If you’re like me and value a safer, smoother ride when towing or navigating steep hills, investing in a good exhaust brake is crucial—and Bundy Exhaust Brake is one of those products that you just can’t ignore.
It not only gives you more control over your vehicle but also extends the life of your primary braking system.
After experiencing this firsthand, I’ve found that there are some great aspects about Bundy exhaust brakes that are worth sharing.
Why do I want to talk about Bundy exhaust brakes today?
Well, let’s just say this product has made my rides feel a lot safer and smoother, and I think that’s worth sharing. Let’s walk through the details, from the benefits to the drawbacks, and see if this might just be the upgrade your vehicle needs.
What Makes Bundy Exhaust Brakes Stand Out?
Now, I’m not saying that exhaust brakes are a magic fix to all your braking woes, but having Bundy on board makes a huge difference, particularly when you’re descending steep grades or pulling heavy trailers.
Bundy exhaust brakes are specifically designed to help control the speed of your vehicle using the engine itself, reducing the load on your traditional brakes.
The key here is that by minimizing the stress on your main braking system, you’re effectively giving those brakes a longer lifespan.
I’ve used Bundy for quite some time now, and I can tell you it’s a lifesaver, particularly when towing heavy loads.
It provides a more controlled descent, especially on treacherous roads. With Bundy, I’ve noticed a significant reduction in brake fade, which means better safety for me and everyone else on the road.
So, what’s so special about Bundy compared to other exhaust brakes? Well, let’s break it down.
Pros of Bundy Exhaust Brake
- Increased Safety
One of the major benefits of Bundy exhaust brakes, in my opinion, is safety. Whenever I’m coming down a steep incline or dealing with stop-and-go traffic while towing, I don’t want my regular brakes to be the only thing standing between me and an accident.
The Bundy exhaust brake offers additional control, which means I can rely on the engine to slow me down instead of constantly putting pressure on the brakes.
By using the engine’s compression to control speed, Bundy exhaust brakes help manage the momentum of the vehicle more effectively. It’s essentially another layer of braking, which can give you a lot of peace of mind when hauling cargo.
- Prolonged Brake Life
Now, let’s talk about savings—because no one wants to be dealing with brake pad replacements more often than necessary. One of the biggest reasons I’m a fan of Bundy exhaust brakes is that they help extend the lifespan of my traditional brake components.
Instead of relying solely on the brakes to manage speed, the exhaust brake takes some of that burden off. Over time, this translates to reduced wear and tear, which in turn saves you money on brake maintenance.
- Easy To Operate
Another aspect that I think stands out is the ease of use. Bundy exhaust brakes are really simple to operate. Once installed, they are typically controlled by a switch on the dashboard.
All it takes is a flick of a switch, and the exhaust brake kicks in when you release the throttle. It’s so intuitive that you don’t need to think twice about it—just flip the switch and let it do its job.
- Fuel Efficiency
It’s not necessarily the first thing you think of, but using an exhaust brake can even help with fuel efficiency. By controlling your speed more effectively with the engine, you can keep a steadier pace and avoid over-revving. I’ve found that it makes my fuel consumption slightly more consistent, especially on long trips with many descents.
Cons of Bundy Exhaust Brake
Of course, as much as I love Bundy, there are a few downsides to consider—because no product is perfect.
- Initial Cost and Installation
One downside that some people find with Bundy exhaust brakes is the initial cost. It’s true that they aren’t cheap, especially if you want to get a quality system installed professionally.
But, honestly, when I compare the upfront cost with the savings on brake repairs and the added safety, it’s a trade-off that I’m willing to make.
- Maintenance Required
Another factor to keep in mind is maintenance. Exhaust brakes, including Bundy, aren’t entirely maintenance-free. They require periodic inspections and adjustments to ensure they keep functioning effectively.
After all, these systems do operate under some extreme conditions, especially when towing heavy loads. I’ve made it a point to include it in my routine vehicle check-ups, and so far, it’s been smooth sailing.
- Noise
Depending on your setup, you may notice an increase in noise while using the exhaust brake. This can be a bit of an annoyance if you’re not used to it. With Bundy, the noise isn’t excessive, but there’s no denying that an exhaust brake creates more sound compared to regular driving.
I’ve gotten used to it over time, and frankly, the added control is worth a little noise in my book.
Comparison With Other Brands
- Bundy Vs. Jacobs Exhaust Brake
So how does Bundy stack up against some of the other well-known brands, like Jacobs? Jacobs (or Jake Brakes) are probably the most famous name in the exhaust brake game, and for a good reason. Jacobs brakes are known for their robustness and are widely used in large trucks.
