Understanding Diesel Exhaust Brakes: Ram, GM, and Ford Compared
Welcome back to the Mark Martin Motors blog. Today we are looking at something a little different, but incredibly important if you do any sort of hauling. We are breaking down the diesel exhaust brake systems on the modern heavy-duty trucks: the Ram Cummins, the GM Duramax, and the Ford Power Stroke.
If you are local to us here in Ephrata, PA, or driving in from anywhere within a few hours like Philadelphia, Reading, or even down into Maryland, you know that our regional roads have their fair share of rolling hills and steep grades. Whether you are towing a camper for a weekend getaway or hauling heavy equipment for work, understanding how these three manufacturers handle exhaust braking will completely change your driving experience.
Why Your Truck Needs an Exhaust Brake for Towing
Before the modern era of built-in exhaust brakes, towing a heavy trailer down a mountain was a stressful and sometimes sketchy experience. You had to ride your brakes, worry about the brake pads overheating, and constantly downshift your transmission to let the engine slow you down. It was hard on the truck and hard on the driver.
Towing in Pennsylvania and Beyond
When you head down to the mountains in Virginia or West Virginia, you immediately realize why exhaust brakes are a lifesaver. These systems use the exhaust backpressure coming off the engine to help slow the truck down, saving your actual wheel brakes from burning up on long descents. It adds a massive layer of safety and peace of mind when you have your family and all your gear hooked up to the back of the truck.
The Big Three Heavy Duty Trucks: Exhaust Brakes Explained
Every manufacturer engineers their trucks differently, and their exhaust brakes are no exception. Let us jump into how the big three set up their systems.
Ram Cummins: The Heavyweight Braking Champion
From everything we have seen and tested, the Ram Cummins takes the crown for having the most aggressive exhaust braking system on the market. A big part of this comes down to the engine design. The Cummins is an inline-six diesel engine paired with a Holset variable geometry turbocharger. That combination makes the exhaust brake incredibly effective and powerful.
How the Ram Exhaust Brake Works
When you hop into a modern Ram HD and find the exhaust brake button, you will notice it has two modes: Full and Auto. If you are towing something really heavy down a long, steep grade, you want that Full mode. It engages aggressively every time you let off the throttle or tap the brakes. Auto mode is a bit smarter and won't engage as constantly on rolling hills, making it a great option for varied terrain without throwing you forward in your seat.
GM Duramax: The Refined Towing Experience
GM takes a completely different approach with their Duramax diesel trucks. Paired with a smooth 10-speed transmission, the GM exhaust brake is designed to be the most luxurious and refined system of the bunch.
GM's Simplified Approach
Unlike Ram and Ford, GM does not give you an Auto mode. It is just a simple on or off switch. GM engineered this system to be out of the way. Their goal was to avoid harsh downshifts and high RPM spikes, giving you a very polished driving experience. The tradeoff here is that you might not feel it as aggressively when towing super heavy loads, but for everyday driving around Lancaster County or lightly towing a camper, it is remarkably smooth and unobtrusive.
Ford Power Stroke: The Smartest System on the Road
If you want the best of both worlds, the Ford Power Stroke might just be the sweet spot. Like the Ram, Ford offers both a standard engine brake mode and an automatic mode. Driving the Ford, especially with a trailer hooked up, feels incredibly secure.
Why Ford Takes the Cake for Daily Driving
The Ford system feels like the smartest exhaust brake on the road. The way the computer integrates the exhaust brake with the 10-speed transmission, especially when you have it in Tow/Haul mode, is fantastic. The Auto mode in the Ford is arguably the best for everyday driving. It senses exactly when you need that extra stopping power without aggressively banging through gears. It slows the truck down smoothly, making it feel like you are in a vacuum. It is comfortable, safe, and just plain works beautifully.
Find Your Next Diesel Truck at Mark Martin Motors
At the end of the day, horsepower and torque are fun to talk about, but when you are hauling 12,000 pounds, your braking system is what makes the drive enjoyable and safe. A 1500 half-ton truck just cannot offer the same security as a 2500 or 3500 with a dedicated exhaust brake.
If you are within a few hours of our dealership and want to feel the difference for yourself, come see us. We are conveniently located at 4126 Oregon Pike, Ephrata, PA 17522. We specialize in top-tier diesel trucks and can help you find the perfect setup for your towing needs.
Watch the full breakdown in our video right here: