To me, the sound of the Jake brake is the sound of 50 tonnes holding speed going downhill without me touching the brakes. It is a very welcome sound in that way.
Starting When i was 8 it was my job to flip the jake on and off for my grandfather while we were coming down steep winding grades. Looking back it was Usually because we were dodging scales haha. But even when i was 8 years old 20 years ago i knew the value and importance of the jake break
I grew up on a somewhat steep hill that trucks often traveled. I used to love hearing the Jake when though I didn't know what the sound was at the time. I Also used to crank my arm to get them to use the air horns. Those positive experiences led me to be a truck driver and now I'm 5 years into my career and working at a company that treats me well.
I've tried multiple times to explain to drivers that the "jacobs engine retarder" doesn't actually induce differential friction force between the tire and the road surface as actual service brakes do. "Jake brakes", instead slow down engine rpm and slow down the drive shaft. It basically creates drag on the engine. It works because it counteracts momentum and the natural inertia of the truck in motion tending to want to keep rolling. The reason service brakes are problematic on slippery roads is that they cause differential speed between the tire and the road surface. This leads to slippage and loss of traction because you've induced differential speed between the tire and the road surface that exceeds the ability of the tire to grip. I use mine in all weather, and have never had a problem. It saves tire wear and service brake wear. I change tires every 350k miles and brakes on average of 600-700k miles, usually just to leave no "interpretation" if I get pulled for inspection. I can't imagine how dangerous trucking was for drivers before they had all these amazing tools. You really have to respect the old timers and their experience with older equipment. My job today is far easier and more comfortable than in their time and I'm very thankful for that fact every day on the road. The trucks of today are basically working RVs compared to the rubber block suspension bench seat trucks and COEs of the 50's through early 90's.
I'd say the easiest way to explain it is that Jake Brakes works by not letting the truck pick up speed in the first place by limiting engine RPM whereas normal brakes work by forcibly slowing your tires down.
I use mine 90% of the time. Even when pulling an empty flat and especially on wet roads. It helps to avoid locking the trailer tires when there's no weight on them.
Far safer and no wear. When I have had to touch my brakes in the rain I have had nasty surprises, a wet brake drum grabs different and it can veer unexpectedly..
I drove otr for just over two years where I learned about using the Jake Brake on many mountain passes. I made the change to being a local driver and went into the concrete business driving mixer trucks. I have been fortunate enough to get trucks that did have a Jake on them, and that was very reassuring, not to mention safer. I have talked to people that say that having a Jake on mixers is a waste, and I beg to differ. I think that it really depends on the region you are operating in. I am currently driving a truck without one (as many newer trucks do not have them, being deemed as non-essential, and an extra expense). The only way to alleviate problems is to drive much slower on approaching grades. I hate to admit it, there have been times that I had to really get into the brakes, and the smell is not pleasant and kind of embarrassing when you get to the job site (not to mention the wear and tear on your equipment). You are taught to have a sense of urgency having a perishable/live load, you just have to use really good judgment on when to be urgent and safe at the same time. It is also really good to have excellent directions, and have good knowledge of the route. I find it interesting how companies push safety, safety, safety, then hold back on the tools that would make you a more safe driver.
If memory serves me right, the older mixers, such as mid-seventies on down, weren't ever equipped with anything other than service (and parking) brakes. There was a PTO type system that turned the drum instead of hydraulic used on newer equipment. Point is, manufacturer's weren't comfortable with the weight of a full drum having a direct connection to the motor on top of the normal braking demands of the GVW. Don't take this as gospel, it's been 25 years since I've been around mud trucks and I probably remember some information incorrectly. Ask around to see if this sounds familiar. I may need a refresher course haha!
I’ve driven for 8 years now and have used jakes from the moment I started driving 😂😂😂 I use mine 90% of the time lol I absolutely hate it when I get into a truck and the Jake doesn’t work for Jack! It’s an absolute must for me. Good video!
Going thru Pennsylvania today trying to not use the jake brake in heavy rain today like my mentor said stabbing the brakes to keep the 20k lbs on my trailer going on these 5-7% grades in heavy rain was not working I would slow down but the rain was causing the trailer to slide sideways I had truck fly by I could hear there jakes on finally I gave up and turned them on level one and it made a big difference never slipped and held those hills perfect I was slowing down before a hill down to 50-55 mph just so I could coast down and brake before a corner and try and bring it down from 63-55 mph but the three second rule on stab braking was not slowing me down enough with wet brakes. Thankfully I gave up that method and went with the jake brake it worked like a charm I could even tap the throttle to keep it off and let it do it’s thing towards the start of each corner. The rig was holding the lane fine. When applying the brakes I found myself sliding a bit but the jakes didn’t slide. I will use them in rain on straights before a corner now
I work for a big LTL carrier and I run between Sacramento and Reno every day. Even though we mostly have newer automatic Freightliner Cascadia tractors, the engine brakes work really well on them. I can do the whole run over the hill, and barely have to touch the brakes with the transmission locked in 9th or 10th gear going down the hills especially coming westbound off Blue Canyon and down the 3-mile coming into Colfax
In the 90's when I was a snot nosed kid the truck I was running did not have Jake brakes. I was going across Meachum one morning and I stopped and picked up an old timer who had tagged a deer and cracked his radiator. I pulled off into the brake check area to check my brakes before going down Cabbage. The look on his face was priceless when he found out I did not have Jakes. In the few minutes it took to check my brakes that old timer had got on my CB and had another trucker stopping to take him down the hill. It's a good life.
My trainer said of the Jake Brake. Just roll your window down stick your head out and go "Burrrrrrrrrrrr" youll slow down just as fast. Hint. That does not work. Ha.
Bryan I learned as a kid, I'm 2nd gen but didn't get my CDL until I was in my late 30s after the Army. My instructors were fans of the Jake and taught us when to use them.
I saw a sign in Du Quoin, Illinois. It said something like "please do not engine brake unless required for emergencies." I respect that a whole of a lot more.
I ride a freight shaker, that jake brake has been my friend my first day behind the wheel. Hell even my adaptive cruise control which uses the jake brake on its own was like my second trainer when I went solo for the first time.
The Jake opens the exhaust valve just before TDC of the compression stroke releasing the compressed air to the exhaust system leaving no energy to push the piston back down.
In these days there is Jake brake and RET-TH and even VEB in same truck and those all work together. Here is Europe we have Engine exhaust brake, CRB compression release brake ( Jake brake) and hydraulic engine retarder in same truck and all work together. This is so powerful that you hardly ever need to use your foot brake. You have loud Jake brake because you don't have exhaust brake after turbo. Here's so many different variations of hydraulic brake which usually is in gearbox but can also be front of crank shaft like it is in MAN trucks. That's the reason why we don't have LOUD Jake brake here in Europe, because we always have exhaust brake as well in our trucks. So noise goes down and muffler handle the rest of it.
I laughed out loud when he said Cajon Pass, I've had 2 trucks break down there 1 going up, and 1 going down from Hesperia. Oh the joys of trucking! Stay safe everyone, enjoy the ride!
