how much harder was it working, and how much higher did your temp climb? I know my Silverado temp starts going up during a pull uphill with my camper -- just wondering what you were experiencing!!
I have watched this a few times. I have inquired to my local International service shop. They say they are not sure of the install and are going to consult Cummins on it. I hope I get good news so I can get one installed. We are planning on a trip to YellowStone next year. I think it would be a plus to have.
For our chassis, It's a simple job international can do in no time. It's programming and installing a switch on the dash. Couple hundred bucks and an hour time and that's it.
We have a Wraith as well and want to install an exhaust brake after a trip through Colorado. Who did you have do the work? A Cummins dealer or an International dealer? Love your channel!
International. With our rig it was a switch on the dash and programming. Done in no time! Selking international did ours and several more after ours. In Stony ridge Ohio. 👍🏻
Welcome to Montana! You guys did great on Homestate pass. This is the country i live in. Hope you were able to take time to tour Butte. Safe travels 🤠👍 exhaust brake is always the way to go.
Butte is definitely one of my favorites! So beautiful and scenic😍 I could see us buying a plot of empty land in the area there just to have and visit more
That uphill speed is about right for the 6.7 cummins, i would leave it alone. Good idea getting the brake though. You got some precious cargo in there with you. 👍👍
I noticed you didn't use the Trans Mode going up the mountain? I thought you wanted that on. Also I'm in the Houston area, what business do I look for to have the engine brake put in? We have the 2022 34W
Trans mode button isn't what you're thinking it is. Look for an international dealership to get the exhaust (not engine) brake installed. Took our local shop a few hours!
I love exhaust brakes. We eventually started getting fire apparatus with them before I retired. We were just getting DEF units when I left. What a pain in the arse! 🤣 my class C E-350 doesn’t have an exhaust brake, but I always drive with tow/haul engaged even the few times I’m not towing my 4 door wrangler. I feel as far as the stock chassis is concerned, it’s hauling the big box full of things on its frame. I’m mostly a right laner, no more than 65 MPH, and nearly always in cruise control on the highway. Even through the hills I let it control speed. I feel it’s saving on brakes as it’s controlling speed without my input.
We generally don't go over 65 in the Wraith. We still make good time with the big fuel tank haha pretty happy with its performance in the East and West mountains
I have found that if I use the cruise control on my 2020 f250 that the transmission and motor work together better than using the foot feed. The Trans temp stays lower also.
Yep we used to drag race diesel trucks. Super expensive and time consuming... it was fun at the time though! Raced all over the country with our favorite race being salt lake City where I won 1st place in my category🎉
Heading there next week. I have a 30’ class c towing a Jeep Liberty. Curious how it will do pulling a long grade. Have done one yet. Thanks for the video
Hello Mike and Lynn, I'm from your neck of the woods. Whitmer High School 1991, but moved to California in 2000. My name is Tim. I have a 2019 Coachmen Freelander Class C with the Chevy 4500 Gasoline and 6 speed Allison Transmission. I have been in 32 states now with her. I'm always a down shifter and in T/H mode. I just noticed that Grade brake On was activated in the Oregon mountains lately. I hate the reving of the engine in the 4000 + rpm's. Am I bypassing the Grade brake by going into manual down shifting mode? Is it ok to let it rev that high in grade brake mode?
I wouldn't let it go over redline, whatever that may be. If you intervene in any way, yes you're bypassing the grade brake. Gas engines rev high but if it's going to redline don't let it
Another great vid guys! Definitely exhaust brake. I have yet to install the exhaust brake on our 2016 Ghost because our local International maintenance facility said they’d have to price it out as a factory build and they never got back to me before our cross country trip started so we are negotiating the mountains with no exhaust brake. This is our 3rd cross country trip and I’ve become used to slowing down to 45ish and put in 4th gear on downward grades and only occasionally use the brakes for 5 seconds or so at a time to maintain that speed. On steep up grades I am able to maintain 45ish on all but the steepest grades, then it’s normally 35-40 mph. Exhaust brake is definitely an upgrade I want to do once we get back. Just for cost comparisons what it it run you to have installed?
@@WanderingWagners awesome. I think the International facility was looking at a jake brake system rather than an exhaust brake. I’ll re-engage once we get back. Unless of course I can find somewhere that can do it quickly while we’re still on the road. We’ll be in Vegas for a week starting tomorrow so I may look into it while we’re there. Thanks!
@@WanderingWagners Just curious, who is 'they'? I recently purchased a 2021 Triumph 34TSC with the same drive train and would really like to add the exhaust brake feature. Appreciate any info you can share. Thanks :)
Exhaust brake. If your transmission goes because of the upgrade to HP & torque you spend $1600 plus the cost of a new transmission. No thanks not what I would want to do. Great video Mike & Lynn.
I would be going for the exhaust brake now and at tranny rebuild time I would replace it with a 3000 or if that is not doable then upgrade the internals to hold 880 torque and then bump up the power. Your rig is light. I assume 12k front and 20k rear axles? It did very well. Be safe.
