Towing with cruise control, bad idea? - Page 2 - Fiberglass RV
Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 01-06-2015, 06:19 AM   #21
Senior Member
 
Steve L.'s Avatar
 
Trailer: Casita Spirit Deluxe 2003 16 ft
Posts: 1,899
Registry
I've always towed (Fords) in cruise when conditions allow. I don't have adaptive cruise but I have no sense that it's applying the brakes on my vehicle. Even so, front brakes do the most work and wear the quickest so I can't see that rear brake use would cause any issues for me. Everyone can do what they think but I remain skeptical about unacceptable rear brake from any sort of cruise control.
Steve L. is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-06-2015, 06:25 AM   #22
Moderator
 
Jim Bennett's Avatar
 
Trailer: 2009 19 ft Escape / 2009 Honda Pilot
Posts: 6,224
Registry
I have never had a vehicle that applies brakes using cruise control. In fact, when using cruise, I have accelerated much faster than it was set at to pass someone, and had it return to the set speed once I let my foot off the accelerator.

Like others, I use cruise control on the open highway. The biggest benefit for me, is not speeding too much, and thus less traffic tickets.
__________________
2017 Escape 5.0 TA
2015 Ford F150 Lariat 3.5L EcoBoost
2009 Escape 19 (previous)
“Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” — Abraham Lincoln
Jim Bennett is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-06-2015, 07:27 AM   #23
Senior Member
 
Jon in AZ's Avatar
 
Name: Jon
Trailer: 2008 Scamp 13 S1
Arizona
Posts: 11,925
Registry
Norm, I'd be curious whether your Honda works like mine (automatically downshifting to hold speed on downgrades when cruise control is set). I forgot to mention earlier- when the grade lessens and speed drops back below the preset speed, the transmission upshifts. You have the newer 6-speed, I believe.

As to rear brake wear, some newer models have "electronic brake force distribution" or something like that. Honda uses it on a number of models (including my Pilot) and there were quite a few complaints in the early years about premature rear brake wear and rotor failure. I don't think it had anything to do with adaptive cruise control, but that rear brakes were forced to work harder and the size of the rotors may not have been up to the task. Of course, driving style may have been a factor as well (which is what Honda claimed, of course...). My previous TV, a 2000 Sienna, went 150K on the front pads and never needed rears in 190K of ownership, so I don't think I'm too hard on brakes. We'll see how the Pilot does.
Jon in AZ is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-06-2015, 08:30 AM   #24
Senior Member
 
Timber Wolf's Avatar
 
Name: Tim
Trailer: '88 Scamp 16, layout 4
North Florida
Posts: 1,547
Quote:
Originally Posted by fusedlight View Post
We use it all the time. It especially helps us stay below 65MPH!
This! It makes a BIG difference in control and feel towing at 64 versus just 67 or 68 MPH on our rig. And I am using a full-size (albeit half-ton) pickup truck to tow a 16' Scamp. I may get run over on the 70 MPH highways around here though.
Timber Wolf is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-06-2015, 09:35 AM   #25
Senior Member
 
MyronL's Avatar
 
Name: Myron
Trailer: Escape
New Mexico
Posts: 987
Registry
re: We weren't towing back then but riding in a homemade truck camper, an early woodworking project of mine.

Toymaker: Great story. I would love to see a picture of that camper.
MyronL is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-06-2015, 09:59 AM   #26
Senior Member
 
Roger C H's Avatar
 
Trailer: 2009 Trillium 13 ft ('Homelet') / 2000 Subaru Outback
Posts: 2,222
Registry
Talking Cruise

I love my cruise control. I use it all the time except in heavy traffic or winding roads.
Driving through Black Diamond Washington, you WILL get a ticket for 1 mile over. Like the officer says, "35 means 35, not 36."
I received my last ticket, a $15 speeding ticket in West Allis Wisconsin in 1965. I have not sped, with very few exceptions, since then.
I made $2.50 and hour at the time and did not see any sense in throwing a day's wages away.

While towing, I follow the truck speed limit in Oregon and California, 55. I figure somebody has to, the trucks certainly don't. LOL

Re: engine braking. Since manufacturers went to smaller engines, engine braking is a thing of the past as far as I am concerned. The cruise on our Subaru will rev the engine trying to slow on hills, but I always feel the need to assist with brakes and of course this turns cruise off. On moderate hills I will use the manual paddles. I prefer manual transmissions but the old knees don't like clutching especially in stop and go traffic.
__________________
A charter member of the Buffalo Plaid Brigade!

