Dimmer switch for PacBrake?

[Brian Fahlgren]

I've searched the forum and didn't find anything. I want to mount an old-style foot dimmer switch on the floor so I can activate the PacBrake with either the factory rocker on the side console and/or a floor-mounted dimmer switch. Can I add a floor on/off dimmer switch by wiring it in parallel to the factory rocker switch?
I know PacBrake makes a floor-mounted switch, but it's a momentary switch. I don't want to keep my foot on the switch.

I think it would be easier to press the foot switch instead of hunting for the console-mounted rocker switch. My coach is old enough that it doesn't have the switches in the center of the steering wheel.  Thanks!

Brian

[David Ciotti]

I put a little runner bumper on my jake brake switch so i can easily find it without looking too hard.

[Brian Fahlgren]

That's a pretty good idea too. Thanks!

[Eric Maclean Co-Admin]

Brian
I can't see any reason why you can't use an old style foot dimmer switch in place of the rocker switch up on me console.
Just be aware that that switch controls the exhaust for pack brake through the engine ECM and transmission TCM.
the ECM commands the pack brakes solenoid operation using criteria to control down shifts and maintain an optimal RPM for exhaust breaking.
ECM also controls the RPM and road speed at which the pack break drops out to avoid stalling the engine it stops.


Eric

[Brian Fahlgren]

Thank you Eric. I plan on doing it this week. I'll let you know.

Brian

[Brian Fahlgren]

I finally got around to installing the dimmer switch. It works fantastically. Because it's wired in parallel with the factory rocker switch, the dash light shows when the switch is engaged. I've added a floor-mounted dimmer switch in my vehicles to control aux driving lights for years. It's easier than searching for a dash switch.

Brian

[Steve Huber]

Depending on how your toad brake is wired and operates, it may be applied when your pac/jake brake is activated. Normally this isn't an issue unless you are going down long slopes such as in mountain driving. Then your toad may be trying to slow your coach. I rewired mine so the toad brakes would only activate when I applied the coach brakes. I picked up the brake signal at the brake pedal rather than at the brake lights (which are also triggered by pac/jake brake) and installed a bridge to block the brake light signal from feeding back to the brake pedal.
Steve

[Brian Fahlgren]

Steve, that's great info. I hadn't thought about the difference between the brake lights being activated from the PacBrake and the physical brake pedal. I understand the logic of wiring the toad's brake to the brake switch. I haven't purchased a toad yet. I'm looking for a low mile HHR. I'm not in a hurry. I'm sure I'll find one in my area. Thanks

Brian