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Topic: Brake lights with retarder (Read 686 times) previous topic - next topic - Topic derived from Transmission Retarder...

Brake lights with retarder

I didn't like the way the brake lights came on every time I let off the throttle slightly. It also applied the  Invisabrake  on our Jeep constantly (works off brake lights). Also didn't like the cruise control kicking off, every burp in the road.
I found the relay for the brake lights/retard, right below the drivers outside compartment. Unplugged it. Retard works awesome, but no brake lights. Only when I apply the brakes.
May add a switch later like Gary  Omel did
Chris
Chris and Tammy White  CDA Idaho
Previous owners 1997 U295 36' 3126 Cat 300 HP Build # 4998
Former Foretravel tech & RVIA certified tech
Former owner Custom Satellite home/RV satellites 
Former owner Vans LTD  van conversions
Unemployed, panhandler, drag racer NHRA #6348

Re: Brake lights with retarder (split from Re: Transmission Retarder (joystick) not turning off cruise c

Reply #1 –
Quote from: gracerace –
I didn't like the way the brake lights came on every time I let off the throttle slightly. It also applied the  Invisabrake  on our Jeep constantly (works off brake lights).  Retard works awesome, but no brake lights. Only when I apply the brakes.

If I'm following you down a steep grade, I will thank you. If you "dynamite" the brakes for critters, etc., I will know and act accordingly!  ^.^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: Brake lights with retarder (split from Re: Transmission Retarder (joystick) not turning off cruise c

Reply #2 –
Ca requires brake light illumination upon engagement of any braking system as does Illinois and other states as far as I know.

If you drove a retarder equipped coach that got turned up to its top position and no brakes were lit and I crashed into you I would sue you.

And the investigators could verify that  you disabled the required brake lights.

Foretravel altered the coaches as a customer preference to have the retarder operation not kick off the cruise just like my cat guys did on 3176 Marquis that cat called "customer preference software"

But would not disconnect the brake lighting illumination that the Jake operation caused.
"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: Brake lights with retarder (split from Re: Transmission Retarder (joystick) not turning off cruise c

Reply #3 –

Quote from: mike leary –
If I'm following you down a steep grade, I will thank you. If you "dynamite" the brakes for critters, etc., I will know and act accordingly!  ^.^d

Bob, if I dynamite the brakes for critters, I do have brake lights, so your OK mate to follow me close to my bumper like all California's do.... LOL
I don't let the retarder only,stop me in traffic. I foot brake also. So I have brake lights.
Mainly it's the cruise issue traveling. I have turned the retarder off, only to forget  as I am flying off the freeway, or in a panic stop.
From my experience,knowledge,and what a CHP told me once, any time you rear end someone, whether they have brake lights of not, you are at fault. But yes, it could open up a discussion, as anyone can sue someone for anything.
I'll add a switch per your request when I cruise California.
Cheers
Chris and Tammy White  CDA Idaho
Previous owners 1997 U295 36' 3126 Cat 300 HP Build # 4998
Former Foretravel tech & RVIA certified tech
Former owner Custom Satellite home/RV satellites 
Former owner Vans LTD  van conversions
Unemployed, panhandler, drag racer NHRA #6348