[fastereddie]

Details: 2004 Mack Granite straight flatbed truck, 4 axles(including drop axle), gross weight 76,000, 9 speed Fuller
Road: downhill to offramp, need to slow from 50 to 15 in 250 yards
Procedure:set Jake to max, hard stab of brakes and release, , downshift, Jake slow to 1000, repeat for gears 7,6,5,4,3

The question I have- is it better to hold brakes longer but at lower pressure to slow this heavy weight or heavy pressure of a shorter duration. I have had no problems slowing but would like to maximise life of the brakes.

[slider64683]

Most brake wear comes from heat. So to keep the heat down do short hard stabs on the brake. Also use the jakes coming up the the ramp to slow down some.

Happy Holidays

[classicxl]

how about slowing down before you get to the ramp and downshift using the brake only to come to a stop at the stop sign

[slider64683]

My thoughts also ClassicXL. I think I could bring my 120000lbs rig to s stop from 65 to 15 in 250 yards. Hell start braking early

[classicxl]

Lately i have just seen alot of drivers come off the ramps and just use there brakes no downshifting or jake at all I guess since its a company truck they think brakes are free

[Mackman]

my 2001 Mack tractor dont have a JAKE on it. So if i truck aint got it you cant use it. But i do slow way down and still downshift on ramps. But a Jake would be nice.

[slider64683]

Believe it or not all you have to do to assist to slow down is to turn your engine fan on. Engine fan causeing engine speed to reduce. So it slows the truck Kinda like a jake.

Happy Holidays

[geeshock]

Originally Posted by classicxl

Lately i have just seen alot of drivers come off the ramps and just use there brakes no downshifting or jake at all I guess since its a company truck they think brakes are free

Might be free but when those brakes fail i'll bet they'll wish they slowed down early

[classicxl]

you got that right. best way to slow down is downshift. my Jake's are used when going down mountains not off ramps or truckstop parking lots

[nrvsreck]

I don't think you need a Jake brake for an offramp. Main thing is downshift early, keep downshifting, and stay off the brakes (that doesn't mean don't use the brakes, just don't over-use them). Your brakes are your best friend. Don't destroy them if you don't need to.