Re: Adding a Jake brake
Reply #13 –
The m11 engine downshifted helps the retarder somewhat more in keeping the trans temps down in the hills. Also not being unnecessarily concerned about mid 230's on the VPMS trans temp gauge for short stretches while in use.
The Meritor disk brakes are cold blooded if not recently used and warmed up.
So if you need a panic stop the retarder is a much quicker stopping force.
I rebuilt the Meritors back to new condition which greatly helped my confidence in their heat absorption abilities after testing.
I do not use brakes on my towed so that factors in. I should be so far no issues.
Without the 3,600 pound tow the retarder and service brakes easily handle my normal hills.