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Post Info TOPIC: Towing on Cruise Control


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Towing on Cruise Control


I read someplace that you shouldn't tow when on cruise control. Anybody got anything to share on that one. Frankly I don't see an issue.

Also I saw not to tow in overdrive.

Safe travels



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P B Crockart EX RAAF Electrician,

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We always tow with cruise control ON. Set at 90 - 95 kph as per GPS. Had a Pajero that would turn cruise off if speed dropped off below 20 kph of set cruise. The Landcruiser does this all day and returns 16 l/100.
Larry

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hahahahha
I didn't use CC because I read somewhere not to use it while towing.
First half of our trip, I drove. Returned 13.2Lper 100
Second half turned the CC on and returned 12.2:per 100
The only time I don't use it is going down hill, like the Kings Highway down into Batemans Bay.
The Isuzu Dmax has ESC electronic stability control. So when I am going down hill and I touch the brake the gearbox will, dependant on the grade of hill, go back a gear in the automatic gear box. If it is steep enough it will go back two gears. Saves on brakes and the truck knows better than me what its doing.
Incase you don't know I LOVE MY DMAX


M&D


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Thanks folks,

I didnt think it was a bad thing and yes it is more economical. I have a manual 2012 Ford Ranger XL (which I also love) last trip I returned 13.9L per 100KMs with a 2500KG caravan in tow and about 750KGs in the ute.

The manual helps with hill climbs and descents as well, must be quick on the shift when going up a hill though... coming down, the van brakes help.

Cheers



-- Edited by Phil C on Thursday 11th of September 2014 05:38:22 PM

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P B Crockart EX RAAF Electrician,

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The main reason not to tow in overdrive is to look after your gearbox. With the 1 to 1 ratio of top gear there are fewer cogs/gears pulling the load so creating less wear and tear and heat.

Aussie Paul. smile



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Aussie Paul.
The Dmax will not use overdrive UNLESS it really thinks you need it.
Mostly it will sit in 4th and be happy also I have noticed that the Dmax has two 5th gears.
After a little while in 5th you will see the revs drop by about 500 as the gearbox goes into lockup mode.
I think they are using a lockup torque converter. If the revs drop to 1100 then it will unlock and the revs will increase but the gearbox will still be in 5th.
One very smart little unit.

M&D



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I use Cruise control ,have, ever since they came about use it in the road train use it around town on the highway every where never had an issue and stops me getting done for speedingbiggrin

Cheers 

The Hats

Ron



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my father in law had the first cruise control in SA the valiant he had. it was a 12in. ruler jammed on the peddle, the old bugger would do 80 all the way from Mount Gambier to Adelaide

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Cheers all.

I agree with Hats, better to use cruise than get a fine.

Safe travels

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MarkandDeb wrote:

Aussie Paul.
The Dmax will not use overdrive UNLESS it really thinks you need it.
Mostly it will sit in 4th and be happy also I have noticed that the Dmax has two 5th gears.
After a little while in 5th you will see the revs drop by about 500 as the gearbox goes into lockup mode.
I think they are using a lockup torque converter. If the revs drop to 1100 then it will unlock and the revs will increase but the gearbox will still be in 5th.
One very smart little unit.

M&D


I am probably wrong BUT overdrive, either in lock up or not, is wearing more parts in the gearbox than the 1 to 1 ratio of 4th.

Because of my "drop foot" ankle problems I use cruise as much as possible.

Aussie Paul. smile



-- Edited by aussie_paul on Friday 12th of September 2014 04:12:20 PM

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I use the Cruise Control as much as possible, and if the cruise decides it wants to tow in 5th or 8th I leave it alone to do its job.

It normally cruises along at 100k doing about 1,460 rpm.

The fuel consumption is amazing it averages 13.8 with the cruise set at 94, and 14.6 with the cruise set at 100.

 

 

 



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Turbo diesels particularly require a kick down on long hills if ECU / C.C doesn't.. High engine load creates plenty boost and heat if left in higher gears too long.. Most modern trans / engine management systems shift for you these days..
Just keep it in mind on steep or long terrain..

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Aus-Kiwi wrote:

Turbo diesels particularly require a kick down on long hills if ECU / C.C doesn't.. High engine load creates plenty boost and heat if left in higher gears too long.. Most modern trans / engine management systems shift for you these days..
Just keep it in mind on steep or long terrain..


 Hi Kiwi

What range of revs should be OK for my 4 cyl 2.2 lit turbo CRail diesel 6 speed manual, I blew a coolant connection coming up the freeway (Adelaide hills) when the Ranger was very new (towing the van). Your comment has triggered that maybee I was revving the poor dear too much?

I hope you are well.



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Aircraft Avionics tech. Senior high school teacher.

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