I am a huge fan of the “jake brake”! They work great for speed control and management. In all kinds of weather. Sometimes you adjust how and when you use them for traffic and road conditions, but overall they make for a better, safer operating and driving environment. I am also a fan for using them in combination with cruise control. With the modern computer controlled engines, you set your desired decent speed and let the computers adjust the settings as needed to hold speed. On the last trucks I drove, the cruise control could activate and deactivate individual cylinders. So instead of a 3 position setting jake, the cruise could choose between 6 settings. With the newer automatics, it could upshifts and down shift as needed for additional braking power adjustment to stay in the desired speed range. I enjoyed that capability and used it often. But remember, you still have to actively monitor the system, because if it shuts down or goes haywire, you speed can increase surprisingly fast. Don’t do Tesla driver autopilot stupid and become one of those drivers who didn’t pay attention and then wound up hurt or dead.
I was getting ready to say in not one video none of you guys show you actually pressing the engine brakes and what they look like to a new person like myself that's never used one. So thank you for being the smart guy you are and checking all your bases and providing us that information which is very useful and you used them all three back to back and made me feel comfortable in doing the same, so thank you very much.
There's a trucker who lives just outside of town and he snatches that Jake Brake when he passes my house. The speed limit drops from 50 to 35 and he refuses to just coast down to speed. It used to irritate me because it would wake up my sons. But now they're grown up I don't care. It's like "brrrrrapapapaapapap oh...there's Roy. He's home early this week."
I’ve been driving an automatic for 7 years. I decided it was time for a change and knew a test drive on a manual was inevitable for new employment. Thanks for the great refresher videos for the confidence I was looking for and I got the job.
started driving in 67 never heard of a jake drew pulp and logs in the mountains of the adirondacks in ny with gas jobs untill the eighties traded my pulp truck on a dumper with a 671 and a jake ill tell you that was an eye opener!! would never drive anything without one now great invention!
The first tractor that I bought (and still own), a Cummins powered 1995 Freightliner FLD12064, doesn't have Jakes. It never bothered me because dad an grandpa taught me how to run grades LONG before Jakes became common so, I never had a problem. Every tractor I've bought since then has had Jakes though. Like you, I normally run all 3 heads and only turn them off completely is on ice. With all that said, how about a video on why it's important to have and know how to use a power divider a.k.a. differential lock. Even in the summer months, I see MANY drivers "stuck" in short, steep loading docks because after unloading, their rear drive axle is off the ground. I can't believe how many of them don't know they have one, let alone how/when to use it! These days, my tractors all have full lockers so when I flip that switch, all 8 have power.
I use to live in a small town where the main road was on roughly an 18%-20% grade and at the bottom there was a decently busy railroad crossing. There is a no engine braking sign but I don’t think any of us ever judged a trucker for doing his best not to slam into the side of a train. I remember my brother and I climbing out the window and sitting on the porch roof watching the trucks go by. We would try and get them to blast the horn or listen to the jakes thunder down the hill.
Nice to see you’ve got a Henke Idler. Let the engine (turbo) cool down safely and shut er down so no excessive idling when you grab a cup of Joe. 3rd Gen trucker. If my Cummins and Jake history memory is correct, Jacob’s was working for Mr. Cummins and patented his invention. Mr. Cummins produced for his engines but did not want to pay the royalties so Mr. Jacobs left Cummins Engine Co and took hi invention with him. I’ve had them on the 8 tractors I’ve owned.
2017 freightliner cascadia single axle Detroit auto 12, Jake brake has alouded my rear brake shoes to still be legal with 524,000 on them. the Jake saved one of our drivers from being in a pileup on a snowy interstate. big riggers think it's a toy, it's good u made this content to show them what's it's really for! I use stage 1 in town to aid my stopping in cases where drivers turn I front of me or stop fast for oh crap there's where I want to go.
I just discovered your Channel Dave and i love it, i just got my CDL class A , even though i went to great school your very knowledgeable and i have learned some good things from you, i got to get me some of your gear, God bless brother.
Yes u really do great video I'm a truck driver in Jamaica on I love watching videos im driving for about twenty years on I still learn a thing r two from them
Last year I had to haul 4 Taylor lifts from Nashville to Reno.... 4 round trips, 42 pages of permits per trip. Grabbing the correct gear ⚙️ and a good jake setting...
I had a co drive who always left the jakes so when ever he let off the accelerator it slowed. He never wanted to use the brakes he wanted to save them for when you where really needed. Only one time was there a issue. I was asleep in the top bunk and he almost had a wreck and the jake was on 3 in a frieghtliner and he hit the brake pedal pretty hard. Short story I was thrown into the window and had internal bleeding. I learned a lesson and so did he haha
I drive a logging truck in BC my grandpa started me off on his old freightliner classic with a c15 and the jake really only made noise, now I’m in a 2021 ISX15 and I rarely touch the brake pedal I love it
I love how a crucial safety device gets banned because it’s loud, like Jake brakes and train horns, locomotives use something similar it’s a dynamic brake and it draws power from the traction motors and transfers it into excess heat that gets vented, doesn’t sound nearly as cool, just kinda sounds like a jet engine
My volvo has 4 jake positions. 1 2 3 and B. You have to hold it on b to work, but you better have your seatbelt on or your going through the windshield.
No it isn't Mike, totally different. A Jake, or the many other names they are given in Europe (anybody know why the name Jake isn't used in Europe?) alters the valve timing to turn the engine into a compressor; an exhaust brake just blocks off the exhaust causing back pressure nowhere near as effective. Of course a Voith retarder goes way beyond what a Jake offers and silently too, but at a price.
A friend of mine uses his Jake Brake in town because we live in a giant bowl, you've probably been through my town once or twice on your forays through BC. He got fined for using it down a steep hill that has a lighted intersection right at the end, he went to court and said "this may not get the fine taken away, but I think that my full loaded logging truck's jake brake is a lot quieter going down that hill than it does slamming through your house". Not sure what came of it after that, but i'd have to agree with him
@@SmartTrucking you might have been through my town in your forays through BC. There is a sign that says "no engine brakes $250 fine" half way down that hill but I have yet to hear one truck follow that sign, because a $250 fine is a hell of a lot cheaper than plowing through 10 cars and the intersection
That is 95% of the towns in BC (north or east) of Hope. They are at the bottom of a hill and they all have those ridiculous signs at the top of the hill that leads into them.
I think a lot of the complaints about Jake brakes and the cause for signage saying don't use them is the Lowder more extreme Jake brake applications. Most of your newer more modern trucks aren't near as loud and noticeable. I agree safety trumps your choice to live right next to a hell on the highway.
The Jake in the truck I drive is a necessity, definitely comes in handy when grossing 100k lbs. If you're ever looking for ideas for videos. I'd love to see a video on "Michigan special" trucks.
Started driving in the mid 60"s Northern Calif. logging... then did LA / Seattle. Drove many different trucks, Like you said, some jakes worked good, others did not. Then I drove a Cat, 3406 with a "Retarder" , even a 4308 once with a low bed!! The best engine brake available!! Could drop off the Grapevine, weighing over 80,000 an never touch the brake peddle!! Later years, as soon as I got on the freeway, engine warmed up, Jake bake turned on, left it on, never turned it off tell parked at the end of the day!! Was a bit surprised when forced to drive an automatic, Hated the automatic, tell I had to run LA, coming back north, set the truck speed at 30 mph, 80.000 an never had to touch the brakes!! Piece of mind!! Safety over signs!! Always!!!! Newer trucks, don't make that wonderful sound anymore!!! lol....
Great info on the Jake, totally agree with Evermore. Absolutely can't stand open pipe bikes, just useless junk toys. But a truck is working making our countries go and yes, a big truck on the Jake coming down the grade sounds great to us kids at heart!