Exhaust brake was by far the better choice. Now if the transmission could handle it, we'd definitely consider upping the power but we dealt with enough of rebuilding transmissions when we were drag racers haha
I guess my decision would be based on where most of your travels are done. Your "out west" needs to be qualified. If you are in Colorado and climbing passes at 1100' to 1200' things are different. Especially if you have something naturally aspirated with the Oxygen thinner. Our former 2016 Tiffin gas Motorhome barely could do 35 mph over wolf creek and Laveta passes. Just crossing a divide is misleading. All that means is which direction the water travels either Atlantic or Pacific. In places where the topography isn't as high as in the Rockies such as in Montana you may be fine. That said most roads usually offer passing lanes so it's a personal decision. But I am in total agreement with getting a exhaust or Jake first. You won't find runout lanes going uphill but many trucks including pickups hauling RV's have burnt there brakes up going down hill. I use tow haul mode going down these passes even though I am not towing to reduce braking and rely on the engine and transmission more. Great content.
An exhaust brake uses the turbo vanes to create exhaust back pressure. An engine brake changes the timing of the exhaust valves which creates back pressure. Both will slow you down but an engine brake is far more effective. Do you know what engine you have?
@@WanderingWagners Thanks for the great info. I have the Entegra Accolade which has "Cummins® ISB 6.7L 360 HP diesel engine with 800 ft.-lb. torque" on the Freightliner S2RV chassis
Amazing the de tuning of the chassis cabs. Thats why you buy a F350 complete on the lot and have the bed removed to build a hauler. Just don't understand the logic. My Ram 3500 and 42 ft 5ver grossing 24k could pull any grade at the speed limit.
Forget the exhaust brake I would definitely get a 3 stage jake brake if nothing else then exhaust brake but I would definitely get 3 stage jake brake cus it's better 4 stopping power it's what's on most semi trucks and then later on upgrade the trans then the power but first money would be on 3 stage jake brake cool cool videos many blessings keep walking tall and bless great healthy peaceful safe journeys travels and happy camping sending up prayers 4 yall 🚐⛺🌌🌄🏞👍👍💪🙂👍👍
@@WanderingWagners cool cool I do know that exhaust brake makes a big difference from just using brakes that's cool also cool videos and many blessings keep walking tall prayers 4 yall bless great healthy peaceful safe journeys travels and happy camping have fun 4 me too lol 🚐⛺🌌🌄🏞💪🙂
I live close to you guys. I’m in discussions with Cummins in Maumee to install an air brake on my Cummins 6.7 on my 2020 Thor 37.4 with Allison 2500. Hopefully they can do it. I agree, air brake all the way. 6.7 has enough power for what we do, I’m not in a hurry and fully loaded I still have over 4000lb of reserve CCC
Exhaust break for sure! What good does horsepower do if you overheat your brakes? Make certain you can stop before thinking about how much power you can make.
@@WanderingWagners Curious what the temps run pulling the jeep when the outside temps get up in the 90's and low 100's. We are fixing to buy a super C and going to pull a Jeep Gladiator.
I say exhaust brake. I have a small diesel pick up truck and it has the exhaust brake. And I tow a travel trailer and it does an amazing job with the exhaust brake. Even with nothing in tow I hardly ever have to use the brake. So yeah you made the right decision I feel.
@@WanderingWagners also you save on brakes which I feel could cost even more then an engine upgrade for horsepower. Just makes more sense to me. Less wear and tear on the brakes.
Looks Great to me,my Seneca has 360 horsepower,it’s a little longer than your Wraith so it probably is heavier too. But that exhaust brake I a must,I leave mine on all the time.
EB is the better bet here. You're traveling, not on a time line like the truckers, so you don't need to go 70 mph up & down in the mountains. Enjoy the scenery!
I have a 2016 41ft Class A Holiday Rambler Endeavor with the ISL 9 380/1150, Allison 3000 with engine brake... I literally tell my wife the same “I’m not even touching the brakes” 🤣🤣 Class A’s with a Cummins 6.7 & Allison 2500 cap out at 340HP & 700 torque. Not sure if super c longer drive shaft length vs Class As impacts anything differently 🤷🏻♂️ I wouldn’t go over the recommended Allison 2500 specs unless you really want to buy a new one soon.
Not touching the brakes is great! Haha we just don't want to upgrade power when it does a decent job as is, then chance the transmission having problems in the future because of it.
RV Homeschool, had the same performance with the 350hp Seneca, on the same highway. Save your money. At your gross weight, you should follow the truck speed limits, or stay close to them.
I believe the rebel comes with it but don't quote me on that. The Wraith does not and it was just under $500. And it took our dealer just an hour or so to complete.
Upping the horsepower / torque would be a non starter for me. If the transmission isn't rated for it, then you're asking for trouble. The exhaust brake DEFINITELY worth it.
