Cruise Control

Artum Snowbird wrote:
I have often wished for a three level cruise control. First level, it holds you within a narrow speed, uphill it downshifts, downhill it brakes. Third level, it's like you are cruising on the open highway, uphill it lets the vehicle slow down almost ten percent if it's gradual, downhill it lets you over the save ten percent if it's not sudden. In the middle zone, most of us would just be happy to be there.

Actually, there is. I use Cruise Control all the time when towing. I also active Tow-Haul mode, and I also activate my exhaust brake, and never have to touch the brake or the (gas) peddle, even up and down some of the mountains in West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, and North Carolina.

Cruise hold the speed steady. Cruise only sets minimum speed. If going down hill, cruise by itself, will allow gravity to gain speed of the vehicle.

Thus comes exhaust brake. Exhaust brake keep the vehicle from gaining speed. It uses the engine and transmission from shifting into higher gears when gravity (down hill) is causing speed to increase. And if towing a trailer, this REALLY works well. With cruise control, the vehicle will never go below the selected speed.

Third comes tow-haul mode. This keeps the transmission shifting at a higher RPM and lower gears, causing more torque and pulling power (great for uphills), an cruise control will hold the speed, but the transmission will shift lower automatically to hold that speed.

At 80 mph, I don't recommend using the three settings zooming over mountains. That can get hairy real fast. But at 55-60 mph, it's a sweet ride! Of course, you also have to have the tow vehicle with big enough engine and the right transmission that can comfortably tow up steep inclines without puttering out too. An F150 towing a 20,000 pound 5er would never have a chance! :)