Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Engine Brake/Trans Retarder & Brake Light Function (Read 815 times) previous topic - next topic

Engine Brake/Trans Retarder & Brake Light Function

A previous post got me thinking, "do my brake lights come on when I've activated the Pac Brake?" Had the DW follow me to check it out, NO, they don't. O.k, do any of the other FTs have a different deal? We followed a SOB w/jeeptoad down the drop from Payson, AZ to Phoenix the other day. He was powered more than us, so I just hung back. During the drops, his brake lights came on most of the time, sometimes the toad, as well. Mine never did, of course, since I was "rockin' the Pac", the only times I used the brakes was when he bogged down on some pulls. I think having a retarder activate the brake lights is dangerous, and do any folks use their toad brakes to slow the coach down? Any comments?  ^.^d
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: Engine retarder thoughts.

Reply #1 –
Good reasoning behind both answers.

I have a preference for brakes lights ONLY when service brakes in use.  Certainly works better with electrically activated toad brake systems!  And, on long descents, if brake lights are on with retarder/engine brake, there is no way to alert those behind you that things went from "speed in equilibrium-- all is well" to panic stop for a wreck just in front of you.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Engine retarder thoughts.

Reply #2 –
One would not think so, but our PAC works in downtown traffic ,real good. Since I drive many stoplights ahead, a little "tickle" from time to time keeps me from the dreaded "dynamite the mains".  ^.^d
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: Engine retarder thoughts.

Reply #3 –
Is this a choice that can be made ?
Dave W. (AKA Toyman )
'03, 270, 36', Build 6095, Pulling whatever I hook it to.

"Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened."
Dr Seuss

Re: Engine retarder thoughts.

Reply #4 –
Our brake lights do come on when the retarder engages. As Brett suggested, in some ways, I wish they didn't (the situation he described: how can someone following us know whether we're in "speed equilibrium" versus beginning a panic stop).
The selected media item is not currently available.Richard & Susan Peck
____________________
1999 40' U320 "Bob Patrick"
(2000 4010 U320 WTFE Floor Plan, Single Slide)
Build #5567  |  MC #17522

Re: Engine retarder thoughts.

Reply #5 –
We've followed some rigs downhill, and it's nice to know, by a tap of their brake lights, that he's got the retarder on.
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: Engine Brake & Brake Light Function

Reply #6 –
Quote from: toyman –
Is this a choice that can be made ?

Most just take what is OE wiring.  I am sure it could be changed-- just a matter of what triggers the brake light signal other than the brake pedal.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Engine Brake & Brake Light Function

Reply #7 –
Ours do come on when the retarder comes on.  And the retarder works on cruise control.
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: Engine Brake & Brake Light Function

Reply #8 –
Thread is getting confused - OP asked about PAC brake - not same thing as RETARDER.  I guess everyone understands the difference?

I'm with Brett.  Our exhaust brake has no connection with the brake lights.  If I am cruising down a grade on the exhaust brake, I don't want my brake lights on.  If they were on, the drivers behind me would assume I was riding the brakes, and think me inept.  When the exhaust brake is not providing sufficient retardation, and I get on the service brakes, then I DO want drivers behind me to be aware of that fact.  All seems very logical to me.
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Engine Brake & Brake Light Function

Reply #9 –
Quote from: Chuck & Jeannie –
Thread is getting confused - OP asked about PAC brake - not same thing as RETARDER.  I guess everyone understands the difference?
I don't think it's "confused", my question was "who has what" and how many other coaches have a " engine brake on/ brake lights on?".  Apparently, some do, some don't, some have never thought about it; that was the gist of the post.
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: Engine Brake & Brake Light Function

Reply #10 –
Irrespective of whether an exhaust brake, engine compression brake or transmission retarder, it is up to the builder whether the brake lights are triggered by using them.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020
 

Re: Engine Brake & Brake Light Function

Reply #11 –
So then the question becomes, how to change from brake light on/off with retarder/pac brake for each model and year. 

I am firmly in the no brake llights for retarder/pac brake camp. 



Quote from: wolfe10 –
Irrespective of whether an exhaust brake, engine compression brake or transmission retarder, it is up to the builder whether the brake lights are triggered by using them.
Dan - Full timing since 2009
2003 U320 40' Tag 2 slide