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06-13-2016, 12:53 PM
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#21
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4 Rivet Member
2011 30' Flying Cloud
Greenback
, Tennessee
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 294
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Like a lot of folks here, I use cruise control when it's practical, i.e., when there is not a lot of traffic and when the truck isn't shifting a lot. I usually just sit in the right lane, set the C.C. on 60 mph and enjoy myself. If see a hill coming up, I just touch the brake to drop it out, then hit "resume" when I can. I haven't seen a good reason not to use it under those conditions.
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06-13-2016, 01:12 PM
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#22
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Rivet Master
2015 30' Classic
2012 28' International
Greensboro
, North Carolina
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,708
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If conditions allow it, I use it. Responsibly. My truck has the "standard" cruise. I have two other cars that have the more sophisticated "radar" set-up where the vehicle maintains the distance you set to follow the vehicle in front of you. I believe this is much safer, though you do have to get used to how the "tractor beam" reacts when the vehicle in front switches lanes. One of my cars has a set-up where if you are using the cruise control you may also remove your hands from the steering wheel for about 20 seconds and the car steers itself. At the 20 second mark, two large orange hands display on the instrument panel, you get an audible "beep", and the stereo shuts down until you grasp the wheel again. Vehicles with autonomous braking, cameras that check to see what's behind you, lane departure warning, etc., are what is ahead of us as NHTSA mandates devices to make driving safer. I'm sure lots of folks will rebel against this, just as those who refuse to wear seatbelt and sit on them instead. Obviously, towing a trailer brings a whole host of differences. I would be really uncomfortable towing without my Voyager wireless -- knowing who's behind my Airstream makes me a much safer driver. I think all the other devices do the same. Though I do have concerns about shrapnel from my airbag!
__________________
_________________
"SilverLeaf II" 2015 30' Classic
2019 RAM 2500 Limited 4x4 CC w/6.7L Cummins
ProPride 3P
AIR# 58452
WBCCI # 3430-Unit 21
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06-13-2016, 02:11 PM
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#23
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Rivet Master
2013 30' Classic
Greenwood
, Mississippi
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 12,111
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I use cruise all the time even though I have heard others say you shouldn't.
I don't understand the reasoning for not.
__________________
2013 Classic 30 Limited
2007 Silver Toyota Tundra Crew Max Limited 5.7 iForce
2006 Vivid Black Harley-Davidson Road King Classic
1999 Black Nissan Pathfinder LE
TAC #MS-10
WBCCI #1811, Region 6, Unit 56
Airforums #70955
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06-13-2016, 02:31 PM
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#24
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Rivet Master
2012 23' FB International
Woodstock
, Ontario
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 1,426
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I personally believe I can out-drive the cruise control for gas mileage except on flat straight-aways. Cruise is always hunting and trying to keep the speed set-point if there is even the slightest grade. I've never driven diesel or any engine with tons of torque so I can't say I'm particularly experienced in this department, but on all of my small V8 gas engines it's OD off and no cruise. Much easier on the Tranny
JCW
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06-13-2016, 03:32 PM
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#25
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Rivet Master
2014 25' FB Eddie Bauer
Vero Beach
, Florida
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 695
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I use it, but like other posters in their TVs, my Tundra likes to downshift too much and too late. I generally click the cruise control off with the disengage toggle on the steering wheel and use the pedal when approaching any hill or overpass so I can keep RPMs from jumping.
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06-13-2016, 04:29 PM
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#26
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3 Rivet Member
1967 17' Caravel
Austin
, Texas
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 221
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I used CC extensively on my 600 mile trek bringing home the new to me 67 Caravel (TV=2008 BMW X5 4.8i) the past couple of days. I learned to put my steptronic automatic in manual mode so I could control the gear selection and take the computer out of the equation.
