With the ability to generate braking power up to 80% of your engine’s maximum output, the Sentinel Exhaust Brake delivers strong, consistent engine braking even under sustained load. The system operates fully automatically, opening and closing seamlessly in sync with throttle input to provide smooth, predictable braking control on long downhill grades. Installation is straightforward—often completed in under an hour—and every system is backed by a lifetime warranty. Sentinel requires no ECM or TCM programming, no air compressor, and no special equipment. It operates using a heavy-duty, gear-reduced electric motor, making it a reliable exhaust braking solution for high-output diesel engines and large exhaust systems.

Bus & Van Applications

School Buses

• Type C & Type D school buses

• Common chassis: International 3300, Freightliner, Blue Bird, Thomas

• Frequent stop cycles → high brake wear

• Exhaust brakes reduce service brake replacement and heat buildup

Shuttle & Transit Buses

• Airport shuttles, hotel vans, municipal transit

• FCCC and International chassis platforms

• Ideal for frequent downhill braking and urban driving

Cutaway & Commercial Vans

• Shuttle vans, paratransit, Sprinter-style diesel vans

• Heavy passenger loads

• Exhaust braking improves control and reduces driver fatigue

• Shuttle and passenger vans

• Delivery and service fleets

• Camper and RV conversions

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Supported Chassis Platforms

Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation (FCCC)

• S2, MT, and custom shuttle platforms

• Widely used for buses, specialty vehicles, and RVs

International / Navistar Bus Chassis

• International 3300 (Type C)

• 3000 / 3900 series (Type D transit)

• Extremely common in U.S. school and fleet buses

• Searches often include chassis + engine combinations

Integrated Bus Manufacturers

• Thomas Built Buses (Saf-T-Liner models)

• Blue Bird (Vision and legacy platforms)

• Chassis and body built as a complete system

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Engine Compatibility

Cummins Diesel Engines

• ISB, ISC, ISL, ISX

• Common in buses, RVs, and shuttle fleets

Duramax Diesel Applications

• Cutaway vans

• Diesel RV conversions

• Medium-duty commercial vehicles

Detroit Diesel / CAT / PACCAR

• Transit buses and heavy-duty applications

• Commercial and municipal fleets

• Exhaust braking improves downhill safety and engine longevity

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Diesel RV Exhaust Brake Applications

Diesel motorhomes and bus-style RVs often share the same chassis and engines as commercial buses — but face even greater downhill braking demands.

Supported RV types include:

• Class A diesel pushers

• Super C motorhomes

• Bus-conversion RVs

Benefits for RV owners:

• Safer mountain descents

• Reduced brake fade

• Less stress when towing

• Increased control in wet or icy conditions

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Why Add an Exhaust Brake to a Bus or Van?

• Reduces service brake wear

• Improves downhill speed control

• Prevents brake overheating

• Enhances driver confidence

• Ideal for mountainous terrain and heavy loads

• Fully automatic operation

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Installation & System Design

• Compatible with aftermarket and custom exhaust systems

• No ECM tuning required

• Installer-friendly design

• Commonly installed in under one hour

• Works independently of turbocharger operation

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Built for Commercial & Fleet Use

Sentinel Exhaust Brakes are designed for:

• Fleet vehicles

• School districts

• Transit authorities

• RV owners

• Commercial operators

Every system is built for durability, reliability, and real-world braking performance.

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Internal Links

At the bottom of the page, link to:

• Exhaust Brakes by Engine (Cummins, Duramax, etc.)

• Road Tractor Exhaust Brakes

• Diesel RV Exhaust Brakes

• Heavy Towing Applications