When you travel around the country constantly, pulling a 15000 lb trailer behind you, taking unfamiliar routes, maintaining your vehicle or getting emergency repairs can be challenging at times. I’ve broken down on the side of the road a few times and been very fortunate that my emergency roadside assistance has come through for me.
On the last trip from Gulfport MS to Custer SD, I noticed that my truck’s exhaust brake stopped working once I got to the Black Hills. I typically only use the exhaust brake on long downgrades so I don’t have to abuse the regular disc brakes. There were only a few downgrades where I would’ve used the exhaust brake and they were manageable without it.
But, that still left me with the problem of getting it repaired. It was not a standard item when I ordered the truck. I had it installed about a year and a half after I bought it. Coincidentally, the work was done by a Dodge dealer in Rapid City SD, less than an hour away. But since that time, I’ve also learned a few things about the brake. The kit that was installed was actually a Jacobs exhaust brake, spec’d by Cummins and designed specifically for the Cummins engine in my truck. The parts needed for repairs cost significantly less when ordered directly from Cummins instead of through a Dodge dealer.
Armed with that knowledge, I started looking for a suitable shop to make the repairs. I found a Cummins service shop in Gillette WY, about 2 hours away. That’s a long drive but I could be fairly confident they’d have the expertise and the parts readily available. Since it wasn’t an urgently needed repair, I kept looking for other options. While driving through Rapid City, I noticed a truck repair shop that had a Cummins sign hung outside.
I contacted them and found out they typically worked on bigger trucks but were willing to discuss mine. They didn’t have anyone with actual experience with my exhaust brake. After providing them with a lot of information, they were leaning towards buying the whole kit (about $1300) and replacing all components. Based on a previous repair I was pretty sure I knew which part needed replacing. They were going to do more research after I balked at the entire kit. Don’t know how they’re doing on that since I never heard back from them.
Before I realized they were going to abandon the project, I started doing my own research. I found the installation manual and identified all the components under my hood, then started looking online for the one part I thought needed to be replaced – the vacuum pump diaphragm. Found one on eBay for $85, shipped. Since it looked like a fairly easy replacement, I rolled the dice and ordered it that night.
After it got here, the installation was not that simple. Actually, the removal of the old part was almost impossible the way I was going about it. Just as I was ready to remove a front wheel and wheel well to get a better angle on the bolts, one of my fellow workampers stopped by to offer assistance. After looking at the situation, he returned with a special ratchet from Snap-On and we were able to get the old part off in about 15 minutes. (I checked afterwards and that ratchet was selling on eBay for $165) Anyway, an hour later and the repair was complete. I held my breath and turned the key. Much to my delight, it started right up. When I activated the exhaust brake, I heard the expected change in engine sounds and the test drive confirmed the braking ability.
Workamping does have advantages besides a free site or a paycheck. I had the luxury of time to compare options. You normally have access to campground tools and resources, and other workampers who may have specialized tools or experience. Part of the repair required adding about 1 ounce of engine oil to the new pump. Since I had access to the garage, I didn’t need to run downtown and buy a quart of oil just to use an ounce.