Whether you think you can or think you can't, you're right.
Roger C H is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-06-2015, 10:47 AM   #27
Senior Member
 
Name: Patrick
Trailer: Shopping for new RV
North Carolina
Posts: 702
FACTS: per automotive industry....NEVER use cruise control when traction is an issue...wet roads, snow, ice etc...there are many reasons...do your own research and discover why.

OPINION:.... Under even the best of conditions cruise control when towing is very dangerous. When bad things happen around you your reaction time will be much slower when you are overly relaxed with cruise control set....you may not agree but facts are facts...slower reaction time equals a collision/crash more often than not.

Happy Safe Camping!
Uplander is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-06-2015, 11:50 AM   #28
Senior Member
 
Jared J's Avatar
 
Name: Jared
Trailer: 1984 19' scamp
Kansas
Posts: 1,610
Towing with cruise control, bad idea?

I set cruise on 75 and go from wichita to minneapolis.


Sent from my iPhone using Fiberglass RV
Jared J is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-06-2015, 01:17 PM   #29
Senior Member
 
cpaharley2008's Avatar
 
Name: jim
Trailer: 2022 Escape19 pulled by 2014 Dodge Ram Hemi Sport
Pennsylvania
Posts: 6,710
Registry
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jared J View Post
I set cruise on 75 and go from wichita to minneapolis.


Sent from my iPhone using Fiberglass RV
That is interesting since most trailer tires are rated 65 and 2 of the states you drive thru have 55 mph limits on towing with trailers. Hope you make it safely...
__________________
Jim
Never in doubt, often wrong
cpaharley2008 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-06-2015, 01:21 PM   #30
Senior Member
 
frank_a's Avatar
 
Name: Frank
Trailer: 2012 ParkLiner #006
New York
Posts: 2,273
How does one know what states have traffic laws like that (55 towing a trailer?!?) Are there signs at the interstate entrances? Do laws like that apply to tractor trailers as well? If it doesn't, it should!

I commute on an interstate every day. Tractor trailers are the bane of my existence!

Frank
__________________
2012 ParkLiner #006
2013 4wd 4 door F150 3.5L Ecoboost with 9200# tow package
frank_a is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-06-2015, 01:22 PM   #31
Senior Member
 
cpaharley2008's Avatar
 
Name: jim
Trailer: 2022 Escape19 pulled by 2014 Dodge Ram Hemi Sport
Pennsylvania
Posts: 6,710
Registry
Quote:
Originally Posted by frank_a View Post
How does one know what states have traffic laws like that (55 towing a trailer?!?) Are there signs at the interstate entrances? Do laws like that apply to tractor trailers as well? If it doesn't, it should!

I commute on an interstate every day. Tractor trailers are the bane of my existence!

Frank
Google....
__________________
Jim
Never in doubt, often wrong
cpaharley2008 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-06-2015, 02:00 PM   #32
Senior Member
 
frank_a's Avatar
 
Name: Frank
Trailer: 2012 ParkLiner #006
New York
Posts: 2,273
Towing World Official Website
__________________
2012 ParkLiner #006
2013 4wd 4 door F150 3.5L Ecoboost with 9200# tow package
frank_a is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-06-2015, 02:08 PM   #33
Senior Member
 
cpaharley2008's Avatar
 
Name: jim
Trailer: 2022 Escape19 pulled by 2014 Dodge Ram Hemi Sport
Pennsylvania
Posts: 6,710
Registry
That site # 32 states 65 mph max for Oklahoma and Iowa, 2 states on the way mentioned. My point is towing and driving unhitched do not always have the same speed limit.
__________________
Jim
Never in doubt, often wrong
cpaharley2008 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-06-2015, 02:11 PM   #34
Senior Member
 
frank_a's Avatar
 
Name: Frank
Trailer: 2012 ParkLiner #006
New York
Posts: 2,273
This was never on my radar screen, and from what that website says, applies to tractor trailers as well. I usually tow below the speed limit, so the 55 stuff suits me fine. Plus once I retire, I will spend as little time on interstates as possible!

Frank
__________________
2012 ParkLiner #006
2013 4wd 4 door F150 3.5L Ecoboost with 9200# tow package
frank_a is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-06-2015, 02:16 PM   #35
Senior Member
 
cpaharley2008's Avatar
 
Name: jim
Trailer: 2022 Escape19 pulled by 2014 Dodge Ram Hemi Sport
Pennsylvania
Posts: 6,710
Registry
Just watch your rear view mirror for those who drive 75 mph and come quickly right behind you before passing, particularly at night. Maybe we retirees need a special lane to occupy?
__________________
Jim
Never in doubt, often wrong
cpaharley2008 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-06-2015, 02:21 PM   #36
Senior Member
 
frank_a's Avatar
 
Name: Frank
Trailer: 2012 ParkLiner #006
New York
Posts: 2,273
That "special lane" is off the interstate!

I am a VERY defensive driver, and use my mirrors all the time. When I'm driving, that's what I'm doing. I can never get over these big trucks pulling huge 5th wheels that go flying by me, or worse yet, just big travel trailers. At least most 5th wheels pull straight. I've been passed many times by folks towing swaying RV's. It's amazing to me the things people do in general on the highway, let along towing!

Frank
__________________
2012 ParkLiner #006
2013 4wd 4 door F150 3.5L Ecoboost with 9200# tow package
frank_a is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-06-2015, 02:22 PM   #37
Senior Member
 
cpaharley2008's Avatar
 
Name: jim
Trailer: 2022 Escape19 pulled by 2014 Dodge Ram Hemi Sport
Pennsylvania
Posts: 6,710
Registry
I hear you and watch out for those croc's that appear right after a blow out....
__________________
Jim
Never in doubt, often wrong
cpaharley2008 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-06-2015, 02:31 PM   #38
Senior Member
 
Byron Kinnaman's Avatar
 
Trailer: Scamp
Posts: 7,056
Registry
It's one of those things if you don't feel comfortable with it don't use it. I use it all the time even in the mountains. When it shifts down too far so the engine RPM goes up to around 4,000 I turn it off and go manual. As soon as I can go back to cruse I do. If the hills are steep I turn on "haul mode", when changes the shifting points.
Once in a while I don't think the torque converter lock has engaged I go manual to lock the torgue converter.

However if don't feel comfortable use manual.
__________________
Byron & Anne enjoying the everyday Saturday thing.
Byron Kinnaman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-06-2015, 03:47 PM   #39
Senior Member
 
Jared J's Avatar
 
Name: Jared
Trailer: 1984 19' scamp
Kansas
Posts: 1,610
Quote:
Originally Posted by cpaharley2008 View Post
That site # 32 states 65 mph max for Oklahoma and Iowa, 2 states on the way mentioned. My point is towing and driving unhitched do not always have the same speed limit.

Funny, I don't drive through Oklahoma, and iowa dot says to follow car speed limits. Next?

http://www.iowadot.gov/mvd/ods/dlmanual/section7.pdf


Sent from my iPhone using Fiberglass RV
Jared J is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-06-2015, 03:58 PM   #40
Senior Member
 
Jared J's Avatar
 
Name: Jared
Trailer: 1984 19' scamp
Kansas
Posts: 1,610
Quote:
Originally Posted by cpaharley2008 View Post
That is interesting since most trailer tires are rated 65 and 2 of the states you drive thru have 55 mph limits on towing with trailers. Hope you make it safely...

Actually, almost no trailer tires are rated for a max of 65mph, but you knew that, since we've covered it repeatedly. Mine are good to 85mph.

http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...eed-60303.html

As for the other two incorrect claims, I dealt with them above.

Kansas does have a house trailer speed, but they don't consider it to apply to campers.


Sent from my iPhone using Fiberglass RV
Jared J is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Cruise control and towing Imo. Towing, Hitching, Axles and Running Gear 20 11-23-2012 10:17 AM
Shake Down Cruise Adrian W General Chat 5 05-08-2009 01:37 PM
Parking L'EGGO while on a Cruise from Florida Des Nolan General Chat 5 02-14-2008 06:44 PM
Shakedown Cruise Capt Ron Modifications, Alterations and Updates 17 09-13-2006 05:18 PM
Bad bad news Problem Solving | Owners Helping Owners 0 01-01-1970 12:00 AM

» Upcoming Events
No events scheduled in
the next 465 days.
» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 01:30 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.