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The Sentinel Exhaust Brake adds powerful, fully automated exhaust braking to 1989–1998 Dodge trucks equipped with the legendary 5.9L 12-valve Cummins, helping reduce brake fade, protect service brakes, and maintain safer downhill speeds when towing or hauling.
The 12-valve Cummins is known for durability and torque, but from the factory these trucks rely entirely on service brakes for downhill speed control. Sentinel provides dependable engine braking without air systems, ECM or TCM programming, or over-complex electronics—making it an ideal exhaust brake solution for mechanical diesel platforms.
Installation is straightforward—often completed in under an hour—and every system is backed by a lifetime warranty.
Standard & Heavy Duty Options
Available Products
WHY ADD AN EXHAUST BRAKE TO A 5.9L CUMMINS?
Legendary Reliability Deserves Better Braking Control
When towing or hauling, relying only on wheel brakes can lead to overheating and brake fade—especially on long downhill grades.
The Sentinel Exhaust Brake helps:
- Maintain safer downhill speeds
- Reduce reliance on wheel brakes
- Minimize brake fade caused by overheating
- Improve control in mountainous or heavy-load conditions
- Easy installation (1 Hour)
Sentinel is a practical safety upgrade for 5.9L Cummins owners who tow, haul heavy loads, or regularly drive long grades.
Choose the Right Sentinel Exhaust Brake for Your Truck
Bundy Motors offers two Sentinel Exhaust Brake options for the 5.9L 12-valve Cummins, depending on how your truck is built and used.
Sentinel Exhaust Brake — Standard Duty
Best for Stock or Mildly Modified Trucks
The Standard Duty Sentinel Exhaust Brake delivers strong, consistent exhaust braking for daily driving, heavy recreational towing, and non-commercial use.
Standard Duty Features:
- Electric inline exhaust brake — no air system required
- Designed for mechanical 12-valve Cummins engines
- Fully automated operation (manual optional)
- No ECM or TCM programming required
- Durable gear-reduced electric motor
- Simple installation — often under an hour
- Backed by a lifetime warranty
Select Standard Duty
Sentinel Exhaust Brake — Heavy Duty
Best for Performance Turbos, Upgraded Fueling & Frequent Towing
The Heavy Duty Sentinel Exhaust Brake is engineered for trucks equipped with performance turbochargers, upgraded injection systems, or used for frequent towing and demanding applications.
Built with larger internal components and a high-torque worm-drive motor, the Heavy Duty version is designed to operate reliably under increased exhaust flow and endure commercial-level use.
Heavy Duty Features:
- Heavy Duty electric inline exhaust brake
- Designed for higher exhaust flow from performance upgrades
- Larger internal components for increased durability
- High-torque worm-drive electric motor
- Fully automated operation (manual optional)
- No air system or engine programming required
- Backed by a lifetime warranty
Select Heavy Duty
How Sentinel Works
Sentinel uses an electric inline exhaust valve to create controlled exhaust back pressure, slowing the engine during deceleration. This provides consistent engine braking without relying solely on wheel brakes.
What makes Sentinel different:
- No air compressors or air lines
- No tuning or programming required
- Reliable operation on mechanical diesel engines
- Automated braking tied to throttle input
Installation
Sentinel Exhaust Brakes are designed for straightforward installation using basic tools.
Typical installation includes:
- Installing the exhaust brake inline
- Routing wiring
- Connecting the controller
Most installations are completed in under one hour.
Durability & Warranty
Sentinel Exhaust Brakes are engineered to handle:
- High exhaust temperatures
- Repeated braking cycles
- Towing and hauling loads
- Real-world diesel use
Every Sentinel Exhaust Brake is backed by a lifetime warranty.
Fitment
✔ 1989–1998 Dodge 5.9L Cummins (12-Valve)
Fitment depends on:
- Exhaust pipe diameter
- Available clearance at the install location
- Existing exhaust routing or modifications
Bundy Motors can help confirm fitment before ordering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is
this exhaust brake automatic?
Yes. Sentinel can be operated manually or automated using an optional
throttle-activated micro switch for mechanical 12-valve engines.
Do
I need an air system or engine programming?
No. Sentinel is fully electric and requires no air systems or ECM/TCM
programming.
Which
option should I choose — Standard or Heavy Duty?
Choose Standard Duty for stock or lightly modified trucks with
occasional towing.
Choose Heavy Duty for performance turbos, upgraded fueling, frequent
towing, or demanding use.
Upgrade Your 12-Valve Cummins with Sentinel Exhaust Braking
Add dependable exhaust braking to your Dodge Cummins and protect your service brakes on every downhill grade.
🟩 Select Your Sentinel Exhaust Brake
📞
435-704-2272
Mon–Fri 6AM–6PM • Most Saturdays