Lived just off the I-215 in Salt Lake City for many years, west side not east side next to the richies. Heard Jakes every day, including fire trucks, never bothered me. Now when I was going down Parleys Canyon and wouldn’t hear a Jake and smelled brakes I always got worried.
Just so you 'SUPER TRUCKERS' know, some of us company drivers operate 2020 models that activate the brake lights when the Jake is being used. You can stop whining on the CB about us burning up our service brakes. we are actually aware of the stupidity of the function and apologize for it.
I always get a chuckle when some dumb dumb comes on the radio to natter at another driver for this, these systems have been out for years and they still aren't aware of it.
Dave I was in salt lake on the i80 today your right about the j brakes how I’m I supposed to get control on wet roads at a 6% using just the foot pedal there’s no way unless you want to fry your brakes awesome video as always
Company I worked for in Scottsdale AZ back in mid-late 2000s bought a new in 2007 367 HH Pete with the C-15 Twin Turbo CAT with Jakes and the brakesaver....Simply Awesome! I could walk that truck from from 65mph all way down to 1st gear (18 Speed) with a stop sign at the bottom of the hill (Rio Verde to Tonto Verde AZ) with out ever touching the service brakes with a 320 or 325 CAT excavator onboard the Trail King lowboy. Yeah the brakesaver by itself is sorta lacking, but combine the 2, wow such control!!
Thanks for the info. I drive a C-Class Rotator Wrecker and always wounder about the positions for the jake. Keep on Truckin and be SAFE out there. Nashville, Tennessee
I like using the Jake brakes when on highway ramps, in particular. They keep the tractor trailer at a controlled speed without having to ride the service brakes.
WHEN..I was driving in both Texas and Montana, I was using it constantly. As you said, I wouldn’t want to be in a tractor/rig WITHOUT a ‘J’ brake. IF I were an o/operator..GUARANTEED.
64 years of smart stopping for all truckers! I live in Maine and I hear them quite often. Lots of long downward slopes and 70mph speedlimit highways. These logging trucks need a whole lot more than just brakes.
I drive for an LTL company. My truck is a 2013 T680. My engine brake is super quiet, but it is very effective. Downshifting to slow down is actually louder than using the Jake.
Thank you sir I’ve learned a lot from you over the years. You’re truly a great man 👨 I appreciate your patience and kindness to show us a bit of what you know. Thank you 🙏 thank you 🙏
Excellent video on jakes! Been driving since 93 first 4 n cab over didn’t know what a jake was until 97 just knew those Pete’s on I 81 hanging those curves without hitting brakes were pros and when I grow up I’m going to be a pro too. 😂
89 Ford 9000 w/425 cat, 8 spd. I come over Caver's hill outside of Nipigon w/139,000 on about 50kmh and went to split from 5 to 4th and "BWAhh.." had a "FLAME OUT", letting off the gas to shift. Glare ice underneath a layer of fluff snow. Holy shit my arse puckered up. Steering wheel locked up, pushed the clutch in, hit the starter button, found 4th gear and put the passenger tire in the snowbank and rode the tire in the snowbank down the hill about 200ft to straighten the truck out and get it down to 30kmh and complete the hill. Sometimes if the microswitch (on a mechanical engine) just aint in the right spot, on very slippery condition, the engine can stall.
@@SmartTrucking It was around 1988~89ish when I first got my AZ license, I was sitting in the Nipigon husky and listened to 2 truckers across from me talk about the snow conditions outside. One trucker said he had a "flame out" (first time i heard that term) and he run the tire into the snowbank on-purpose to descend that hill. I never forgot that story. Not 10 years later, there I am on the same hill [Hauling palladiam mud from Nipigon to Falconbridge] in the same predicament as him. That conversation came back to me "WHAM"...and that's the only knowledge i had to try to get out of that situation. Im so happy i sat with my mouth shut and listened to that Gentleman. High probability it saved me from a wreck.
NYS CDL Manual has a little too much negativity about the Jake Brake almost as if they never want you to use it. As a kid growing up in the Southwestern Tier Of NY off Route 17 ( Now I-86 ) the Jake was the sound of music to the ears. Thank you 🙏 for using the Jake Brake!!!!
I liked the Jake brake because, in combination with cruse control, I never really need to touch the pedals going down the highway. If I'm coming up in a slower vehicle and can't pass, I just cancel the cruse and let the Jake quickly slow me down until I can match their speed. At which point I re-engage the cruse and never need to touch the gas or the brake. If I need to accelerate, the +1mph button on the cruse works great. I think my record is 500+miles off never needing to touch the pedals. Don't get me wrong, I'm always ready to brake in an emergency, but it's nice to not have to constantly touch the pedals for small speed changes. The safety plus is great and the slippery conditions are something to watch for, but I never really drive in anything worse then rain. I mostly drive down south and only encounter snow or ice when I'm up in the mountains. The worst snow i dive in was around Denver. 4 inches of freezing slush, but I wasn't required to put in chains
I very much enjoy using my jake brake, or exhaust brake (details details) but man one thing that makes me wish I had an older truck is just how quiet these new ones are. I get that a lot of people don't like how loud they are especially through towns but I just want something more than a dull hum from it even when at a higher RPM and in high engine braking. I hear those older trucks with the louder ones and I do love it
Good Day to you Big Strapper. Thanks for taking the time to watch today's video. What's YOUR take on the JAKE? Are you an avid user? Or does using the Jake make you nervous? Love hearing from you!
Cool vide dave! I use my jake when i can but mine only has 2 positions. Low and high. Whats your opinion on guys using the jake to slow down instead of their service brakes say when coming to a stop on an exit? I myself used to do it with the automatic transmission truck i had but cannot do it with this manual truck. I don't know if it really even does all that much to save wear on your pads.
Great video demonstration of the jake brake at work going downhill ! I used to think also that you could not use them in slippery weather. Thanks for the info Dave !
I got told by a trainer early on that it could be fatal to turn the jakes on in slippery road conditions. He told me that a fellow trainer lost his life by using jakes on the snow and getting ejected from the cab after the tractor trailer lost traction. He used to tell trainees that, “It’s ok to use the jakes lightly on snow.” The most I do is turn the jakes on when there’s a very light sprinkling rain: The kind where you can barely tell the road is damp. Anything more than that and I leave them off.
@@tylerpuckett9414 It definitely saves wear on the brake pads, because when the jake is slowing you down, you're generally not using the brakes, hence less wear on them. I even use jakes to slow down on flat ground, just to save wear and tear on the brakes. I shut them off when shifting up to accelerate, though.
Great video, Dave, thank you. I wish I had a dollar for every time I went down (and up!) the Cajon Pass, not to mention Donner and the Grapevine as well. You just made me even more proud to have a Cummins! Mine is a 565 horse ISX. The Jake has 6 positions and like you, I leave it at the highest setting most of the time. I can usually descend most grades in 6th low at this setting. I may have to tap the brakes a few times (depending on weight) but not that often. Great tips sir. 👍
@@SmartTrucking I love it! I had a 530 horse ISX before this one and replaced it with this 565 ISX back in 2012. It now has 1.4 million miles on it. I had the head replaced last month so now it has all new valves and injector cups, etc. Cylinders all look new. Runs great as always. I use AMSOIL synthetic with an OPS-1 bypass oil filter which really keeps the oil clean. I change it every 50 k miles.
I remember driving a day cab in the Pennsylvania hills in a single axle Sterling carhauler. 1 vehicle over the cab 6 on the trailer and my brakes not engaging on my trailer when I pressed the brake pedal going down hill at 50 miles per hour and the truck had no Jake brake . That was the last truck that I would drive without the Jake brake I burnt the tractor brakes trying to stop so I can turn because the road i was on would become a single lane into the country and my GPS lost its signal so I missed my turn onto the expressway now I was sweating because I was hoping there were no low bridges or sharp turns up ahead and there was no where I could turn around at . All because I was trying to slow down and all I got was the smoking and burnt smell of brakes. But I ended down shifting to slow down but it was too late pass my turn ..
Interesting, I was using the Jake brake on my motorbike long before I'd ever heard of the term. Fifty years ago when bikes were basic single cylinder machines and brakes were hardly adequate, I accidentally pulled the valve lifter open on my 500cc single cylinder Ariel and realised how effective it was as a brake. It gave almost infinite smooth control when used in conjunction with the throttle opening to the degree that I used it all the time. The greater the throttle opening and the better the retardation. The only thing to remember is to close the throttle before releasing the valve lifter.
Totally agree if I can on grades I only use the jakes like on cajon if I’m in 6th Direct and position 3 holds me at 35 I’ll just ride her down never having to touch my foot brake at all, you sure as heck don’t want to heat up your brakes too much because of the scales at the bottom
I only run mine going down hills and long grades. I don’t leave it on all day. Especially on flat ground. I’ve also been told by a few mechanics in the past that shifting (floating) with it on can be hard on the motor and drive line. I guess if you shift with the clutch it isn’t a big deal since the clutch should deactivate it.
On the freightliner the engine brake Works as soon as you activate it. But on the internationals I noticed. You have to tap the break pedal For the engine break to kick on
I run i77 I79 us19 never turn it off drop a gear on and off the fuel and only need the brakes once in a while. Last week witnessed a flat bed in too high of a gear no jake on brakes smoking hot some of those turns on US19 have quite a drop off.
I think this is one of your best teaching videos ever. It is one of the best tools in the toolbox. Before them I can remember having to stop to let my brakes cool. And say oh shit that was close. Drivers these days don't know how go they have it with a jake, power steering, auto adjust brakes and front axle brakes.
Here's my "Billy Bobtail" confession... When I was young, in the Army, and still a member of the E4 Mafia (before they gave me those damned stripes) we had the old 5-Tons (513s or 913s?) with the manual shift and the smokecreen generator that dumped diesel fuel straight into the exhaust. The generator would produce a thick black fog-like smoke right at ground level. We would be convoying somewhere and would take turns "smoking" each other out during the drive. It was bad enough we were already burning what looked like fuel oil or maybe "ship's Bunker" (the slang for ship oil) Back then. Uncle Sam's "carbon footprint" was a size 22EEE and yes, I contributed to it!
Just for showing yourself actually pressing the buttons and what they look like to a newbie and letting us listen to it I am a subscriber now, you're welcome and thank you.
Company I run for now rarely has any loads over 20K so position 1 is all I need. If I get a load thats heavy say 30K+ I might use the higher Jake settings and add some service-brake when necessary, knowing your rout and setting yourself up before you get there can be a good thing to! Kinda like the tankers will slow before getting to the point where they need to then once clear power out of the curve. I believe that the "No engine break" thing is mainly for tractors with strait-pipes, you can hear them coming a mile away! My Cookie-cutter Cascadia fleet tractor has a muffler and when someone with strait-pipes comes past me with there Jake roaring I can feel the vibration from them not just the 100X louder noise. Pretty sure that engine only has 1 head and 3 valve-covers there bro! And the Jake actually lets the expanding gasses push back against the pistons when there on that compression-stroke witch robs the engine of power and sorta makes it want to run backwards. The opposing force from those gasses slows the entire drive-train down.
Hello Dave, I really enjoy all your videos! They are very informative. I'm a wannabe trucker. But only haul sugar beets in the fall and love every minute of it. I've been in the building trades for 34 years and love everything about heavy trucks and driving. Thank you for the content!!
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The sound of the Jake brake is comforting, reassuring me that I won't smoke the pads and over speed.
True man 👍
Agreed.
Amen.
To me, the sound of the Jake brake is the sound of 50 tonnes holding speed going downhill without me touching the brakes. It is a very welcome sound in that way.
Starting When i was 8 it was my job to flip the jake on and off for my grandfather while we were coming down steep winding grades. Looking back it was Usually because we were dodging scales haha. But even when i was 8 years old 20 years ago i knew the value and importance of the jake break
One of the greatest inventions in trucking!
I grew up on a somewhat steep hill that trucks often traveled. I used to love hearing the Jake when though I didn't know what the sound was at the time. I Also used to crank my arm to get them to use the air horns. Those positive experiences led me to be a truck driver and now I'm 5 years into my career and working at a company that treats me well.
Very cool!
Time to get ur truck
I've tried multiple times to explain to drivers that the "jacobs engine retarder" doesn't actually induce differential friction force between the tire and the road surface as actual service brakes do. "Jake brakes", instead slow down engine rpm and slow down the drive shaft. It basically creates drag on the engine. It works because it counteracts momentum and the natural inertia of the truck in motion tending to want to keep rolling.
The reason service brakes are problematic on slippery roads is that they cause differential speed between the tire and the road surface. This leads to slippage and loss of traction because you've induced differential speed between the tire and the road surface that exceeds the ability of the tire to grip.
I use mine in all weather, and have never had a problem. It saves tire wear and service brake wear. I change tires every 350k miles and brakes on average of 600-700k miles, usually just to leave no "interpretation" if I get pulled for inspection.
I can't imagine how dangerous trucking was for drivers before they had all these amazing tools. You really have to respect the old timers and their experience with older equipment.
My job today is far easier and more comfortable than in their time and I'm very thankful for that fact every day on the road. The trucks of today are basically working RVs compared to the rubber block suspension bench seat trucks and COEs of the 50's through early 90's.
Jakes save on every component.
I'd say the easiest way to explain it is that Jake Brakes works by not letting the truck pick up speed in the first place by limiting engine RPM whereas normal brakes work by forcibly slowing your tires down.
Much appreciated
As a newer driver I love the Jake breaks, they really do make things safer and helped me a lot when I was learning.
I use mine 90% of the time. Even when pulling an empty flat and especially on wet roads. It helps to avoid locking the trailer tires when there's no weight on them.
Far safer and no wear. When I have had to touch my brakes in the rain I have had nasty surprises, a wet brake drum grabs different and it can veer unexpectedly..
Between the Jake brake and dropping gears, I didn’t need use my brakes all that much.
Great video, Dave. Thanks
Yup, good gear selection and jakes can handle pretty much any load hill combo.
Jakes use more fuel tho.
@@nitemareman1 jakes dont use fuel your right foot does
@@michaellee5399 lol... thats funny.
