Strange Lever

[Rose Mary]

On our coach the electric retarder is on the left side of the
steering wheel and has an on off switch above the suspension dump
switch. It has a red button light which shows when the retarder is
engaged. I can't imagine not having the retarder to help slow the
coach on descents. Ours has multiple positions,and it's not something
to be left on, rather use frequently to slow down. I rarely use the
coach brakes and have had no problem with the unit overheating.
Position depends on how fast you need to slow (ha!) I use it all the
time, it is a spendy unit and needs special lubrication grease.
I have the manuel if anyone needs more information. Ours is a Jacobs
Electric Retarder and it is my understanding that unlike a Jake
brake, it does not use the transmission or driveline to slow the
vehicle.
Rose Mary
82 FC 33 "White Bird"
Oregon

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Scott Forman" <sforman@...>
wrote:
>
> I have a small box attached to the side of my shifter as well...but
I
> have assumed it is a traler brake modulator (never had a trailer
> hooked to my coach). Has a knob that can be pulled back. Is it
> possible that I have a retarder and didn't even know it?
>
> Scott Forman
> 82 FC35RB
> Memphis
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Eric Johnson"
> wrote:
> >
> > Hi Scott,
> > Stephen is right, it's the retarder lever. A great feature if
> you're doing any mountain
> > driving. I used it a lot during our Colorado trip. Saves the
> brakes. Degree of braking
> > performance increases going from notch 1 to 3. You want to use
it
> in moderation however
> > so you don't overheat the unit. It runs on DC and sucks quite a
> lot of juice.
> >
> > I usually use setting 1 or 2 for maybe 10 to 15 seconds at a
time,
> alternating with the air
> > brakes to slow the coach down. Setting 3, I save for more rapid
> breaking. You should
> > also have a yellow dash light that shows when the unit is on.
> >
> > Regards, Eric
> > 84FC35SBWL2
> >
> > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Scott"
> wrote:
> > >
> > > I have a Strange Lever mounted to the side of the shifter box.
> The
> > > lever goes into a small black box with numbers on the side. As
> the
> > > lever is pulled down, the numbers increase and the lever is
> internally
> > > notched to stop on each of the numbers. Any clue?
> > >
> > > Scott Waldy
> > > '83FC35SB
> > > Boise, Idaho
> > >
> >
>