Exhaust brake, for an engine upgrade, I would call Oshkosh truck and see if they would take out the Cummings motor and install the Detroit diesel V-8 2 stroke that they put into the military vehicles and airport fire trucks, now that would sound great pulling hills.
Allison transmission will hold up to a 360 horse power upgrade all day long. Built with massive shafts and clutches. Watch Gail Banks on You Tube to see what he is doing, amazing!
We're familiar with Gale banks (we used to drag race). Allison told us not to do it as it would greatly shorten the life of the transmission as is. We've done enough diesel modification when we were drag racing to know the transmission is always the weakest link. It's just not worth it for the small amount of gains in hp/tq right now
Rather enjoy the view then replace a transmission…if you can pass the rigs vs them passing you it’s all good. Love the breaking system. I miss the days when you took your foot off the gas and you car slowed down
2016 Ram 3500 dually Megacab with Cummins 6.7 and the Aisin with factory exhaust brake. works great pulling 41ft 5th wheel in both the Rockies and Appalachian mountains. i know Mike doesn’t like Ram🙉
The only thing that had to be installed was the switch to turn it on and off, the rest was all programming in the computer. Our local international truck dealer did it for us.
@@WanderingWagners I’m one of the ones you inspired to get a wraith! Leveling jacks on this week and then to RVWholesalers for pick up, end of month! Super excited! I have the surge protector, level gages, suppressor, and shocks waiting! Will do all your upgrades and hopefully see you out on the road! Best man at wedding John House lives up in Oak Harbor. Will b visiting. He retired from DavisBesse.
I vote Exhaust brakes. It saves brakes and could save your life. Stopping is more important. I always have my exhaust brakes on in my Ram dually, and also in my semi(when allowed)
Very good it’s weird Those are good transmissions my 2020 tundra come to 380 hp in the crank can handle 650 before you run into problems I don’t know what the transmission rate it out that’s what I like about Toyota they overkill everything have a safe trip
You can see how Nexus cuts corners by installing a less powerful engine/transmission combo vs Entegra and Renegade. And no exhaust brake from the factory? Wow!
The super c performed quite well for having less hp/tq . That's why this coach is less expensive vs the renegade/entegra etc. They have the bigger transmission which can handle the higher hp/tq. We are with you on the exhaust brake! That should be standard
Exhaust brake all the way. The brake saves wear and tear on your rig. The increase in horsepower and torque creates wear and tear.
Very true! Great way to put it
Lack of horsepower causes the engine and transmission to work harder.
It's better to have the increased horsepower
@@johnswigler6512 he said the transmission is not rated to handle the additional horsepower or torque.
@@WanderingWagners do yall have the "Trans mode" button in your rig? Mine has that button and I LOVE it on the hills and/or traffic
@@milliondolla145 we do have it. It it basically economy mode for these chassis'
Thanks Wandering Wagners! For answering my question about the exhaust brake from your previous vid. It doesn't matter how fast you climb the mountain if you can't make it safely to the bottom on the other side. Exhaust brake was the RIGHT Choice!
Exactly! We don't need to be the first up the mountain as long as we get there haha
That's true but law in Montana is if ya have 5 vehicles behind you and not doing speed limit ya need to pull over. You are a slow moving vehicle and hazard on hwy.
@@ceceliapickering7447 he was on the interstate. Anyone can pass him. He wasn't holding anyone up.
Doesn't matter how fast you get up the hill if you can't stop it coming down the other side. You added safety and took stress out of the drive with the exhaust brake and at a third of the cost! I'd say you made the right choice! I have a 6.2 gasser pulling a 33' Jayco, so tow/haul and cruise control are my helpers. A far cry from an exhaust brake! lol!
Yeah we agree! Definitely the best choice
Yep , we will being buying the Super C not because of getting up mountains, but because of going down them - Thanks for sharing guys!
Exhaust brake worked flawlessly👏🏻 enjoy your super c!
@@WanderingWagners Thank you - Any thought on the Entegra Accolade 37K? We will have around a 250K budget.
Y’all did the right thing with the exhaust break.
Agree!
Exhaust brake, your rig did just fine, good information. Interesting to watch, thanks 😊
Thank you! We think it did rather well for a whopping 300 hp😁
Exhaust brake will save you money over time, engine power upgrade not so much.
Really enjoy seeing the mountains of Idaho and Montana, memories of home. Thanks for the video.
Yeah that's the truth! Added power= more breakdowns in our experience haha we absolutely love that area! Butte is a favorite
Love learning from you guys. Keep on keeping on.
Thank you Marcia!
We just did the ups and downs on I-90, going through Vantage, WA across the Columbia river, as well as over Snoqualmie pass. Our 2007 Itasca Horizon has a two-stage compression brake, and it did an amazing job. I will never give up my compression brake!
Those are good drives! Snoqualmie is beautiful. Wish we could have fit that in this trip. Just another reason to return!
@@WanderingWagners Here's a quick video of our trip down the Gorge last week. Next time you're out this way, stop on by for smores. We always have plenty!
grizztravels.com/2021/06/07/trip-down-the-gorge/
Exhaust brakes. Loved how it was working for you.
