Captain Bob

My natural inclination is to say do not use cruise control while towing. I have noticed however, that after reading some posts, some folks are doing just that. Any thoughts on this? Does anyone think using cruise control while towing may cause damage?

SkiSmuggs

Damage to what? I've used cruise control for over 20,000 miles of towing. It reduces driver fatigue, saves on fuel and prevents speeding tickets. With CC on, the speedometer is one less thing I have to check. I disengage CC when in traffic, adverse weather or other conditions where not appropriate.

Captain Bob

Was not sure and didn't find reference to it in my owners manual. sounds like it is not a big deal then. Thanks for the response.

jkenprice1

Some people have said they don't use cruise while towing because the trans shifts more. Others have said they don't because they get better mileage. I use on the Interstate for the reasons for the same reasons SkiSmuggs stated. Just try it and make up your own mind.

Captain Bob

Thanks, I will try it!

5.0GN tow

I use it on the highway, love dropping the 5.0 into 5th with 6th locked out and plugging along at 70 or so. She does a real good job that way, dropping to 4th on big hills and holding speed easily. Plus the tow/ haul helps keep my speed lower on descent of the hills by engine braking as needed.

SkiSmuggs

I do lock out 6th on rolling hills if I will not be going over 55. A hill in 6th gear bogs down, the shifts to 5th and then 4th. The same hill in 5th just stays in fifth.

Captain Bob

In tow/haul mode the tranny automatically locks out 6th, right?

redneck wrencher

No, it does not. All gears are still available, unless you "lock them out" yourself with gear selector toggle.
BTW, I use cruise control, while towing, for some of the same afore mentioned reasons.

bubbabud

The tow haul mode does not lock out 6th but it does require a higher speed and light throttle before it will up shift and it will down shift sooner if more throttle is used.
At least that's how it works on my 2.7 with a 4000 lb trailer.