Cruise Control

SGardiner · 07-13-2014, 05:02 AM

Any issues or concerns with using cruise control while towing?

I typically use it on long highway runs.

bsmith0404 · 07-13-2014, 05:06 AM

Use mine all the time.

Javi · 07-13-2014, 05:15 AM

The only problem with using CC on the open road is if it is constantly up and down shifting to maintain the setting. In hilly country and heavy traffic I think everyone knows that you should not be using the CC...

Being mostly flat here in Texas I use it a lot when towing, but not on the interstate because there is just too much traffic congestion and the risk of panic stops too great.

jje1960 · 07-13-2014, 05:42 AM

We use it all the time as well. However, when you see a bridge coming, get ready to hit the off or pause button, serious dolphin bounce seems to occur with CC on, while coasting, no problem. We have a bunch of bridges on RT95 heading / returning from Myrtle.

jodrey · 07-13-2014, 07:06 AM

I use CC most of the time on highway.

For a gas engine is a little bit harder to use CC if you have a big TT. The tranny won't stay in high gear..

**hankpage** · 07-13-2014, 07:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jje1960

We use it all the time as well. However, when you see a bridge coming, get ready to hit the off or pause button, serious dolphin bounce seems to occur with CC on, while coasting, no problem. We have a bunch of bridges on RT95 heading / returning from Myrtle.

I'll drink to that. I have had a few of those shake me up and it took awhile for me to realize it was the cruise exaggerating the bump or dip. I use cruise to give my foot a rest but I find I get better fuel mileage without it. Anticipating the ups and downs of the roadway is better with this old brain than with the new computers.

Razor303 · 07-14-2014, 04:22 AM

I'm lazy, I almost always use CC, bad weather or heavy traffic being the exception.

GaryWT · 07-14-2014, 04:40 AM

I use it all the time, the only issue I have is if I dont pay attention at a hill and then it is too late, we are slowing some and down shifting, over reving etc. But for the most part makes it an easy ride.

audio1der · 07-14-2014, 08:13 AM

I keep our RAM in manual shift mode so it can't upshift itself. Staying in 4th gear at 60mph keeps it turning at 2400rpm so I have no issues using cruise control on the flats. For hills I cancel the CC and handle the skinny pedal myself.

JeffS · 07-14-2014, 06:00 PM

I have used it occasionally but as with hankpage I get better mileage without it.

RedOne · 07-14-2014, 06:18 PM

I have just ran 1600 miles of mostly flat to rolling hills terrian from STL to Florida and back. I used the cruise as much as I could. 60-65mph and let the tranny shift between 6th and 5th as it wanted to on the way down. On the way back I locked 6th out and had the cruise on all the way back running 65 to 70. Going down 10.2mpg and coming back 9.8mpg. Seems 5 mph faster cost .4mpg as the Ecoboost was turning 2100 rpm in 5th vs 1700 rpm in 6th. when I would try 6th on the flats the economy meter would drop vs 5th gear at the same speed. In 5th it would run up and down the hills at the same speed.

sagebel · 07-18-2014, 07:24 AM

I use CC a lot. Exceptions are traffic, weather, and steep grades. The problem with me controlling the skinny pedal going up grades is that I tend to speed.

Additionally, if your transmission is constantly up/downshifting, you should lock the higher gear out if you can. Heat created from shifting is what kills automatic transmissions.

CUFFS054 · 07-18-2014, 11:48 AM

Thank goodness y'all are willing to use cruise! When I become King of the World it shall be a law that anyone driving on highways must use it. It makes me crazy when I get passed and five minutes later I having to slow down for the same vehicle and the cycle repeats. Don't even get me started on cell phones and wind shield wipers!

**JRTJH** · 07-18-2014, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CUFFS054

Thank goodness y'all are willing to use cruise! When I become King of the World it shall be a law that anyone driving on highways must use it. It makes me crazy when I get passed and five minutes later I having to slow down for the same vehicle and the cycle repeats. Don't even get me started on cell phones and wind shield wipers!

Maybe a chance to "get even" ??? LOL

austinp · 07-21-2014, 06:54 AM

Why does my Ford manual say not use CC when towing?

Javi · 07-21-2014, 07:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by austinp

Why does my Ford manual say not use CC when towing?

CYA

austinp · 07-21-2014, 07:12 AM

OIC. I find that a lot in daily life.

Desert185 · 07-21-2014, 07:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by austinp

Why does my Ford manual say not use CC when towing?

CYA is spot on. Its easier to dumb down the population than to write a driver's operating manual on the common sense operation of the rig or teach kids how to really drive a car other than how to get to the mall in "D" without tripping a traffic cam.

How many people don't get the concept of downshifting on a grade? They ride the brakes instead.

Drive a stick? Good luck.

gearhead · 07-21-2014, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by austinp

Why does my Ford manual say not use CC when towing?

Can't find that in mine.....

austinp · 07-21-2014, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gearhead

Can't find that in mine.....

It's in the towing section.

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