Tow Mode brakes too hot

[Davexxxx]

So the other member is correct, it’s not advisable to use cruise control with a trailer.

The idea is this, with adaptive cruise control, it can slow the truck rather abruptly due to a vehicle changing lanes in front of you or a perceived obstacle. When the adaptive cruise control slows the truck, it does not apply the trailer brakes through the trailer brake controller. The weight, and momentum of the trailer can overcome the truck. This could create a jack knife of the rig or simply push you into another vehicle.

I'm happy to learn new things but is that known as fact for this gen?

The warning talked about aftermarket brake controls. All my stuff is OEM.

Abrupt slowing via adaptive cruise, actuates the brake lights. Can't say I've watched the brake pedal move but I can hear something happening in stop and go traffic.

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[22skidoo]

Found this Ford YouTube stating how adaptive cruise works with tow/haul mode. The video is 8 years old. Didn't know adaptive cruise has been around that long.



This is the YouTube from RV Miles talking about when it's not safe to use cruise when towing.

The video states that the Ford towing guide advises against using cruise when towing heavy loads or when in hilly terrain. The section of the manual he found also states that cruise may turn off if on a long, steep grade. Chevy says not to use cruise on steep grades, windy roads or in heavy traffic.
Both say make sure you are in tow/haul mode.
He says experienced drivers manually drive when in the hills/mountains.

Glad you had me thinking about this and I was able to find the info. Living in the Midwest, I am glad to hear I can tow with cruise for most of my driving.
Towing with cruise is no problem for most driving conditions.

 

[Davexxxx]

We have to remember that some of these recommendations, are aimed at people who have no experience, or common sense.

"Don't use cruise on twisty roads." Really? If I'm on a 45MPH road and a 30 MPH curve is coming up, I'm gonna at least tap the brakes, which disengages cruise, then reactivate it, once beyond the curve.

BTW, one of the recent updates, supposedly added predictive cornering speed adjustment for Adaptive Cruise. I got the update but I can't tell that it is doing anything.

As for the comment in the vid of ACC cutting out when towing downhill, I haven't experienced that but if it did, its not like I'm asleep and wouldn't notice, taking other action.

 

[garyp]

I have a 21 PB. Last year I was in towing in tow mode and had cruise control on a downhill grade. It applied brakes, brakes overheated, and it disabled cruise as a result, having a temperature sensor on the brakes. Since this experience I have not used cruise while towing on a downhill grade.

In this instance I'm certain the truck used brakes in tow mode to try to maintain speed.

 

[philmayfield]

It could be the built in anti-sway compensation. The truck will use the brakes as a means to mitigate sway. I have a good anti sway setup for my trailer so I turn it off in the infotainment screen.

 

[Davexxxx]

I have a 21 PB. Last year I was in towing in tow mode and had cruise control on a downhill grade. It applied brakes, brakes overheated, and it disabled cruise as a result, having a temperature sensor on the brakes. Since this experience I have not used cruise while towing on a downhill grade.

In this instance I'm certain the truck used brakes in tow mode to try to maintain speed.

If you experienced a negative result, then by all means, stay out of cruise and manually downshift.

I honestly didn't know what to expect, the first time through Denver and beyond, towing in the 7-7.5K lb class, so I was super cautious but mine performed beautifully, for the most part, automatically downshifting to maintain speed.

Same for the return trip and another across and back since.

 

[garyp]

If you experienced a negative result, then by all means, stay out of cruise and manually downshift.

I honestly didn't know what to expect, the first time through Denver and beyond, towing in the 7-7.5K lb class, so I was super cautious but mine performed beautifully, for the most part, automatically downshifting to maintain speed.

Same for the return trip and another across and back since.

Yes, mine worked fine until I was on Teton pass driving East into Wilson with a number of 10% grades. Prior to that, I towed through Glacier, Crater Lake, etc. I tow an approx 6000# travel trailer. I thought the combination of Powerboost regen braking and the engine was slowing it down enough, but it also used brakes. (In answer to another post, I'm pretty sure F150 anti-sway was not being engaged. No issues after I switched from cruise to manual and used lower gears.)

 

[{tpc}]

I'm too nervous on a downhill grade to just let the cruise do its thing. And I'm talking a decent grade. Most of my towing is done in the midwestern states, and I haven't experienced any decent grades to speak of with this truck/trailer combo.

I have experienced some occasional odor when stopping after towing for a bit, but its always been reserved to one of the first couple tows, and then it never happens again. I assume something on the truck was getting heat soaked enough to create an odor, but after the initial one, it was good to go.

I primarily use cruise when I tow, unless its slow moving, or construction zones etc.

 

[Chris GTO TT]

I really do not recommend using adaptive cruise control for controlling your downhill speed. It is much more likely to continually use brakes to control speed. Continually using the brakes puts more heat into the system. Your best bet for controlling down hill speed is to brake harder than you need to for shorter periods, then release the brakes. You repeat as necessary. This gives the brakes a chance to cool off some between applications. This is how I drive over Donner Summit and have no issues on this truck or on my 12th Gen.

 

[Aonarch]

It could be the built in anti-sway compensation. The truck will use the brakes as a means to mitigate sway. I have a good anti sway setup for my trailer so I turn it off in the infotainment screen.

THIS

I bet your anti sway is kicking in often. It will apply the rear brakes.

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