Yes! It's been a great addition for sure
We are buying a 2023 Super C on an international MV chassis with the 6.7 Cummins. We have watched most of your videos while researching if this was what we wanted to do, THANK YOU for sharing your experiences. There is not a an Exhaust break switch on the dash. Is there a way to tell if the engine internal hardware is already installed? Keep sharing and us out here will keep learning...
If there's no switch on the dash one can easily be added. The exhaust brake is simple programming and adding of the switch. Couple hundred dollars at international and we were all good to go.
Exhaust break all day long, ALL DAY LONG! It seems like you are satisfied with the power, so spend your money else where. Thanks for the videos guys!
Yeah we are very happy with it. The exhaust brake was well worth it and there's no way we are dropping that kind of cash on the power when it could hurt the transmission
Awesome video again ! 👍 Exhaust break 👍
Thank you! Exhaust brake was a wise investment for sure
Definitely exhaust brake and your rig did great 👍🏻. Beautiful country too
It did a great job!
Not owning one YET.. based on all your experience and the videos y'all have provided it would be exhaust brake all the way..thanks for another great and informative video..safe travels.. Lee and Luanne Horton Canton MS
Thanks for the comment Lee & Luanne! The exhaust brake is definitely worth it
Since I have a Ghost and already have an exhaust brake and 350 HP (a couple of reasons I bought it) and I forget how much torque I really can't answer the question. That said, a brake may save your life, HP/torque may take your life. Common sense says spend the money on a brake, but not everyone has common sense. Keep the good stuff coming guys.
How are you liking that ghost?
@@WanderingWagners Don't really know yet I haven't had a chance to use it since I brought it home a little over a month ago. I've been too busy with other things. I'll keep you posted.
I'd definitely keep it stock. I like to go fast in straight lines, but I play it safe going through the mountains.
Yeah, stock is just safer all around
Now that’s a long rv motorhome ride
We love to travel
Mike, you did the right thing, you have to be able to stop. Stay safe.
Couldn't agree more!
Absolutely, the exhaust brake is a must. Most of the super c rv's I've seen already have one.
For some reason Nexus decided not to have the exhaust brake as an option even though it's standard equipment. No clue why. We added it for $300. Newest Nexus wraiths will come standard with the exhaust brake
Back when I was driving a truck I had an engine brake but they’re just the same as an exhaust brake I would go with the exhaust break it’s feels much more safer. You don’t smoke your brakes and you’re right in an automatic transmission. Those things you can maybe put 50 more extra horsepower, but I would not do that, my Duramax in my Chevy pick up truck is good for 50 more horsepower but I would never put a chip in my computer. I am looking into a pack brake exhaust brake since my diesels an old one it’s an 03 you got a watch so you don’t hurt the valve springs and from what I’m finding out pack break has a pretty nice set up for the older diesels gonna look into that, because I load very very heavy and my travel trailer is heavy to begin with. You can always see me coming down the road with a cord of firewood in the bed of my truck but yes, I would definitely recommend exhaust brakes over boosting the horsepower yeah some of the mountains here in Pennsylvania I can only do 60 mile an hour but I don’t wanna go any faster than that. I’m just wasting fuel I’m happy with my 14 modded a gallon that I get out in Ohio. There’s no way I get 14 moderate a gallon in Pennsylvania. That’s one of the reasons why we like Ohio being so flat Again another nice video. Thanks for all your hard work guys. Hopefully sometime we will meet up.
Thanks for the comment! We are very happy with how our motorhome and exhaust brake performed. So happy we decided to keep it awhile😜
Exhaust brake. Great job guys.
Thanks!
We understand the dynamics of towing and driving on grades as we do this now with a Class A gas RV (drivability, safety, and power being some main reasons we are looking into the Nexus Super C's)
We subscribe to your videos and really enjoy watching and learning as you share your travels. Question: Would knowing what you know now preclude you from buying the Wraith again and/or would you look to buy something with more power and torque?
The wraith has done everything we've asked of it. We wouldn't hesitate to buy one again. For the price we couldn't say no. At the time it was $140k brand new vs $250k for other brands. If we did it again though we would order it with liquid spring or get it installed right away.
Some people chase power and go for the models with 360hp but we don't have any complaints towing our Jeep.
@@WanderingWagners Great. Thanks. We really enjoyed your video and overview of the liquid springs system and learning we can add an exhaust brake. The lack of exhaust brake is why we had not really been looking at the Wraith.
I'm surprised it didn't come with an exhaust brake from the factory
Yeah it should have IMO
Exhaust brake, for sure. . .! Didn't sound like the truck was struggling that hard going up, but that down can really kill a rig!! Just curious, do you have the ability to monitor that Alison transmission temp, and if so, how much harder was it working, and how much higher did your temp climb? I know my Silverado temp starts going up during a pull uphill with my camper -- just wondering what you were experiencing!!