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06-13-2016, 05:23 PM
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#27
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2 Rivet Member
2008 27' Classic FB
Coppell
, Texas
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 32
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I use the cruise on my '14 F150 the same whether or not the AS is attached. If the terrain is other than flat it will be in Tow±Haul mode. This works well and controls the speed easily. For steelper grades when the cruise is over reacting l kick it off.
Right now we are in South Carolina and the roads don't allow for using cruise at all. Beautiful country but Up/ Down and turning Right/Left constantly.
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06-13-2016, 06:09 PM
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#28
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2 Rivet Member
Levelland
, Texas
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 24
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Cruise control
Quote:
Originally Posted by badkat
We have been full-timing for a little over 3 years. I just read a thread about a long trip where they use cruise control.
We read somewhere to not do this pulling the AS. How many guys out there use cruise control?
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I have a 2015 f150 with a 3.5 Ecoboost. It has the adaptive cruise control on it,I run the cruise all the time even in heavy traffic and in thr mountains.
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06-13-2016, 06:41 PM
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#29
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Long time owner
2004 25' Classic
1974 25' Tradewind
1970 21' Globetrotter
1975 26' Argosy 26
Forrest City
, Arkansas
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 149
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I use my CC almost all the time when I am on the Interstate system unless I am in mountains. I usually set it at 62 mph and then relax and enjoy the drive. My right knee has been replaced and the CC is wonderful.
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06-14-2016, 02:50 AM
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#30
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4 Rivet Member
2000 30' Excella
2014 30' Classic
Princeton
, Iowa
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 302
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Sounds like most of us are alike. I use mine on flat open roads in good weather. Sure keeps me from getting as tired.
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06-15-2016, 07:25 PM
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#31
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Rivet Master
Currently Looking...
Walnut Creek
, California
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 3,952
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Use it, don't abuse it
Now using CC all the time. It is adaptive and provides a guard against not seeing a vehicle in front slow. This is one of the safety features that sold us on the purchase.
Not using it on long down grade runs. CC activates brakes to maintain the speed at the set point by slowing it when speed climbs. That is the same as riding the brakes. Need to manually control decent, with smooth application of the brakes to slow the speed and subsequent release the brakes to allow cooling. Brake before turns to stabilize the rig. Stay 5-10 mph below your target decent speed.
Be able to come to a complete stop if a vehicle stops in your lane or pulls out into your lane may require a complete stop.
Travel safe. Pat
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06-15-2016, 08:48 PM
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#32
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2 Rivet Member
2015 30' Flying Cloud
Berrien Springs
, Michigan
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 92
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As most of the poster - when conditions are light and boring. Not when active response might be imminent.
I have noticed a slight worsening of fuel economy on CC. It tries to push on to keep a speed on a hill when I might relax a little to gain the crest and speed up on the other side. I use the momentum to build back speed and keep it at higher gear/1600 rpm. Same low revs is more efficient than same speed.
CC is crucial to keeping yourself fresh and untired. Use it when you can.
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06-16-2016, 06:16 AM
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#33
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Rivet Master
2012 25' Flying Cloud
Battle Lake
, Minnesota
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 7,714
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Have always used cruise control. With our 6 speed Ram Hemi I would lock it in 4th, 2200 rpm and no hunting for gears on hilly terrain, no loss of fuel economy.
With the 8 speed EcoDiesel it always finds it's own gears with smooth transition between them, no sudden downshifts. Engine compression auto braking feature also controls speed on descending grades. It's the smart, smooth transmission that makes it work so well (and I have been a lifetime manual transmission advocate).
Delivers consistently remarkable fuel economy in cruse control.
__________________
Doug and Cheryl
2012 FC RB, Michelin 16, ProPride 1400
2016 Ram 1500 Laramie Crew Cab 4X4 Ecodiesel 3.92 axles
The Truth is More Important Than the Facts
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06-24-2016, 05:12 AM
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#34
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Retired
2008 30' Classic
Currently Looking...
