CRUISE CONTROL W/TRAILER

[Harley]

Good morning Spyder-Lovers, I have a question and I know this is the place with answers and advice. I recently purchased a RT622 trailer, and I read in the owners manual not to use cruise control. We are headed to Eureka Springs next week, and I really like the cruise control on long rides, as my 76 year old wrist and hand get really tired if I don't use cruise. Any comments, advice, etc. appreciated.

[Shewhoprays]

uh oh, Hubby and I rode 2,000 miles with a non BRP trailer and used cruise w/o problems but didn't know we shouldn't have. Waiting to hear the answer to this.

[pwilbarger]

Good morning Spyder-Lovers, I have a question and I know this is the place with answers and advice. I recently purchased a RT622 trailer, and I read in the owners manual not to use cruise control. We are headed to Eureka Springs next week, and I really like the cruise control on long rides, as my 76 year old wrist and hand get really tired if I don't use cruise. Any comments, advice, etc. appreciated.

Hmmm. I didn't know this and have used the speed control all the time since I bought my '10 RT-S with no problems.(15k+ miles)


Spyder Phyl

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[MrLooney]

I am not sure about the safety factor with Cruise on with a trailer... I personally would use on long flat straights and easy curves in dry conditions... But on the hills and mountains direct control would probably be best...

DEFFENENTLY DON'T USE CRUSE IN WET OR SLIPERY CONDITIONS.

[CyncySpyder]

While this is only my personal opinion and experience and I'd NEVER suggest someone do something that is in direct conflict with a Manufacturers suggestions, as stated, be smart about it and you'll be fine

We've had the RT-622 trailer and it handles like a dream, even with cruise control. We now have a Moto-Mate camper and still have no issues with long distance road-trips and using the cruise control, but we only use it where it makes sense to do so and we've now logged a collect 50,000 miles with no ill effects.

Not everyone has 'Common' sense tho, so BRP suggests not using it to cover their which from a corporate standpoint, totally makes sense for them. Its your machine, do what's best for you.

Also, as someone else suggested for me, you may want to look into a cramp-buster as another alternative Awesome $10 mod used when needed can really help alot on those long rydes. Again, be smart about it and only use when appropriate See, now I'm covering my own ...........................

[fyrertuck]

I used it all the time. I have a non-BRP trailer with 6,000 mile on the spyder with no problems. When the wife and I pack alot of stuff I use the trailer mode. If lite no.

[Mad Mike]

Too many lawyers. Not a crack nor crevasse anywhere, or in this case, cruise control, is exempt .. How many people rode to and from the Fest, pulling a trailer and did not, at some point, use the cruise..

GUILTY HERE!!

[Coptermike]

Good question and I am interested as well. If I am not mistaken, there are a few more past threads about this issue. I am a new RT owner with a 622 trailer and leaving Saturday for what will turn out to be 2500 miles or so in two weeks. I plan to use cruise control at appropriate times (level not too twisty) but also to monitor how the performs. I am no mechanic (not even inclined in that direction) but can't help but agree with others that this should be OK used with common sense.

[bullant12]

According to the manual's wording: "It is not recommended to use the cruise control when towing a trailer". It does not say DO NOT USE... Now, that being said, I believe truck manuals tell you the same thing and explain the reasoning behind it: because of braking, it is more difficult to control speed when you are pulling extra weight thru the frame than on the frame itself.

By using the underlined wording, I believe this was a legality BRP had to include... Not that I am saying to do it, but just to consider the reasoning behind WHY you have to use cruise control while trailering...

[SpyderAnn01]

I don't use it in rain or mountains which is the same thing I do in my car.

[ThreeFeet]

I take the "trailer mode" off once out on the road. Put it back on when nearing any town. Need the extra control of the trailer then, but not really out on the highway at higher speeds. normally don't need to slam on the brakes because some idiot pulls in front of you. The 622 is a dream to pull and doesn't phase my RT-S at all. But with what most have said. Just use common sense that usually works the best for anybody.

[Jeriatric]

I don't use it in rain or mountains which is the same thing I do in my car.

but I use the heck out of it out on the flats or when on terrain where RPM's are likely to stay very consistent.

If used, use it wisely. That's all.