The transmission runs about 150 on flat land and it was 165 in the mountains.
I have watched this a few times. I have inquired to my local International service shop. They say they are not sure of the install and are going to consult Cummins on it. I hope I get good news so I can get one installed. We are planning on a trip to YellowStone next year. I think it would be a plus to have.
For our chassis, It's a simple job international can do in no time. It's programming and installing a switch on the dash. Couple hundred bucks and an hour time and that's it.
@@WanderingWagners Sweet! Hopefully I can get it done the same time I get the Brake Recall done.
We have a Wraith as well and want to install an exhaust brake after a trip through Colorado. Who did you have do the work? A Cummins dealer or an International dealer? Love your channel!
International. With our rig it was a switch on the dash and programming. Done in no time! Selking international did ours and several more after ours. In Stony ridge Ohio. 👍🏻
Welcome to Montana! You guys did great on Homestate pass. This is the country i live in. Hope you were able to take time to tour Butte. Safe travels 🤠👍 exhaust brake is always the way to go.
Butte is definitely one of my favorites! So beautiful and scenic😍 I could see us buying a plot of empty land in the area there just to have and visit more
Great video, What app did you use at the scale?
The app is called "weigh my truck" by cat scale
@@WanderingWagners thank you
I agree with Mike all the way! That little bit of power and torque up grade will cost you allot more when the tranny poops out! Way to go Wraith! 👍🇺🇸
Exactly! We've had enough transmission work to know we don't want to chance it on the Wraith! Haha
That uphill speed is about right for the 6.7 cummins, i would leave it alone. Good idea getting the brake though. You got some precious cargo in there with you. 👍👍
Yeah, we thought it did great for the 6.7! We're good with stock haha
Hands down, exhaust (engine) brake is the way to go. I have it and it’s amazing.
Agreed. We love ours
That was a nice run thanks it helps us alot
No problem, glad to help!
I noticed you didn't use the Trans Mode going up the mountain? I thought you wanted that on. Also I'm in the Houston area, what business do I look for to have the engine brake put in? We have the 2022 34W
Trans mode button isn't what you're thinking it is.
Look for an international dealership to get the exhaust (not engine) brake installed. Took our local shop a few hours!
We love driving over Homestake Pass with my Horizon 42Q. It has an engine brake.
Engine brakes are nice! We are happy with the exhaust brake we have. Much easier for hills!
I love exhaust brakes. We eventually started getting fire apparatus with them before I retired. We were just getting DEF units when I left. What a pain in the arse! 🤣 my class C E-350 doesn’t have an exhaust brake, but I always drive with tow/haul engaged even the few times I’m not towing my 4 door wrangler. I feel as far as the stock chassis is concerned, it’s hauling the big box full of things on its frame.
I’m mostly a right laner, no more than 65 MPH, and nearly always in cruise control on the highway. Even through the hills I let it control speed. I feel it’s saving on brakes as it’s controlling speed without my input.
We generally don't go over 65 in the Wraith. We still make good time with the big fuel tank haha pretty happy with its performance in the East and West mountains
I have found that if I use the cruise control on my 2020 f250 that the transmission and motor work together better than using the foot feed. The Trans temp stays lower also.
We use cruise control. It worked so well we had to use accelerator to speed up lol
Drag racers? Cool! I was also for over 30 years. Raced a slew of small block mopars.
Yep we used to drag race diesel trucks. Super expensive and time consuming... it was fun at the time though! Raced all over the country with our favorite race being salt lake City where I won 1st place in my category🎉
Heading there next week. I have a 30’ class c towing a Jeep Liberty. Curious how it will do pulling a long grade. Have done one yet. Thanks for the video
That would be interesting to compare results!
Hello Mike and Lynn, I'm from your neck of the woods. Whitmer High School 1991, but moved to California in 2000. My name is Tim. I have a 2019 Coachmen Freelander Class C with the Chevy 4500 Gasoline and 6 speed Allison Transmission. I have been in 32 states now with her. I'm always a down shifter and in T/H mode. I just noticed that Grade brake On was activated in the Oregon mountains lately. I hate the reving of the engine in the 4000 + rpm's. Am I bypassing the Grade brake by going into manual down shifting mode? Is it ok to let it rev that high in grade brake mode?
I wouldn't let it go over redline, whatever that may be. If you intervene in any way, yes you're bypassing the grade brake. Gas engines rev high but if it's going to redline don't let it
@@WanderingWagners Ty
Great video Mikey!!
Thanks!
Another great vid guys! Definitely exhaust brake. I have yet to install the exhaust brake on our 2016 Ghost because our local International maintenance facility said they’d have to price it out as a factory build and they never got back to me before our cross country trip started so we are negotiating the mountains with no exhaust brake. This is our 3rd cross country trip and I’ve become used to slowing down to 45ish and put in 4th gear on downward grades and only occasionally use the brakes for 5 seconds or so at a time to maintain that speed. On steep up grades I am able to maintain 45ish on all but the steepest grades, then it’s normally 35-40 mph. Exhaust brake is definitely an upgrade I want to do once we get back. Just for cost comparisons what it it run you to have installed?
