When do you apply the ebrake when parking up or downhill?

Yes

 

There's only one correct way that makes any difference at all and THIS is it. If you're actually using your Park Brake, you're as rare as those who read the Owner's Manual!

 

It’s become a habit for me to always hold the brake, apply parking brake, then release brake pedal.

Same as when before I put my truck into drive - hold down on brake, release parking brake, then shift into drive.

 

I apply the ebrake before putting in park. Every time I stop, parking brake gets applied. In NH you use it or lose it. If it doesn’t get exercised it rusts up. Now it’s truly a waste of time because since day 1 the parking brake has sucked and wouldn’t hold the vehicle in place on level ground if relied on.

 

Have you tried adjusting it?

 

Yep. Just doesn’t have any holding power.

 

That sucks. My 21 came from the dealer with too much slack in the cables. On day one I took up some slack to get it to hold and shortly afterwards did the correct procedure starting from the rear wheels and found the shoes were set correctly. All mine needed was the slack adjusted under the cab. It will hold fine on my 20-25% grade driveway.