Cruise Control (1 Viewer)

Snowbird

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Having had cruise control on my yanks as standard would like it fitted to my European MH. This is an older model with manual transmission.
Has anyone had it retro fitted and was it successful. How expensive is it to have fitted and would you advise having it done on an older manual gearbox.
I understand the mechanics of cruise control on an auto box with a big yank motor thumping away with buckets full of torque but is it an option on an older European and what about cost.
 

slobadoberbob

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I hhad it on my last smart car

Having had cruise control on my yanks as standard would like it fitted to my European MH. This is an older model with manual transmission.
Has anyone had it retro fitted and was it successful. How expensive is it to have fitted and would you advise having it done on an older manual gearbox.
I understand the mechanics of cruise control on an auto box with a big yank motor thumping away with buckets full of torque but is it an option on an older European and what about cost.



Like you I have it on my RV.. makes driving so much better on motorways, but have to be ready to hit the off switch when you hit the hills as I really changes down.. even worse with the haul/tow engaged.

But I had one as an option on my MK 7 type Smart (last of the old 4-2's) that was 8 years back and that had a triptronic gearbox with manual option. Very useful.. but that was an electronic unit.

not sure about older manual vehicles.

Bob
 
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Snowbird

Snowbird

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Hi Bob, My last 2 yanks have had the Cummins Alison combination of running gear and will come down to below 35 MPH before dropping a cog so have never had to think about switching the cruise off unless climbing the Atlas.
They will happily run up the Alberes from La Boulou to La Jonquera only dropping down from overdrive. The only doubts that I have are if the old Citroen 2.5 turbo diesel is torque enough to handle it. It has plenty of power but is more geared for speed than anything. The engine was designed for the Citroen CX which in its day was the fastest production diesel in the world, so its long legged if you know what I mean, and that's were I get my doubts. With it being a manual box I don't want the cruise to be disengaging all the time.

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golly

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Can't help re cost, but my van (Hobby on Transit base vehicle) had a retro fit cruise control fitted when I got it. It was fitted by Conrad Anderson in Birmingham I think.

I find it of limited use, because as soon as the engine revs drop it cuts out, useful if on a totally flat stretch of motorway but any sort of incline needs help from your right foot:Sad:

regards

John
 
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Snowbird

Snowbird

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Can't help re cost, but my van (Hobby on Transit base vehicle) had a retro fit cruise control fitted when I got it. It was fitted by Conrad Anderson in Birmingham I think.

I find it of limited use, because as soon as the engine revs drop it cuts out, useful if on a totally flat stretch of motorway but any sort of incline needs help from your right foot:Sad:

regards

John

These were my thoughts entirely. Big engined yanks are made for cruise control and possibly newer high torque diesels also but with an older high geared diesel am thinking that it would be more of a bind having to keep resetting it.
 

aba

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i have cruise as standard on the fiat 3.0 with 6 speed manual box there seems to be micro switches on both the brake and clutch pedals which disengages the cruise on pressing either of these.
on the whole it doesn't cause too much problem as i normally set it at about 55 mph on the motorways and if you press the gas it just returns to where it was before.

on the down side it seems to apply as much throttle as possible to get you back up to speed if you drop below where its set as quickly as possible.

admittedly on an automatic its a far superior concept though if you are going to be in 1 gear for a long time it does work well.

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golly

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These were my thoughts entirely. Big engined yanks are made for cruise control and possibly newer high torque diesels also but with an older high geared diesel am thinking that it would be more of a bind having to keep resetting it.


I have cruise on my Subaru Outback (Auto) and wouldn't be without it but on the manual van, as I say I find it of limited use.

John
 

JeanLuc

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I have cruise control on the Hymer, coupled with a 5-speed auto box (Sprinter base with 2.7 litre engine). I use it extensively on motorways and on free-running A roads and N/D roads in France.
I also have cruise control on my manual Subaru Outback. I use it quite a bit, particularly on motorways, but perhaps less so on other roads than in the case of the motorhome. This may be due to the lack of auto box on the Subaru, or that I tend to just sit back in the Hymer and drift along, whereas I'm more likely to be pressing on in the Soob.
 
