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Author Topic: Speeds and cruise control when towing  (Read 3599 times)

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Offline uneekwahn

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Speeds and cruise control when towing
« on: November 08, 2015, 10:56:19 PM »
Greetings everyone,

As I'm new to the camper trailer (and towing) game, I'm curious as to the best practice when towing a camper trailer.

Can I still sit in 5th at 110km (where applicable) with cruise control on?

I'm aware of the drop 10 and save fuel theory but not really that concerned about any savings.

Cheers,

Jason.
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Offline Cruiser 105Tvan

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Re: Speeds and cruise control when towing
« Reply #1 on: November 08, 2015, 11:25:16 PM »
Glad to see you've made the big step, welcome.
Would you like to complete your details with Vehicle type/Brand etc.
That way we might have a chance to help.
No-one is going to throw themselves on the sword if they don't have info.
« Last Edit: November 09, 2015, 12:32:54 AM by Cruiser 105Tvan »
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Offline nab

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Re: Speeds and cruise control when towing
« Reply #2 on: November 09, 2015, 12:14:17 AM »
Depends what you tow, what you tow it with and where you are.

In WA max speed when towing is 100kph. Other states as below.
http://withoutahitch.com.au/caravan/state-state-tow-vehicle-trailer-speed-limits/

As a rule most people advise not to tow in 5th, but to keep it in 4th due to auto trans temps and 5th usually being an overdrive and nit strong enough. Opinions go either way with this one but I err on the side of caution.

I use cruise control when towing, only over-riding it on medium/steep hills.
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Offline #jonesy

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Re: Speeds and cruise control when towing
« Reply #3 on: November 09, 2015, 05:14:05 AM »
Again without knowing the vehicle trailer combination.
I set the cruise at 110 freeway and 100 highway and happily plod along. I do turn it off on the hills and depending on traffic behind / steepness either keep the same speed or let the speed slowly drop.
The fuel difference is maybe a litre/100 so I figure a $1 or 2 doesn't make that much difference.  Even over a 1000km $30 vs save an hour of travel.
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Offline weeds

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Re: Speeds and cruise control when towing
« Reply #4 on: November 09, 2015, 06:01:23 AM »
On the freeway I use cruise....but off the freeway I generally don't as I believe the reaction between accelerator and brake is quicker than when on cruise and your right foot is no where near the pedal.
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Offline robbo1172

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Re: Speeds and cruise control when towing
« Reply #5 on: November 09, 2015, 12:07:19 PM »
When we towed from Newcastle to Rainbow beach in the Tarago, yep, Tarago I set the cruise at 110kph (not in the 60kph zone though) and flicked it off when coming to curvy / hilly bits.

No dramas at all.

Robbo
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Offline uneekwahn

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Re: Speeds and cruise control when towing
« Reply #6 on: November 09, 2015, 03:56:17 PM »
Cheers for the replies everyone.

I drive an 01 GU Nissan Patrol wagon with the 4.2ltr turbo diesel engine.

Cheers,

Jason.
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Offline jw2170

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Re: Speeds and cruise control when towing
« Reply #7 on: November 09, 2015, 07:16:37 PM »
The manual for my Toyota HiLux says to keep the shift lever in D when engine braking is not required...And do not use cruise control..(P 124)...
« Last Edit: November 09, 2015, 07:25:17 PM by jw2170 »
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Offline Muckinhell

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Re: Speeds and cruise control when towing
« Reply #8 on: November 09, 2015, 07:54:50 PM »
on the flats in 5th with cruise then back to fourth as soon as any hills arise.
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Offline nab

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Re: Speeds and cruise control when towing
« Reply #9 on: November 09, 2015, 10:45:43 PM »
The early GUs had a weak 5th gear the splines didn't protrude far enough into the gear (or something like that) unless you have the upgraded 5th gear I wouldn't tow in 5th.

Not sure when the part was upgraded during manufacture.
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Offline Jackdawg

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Re: Speeds and cruise control when towing
« Reply #10 on: November 10, 2015, 05:37:44 AM »
I've found towing with the cruise control on is a great way to use another 2 or 3l of fuel per 100k.

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Offline NewieCamper

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Re: Speeds and cruise control when towing
« Reply #11 on: November 10, 2015, 09:25:29 AM »
I use cruise all the time. It's not that different to driving with my foot, except that I don't need to look at the speedo as much. I do end to disengage when there are corners or hills though. I disengage on hills so the engine doesn't get pushed unnecessarily, no harm in dropping back a few km/h on a hill and you don't get the push over the crest like a cruise will. I can see where it would use more fuel as when I'm using my foot I consciously push it towards the floor to make up speed lost on a hill, where the cruise just keeps pushing for me until the same speed is
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