I drove otr for just over two years where I learned about using the Jake Brake on many mountain passes. I made the change to being a local driver and went into the concrete business driving mixer trucks. I have been fortunate enough to get trucks that did have a Jake on them, and that was very reassuring, not to mention safer. I have talked to people that say that having a Jake on mixers is a waste, and I beg to differ. I think that it really depends on the region you are operating in. I am currently driving a truck without one (as many newer trucks do not have them, being deemed as non-essential, and an extra expense). The only way to alleviate problems is to drive much slower on approaching grades. I hate to admit it, there have been times that I had to really get into the brakes, and the smell is not pleasant and kind of embarrassing when you get to the job site (not to mention the wear and tear on your equipment). You are taught to have a sense of urgency having a perishable/live load, you just have to use really good judgment on when to be urgent and safe at the same time. It is also really good to have excellent directions, and have good knowledge of the route. I find it interesting how companies push safety, safety, safety, then hold back on the tools that would make you a more safe driver.
I think it’s less about safety, safety, safety, and more about money, money, money, with as little liability as possible.
Yeah, too cheap to practice what they preach. They should be embarrassed.
If memory serves me right, the older mixers, such as mid-seventies on down, weren't ever equipped with anything other than service (and parking) brakes. There was a PTO type system that turned the drum instead of hydraulic used on newer equipment. Point is, manufacturer's weren't comfortable with the weight of a full drum having a direct connection to the motor on top of the normal braking demands of the GVW. Don't take this as gospel, it's been 25 years since I've been around mud trucks and I probably remember some information incorrectly. Ask around to see if this sounds familiar. I may need a refresher course haha!
I’ve driven for 8 years now and have used jakes from the moment I started driving 😂😂😂 I use mine 90% of the time lol I absolutely hate it when I get into a truck and the Jake doesn’t work for Jack! It’s an absolute must for me. Good video!
Thanks for watching! The jake is a must have for me as well.
Off topic comment. I dont know about all you old timers and such, but I unironicly enjoy listening to "east bound and down" while running loads
They're thirsty in Atlanta, and there's beer in Texarcana....lol
It's a great trucking tune, one of the best!
Going thru Pennsylvania today trying to not use the jake brake in heavy rain today like my mentor said stabbing the brakes to keep the 20k lbs on my trailer going on these 5-7% grades in heavy rain was not working I would slow down but the rain was causing the trailer to slide sideways I had truck fly by I could hear there jakes on finally I gave up and turned them on level one and it made a big difference never slipped and held those hills perfect I was slowing down before a hill down to 50-55 mph just so I could coast down and brake before a corner and try and bring it down from 63-55 mph but the three second rule on stab braking was not slowing me down enough with wet brakes. Thankfully I gave up that method and went with the jake brake it worked like a charm I could even tap the throttle to keep it off and let it do it’s thing towards the start of each corner. The rig was holding the lane fine. When applying the brakes I found myself sliding a bit but the jakes didn’t slide. I will use them in rain on straights before a corner now
I work for a big LTL carrier and I run between Sacramento and Reno every day. Even though we mostly have newer automatic Freightliner Cascadia tractors, the engine brakes work really well on them. I can do the whole run over the hill, and barely have to touch the brakes with the transmission locked in 9th or 10th gear going down the hills especially coming westbound off Blue Canyon and down the 3-mile coming into Colfax
In the 90's when I was a snot nosed kid the truck I was running did not have Jake brakes. I was going across Meachum one morning and I stopped and picked up an old timer who had tagged a deer and cracked his radiator. I pulled off into the brake check area to check my brakes before going down Cabbage. The look on his face was priceless when he found out I did not have Jakes. In the few minutes it took to check my brakes that old timer had got on my CB and had another trucker stopping to take him down the hill. It's a good life.
That's funny!
I would probably get out too and find someone with jakes 😂
i currently live about 20 to 30 miles west of meacham, cabbage and deadman passs small world!
idk about any other, but my truck school straight ignored the Jake. I taught myself at my first job
My trainer said of the Jake Brake. Just roll your window down stick your head out and go "Burrrrrrrrrrrr" youll slow down just as fast.
Hint. That does not work. Ha.
@@jerrykinnin7941 your trainer has zero clue
Bryan I learned as a kid, I'm 2nd gen but didn't get my CDL until I was in my late 30s after the Army. My instructors were fans of the Jake and taught us when to use them.
I use it all the time, especially when I'm going through Portland 😁
I saw a sign in Du Quoin, Illinois. It said something like "please do not engine brake unless required for emergencies." I respect that a whole of a lot more.
Yup, nothing wrong with that!
i see that a lot in small rural towns in wisconsin
If you have an emergency the jake brake is the last thing you are going to use the jake has no emergency use
I see the sign allot that says. "Use of unmuffled Exhaust brakes illegal."
That makes sense.
Wonderful. Lesson learned. I've always believed once the vehicle is straight you won't have problem with the Jake.
I ride a freight shaker, that jake brake has been my friend my first day behind the wheel. Hell even my adaptive cruise control which uses the jake brake on its own was like my second trainer when I went solo for the first time.
The Jake opens the exhaust valve just before TDC of the compression stroke releasing the compressed air to the exhaust system leaving no energy to push the piston back down.
This man is on point with his info. I am from Jamaica with very steep hills
In these days there is Jake brake and RET-TH and even VEB in same truck and those all work together. Here is Europe we have Engine exhaust brake, CRB compression release brake ( Jake brake) and hydraulic engine retarder in same truck and all work together. This is so powerful that you hardly ever need to use your foot brake. You have loud Jake brake because you don't have exhaust brake after turbo. Here's so many different variations of hydraulic brake which usually is in gearbox but can also be front of crank shaft like it is in MAN trucks. That's the reason why we don't have LOUD Jake brake here in Europe, because we always have exhaust brake as well in our trucks. So noise goes down and muffler handle the rest of it.
I laughed out loud when he said Cajon Pass, I've had 2 trucks break down there 1 going up, and 1 going down from Hesperia. Oh the joys of trucking! Stay safe everyone, enjoy the ride!
Good stuff, thank you for watching!
I am a huge fan of the “jake brake”! They work great for speed control and management. In all kinds of weather. Sometimes you adjust how and when you use them for traffic and road conditions, but overall they make for a better, safer operating and driving environment. I am also a fan for using them in combination with cruise control. With the modern computer controlled engines, you set your desired decent speed and let the computers adjust the settings as needed to hold speed. On the last trucks I drove, the cruise control could activate and deactivate individual cylinders. So instead of a 3 position setting jake, the cruise could choose between 6 settings. With the newer automatics, it could upshifts and down shift as needed for additional braking power adjustment to stay in the desired speed range. I enjoyed that capability and used it often. But remember, you still have to actively monitor the system, because if it shuts down or goes haywire, you speed can increase surprisingly fast. Don’t do Tesla driver autopilot stupid and become one of those drivers who didn’t pay attention and then wound up hurt or dead.
I was getting ready to say in not one video none of you guys show you actually pressing the engine brakes and what they look like to a new person like myself that's never used one. So thank you for being the smart guy you are and checking all your bases and providing us that information which is very useful and you used them all three back to back and made me feel comfortable in doing the same, so thank you very much.
There's a trucker who lives just outside of town and he snatches that Jake Brake when he passes my house. The speed limit drops from 50 to 35 and he refuses to just coast down to speed. It used to irritate me because it would wake up my sons. But now they're grown up I don't care. It's like "brrrrrapapapaapapap oh...there's Roy. He's home early this week."
I’ve been driving an automatic for 7 years. I decided it was time for a change and knew a test drive on a manual was inevitable for new employment. Thanks for the great refresher videos for the confidence I was looking for and I got the job.
