Using Cruise Control

[dverna]

Is it safe to run on cruise control on major highways?

My gf insists that, if pulling anything, cruise control should not be used at any time.

Don

[powerboatr]

when we had our 06 350 6.0
pulling our 38 ft fiver
i ran cruise almost all the time, if not i would wind up going over 70 mph in short order
when i ran into long hill pulls i would take it off cruise.

i had great tq so it didn't drop out of 5th very often

key i would say if, is your tow vehicle has the tq to deal with most over passes or hills without downshifting a bunch in an effort to keep up the speed.

if it starts dropping down, then turn off cruise and use your foot

[RobRV]

If You are comfortable and Your Truck feels solid go for it. Use your own judgement, You aren't going to damage or wear it out!
Obviously there will be times when it is not appropriate to use CC when driving whether Towing or Not! Rain Snow and in Heavy traffic are a few of those times!

[LindaH]

Quote:

Originally Posted by powerboatr i ran cruise almost all the time, ... when i ran into long hill pulls i would take it off cruise.

Same here.

[RustyJC]

On flat terrain, I'll use cruise control. If the terrain becomes slightly rolling, cruise control can cost you some fuel economy as it constantly accelerates and decelerates attempting to hold the set speed, whereas if cruise control is off I'll hold my right foot steady and let the speed vary a bit.

If the terrain becomes hilly enough where your transmission is "hunting" (downshifting and upshifting constantly to hold the set speed), shut the cruise control off. Ditto for slick road conditions.

Rusty

[mhs4771]

I use cruise all the time, except when in heavy traffic or going through cities, but on the open highway cruise allows me to watch the traffic around me and not be contantly watching the speedo. Like said above if you have enough truck under the trailer you can take just about any ups or downs without a problem. I can even take normal grades in 6th gear.

[SuperGewl]

If your truck can make the run without constantly shifting then running with the CC is OK. I run with it all the time, especially in the hills. The truck knows when it needs to down shift and just hits it and gets up the hill like it isn't even there.

[Dutch & Diana Irrgang]

We use cruise anytime we are on a straight road. It is definitely a great way not to accidentally go over your set speed which helps you not get a ticket and helps with mileage as it is more consistent than your foot. We have a 38'5th wheel and have been using cruise for all 14 years that we have been pulling it. Diana

Quote:

Originally Posted by dverna Is it safe to run on cruise control on major highways? My gf insists that, if pulling anything, cruise control should not be used at any time. Don

[diandtom]

I use cruise control most of the time on a long trip. How else am I going to get a nap ?

[IC2]

As someone else said, I would end up going too fast. Unfortunately, most of where I do much of my travels, cruise ends up trying to maintain speed up some long steep hills and the truck ends up in engine scream mode. But on flat highways - always

[CD]

I am the odd ball here. I don't use the CC. In my case the CC and the exhaust brake fight each other. I don't want to go without the E brake. I find that after driving this truck for 10yrs, I can tell pretty close to the speed I want by the engine sound. Also, I don't know if the CC kicks off when you push the clutch in or not, but if it doesn't it would be a pain for shifting as I have a manual.

[RustyJC]

Quote:

Originally Posted by CD Also, I don't know if the CC kicks off when you push the clutch in or not, but if it doesn't it would be a pain for shifting as I have a manual.

Yes, it did on my 2002 Ram.

Rusty

[mhs4771]

On the 2011 Chevys, the CC and Exhaust Brake will work together. When going down a grade if you get several MPH above the CC set point the xmission will start down shifting in conjunction with the Exhaust Brake to maintain the set speed.

[Frankenstien]

I use cruise control all the time... matter of fact that's when I get some of my best sleep....