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Snowbird

Snowbird

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It seems from the replies that cruise control is more suited to auto boxes than manual. I have had cruise in trucks with a manual box but then again big engine that is not doing much at 55 MPH. It was just a thought that I would have liked the ease of use of sitting back with my feet up.

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JJ

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I had cruise control fitted to my 1996 Iveco by Conrad Anderson some years ago.

It changed my touring life... arrive much more relaxed... I can do more miles per day... my knees don't get so sore... :thumb:

Manual box and 2.8 turbo diesel, inter-cooled motor... yes if I change gear or the engine starts to labour, it kicks out but how hard it is to move your thumb 4 cms and press the infra red operated control button on the steering wheel to re-engage it ? A damn sight easier than pressing your right foot on a pedal and holding it there for hours and hours...

Cruise Control ROOLS OK?


JJ :Cool:
 
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Snowbird

Snowbird

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Thanks for that JJ, I was thinking of using my Gardner 180 cruise control till you came up with that little gem.
So you are in the retro fit camp and say its OK. That will do for me sir.:thumb:
 

WynandJean

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We have a 2006 Transit based M/H and had cruise control fitted earlier this year. We have not been out in the vehicle since without me saying how much I appreciate having had it done. Jean thinks I love it more than her! It has made journeys so much pleasanter.
I was relieved to find that it cost £350 fitted by Dave Newell and we were very well looked after by them. Worth every penny.
Wyn

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Popeye

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Fitted it to my 3.0litre Geist just a couple of months ago. Considering all the extras I've fitted this certainly ranks as the best money I've spent.

It cost me about £350, and had I lived closer to Dave Newel I would have got him to do it.

If you have the torque then it is absolutely well worth fitting. I noticed an earlier post talking about re-setting each time, No need it resets to last input or you can have two presets, piece of cake, get one you'll arrive more relaxed and probably save fuel if not your licence.

Mine is also a speed limiter, wouldn't spend the extra £20 on that part of it.

Griff

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tonywolst

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We have a 2006 Transit based M/H and had cruise control fitted earlier this year. We have not been out in the vehicle since without me saying how much I appreciate having had it done. Jean thinks I love it more than her! It has made journeys so much pleasanter.
I was relieved to find that it cost £350 fitted by Dave Newell and we were very well looked after by them. Worth every penny.
Wyn

I'll second that, Dave fitted mine to a transit as well, nice tidy job, no messing around and been perfect, would'nt be without it, and he was £25 cheaper than anybody else.
 

dave newell

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Can't help re cost, but my van (Hobby on Transit base vehicle) had a retro fit cruise control fitted when I got it. It was fitted by Conrad Anderson in Birmingham I think.

I find it of limited use, because as soon as the engine revs drop it cuts out, useful if on a totally flat stretch of motorway but any sort of incline needs help from your right foot:Sad:

regards

John

John, if putting your foot on the throttle maintains speed then your cruise system needs looking at. It may just be excess slack in the operating cable which is very easily remedied. This is no slight to conrad anderson, things do sometimes need a tweak to restore them to as new operation.

JJ, I have a suspicion that it was me who fitted your cruise when I worked at conrad :-D .

Cruise control is one of the first things fitted to any motor vehicle that joins our fleet. Presently we have a '99 focus diesel, a 2000 focus diesel and our camper a 1996 Iveco turbo daily. All three have retro fitted cruise (by me of course) and all three are manual transmission. The camper also hauls our 1150kg exhibition trailer and the cruise performs faultlessly, only the steeper hills knock the speed down enough for it to drop out but that is usually accompanied by the need to downshift anyway.

D.

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Chris

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I have it but I am not sure I should.

Let's face it - older people and x ton vehicles on cruise control don't really mix.

No offence but 70 mph, cruise control and heart attack are not good combinations.
 