However, I found that Bundy offers a bit more versatility, particularly for smaller trucks or lighter applications.
The main difference is that Jacobs brakes tend to be more aggressive. That’s great for big rigs but might be overkill for a pickup towing a trailer. Bundy strikes a nice balance between performance and usability, making it ideal for a range of vehicles, including RVs and mid-sized trucks.
- Bundy Vs. Pacbrake
Pacbrake is another popular competitor, and they offer some really solid exhaust brakes as well. Pacbrake units are known for their advanced control systems, and I’ll admit they are pretty impressive. However, in terms of price, Bundy is often more affordable while still providing comparable performance.
Where Pacbrake shines is in customization and control. If you want more control over how the exhaust brake functions, like adjusting pressure or modifying how it interacts with the transmission, Pacbrake might be your choice.
But for me, I prefer the simplicity and reliability that Bundy provides, especially since I’m not looking for too much fine-tuning.
Maintenance Tips For Bundy Exhaust Brake
If you do decide to go with a Bundy exhaust brake—and I recommend you do—there are a few maintenance pointers to keep in mind to ensure your system stays in top shape.
- Regular Inspections: It’s important to perform regular inspections of your exhaust brake system. Look out for wear and tear, especially on the mounting hardware and components that are exposed to the heat of the exhaust. For me, adding a visual check to my regular vehicle maintenance routine has made all the difference. It doesn’t take more than a few minutes, and it gives me peace of mind knowing that everything is working properly.
- Lubrication: Bundy exhaust brakes, like most systems, will benefit from proper lubrication. Moving parts are prone to seizing up, especially under the constant exposure to heat and exhaust gases. A small amount of high-temperature lubricant applied periodically can go a long way toward preventing any issues. I typically do this every few months, depending on how often I’ve been towing.
- Brake Adjustment: Your main braking system and exhaust brake need to work in harmony. If you’ve adjusted your regular brakes, it’s a good idea to ensure that your exhaust brake is properly calibrated as well. This helps prevent any imbalance between the two systems, which could potentially reduce braking efficiency or cause unwanted wear.
Is Bundy The Right Choice For You?
By now, you might be wondering if Bundy is the right exhaust brake for you. In my experience, if you frequently tow trailers, haul heavy loads, or drive in mountainous areas, having an exhaust brake is a no-brainer. The added safety, reduced wear on the primary brakes, and overall control make it well worth the investment.
Bundy, specifically, hits a sweet spot between affordability, performance, and ease of use. It doesn’t have all the bells and whistles that some other brands might offer, but it excels in terms of reliability and simplicity—qualities that are pretty important to me when I’m out on the road.
The decision ultimately comes down to your specific needs. If you’re looking for an exhaust brake that’s dependable, easy to operate, and offers great value, I’d say Bundy is a fantastic choice. But if you prefer a system that allows for a lot of customization, it might be worth exploring other brands as well.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Exhaust retarders, including Bundy exhaust brakes, can add some noise to your driving experience, which might be off-putting for some users. They also require regular maintenance and can add to the initial purchase and installation costs. Additionally, they might not be as effective on lighter vehicles that don’t have a heavy load to control.
It’s generally recommended to avoid using the exhaust brake on icy or slippery roads. The sudden deceleration caused by the exhaust brake could lead to a loss of traction in low-friction conditions. Personally, I turn off my exhaust brake in these situations to ensure I have maximum control.
No, an exhaust brake does not damage the transmission if used properly. It’s actually designed to work in harmony with your vehicle’s transmission to provide additional braking force. However, incorrect installation or misuse could potentially put unnecessary stress on the drivetrain. This is why I always recommend professional installation and ensuring that your exhaust brake is correctly calibrated.
Absolutely! If you frequently tow or drive in hilly areas, the added safety, control, and reduced wear on your main brakes make an exhaust brake like Bundy well worth the investment. In my case, it’s made driving with a trailer a lot less stressful, knowing that I have that extra layer of braking power.
Wrapping Up
In my experience, Bundy exhaust brakes are a solid addition to any towing setup. They offer added safety, reduce wear on your main brakes, and provide a sense of control that’s hard to beat.
While there are some drawbacks, like initial costs and periodic maintenance, the benefits far outweigh these minor inconveniences.
So, if you’re looking for a reliable, easy-to-use exhaust brake, Bundy is definitely worth considering. It’s been a game-changer for me, and it might just be the same for you.