Kind sir, I enjoy what you contribute to trucking culture and education. Keep on trucking, sir. Thank you.
And I always run my jakes on stage 2 .I jump to stage 3 when I am running anything over 45,000lbs and I keep the rev under 15 and I have no issues..
started driving in 67 never heard of a jake drew pulp and logs in the mountains of the adirondacks in ny with gas jobs untill the eighties traded my pulp truck on a dumper with a 671 and a jake ill tell you that was an eye opener!! would never drive anything without one now great invention!
The first tractor that I bought (and still own), a Cummins powered 1995 Freightliner FLD12064, doesn't have Jakes. It never bothered me because dad an grandpa taught me how to run grades LONG before Jakes became common so, I never had a problem. Every tractor I've bought since then has had Jakes though. Like you, I normally run all 3 heads and only turn them off completely is on ice.
With all that said, how about a video on why it's important to have and know how to use a power divider a.k.a. differential lock. Even in the summer months, I see MANY drivers "stuck" in short, steep loading docks because after unloading, their rear drive axle is off the ground. I can't believe how many of them don't know they have one, let alone how/when to use it! These days, my tractors all have full lockers so when I flip that switch, all 8 have power.
Thank you sir for all your videos. I read many dumb comments here, zero appreciation.
Thanks Benjamin!
I use to live in a small town where the main road was on roughly an 18%-20% grade and at the bottom there was a decently busy railroad crossing. There is a no engine braking sign but I don’t think any of us ever judged a trucker for doing his best not to slam into the side of a train. I remember my brother and I climbing out the window and sitting on the porch roof watching the trucks go by. We would try and get them to blast the horn or listen to the jakes thunder down the hill.
@@erikmeyer5207 some backroads have very steep grades , the biggest I’ve seen is 12% in Pennsylvania and I’ve only been otr for a year.
@@KangX92 In the "PA Wilds" aka The Allegheny National Forest or over by the Pocono's? I've been down BootJack Summit in the ANF many times.
@@erikmeyer5207 there’s a road sign that says 18% I’m not kidding
3 stage Jake brake. I use position 3 when I have a heavy load. Position 2 when hauling an MT trlr. And position 1 when Bobtailing
Nice to see you’ve got a Henke Idler. Let the engine (turbo) cool down safely and shut er down so no excessive idling when you grab a cup of Joe.
3rd Gen trucker. If my Cummins and Jake history memory is correct, Jacob’s was working for Mr. Cummins and patented his invention. Mr. Cummins produced for his engines but did not want to pay the royalties so Mr. Jacobs left Cummins Engine Co and took hi invention with him. I’ve had them on the 8 tractors I’ve owned.
2017 freightliner cascadia single axle Detroit auto 12, Jake brake has alouded my rear brake shoes to still be legal with 524,000 on them. the Jake saved one of our drivers from being in a pileup on a snowy interstate. big riggers think it's a toy, it's good u made this content to show them what's it's really for! I use stage 1 in town to aid my stopping in cases where drivers turn I front of me or stop fast for oh crap there's where I want to go.
I just discovered your Channel Dave and i love it, i just got my CDL class A , even though i went to great school your very knowledgeable and i have learned some good things from you, i got to get me some of your gear, God bless brother.
Yes u really do great video I'm a truck driver in Jamaica on I love watching videos im driving for about twenty years on I still learn a thing r two from them
Once again I learned something from you even though I have been out here for awhile. LOL. I do always appreciate your historical perspective info!
Thanks for watching Stephanie!
Thank you for your knowledge, I'm new to trucking and I listen to the experience wise man!!!
I plan to stay alive and keep people and families safe!!!
Right on!
Last year I had to haul 4 Taylor lifts from Nashville to Reno.... 4 round trips, 42 pages of permits per trip. Grabbing the correct gear ⚙️ and a good jake setting...
I'm a new truck owner I wish would come here and help me learn all this stuff I need to know. But your videos help alot
Glad to hear it!
Everything this guy is saying is 100% true. I agree with his views on using the jake even during winter conditions
I had a co drive who always left the jakes so when ever he let off the accelerator it slowed. He never wanted to use the brakes he wanted to save them for when you where really needed. Only one time was there a issue. I was asleep in the top bunk and he almost had a wreck and the jake was on 3 in a frieghtliner and he hit the brake pedal pretty hard. Short story I was thrown into the window and had internal bleeding. I learned a lesson and so did he haha
I drive a logging truck in BC my grandpa started me off on his old freightliner classic with a c15 and the jake really only made noise, now I’m in a 2021 ISX15 and I rarely touch the brake pedal I love it
I love how a crucial safety device gets banned because it’s loud, like Jake brakes and train horns, locomotives use something similar it’s a dynamic brake and it draws power from the traction motors and transfers it into excess heat that gets vented, doesn’t sound nearly as cool, just kinda sounds like a jet engine
Ironic that firearm silencers are taxed because they muffle.
I can’t even imagine driving without a jake break. Its a must have feature in any truck in my opinion.
My little Volvo daycab only has exhaust brake, but it works good when I need it and saves a lot of brakes. Gotta use all the tools you're given.
A Jake brake IS an exhaust brake. Same thing just a different way of saying it.
My volvo has 4 jake positions. 1 2 3 and B. You have to hold it on b to work, but you better have your seatbelt on or your going through the windshield.
No it isn't Mike, totally different. A Jake, or the many other names they are given in Europe (anybody know why the name Jake isn't used in Europe?) alters the valve timing to turn the engine into a compressor; an exhaust brake just blocks off the exhaust causing back pressure nowhere near as effective. Of course a Voith retarder goes way beyond what a Jake offers and silently too, but at a price.
@@acd1202 it’s not called a Jake in Europe because Jacobs Vehicle Systems doesn’t build them in Europe.
A friend of mine uses his Jake Brake in town because we live in a giant bowl, you've probably been through my town once or twice on your forays through BC. He got fined for using it down a steep hill that has a lighted intersection right at the end, he went to court and said "this may not get the fine taken away, but I think that my full loaded logging truck's jake brake is a lot quieter going down that hill than it does slamming through your house". Not sure what came of it after that, but i'd have to agree with him
I agree with him too. He should have won that court case. I'm a bit surprised a local cop would ticket him for that!
@@SmartTrucking you might have been through my town in your forays through BC. There is a sign that says "no engine brakes $250 fine" half way down that hill but I have yet to hear one truck follow that sign, because a $250 fine is a hell of a lot cheaper than plowing through 10 cars and the intersection
That is 95% of the towns in BC (north or east) of Hope. They are at the bottom of a hill and they all have those ridiculous signs at the top of the hill that leads into them.
Glazed brakes are way noisier and more annoying to me, and way more dangerous than a Jake. People who don't drive a truck don't understand.
I think a lot of the complaints about Jake brakes and the cause for signage saying don't use them is the Lowder more extreme Jake brake applications. Most of your newer more modern trucks aren't near as loud and noticeable. I agree safety trumps your choice to live right next to a hell on the highway.
My Jake saved my life on a icy downhill road in pa it was the only thing to slow me down
The Jake in the truck I drive is a necessity, definitely comes in handy when grossing 100k lbs. If you're ever looking for ideas for videos. I'd love to see a video on "Michigan special" trucks.
Yeah, some of those things are amazing! Thanks!
