Towing with Cruise Control On

[DocBrown]

Yes, I use it most of the time. Not in heavy traffic, or on hills if the truck downshifts, but otherwise it's always on.

[sully585]

if i'm on the highway, i'm using CC 90% of the time. fuel economy is better and i can sit back and enjoy the ride without constantly worrying how fast i'm going. my Silverado 2500 maintains speed going up and going down hills, so to me it's a no-brainer.

this all assumes clear day, dry roads, no major crosswinds, of course. a couple weeks ago i towed 130 miles through a driving rainstorm in TX and i dont remember engaging the CC once. i seriously needed Motrin and beer at the end of that little trip

[vboyd]

I agree with the few people who stated that provided you have enough HP then cruise control shouldn't be any issue.

[DMRGMC]

Been using cruise while towing since the 1980's. When we get to a grade I will keep it on, but help it along with my foot on the accelerator to pick up a little speed for the climb.
If you have it use the tow/haul mode and set the cruise and basically forget it.. HOWEVER if the transmission starts hunting for a gear (shifting up and down) then take it out of OD.
Like Grumpy &Sean said, I also kick it off if I don't want it to downshift to maintain speed near the top of a long incline.

[tugboat95]

I think it depends on your trailer and TV combo. I don't use cruise when towing with my V6 Escape, as the engine works too hard. But same trailer with my suburban I have no problem using cruise control.

[vboyd]

Originally Posted by DMRGMC

If you have it use the tow/haul mode and set the cruise and basically forget it.. HOWEVER if the transmission starts hunting for a gear (shifting up and down) then take it out of OD.

Agreed!

[RUSSELL5000]

I am in the camp that does the CC unless traffic is heavy or grades are steep.


With the exhaust brake and wide torque band, I realize the best fuel economy and find driving easiest at roughly 62 mph; truck is running easy, everything is nice and cool, speed is consistent with no shifts or gear hunting.

Love CC!

[Brownie]

I use cruise control whenever I can. When towing in Tow/Haul mode, CC keeps my speed steady (even on moderate inclines/declines) and my gas mileage at between 7-12 mph - depending on terrain and wind speed/direction. My Eco-boost runs cool at about 1300 rpm; it kicks up to 2300 going up a little steeper incline; only if I have to give it a "foot assist" on steep inclines does it ever hit 3500 rpm.

Best part is my right knee sure feels al lot better at the end of a long trip on which I've used cruise control!

[AKGperson]

I tried using cruise control a few times on my GMC 1500 and it worked fine on flat land but really over-rev'ed the engine on hills so I stopped using it while towing. I haven't had a chance to try it on the new TV.

[oldmanAZ]

You are going to love towing with your diesel! If you've read the other diesel owner's posts, you see it's virtually a personal preference to tow using cruise control or not.