Cruise control

[Freeda II]

I have heard that one should not use cruise control when towing. What is the thoughts on this
I have a 07 dually Silverado towing 08 3400RL

[Glenn and Lorraine]

On the hiway I use CC all the time while towing. The only time I am out of CC is on an up grade or down grade.

[rames14]

I also use CC all the time. A caution, however, is rain. CC in the rain can be a problem. Most of the newer CC can be turned off "without" hitting the brake, which is where the problem comes into play.

[Mrs. CountryGuy]

We use CC as well. I prefer to take off in big urban areas, and during rain. We leave on in mild hilly areas, but definately take it off in the "big dude of a hill" areas. (My daddy, bless his soul, LOVED that term, big dude of a hill! Ahhh memories)

Ohhh, back on subject. In mountains, steep, long grades, CC comes off, but, rolling hills, leave it on.

However, have to say, if you do not feel comfy with it, don't use it.

[stiles watson]

I tend to have a progressive foot, as we progress down the road, the faster I go. Therefore, we use the CC on relatively level terrain, but not in hilly, mountainous, or when the road is wet.

[BB_TX]

I always use it on flat to rolling country. Take it out as the hills get higher.

[Pete Hanson]

We use CC on the highway but we are careful on the hills. CC tends to be very aggressive when trying to maintain speed on hills but sometimes waits too long to downshift which can put quite a strain on the tranny.

[ggranch]

Me too an all of the above. Make your own judgement based on the needs of your truck. If it shifts too often or down too far causing extreme RPMs, turn off the cruise. Bob
PS..What does your Owners manual say about it?

[ols1932]

As with everyone else, I use CC all the time when towing on relatively flat land. I never use it on damp highways, towing or not. When in hilly country, a lot of ups and downs, I don't use it because there is too much shifting and transmissions don't always like that. They heat up fast if there is a lot of shifting.

Orv

[Fire5er]

I use CC as much as possible, love how it works with the Tow Command system and it keeps me going the speed limit and not over as my lead foot tends to want to do.

[bsmeaton]

I think that rule came from the old days when CC consisted of a handle under the dash with a cable connected to the carberator .

I've gotten a nervous foot in the last few years and CC keeps me on an even speed with the best mileage possible. The only complaint is it will shut off going uphill if the speed drops beyond 10mph from what you have it set to, and when it shuts off while pulling that Monty uphill, you're heart leaps into your stomach as you think you just blew the engine or something. At least for me I always start thinking dollar signs and tow trucks before I realize it just shut off.

[mtpocket2]

I use CC all the time. Just went from Nashville to Knoxville and never turned it off. When the truck is in tow haul mode, exhaust brake on and cruse control set to 65 I never exceeded 70 downhill and never dropped below 60 uphill. And there are some big hills on that stretch. Took care of everything. I agree in rain or when traffic starts building turn it off. The thing I find most aggravating using CC are the people who feel the need to pass then slow down. On flat land its even more annoying!! With out cruise you just adjust without thinking about it. With CC you run into the back of something unless you take action. On the last trip I was surprised most who did it were truckers. I would just hit the decel button and let them get ahead that way I do not have to deal with it. CC is the only way I can keep the Mission trailer tires from exploding. Me and my truck are very comfortable at 75. CC keeps me at the 65 speed rating.

[billhoover]

Like the others, we use it all the time unless is the mountains.

[exav8tr]

Use it!

[Waynem]

With the old F-350 and 3400RL I always used CC, except when raining. It is not so much having to use the brakes in the rain as it has to do with positive traction. Almost all vehicles now-a-days have posi-trac. So if one side of your vehicle runs through a puddle that causes it to lift off of the pavement (hydroplane) the positive traction will cause an imbalance in power to the wheels and possibly cause a skid. Of course, towing with all that weight in the bed of the truck would have to cause an absolute condition of speed, water, and conditions of the road, to hdroplane. As for braking, well, if you are on CC or not on CC and you have to brak, the actions are the same. You don't have to "brake" to turn off CC. CC is dependent on the same mechanism that controls your brake lights. Most of the switches are set to a very sensitive level so that all you have to do is touch the brake pedal to have CC go off. The reaction time of touching the brake pedal will most likely be shorter than reaching for the cruise control switch.

I used it in the hills of VA, PA, NY, etc. with no adverse affect.

I loved my 2005 F-350. I'm going (and do) miss her.

[PowellsMonty]

I have always used CC in rain and never a problem. So I need to rethink this?

[6thwheel]

We use CC on the highway also.

[bsmeaton]

Mike,

I have hydroplaned in my F350 (old 2001) with the cruise on, but no Monty on the back. It started raining heavy and I was taking my whole family (asleep) to a reunion. They never even knew it happened. The truck just started turning sideways at 75mph and I had absolutely no control of it. The speedometer wrapped up to 100mph then shut down the cruise. I just held on lightly to the steering wheel and let it do its thing - not out of skill but shear fright! The truck snapped back into its lane like nothing ever happened. I pulled over, smoked a fag and threw up.

The next week I replaced those aging Firestone Flexteel tires that I had pushed way beyond their useful life. (I did love those tires)

[ols1932]

quote:Originally posted by PowellsMonty

I have always used CC in rain and never a problem. So I need to rethink this?

Yes, please rethink this. My wife rolled our van on wet blacktop with CC on. The highway was straight, little or no traffic.

Orv

[HamRad]

Brad,

75 in the rain! With your family! I doubt the CC had much to do with what happened. 75 in the rain! Yeah..... I would have stopped and changed my pants not just thrown up!

Brad thank you for sharing this. I don't think I could have.

Hey folks..... let's be careful out there. CC or not! Just be careful. We don't want to end up with fewer MOC members!

HamRad