On the hardball here in Maine we get 100K. Off road 200K+ with a single truck and trailer up to half a mil running two full length log trailers
Started driving in the mid 60"s Northern Calif. logging... then did LA / Seattle. Drove many different trucks, Like you said, some jakes worked good, others did not. Then I drove a Cat, 3406 with a "Retarder" , even a 4308 once with a low bed!! The best engine brake available!! Could drop off the Grapevine, weighing over 80,000 an never touch the brake peddle!! Later years, as soon as I got on the freeway, engine warmed up, Jake bake turned on, left it on, never turned it off tell parked at the end of the day!! Was a bit surprised when forced to drive an automatic, Hated the automatic, tell I had to run LA, coming back north, set the truck speed at 30 mph, 80.000 an never had to touch the brakes!! Piece of mind!! Safety over signs!! Always!!!! Newer trucks, don't make that wonderful sound anymore!!! lol....
Good letter or comment or whatever the correct term is. Appreciate it SD!
Great info on the Jake, totally agree with Evermore. Absolutely can't stand open pipe bikes, just useless junk toys. But a truck is working making our countries go and yes, a big truck on the Jake coming down the grade sounds great to us kids at heart!
Right on!
Lived just off the I-215 in Salt Lake City for many years, west side not east side next to the richies. Heard Jakes every day, including fire trucks, never bothered me. Now when I was going down Parleys Canyon and wouldn’t hear a Jake and smelled brakes I always got worried.
You live in a beautiful part of the country Jack!
Just so you 'SUPER TRUCKERS' know, some of us company drivers operate 2020 models that activate the brake lights when the Jake is being used. You can stop whining on the CB about us burning up our service brakes. we are actually aware of the stupidity of the function and apologize for it.
I always get a chuckle when some dumb dumb comes on the radio to natter at another driver for this, these systems have been out for years and they still aren't aware of it.
It's not stupid. Keeps the guy behind you from rear-ending you if he can't tell you're slowing down
Dave I was in salt lake on the i80 today your right about the j brakes how I’m I supposed to get control on wet roads at a 6% using just the foot pedal there’s no way unless you want to fry your brakes awesome video as always
Thank you for doing a segment on jakes, I've been seeing more and more drivers not using them especially in the mountains and smoking their brakes
Company I worked for in Scottsdale AZ back in mid-late 2000s bought a new in 2007 367 HH Pete with the C-15 Twin Turbo CAT with Jakes and the brakesaver....Simply Awesome! I could walk that truck from from 65mph all way down to 1st gear (18 Speed) with a stop sign at the bottom of the hill (Rio Verde to Tonto Verde AZ) with out ever touching the service brakes with a 320 or 325 CAT excavator onboard the Trail King lowboy. Yeah the brakesaver by itself is sorta lacking, but combine the 2, wow such control!!
Very cool!
Thanks for the info. I drive a C-Class Rotator Wrecker and always wounder about the positions for the jake. Keep on Truckin and be SAFE out there.
Nashville, Tennessee
Thanks, you too!
I like using the Jake brakes when on highway ramps, in particular. They keep the tractor trailer at a controlled speed without having to ride the service brakes.
WHEN..I was driving in both Texas and Montana, I was using it constantly. As you said, I wouldn’t want to be in a tractor/rig WITHOUT a ‘J’ brake. IF I were an o/operator..GUARANTEED.
64 years of smart stopping for all truckers! I live in Maine and I hear them quite often. Lots of long downward slopes and 70mph speedlimit highways. These logging trucks need a whole lot more than just brakes.
I drive for an LTL company. My truck is a 2013 T680. My engine brake is super quiet, but it is very effective. Downshifting to slow down is actually louder than using the Jake.
I do food service and drive a 2019 freightliner but these videos still feel very comforting and provide some great info. Keep up the good work
Thanks, will do Raymond!
Thank you sir I’ve learned a lot from you over the years. You’re truly a great man 👨 I appreciate your patience and kindness to show us a bit of what you know. Thank you 🙏 thank you 🙏
Loved this explanation. Be safe.
Thanks Nancy, you too!
Not a trucker but I do love the sound of Jake brake….music to my ears!
Excellent video on jakes! Been driving since 93 first 4 n cab over didn’t know what a jake was until 97 just knew those Pete’s on I 81 hanging those curves without hitting brakes were pros and when I grow up I’m going to be a pro too. 😂
The best time to use your jakes is in a truck stop parking lot at 2:00 am.
Edit:I'm being sarcastic if you can't tell.
Tell that to CR England! Between the Jake and the damned Refer, they make sure EVERYBODY knows they are there.
and then start a regen next to the guy sleeping!
Made me laugh right out loud Bradley!
Some idiots have done it for real unfortunately 🙄
Lmao
89 Ford 9000 w/425 cat, 8 spd. I come over Caver's hill outside of Nipigon w/139,000 on about 50kmh and went to split from 5 to 4th and "BWAhh.." had a "FLAME OUT", letting off the gas to shift. Glare ice underneath a layer of fluff snow. Holy shit my arse puckered up. Steering wheel locked up, pushed the clutch in, hit the starter button, found 4th gear and put the passenger tire in the snowbank and rode the tire in the snowbank down the hill about 200ft to straighten the truck out and get it down to 30kmh and complete the hill. Sometimes if the microswitch (on a mechanical engine) just aint in the right spot, on very slippery condition, the engine can stall.
Just a fun ride you'll never forget!
@@SmartTrucking It was around 1988~89ish when I first got my AZ license, I was sitting in the Nipigon husky and listened to 2 truckers across from me talk about the snow conditions outside. One trucker said he had a "flame out" (first time i heard that term) and he run the tire into the snowbank on-purpose to descend that hill. I never forgot that story. Not 10 years later, there I am on the same hill [Hauling palladiam mud from Nipigon to Falconbridge] in the same predicament as him. That conversation came back to me "WHAM"...and that's the only knowledge i had to try to get out of that situation. Im so happy i sat with my mouth shut and listened to that Gentleman. High probability it saved me from a wreck.
I wished he could teach me how to drive trucks love his youtube videos great wisdom on trucking.
NYS CDL Manual has a little too much negativity about the Jake Brake almost as if they never want you to use it. As a kid growing up in the Southwestern Tier Of NY off Route 17 ( Now I-86 ) the Jake was the sound of music to the ears.
Thank you 🙏 for using the Jake Brake!!!!
I liked the Jake brake because, in combination with cruse control, I never really need to touch the pedals going down the highway. If I'm coming up in a slower vehicle and can't pass, I just cancel the cruse and let the Jake quickly slow me down until I can match their speed. At which point I re-engage the cruse and never need to touch the gas or the brake. If I need to accelerate, the +1mph button on the cruse works great. I think my record is 500+miles off never needing to touch the pedals. Don't get me wrong, I'm always ready to brake in an emergency, but it's nice to not have to constantly touch the pedals for small speed changes.
The safety plus is great and the slippery conditions are something to watch for, but I never really drive in anything worse then rain. I mostly drive down south and only encounter snow or ice when I'm up in the mountains. The worst snow i dive in was around Denver. 4 inches of freezing slush, but I wasn't required to put in chains
If you're on I-70 west of Denver, leave it on.
I very much enjoy using my jake brake, or exhaust brake (details details) but man one thing that makes me wish I had an older truck is just how quiet these new ones are. I get that a lot of people don't like how loud they are especially through towns but I just want something more than a dull hum from it even when at a higher RPM and in high engine braking. I hear those older trucks with the louder ones and I do love it
Good Day to you Big Strapper. Thanks for taking the time to watch today's video. What's YOUR take on the JAKE? Are you an avid user? Or does using the Jake make you nervous? Love hearing from you!