Ours was under $500. All they had to do on our chassis was install the switch on the dash and enable it in the programming. Best $500 we've spent.
@@WanderingWagners awesome. I think the International facility was looking at a jake brake system rather than an exhaust brake. I’ll re-engage once we get back. Unless of course I can find somewhere that can do it quickly while we’re still on the road. We’ll be in Vegas for a week starting tomorrow so I may look into it while we’re there. Thanks!
@@WanderingWagners Just curious, who is 'they'? I recently purchased a 2021 Triumph 34TSC with the same drive train and would really like to add the exhaust brake feature. Appreciate any info you can share. Thanks :)
@@mail2doug our local international truck dealer. That's who did the install for us.
Exhaust brake. If your transmission goes because of the upgrade to HP & torque you spend $1600 plus the cost of a new transmission. No thanks not what I would want to do. Great video Mike & Lynn.
Yeah it's just not worth it to risk the transmission to us. We'll stick with the exhaust brake😁
More horsepower = more braking required
What do you set your cruise when your driving on a normal highway like I95 up and down the coast.
75
Exhaust brake all the way. The brake . The Slowing down. The piece of mind. Stopping is Everything!
Yep, nice to know we can stop at the bottom haha
I would be going for the exhaust brake now and at tranny rebuild time I would replace it with a 3000 or if that is not doable then upgrade the internals to hold 880 torque and then bump up the power. Your rig is light. I assume 12k front and 20k rear axles? It did very well. Be safe.
Exhaust brake was by far the better choice. Now if the transmission could handle it, we'd definitely consider upping the power but we dealt with enough of rebuilding transmissions when we were drag racers haha
I guess my decision would be based on where most of your travels are done. Your "out west" needs to be qualified. If you are in Colorado and climbing passes at 1100' to 1200' things are different. Especially if you have something naturally aspirated with the Oxygen thinner. Our former 2016 Tiffin gas Motorhome barely could do 35 mph over wolf creek and Laveta passes. Just crossing a divide is misleading. All that means is which direction the water travels either Atlantic or Pacific. In places where the topography isn't as high as in the Rockies such as in Montana you may be fine. That said most roads usually offer passing lanes so it's a personal decision. But I am in total agreement with getting a exhaust or Jake first. You won't find runout lanes going uphill but many trucks including pickups hauling RV's have burnt there brakes up going down hill. I use tow haul mode going down these passes even though I am not towing to reduce braking and rely on the engine and transmission more. Great content.
Thanks for the comment!
I don’t see the yellow and red buttons , do you have air brakes ?
No
Not sure of the proper terminology but does your exhaust brake have multiple stages/levels?
Ours is either on, or off.
Is the exhaust brake the same as the engine brake? On my Super C, I think I have something called the engine brake, not exhaust brake.
An exhaust brake uses the turbo vanes to create exhaust back pressure. An engine brake changes the timing of the exhaust valves which creates back pressure. Both will slow you down but an engine brake is far more effective. Do you know what engine you have?
@@WanderingWagners Thanks for the great info. I have the Entegra Accolade which has "Cummins® ISB 6.7L 360 HP diesel engine with 800 ft.-lb. torque" on the Freightliner S2RV chassis
Amazing the de tuning of the chassis cabs. Thats why you buy a F350 complete on the lot and have the bed removed to build a hauler. Just don't understand the logic. My Ram 3500 and 42 ft 5ver grossing 24k could pull any grade at the speed limit.
I've always thought the detuning of cab and chassis was stupid haha
Forget the exhaust brake I would definitely get a 3 stage jake brake if nothing else then exhaust brake but I would definitely get 3 stage jake brake cus it's better 4 stopping power it's what's on most semi trucks and then later on upgrade the trans then the power but first money would be on 3 stage jake brake cool cool videos many blessings keep walking tall and bless great healthy peaceful safe journeys travels and happy camping sending up prayers 4 yall
🚐⛺🌌🌄🏞👍👍💪🙂👍👍
We have an exhaust brake installed. No intentions of upgrading the trans or engine so we plan to keep it stock😎
@@WanderingWagners cool cool I do know that exhaust brake makes a big difference from just using brakes that's cool also cool videos and many blessings keep walking tall prayers 4 yall bless great healthy peaceful safe journeys travels and happy camping have fun 4 me too lol
🚐⛺🌌🌄🏞💪🙂
I live close to you guys. I’m in discussions with Cummins in Maumee to install an air brake on my Cummins 6.7 on my 2020 Thor 37.4 with Allison 2500. Hopefully they can do it. I agree, air brake all the way. 6.7 has enough power for what we do, I’m not in a hurry and fully loaded I still have over 4000lb of reserve CCC
Hopefully they can do it because it's an awesome upgrade!
Sounds like we are neighbors👍🏻
What kit did you guys install and who did you have do it?
