Jake Brake / Trans Retarder

[utahcamera]

Were looking at '08 H models. Marathon/Featherlite.

I have noticed that Featherlite orders all coaches with the Allison Trans Retarder and Marathon only seems to order coaches with the Jake Brake.

I know the trans retarder will put out more bhp and requires trans fluid changes more often; but is that the end of the story?

Any thoughts would be appreciated?

[garyde]

Hi Tim. There is a infinite amount of discussion within the last year regarding Trans retarders. See 'Engines, transmissions, axles, etc.' and do a search 'Allison transmission retarder and Jake brake' I hope you have a few spare hours. Good Luck

[utahcamera]

Thank you, I'll do just that. Not sure why that did not occure to me

[Jon Wehrenberg]

Here is a short version FWIW....

If you are down to deciding on a coach based on whether it has a retarder or a Jake you are the luckiest guy in the world.

But don't base your decision on transmission fluid changes. The interval for fluid changes doubles to 150,000 miles if you do not have a retarder, but...it is unimportant unless you intend to drive a lot of miles. The other condition for fluid changes is 4 years and that is a constant regardless of whether it has a retarder or not.

[Gary & Peggy Stevens]

Were looking at '08 H models. Marathon/Featherlite.
I have noticed that Featherlite orders all coaches with the Allison Trans Retarder and Marathon only seems to order coaches with the Jake Brake.

Tim, Have you looked at Liberty's for your next bus, and if not, your reason?

Jon can correct me on this, but I believe Liberty too believes in the value of the Retarder vs. the Jake, and Liberty has the retarder on all of their bus's.

Gary S.

[Jon Wehrenberg]

Liberty has retarders on all I have seen. I'm a fan of the Jake brake, but a retarder is not a show stopper for me.

[utahcamera]

Hello Gary & Peggy,

We have just not seen a Liberty that did not have an interior that looked like it was taken from Grandma's house. Also the word on the street (read ‘what other salesmen say”) is that Liberty will be the most expensive bus conversion. I’m 64 but I don’t want to be in Grandma’s parlor

Of course I can be wrong, perish the thought.

[Just Plain Jeff]

[QUOTE=utahcamera;19387] Also the word on the street (read ‘what other salesmen say”)
QUOTE]

Uh-oh.

You have violated POG Rule Numero Uno: Never listen to what the salesman says.

Someone better loan these new, kind folks their SDR.

Welcome to POG!

[tdelorme]

Welcome to Grandma's old used parlor
http://www.prevost-stuff.com/2005Liberty654A.htm

[Jon Wehrenberg]

Tim,

Be very careful if you are listening to salesmen and making your decision based principly on decor or colors.

It is the systems that count. A lousy color on the interior is a minor irritation compared to having an AC system that can't keep you cool on a month long trip through the desert southwest.

And the true definition of hell is being broke down and having a converter that will not jump through hoops to get you fixed and make you happy, and doing it RIGHT NOW, not when they get around to it.