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Snowbird

Snowbird

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I have it but I am not sure I should.

Let's face it - older people and x ton vehicles on cruise control don't really mix.

No offence but 70 mph, cruise control and heart attack are not good combinations.

They do work at lower speeds.
 
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Snowbird

Snowbird

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John, if putting your foot on the throttle maintains speed then your cruise system needs looking at. It may just be excess slack in the operating cable which is very easily remedied. This is no slight to conrad anderson, things do sometimes need a tweak to restore them to as new operation.

JJ, I have a suspicion that it was me who fitted your cruise when I worked at conrad :-D .

Cruise control is one of the first things fitted to any motor vehicle that joins our fleet. Presently we have a '99 focus diesel, a 2000 focus diesel and our camper a 1996 Iveco turbo daily. All three have retro fitted cruise (by me of course) and all three are manual transmission. The camper also hauls our 1150kg exhibition trailer and the cruise performs faultlessly, only the steeper hills knock the speed down enough for it to drop out but that is usually accompanied by the need to downshift anyway.

D.

OK Dave what sort of money am I looking at...Its a Peugeot Maxi chassis with the Citroen 2.5 turbo diesel.
You perhaps wont remember but you fitted an after market cruise to my Rockwood when you worked for CA. The original American one was up the spout and I had a new one fitted. I cant remember how much it was now as have been to sleep a few times since then.
 

JJ

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JJ, I have a suspicion that it was me who fitted your cruise when I worked at conrad :-D .

D.

Well Dave... I am really bad with names and faces but I do clearly remember that the man who fitted my cruise control not only did a great job but also did it with good humour and happiness. Thank you! :thumb:

JJ :Cool:
 

656

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We had Cruise fitted to our van in 2006 by Conrad Anderson. It makes motorway driving so much easier. When we go to France, we go at night- leave here at about 21.00. We get on to the M4, engage cruise and dont change gear till we get to Dover. Sorted:ROFLMAO:

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dave newell

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OK Dave what sort of money am I looking at...Its a Peugeot Maxi chassis with the Citroen 2.5 turbo diesel.
You perhaps wont remember but you fitted an after market cruise to my Rockwood when you worked for CA. The original American one was up the spout and I had a new one fitted. I cant remember how much it was now as have been to sleep a few times since then.

Hi Dave, for a 2.5 Ducato I'd suggest a dash mount command module (ZT11M) and you'll need a speed signal generator as that vehicle doesn't have a built in road speed signal. ZT35M is £335 fitted and the signal generator is £45 from memory so you're looking at £380 less 5% Funster discount.

Give us a call on 01952 587702 to confirm prices.

D.
 

Landy lover

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Well there are lots of opinions here so you might as well have mine:ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO:

As most know I run Land Rovers they are all manual - Td5 have cruise fitted in the electronics - very very usefull - saves stress and fuel.
Have had it on a 300tdi manual - it was a complicated kit of levers and vacuum pipes plus solenoids etc - again its was very useful.

My personal opinion is they are well worth having - I think under certain circumstances you will always have to add a bit of right foot to climb a hill what ever happens.

All cruise units should disconnect if the brakes are applied or the clutch pedal is pushed down and with the land rover ones will disconnect if the speed falls below 28mph or the thottle is depressed for more the 10 seconds.

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Jaws

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I have it but I am not sure I should.

Let's face it - older people and x ton vehicles on cruise control don't really mix.

No offence but 70 mph, cruise control and heart attack are not good combinations.

Actually.........................
The most common age for heart attack is 34 ( no idea why .. pos peeps not willing to admit they are not as young as they were and trying to compete with a 19 year old in some sport or other ? )


Conrad Anderson fitted one in my old van ( 1989 Fiat based Hobby ) and I fitted my own in our current van with close and considerable help and assistance from young master David Newall Link Removed
 

lugnutt

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cruise controle.......yep ive got one of them on my 7.4 ltr v8 but i can not remeber the last time i used it,never think to use it, am i missing out?:Doh:
 

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