Selking international in Stony ridge on 20. It was just a switch and programming for our chassis.
Fine job
Thank you!
Exhaust break for sure! What good does horsepower do if you overheat your brakes? Make certain you can stop before thinking about how much power you can make.
Exactly! We completely agree
Mike, does the Wraith have a transmission temp guage or digital readout.
Yes it has a trans temp gauge on the dash
@@WanderingWagners Curious what the temps run pulling the jeep when the outside temps get up in the 90's and low 100's. We are fixing to buy a super C and going to pull a Jeep Gladiator.
So far it's been running 150 degrees on flat land and about 165 in the mountains. That wasn't on 100 degree days though haha
I noticed Lynn tracking on camera that Chevy 2500 pickup truck for a minute there that passed you. Missing it a little?
Haha that was just a happy accident. 😂
great video, thanks
Thank you for watching!
I say exhaust brake. I have a small diesel pick up truck and it has the exhaust brake. And I tow a travel trailer and it does an amazing job with the exhaust brake. Even with nothing in tow I hardly ever have to use the brake. So yeah you made the right decision I feel.
Agreed! Best upgrade
@@WanderingWagners also you save on brakes which I feel could cost even more then an engine upgrade for horsepower. Just makes more sense to me. Less wear and tear on the brakes.
Haven\t been out west but love the exhaust brake.
The exhaust brake has been well worth it!
Looks Great to me,my Seneca has 360 horsepower,it’s a little longer than your Wraith so it probably is heavier too. But that exhaust brake I a must,I leave mine on all the time.
We leave ours on all the time too. Best upgrade!
Mine came with exhaust break, using it and down shifting, I have to tap brakes to keep it from over Rev.
We wish ours came with it but it was an easy enough upgrade
Thanks for the video I do them both and who said the transmission ain’t ready for it just curious I might’ve missed that part be blessed
I got that information direct from Allison
Exhaust brake, nice comment on the grade difference between the Smokies vs out west
Yeah I think it's important to note the differences between the Rockies and the Appalachians
Just the info I was waiting for from an experienced driver, Great videos very informative Thanks stay safe & create memories!
Glad to help! Thanks for the comment, Jeff
Exhaust brake all the way. I wish my 02 7.3 had one.
Safe travels and good health.
Thank you! It was definitely a worth while upgrade
Which exhaust brake and general cost?
We went over the costs in this video!
th-cam.com/video/-meoDls0kao/w-d-xo.html
The brake is internationals
EB is the better bet here. You're traveling, not on a time line like the truckers, so you don't need to go 70 mph up & down in the mountains. Enjoy the scenery!
We are on a timeline while traveling because we still work but understand your point haha👍🏻
Were you running with cruise control
Going up the cruise was on, down it was off with the exhaust brake doing the work
@@WanderingWagners very impressive
Looking a 2022 Wraith 34W. Enjoy the videos.
Thanks! We are happy with ours so far, besides the basic RV build they all have haha
I like being in control. I would not be happy going downhill the way Piper takes off on a walk.
😂 no kidding! Wild and crazy
If you increase HP you can increase exhaust brake control also.
We are happy with our HP and it's matched to the trans
I have a 2016 41ft Class A Holiday Rambler Endeavor with the ISL 9 380/1150, Allison 3000 with engine brake... I literally tell my wife the same “I’m not even touching the brakes” 🤣🤣 Class A’s with a Cummins 6.7 & Allison 2500 cap out at 340HP & 700 torque. Not sure if super c longer drive shaft length vs Class As impacts anything differently 🤷🏻♂️ I wouldn’t go over the recommended Allison 2500 specs unless you really want to buy a new one soon.
Not touching the brakes is great! Haha we just don't want to upgrade power when it does a decent job as is, then chance the transmission having problems in the future because of it.
why don't you select the proper gear manually instead of letting the trans hunt back and forth??
Didn't feel like it
@@WanderingWagners lazy
Ok
RV Homeschool, had the same performance with the 350hp Seneca, on the same highway. Save your money. At your gross weight, you should follow the truck speed limits, or stay close to them.
Yep! Not worth it to maybe go a few mph faster up hill.
I agree!
Absolutely👍🏻
So the rig didn't come with an exhaust brake? I'm surprised.
No it didn't... It should imo but it didn't. We added it very easily at International
How much $ to add? Btw we are going to look at a 2023 Rebel 30R and the Wraith 34W.
I believe the rebel comes with it but don't quote me on that.
The Wraith does not and it was just under $500. And it took our dealer just an hour or so to complete.
@@WanderingWagners thank you for your channel! We love it and are learning tons about your rig and all the great diy upgrades!
@@bigjimsrealm4369 very welcome! We've done a lot to this rig over the years but we have been quite happy with it
Exhaust Brake for just what you were showing on your vedio. Never had to touch the brakes and came safely down the mountains.