Livingston
, Texas
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 850
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Cruise these days is different than even 10 years ago. The onboard computer knows more with cruise engaged, so fuel economy is better. Downhills, it does not brake ('13 F150 Ecoboost) but does downshift to hold speed. Steeper downgrades, I have already slowed down, and often, manually downshifted to 3 or 2, to keep from having to overuse the brakes.
Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums
Tom
TVKetchum
__________________
Tom
AIR 71620
WBCCI 5809 Reg 9 Unit 155
2008 Classic 30'
2019 F250 4x4
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06-24-2016, 02:07 PM
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#35
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Vintage Kin
Fort Worth
, Texas
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 8,014
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I use CC every day, all day. 2500-3000 miles/wk for work. In only a few conditions is it off.
Same is true on TVs since 1973.
Let the computer handle the drivetrain. Except under those few conditions, it's better than the driver. His job is to steer, and to determine proper distances for stopping.
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06-24-2016, 03:01 PM
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#36
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Rivet Master
2013 30' Classic
Greenwood
, Mississippi
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 12,111
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I may have 1,000,000 miles towing a trailer with cruise with no ill effects.
__________________
2013 Classic 30 Limited
2007 Silver Toyota Tundra Crew Max Limited 5.7 iForce
2006 Vivid Black Harley-Davidson Road King Classic
1999 Black Nissan Pathfinder LE
TAC #MS-10
WBCCI #1811, Region 6, Unit 56
Airforums #70955
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07-22-2016, 10:00 PM
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#37
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4 Rivet Member
2014 27' FB Classic
Cambridge
, New York
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 458
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I use cruise most of the time - only off for congestion or wet roads. My Ram 3500 CTD has a manual 6 speed, so I don't have to worry about tow/haul or the tranny up and downshifting - it stays where I put it. 65mph is 1600 rpm - right in the CTD's sweet spot. I also use the auto engine brake feature; so running the hilly parts of I-81 in SW Virginia and central Pennsylvania the CC in 6th holds a steady 65 going uphill without breaking a sweat, and the auto engine brake holds the same on the downhill side - I never have to touch the pedals...
__________________
"Hot meals, cold beer, dry bed & flush toilet - everything I look for in a wilderness experience..."
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07-22-2016, 11:34 PM
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#38
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1 Rivet Member
1965 28' Ambassador
Marfa
, Texas
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 12
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C.C. Is my best friend when it comes to long flats. When negotiating hills or moutian runs I feel like nothing can beat your right foot. I think It's easier on your T.V. to maintain your speed yourself. It's nice to have around but never think of it as a moment in time where your brain can relax. Stay ever vigilant!!
Safe travels to ya'
WBCCI #6528
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07-23-2016, 12:25 AM
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#39
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Moderator Emeritus
1964 26' Overlander
1978 Argosy Minuet 6.0 Metre
Anna
, Illinois
Join Date: Sep 2002
Posts: 5,718
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Cruise or not cruise?
My tow vehicles are older than those indicated by most posters to this thread, but I use my cruise control the vast majority of the time. My usual towing speed with either tow vehicle is between 55 and 60 MPH, and with the Suburban the transmission is in Overdrive. When traveling in the mountains, I disengage the Cruise Control when encountering steep grades. My use of Cruise Control would be different if I weren't extremely comfortable with my tow vehicle and its road manners - - I have had in excess of 190,000 miles with the Suburban and a little over 124,000 miles with the Cadillac.
Kevin
__________________
Kevin D. Allen
WBCCI (Lifetime Member)/VAC #7864
AIR #827
1964 Overlander International
1978 Argosy Minuet 6.0 Metre
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07-23-2016, 06:37 AM
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#40
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Rivet Master
1988 25' Excella
1987 32' Excella
Knoxville
, Tennessee
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,118
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Cruise helps me keep my speed down. I have a tendency to go too fast without it. I only use it in moderately hilly and flat terrain and dry weather.
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