What RPM is considered too high for the Jake?
Cool vide dave! I use my jake when i can but mine only has 2 positions. Low and high. Whats your opinion on guys using the jake to slow down instead of their service brakes say when coming to a stop on an exit? I myself used to do it with the automatic transmission truck i had but cannot do it with this manual truck. I don't know if it really even does all that much to save wear on your pads.
Great video demonstration of the jake brake at work going downhill ! I used to think also that you could not use them in slippery weather. Thanks for the info Dave !
I got told by a trainer early on that it could be fatal to turn the jakes on in slippery road conditions. He told me that a fellow trainer lost his life by using jakes on the snow and getting ejected from the cab after the tractor trailer lost traction. He used to tell trainees that, “It’s ok to use the jakes lightly on snow.”
The most I do is turn the jakes on when there’s a very light sprinkling rain: The kind where you can barely tell the road is damp. Anything more than that and I leave them off.
@@tylerpuckett9414 It definitely saves wear on the brake pads, because when the jake is slowing you down, you're generally not using the brakes, hence less wear on them. I even use jakes to slow down on flat ground, just to save wear and tear on the brakes. I shut them off when shifting up to accelerate, though.
Great video, Dave, thank you. I wish I had a dollar for every time I went down (and up!) the Cajon Pass, not to mention Donner and the Grapevine as well. You just made me even more proud to have a Cummins! Mine is a 565 horse ISX. The Jake has 6 positions and like you, I leave it at the highest setting most of the time. I can usually descend most grades in 6th low at this setting. I may have to tap the brakes a few times (depending on weight) but not that often. Great tips sir. 👍
Thanks! I didn't know those engines had 6 position brakes! How do you like that engine?
@@SmartTrucking I love it! I had a 530 horse ISX before this one and replaced it with this 565 ISX back in 2012. It now has 1.4 million miles on it. I had the head replaced last month so now it has all new valves and injector cups, etc. Cylinders all look new. Runs great as always. I use AMSOIL synthetic with an OPS-1 bypass oil filter which really keeps the oil clean. I change it every 50 k miles.
I remember driving a day cab in the Pennsylvania hills in a single axle Sterling carhauler. 1 vehicle over the cab 6 on the trailer and my brakes not engaging on my trailer when I pressed the brake pedal going down hill at 50 miles per hour and the truck had no Jake brake . That was the last truck that I would drive without the Jake brake I burnt the tractor brakes trying to stop so I can turn because the road i was on would become a single lane into the country and my GPS lost its signal so I missed my turn onto the expressway now I was sweating because I was hoping there were no low bridges or sharp turns up ahead and there was no where I could turn around at . All because I was trying to slow down and all I got was the smoking and burnt smell of brakes. But I ended down shifting to slow down but it was too late pass my turn ..
The joys of trucking some days, right Eric?
Interesting, I was using the Jake brake on my motorbike long before I'd ever heard of the term.
Fifty years ago when bikes were basic single cylinder machines and brakes were hardly adequate, I accidentally pulled the valve lifter open on my 500cc single cylinder Ariel and realised how effective it was as a brake. It gave almost infinite smooth control when used in conjunction with the throttle opening to the degree that I used it all the time. The greater the throttle opening and the better the retardation. The only thing to remember is to close the throttle before releasing the valve lifter.
Totally agree if I can on grades I only use the jakes like on cajon if I’m in 6th Direct and position 3 holds me at 35 I’ll just ride her down never having to touch my foot brake at all, you sure as heck don’t want to heat up your brakes too much because of the scales at the bottom
I only run mine going down hills and long grades. I don’t leave it on all day. Especially on flat ground. I’ve also been told by a few mechanics in the past that shifting (floating) with it on can be hard on the motor and drive line. I guess if you shift with the clutch it isn’t a big deal since the clutch should deactivate it.
Great video i was looking for tips on engine breaking before my cdl exam.
The best truck expert...so educating
Yes sir the knowledge is unreal.
ONE of the best videos you have made THANK'S
On the freightliner the engine brake Works as soon as you activate it. But on the internationals I noticed. You have to tap the break pedal For the engine break to kick on
Hey thanks great video talking about those super truckers I seen a guy used stage 3 in the fuel island line unbelievable 🤠👍🏼
I truly appreciate your videos. You teach me so much.
I run i77 I79 us19 never turn it off drop a gear on and off the fuel and only need the brakes once in a while. Last week witnessed a flat bed in too high of a gear no jake on brakes smoking hot some of those turns on US19 have quite a drop off.
Hope that guy made it down safely and never makes that mistake again!
I use the jake/exhaust brake and transmission to slow dahn. I only use the brakes to completely stop.
I'm a starting out driving, enjoy your tips and explanation of the industry
Thanks for watching Steven!
The Jake has saved my ass a few times when my ABS light went on my dash 💔 in Dallas traffic too
Thank you for the video. As a new trucker this was very educational and informative.
Glad it was helpful!
I think this is one of your best teaching videos ever. It is one of the best tools in the toolbox. Before them I can remember having to stop to let my brakes cool. And say oh shit that was close. Drivers these days don't know how go they have it with a jake, power steering, auto adjust brakes and front axle brakes.
Thank you Steve!
Here's my "Billy Bobtail" confession...
When I was young, in the Army, and still a member of the E4 Mafia (before they gave me those damned stripes) we had the old 5-Tons (513s or 913s?) with the manual shift and the smokecreen generator that dumped diesel fuel straight into the exhaust. The generator would produce a thick black fog-like smoke right at ground level. We would be convoying somewhere and would take turns "smoking" each other out during the drive. It was bad enough we were already burning what looked like fuel oil or maybe "ship's Bunker" (the slang for ship oil) Back then. Uncle Sam's "carbon footprint" was a size 22EEE and yes, I contributed to it!
That's a good story! Funny! Thanks!
800 series were the old manuals. 900 s were the autos
Just for showing yourself actually pressing the buttons and what they look like to a newbie and letting us listen to it I am a subscriber now, you're welcome and thank you.
Company I run for now rarely has any loads over 20K so position 1 is all I need. If I get a load thats heavy say 30K+ I might use the higher Jake settings and add some service-brake when necessary, knowing your rout and setting yourself up before you get there can be a good thing to! Kinda like the tankers will slow before getting to the point where they need to then once clear power out of the curve.
I believe that the "No engine break" thing is mainly for tractors with strait-pipes, you can hear them coming a mile away! My Cookie-cutter Cascadia fleet tractor has a muffler and when someone with strait-pipes comes past me with there Jake roaring I can feel the vibration from them not just the 100X louder noise.
Pretty sure that engine only has 1 head and 3 valve-covers there bro! And the Jake actually lets the expanding gasses push back against the pistons when there on that compression-stroke witch robs the engine of power and sorta makes it want to run backwards. The opposing force from those gasses slows the entire drive-train down.
Hello Dave, I really enjoy all your videos! They are very informative. I'm a wannabe trucker. But only haul sugar beets in the fall and love every minute of it. I've been in the building trades for 34 years and love everything about heavy trucks and driving. Thank you for the content!!
Thanks for watching Jim!
I have read two jake manuals which said the rpms could be as high as 2200 when operating the jake.