[bluestratos]

I use cruise control about 95% of the time with and without my trailer, the only exception being heavy or stop and go traffic. I lock in as low as 18 mph in 1st and 26 mph in second and so forth. The bike will not let you lock in low enough to hurt the clutch since cruise is controlled by RPM not speed on our bikes. I do have to shift a bit in the mountains as normal so I drop a gear and hit resume and continue along my way. Using cruise for me is just one less thing to worry about. Because I use it so much with all my vehicles I never overlook that its on. Go for it! lol.

[Pennyrick]

The manual states 'not recommended' and that is 'lawyer speak' for "use your cruise control for common sense driving conditions where steep hills and/or twisty curves will not cause undue strain on the power train."

Unfortunately some riders do not possess common sense.

[captblack]

2011 RT SM5 pulling a non-BRP trailer and I use cruise all the time - when common sense dictates. I use it in any vehicle that has it, including the 18 wheelers I have driven. Since I don't have "trailer mode" (not even sure what it does) I just click on the cruise once I am at the speed I want to keep. I have even used it on mild hills but that is on a good road. Never, never use it in the rain.

[NancysToy]

I have never experienced a problem doing so on the highway. You may have to supplement the cruise with a little wrist action, towing the trailer up mountain grades. Be sure to keep the rpm up so you are in the power band, and you won't have much difficulty. JMHO

[flaggerphil]

I rode towing the trailer from St Louis to Melbourne, FL and used the cruise control 90% of the time with no problems.

[Harley]

Thanks for all the good info. I knew I would get some good answers from you good people. Again thanks and God Bless !!

[jthornton]

2011 RT SM5 pulling a non-BRP trailer and I use cruise all the time - when common sense dictates. I use it in any vehicle that has it, including the 18 wheelers I have driven. Since I don't have "trailer mode" (not even sure what it does) I just click on the cruise once I am at the speed I want to keep. I have even used it on mild hills but that is on a good road. Never, never use it in the rain.

Trailer mode sets the shift points at a higher RPM for the SE5.

JT

[TicketBait]

I am not sure about the safety factor with Cruise on with a trailer... I personally would use on long flat straights and easy curves in dry conditions... But on the hills and mountains direct control would probably be best...



DEFFENENTLY DON'T USE CRUSE IN WET OR SLIPERY CONDITIONS.

have 49k on bike with 25k pulling RT622.

[captblack]

Trailer mode sets the shift points at a higher RPM for the SE5.

JT

Thanks, JT. I just use the sound of the engine and the feeling in the seat of my pants ...

[ARtraveler]

While this is only my personal opinion and experience and I'd NEVER suggest someone do something that is in direct conflict with a Manufacturers suggestions, as stated, be smart about it and you'll be fine

We've had the RT-622 trailer and it handles like a dream, even with cruise control. We now have a Moto-Mate camper and still have no issues with long distance road-trips and using the cruise control, but we only use it where it makes sense to do so and we've now logged a collect 50,000 miles with no ill effects.

Not everyone has 'Common' sense tho, so BRP suggests not using it to cover their which from a corporate standpoint, totally makes sense for them. Its your machine, do what's best for you.

Also, as someone else suggested for me, you may want to look into a cramp-buster as another alternative Awesome $10 mod used when needed can really help alot on those long rydes. Again, be smart about it and only use when appropriate See, now I'm covering my own ...........................

Well said: IMO

[jthornton]

Thanks, JT. I just use the sound of the engine and the feeling in the seat of my pants ...

On the SE5 the nanny has to have something to do or it gets bored... it won't even talk to me like siri will. I use my ears to shift with as well.

JT

[bluestratos]

I keep the RPMs around 5K when towing up grades so If I lock the cruise on it stays precisely at the set speed with no lugging. When going down hill I lock it in at 3.5 to 4K. I let the RPM dictate the gear. On flats 4.5K feels good

[pellcitypete]

I keep the RPMs around 5K when towing up grades so If I lock the cruise on it stays precisely at the set speed with no lugging. When going down hill I lock it in at 3.5 to 4K. I let the RPM dictate the gear. On flats 4.5K feels good

I just came back from 3k round trip and used cruise about 95% of the time no problems I too kept rpm's up I found out that higher rpms the happier Li'LL RED was. just my way. Plus I have a cramp buster also .My spyder is straight shift GOOD luck PETE