I was wondering what everyone's opinion is about using Cruise Control, while using tow/haul mode and towing a trailer? In my 2014 F150 manual states to turn off CC when towing heavy loads and in hilly areas.

alucke

 

I almost always use both cruise control and tow/haul mode while towing my 5k TT, or my 5k to 7k cargo trailer. But if towing closer to the GCWR or on highways with lots of up and down hills or a mountain pass I'll turn off cruise control to prevent the tranny from downshifting because it cannot pull the trailer in top overdrive gear up steep grades.

 

I understand why they want you to not use CC while towing heavy... your response time is faster, as you have to pay more attention when your foot is on the pedal.

But... this is really a judgement call. If you are on one of those highways that's straight as an unused nail for hundreds of mile, and there are no towns with a population over 3000 within hours, I don't see a reason to not set cruise if you're outside of deer season and aren't on the plains. When you can go for hours without disengaging cruise, there is no reason to not use it.

This will probably be the next nanny feature, not being able to set cruise when you've got a trailer attached.

 

Keep in mind that you can lock out your top gear(s) and still use cruise.

 

Just be mindful when climbing grades with Cruise on as it will do everything it can to maintain the speed, and it could lead to overheating. BTDT.

 

I agree with SmokeyWren and acdii. I use mine all the time especially on flat interstate.
I turn mine off when: Heavy/crowded traffic (for the obvious pay attention factor). Up grades (avoid overheating) and down Grades (Better engine braking by downshifting 3rd gear gets me down the Ike with 4-6 brake applications). Bad weather(Rain/Snow)/slick roads and/or high crosswind conditions.

 

Another that uses it all of the time except in very hilly or mountainous areas.

 

I use my cruise control as soon as I get in steady traffic, and since I'm doing no more than 65 - 67, mph I don't have to worry about slower traffic.

I cruise up 7% grades too, and so far, my transmission temperature remains rock solid.

 

this is the way i see it too

 

I don't use CC when towing the TT or the boat, just don't like those downshifts to maintain the set speed.