Absolutely. It makes mountain travel pretty simple and safe
Upping the horsepower / torque would be a non starter for me. If the transmission isn't rated for it, then you're asking for trouble. The exhaust brake DEFINITELY worth it.
Exactly! The transmission is always the weak link. Just not worth the risk for a few more ponies
If you've got a Cummins engine in there I would definitely go with a jake brake you would love it
We have an exhaust brake installed already😉
Get both, the trany down shifts less with extra torque. More hp only means you don't have to use it until you get into trouble.
We considered it but just don't want to spend that kind of money and chance the transmission health. Who knows
Exhaust brake, for an engine upgrade, I would call Oshkosh truck and see if they would take out the Cummings motor and install the Detroit diesel V-8 2 stroke that they put into the military vehicles and airport fire trucks, now that would sound great pulling hills.
That sure would be interesting!
Are there upgrades for the transmission?
There are always upgrades you can do but they'll cost a big ole pretty penny
@@WanderingWagners it's one reason I was looking at the Thor magnitude on the F550.....10 speed and 800ft lbs
I've heard not so good things about the 10 speed. It constantly wants to shift and won't pick a gear
Allison transmission will hold up to a 360 horse power upgrade all day long. Built with massive shafts and clutches. Watch Gail Banks on You Tube to see what he is doing, amazing!
We're familiar with Gale banks (we used to drag race). Allison told us not to do it as it would greatly shorten the life of the transmission as is. We've done enough diesel modification when we were drag racing to know the transmission is always the weakest link. It's just not worth it for the small amount of gains in hp/tq right now
I know that on the Tiffin class A with the Allison 2500, the 6.7 ISB is at 340 ho and the 3000 is 360 hp. StY with the exhaust brake.
Yeah the exhaust brake was a much better investment
My 300 horse Cummings had to work last coming out of Denver on.I-70
Been a few years since we were on I70 in co. Maybe we will have to take the wraith there and do a comparison haha
@@WanderingWagners 70 is rough
Definitely the exhaust brake it could save your life and at the very least your equipment ❤️
Agreed! Definitely worth while
Rather enjoy the view then replace a transmission…if you can pass the rigs vs them passing you it’s all good. Love the breaking system. I miss the days when you took your foot off the gas and you car slowed down
Agreed. We are happy with the way it preforms in the mountains so far!
Definitely the exhaust brake. Nothing worse than loosing your brakes on a long down grade
That's for sure!
Brake and welcome to Montana.
Thanks! Beautiful state for sure💗
2016 Ram 3500 dually Megacab with Cummins 6.7 and the Aisin with factory exhaust brake. works great pulling 41ft 5th wheel in both the Rockies and Appalachian mountains.
i know Mike doesn’t like Ram🙉
We had many ram trucks but the 2016 we had was straight junk. Just a bad unit haha
When you start going beyond the design criteria that's when things break I'd leave it stock
Agreed. Not worth it when it gets the job done now
How much was the exhaust brake system
It was less than $500
Been a while but approximately how much was it?
The exhaust brake was about $500
@@WanderingWagners Did you install? So far I’m seeing $1300-$1800. Can you tell me brand of brake?
The only thing that had to be installed was the switch to turn it on and off, the rest was all programming in the computer. Our local international truck dealer did it for us.
@@WanderingWagners I’m one of the ones you inspired to get a wraith! Leveling jacks on this week and then to RVWholesalers for pick up, end of month! Super excited! I have the surge protector, level gages, suppressor, and shocks waiting! Will do all your upgrades and hopefully see you out on the road! Best man at wedding John House lives up in Oak Harbor. Will b visiting. He retired from DavisBesse.
@@WanderingWagners had blue ox installed. Do you have an independent brake for Jeep. If so, what brand? Kinda spends!
Love the exhaust brake on my F250
We had them on our (more recent) pickups but not standard on this unfortunately. We added it ourselves though!
What’s your mpg?
It's anywhere from 8.5-9.5 but on this trip is been running at 8.8 mpg
I vote Exhaust brakes. It saves brakes and could save your life. Stopping is more important. I always have my exhaust brakes on in my Ram dually, and also in my semi(when allowed)
Yeah we would rather put our money towards the brake. Ours is always on too haha
Very good it’s weird Those are good transmissions my 2020 tundra come to 380 hp in the crank can handle 650 before you run into problems I don’t know what the transmission rate it out that’s what I like about Toyota they overkill everything have a safe trip
"Commercial" trucks are always lower hp/tq.
I agree with you. Rather have the exhaust brake.
Just the better all around choice
You can see how Nexus cuts corners by installing a less powerful engine/transmission combo vs Entegra and Renegade. And no exhaust brake from the factory? Wow!
WICH ONE DO YOU OWN I DONT KNOW WHAT TO BUY ADAM AT COLERAIN SAYS TO AVOID SHOWHAULER
The super c performed quite well for having less hp/tq . That's why this coach is less expensive vs the renegade/entegra etc. They have the bigger transmission which can handle the higher hp/tq.
We are with you on the exhaust brake! That should be standard