Guest 1footinthegrave Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 Been thinking for a while now of getting an after market cruise control,or hand throttle if such a thing exists, mainly because of foot and ankle pain that seems to go with the territory of being past the first flush of youth, any experiences of these systems or recommendations out there would be appreciated. ;-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mel B Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 Hi footie :-D We had a system fitted by Mr Newell to our Rimor and hubby loved it, once it was calibrated it worked a treat and really made a heck of a difference to driving comfort. When we changed to the Chausson, if it hadn't already come with cruise control as standard it would have been the first accessory we'd have put on. You can set the speed you want very easily and then tap it to increase it or reduce it as required, however it does NOT replace the use of the accelerator pedal totally, if that is more your aim, then you need to look at a 'secondary accelorator' conversion instead. By the way, if you are a member of a certain 'fun' forum, there is a very good member discount on there for Van Bitz which gives 15% off everything!!! :-D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lennyhb Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 I fitted one myself to my car, I used the the Gold version from Conrad Anderson. Works well only criticism is it's not as good as an OEM one below 35 mph set at 30 mph speed tends to varies between 28 - 32 mph above 35 mph it's perfect. If I fitted another one I would use the simpler cheaper stalk control version the Gold one is a bit awkward to use and you don't really need the pre programmable buttons. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike B. Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 1footinthegrave - 2012-03-04 5:32 PM Been thinking for a while now of getting an after market cruise control,or hand throttle if such a thing exists, mainly because of foot and ankle pain that seems to go with the territory of being past the first flush of youth, any experiences of these systems or recommendations out there would be appreciated. ;-) I got one supplied & fitted by Dave Newall about 5 years ago and wouldn't be without it now. It's so much easier on French roads/Motorways where there is little traffic to set and let run but more importantly it's invaluable in roadworks etc so you don't inadvertantly drift upwards. It also keeps your speed regular so fuel economy is helped too. if you only stay in UK, with all our traffic and roadworks etc it is not as valuable as it's not always possible to use it for long periods Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Basil Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 Probably our number one 'extra', would not want a motorhome without one now. Our company is now no longer in existance but the control is still available, DIY or fitted, from Howard May see http://www.howard-may.co.uk/4555.html I fitted ours myself without any problems and it has worked very well. I had a malfunction the year before last, after 7 years use, and Howard May repaired the brain even though I origionally didn't buy the unit from him and our company had gone to the wall. The repair was turned around in 48 hrs and the charge was very reasonable, under £25. I had called him to ask about buying a new DIY control, as he is one of the few that will supply only, and he said to let him check out mine before to see if it could be repaired and as I say it was returned fully functioning and has performed perfectly since. It's funny really because I very much like the pre set buttons, contrary to an earlier post, as I programme them for the French speed limits and just push the button for the required speed as it changes, brilliant! Bas Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T8LEY Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 Wouldn't be without it, for similar reasons to yours for wanting one. Got mine from below for last van. Excellent installation and very pleased with system http://www.leisuretechservices.com/cruisecontrol.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maggyd Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 We also had one fitted by DN and were very glad to have it especially on motorways both here and abroad, I dont drive the Van but I know O.H is pleased he doesnt get foot cramp on long journeys. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fairweather camper Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 Hi, We had cruise control fitted by Dave Newell, wouldnt be without it, but no good if you only tour GB, you would get very little use out of it, but fantastic for over the water. :-) B-) :-D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mel B Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 I'm not sure why people are saying you won't get much use of cruise control in the UK, you don't have to use it JUST on motorways you know! :-D It is very useful for toottling about (traffic/safety permitting of course) in a normal day's motoring as it allows you to concentrate more on your 'driving' rather than the speed you are doing to ensure you are not going over the limit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest pelmetman Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 Seem's to me cruise control is ideal on empty roads like abroad ;-)...............but here in the UK its a waste of time *-)......................as your forever having to adjust to the road conditions over here in traffic land :D...............................and yes I have cruise in my old Rover ;-)...................although it has packed up :$ .........after 13 years *-) A minute after your post Mel.;-)............I'm surprised that you think taking your foot off the throttle allows you to concentrate more 8-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ips Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 Footie. Are you north west by any chance if so i can give you contact details of a firm i used to fit one to a car a few years ago. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest 1footinthegrave Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 No, stuck in darkest Wales, but many thanks, and................ many thanks for all contributions, decision made, going for it, I owe it to my right leg, told two years ago I had plantar fasciitis and it would be sorted after about six months, what do doctors know, still in bloody agony, so every little may help. :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek Uzzell Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 1footinthegrave - 2012-03-04 5:32 PM Been thinking for a while now of getting an after market cruise control,or hand throttle if such a thing exists, mainly because of foot and ankle pain that seems to go with the territory of being past the first flush of youth, any experiences of these systems or recommendations out there would be appreciated. ;-) It use to be possible to obtain this product http://www.conrad-anderson.co.uk/cruisecontrols/eagleeconomic-throttlelock.htm but, if you just wanted a hand-throttle, there are some advertised on e-bay or you could knock one up pretty easily. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest pelmetman Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 Derek Uzzell - 2012-03-04 6:53 PM but, if you just wanted a hand-throttle, there are some advertised on e-bay or you could knock one up pretty easily. Yep my Old man did this by jamming his walking stick under his door handle on to the throttle 8-).................I didn't find out for a week after he had been following us around France he said it was hard work pressing the throttle *-)................... 8-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colin Leake Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 We use ours all the time in the UK both in the car and the motorhome. Simply a matter of getting used to it and adjusting the speed by tapping the control as required. If you want to overtake a slower vehicle you simply put your foot down then lift off when past and it will settle back to the set speed. Don't you believe those who would tell you that you can only use it on empty roads. If that's what they think then they simply haven't got the hang of it. I will admit that I'm not that keen on using it at night or in very bad weather. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kelly58 Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 Cruise Control best thing since sliced bread make driving so much relaxing even driving as a casual long distance lorry driver in the UK I use the cruise all the time on all manor of roads because of the lorry speed limits to keep within the law like 50mph on motorway roadworks avaerage speed camera's allows easier concentration in traffic without having to keep looking at the speedo. When in France its just a case of flick on the cruise sit back relax and watch the world go by .Easy Life.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest pelmetman Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 Colin Leake - 2012-03-04 7:04 PM We use ours all the time in the UK both in the car and the motorhome. Simply a matter of getting used to it and adjusting the speed by tapping the control as required. If you want to overtake a slower vehicle you simply put your foot down then lift off when past and it will settle back to the set speed. Don't you believe those who would tell you that you can only use it on empty roads. If that's what they think then they simply haven't got the hang of it. I will admit that I'm not that keen on using it at night or in very bad weather. I agree Colin it works just like that ;-)...................but unless you have a medical need for it I am of the opinion that it just gives the driver another excuse not to concentrate on what he's doing............ ;-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Newell Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 pelmetman - 2012-03-04 7:37 PM Colin Leake - 2012-03-04 7:04 PM We use ours all the time in the UK both in the car and the motorhome. Simply a matter of getting used to it and adjusting the speed by tapping the control as required. If you want to overtake a slower vehicle you simply put your foot down then lift off when past and it will settle back to the set speed. Don't you believe those who would tell you that you can only use it on empty roads. If that's what they think then they simply haven't got the hang of it. I will admit that I'm not that keen on using it at night or in very bad weather. I agree Colin it works just like that ;-)...................but unless you have a medical need for it I am of the opinion that it just gives the driver another excuse not to concentrate on what he's doing............ ;-) Sorry Dave but I have to disagree here. Cruise control does take some work off the driver allowing him/her to pay more attention to what's happening on the road ahead. My experience is that users of cruise control are safer drivers because of it. They tend to want to avoid dropping out of cruise and so will look further ahead and adjust speed accordingly to avoid disengaging the cruise. This is only my opinion and not based on any factual information other than talking to users over the last 11 years (that's how long I've been fitting them). I suggest you try it before you condemn it. CC can help with fuel consumption but whether or not it will does depend on how you drive anyway. If you find it difficult to maintain a fixed cruising speed (not hard with modern vehicles) then CC can help by doing just that. We sell CC more on the driver comfort aspect than fuel consumption simply because it definitely does make the driver's job easier and only might help with fuel consumption. D. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DerekF Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 CC, the best accessory fitted to our motorhome. Fitted by DN approx. 4 years ago. Use it when driving in the UK and Europe. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest pelmetman Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 Dave Newell - 2012-03-04 8:02 PM Sorry Dave but I have to disagree here. Cruise control does take some work off the driver allowing him/her to pay more attention to what's happening on the road ahead. My experience is that users of cruise control are safer drivers because of it. They tend to want to avoid dropping out of cruise and so will look further ahead and adjust speed accordingly to avoid disengaging the cruise. This is only my opinion and not based on any factual information other than talking to users over the last 11 years (that's how long I've been fitting them). I suggest you try it before you condemn it. CC can help with fuel consumption but whether or not it will does depend on how you drive anyway. If you find it difficult to maintain a fixed cruising speed (not hard with modern vehicles) then CC can help by doing just that. We sell CC more on the driver comfort aspect than fuel consumption simply because it definitely does make the driver's job easier and only might help with fuel consumption. D. Maybe my aversion is based on being followed around France by a poorly controlled/driven 3+ ton camper :$...........................I'll have to use a false name next time I book in for a service Dave :$ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corky 8 Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 I think Cruise control is a boon as a driving aid, I find it a more relaxing drive and as Dave Newell said, it does make you look and think well ahead of you, it came as standard on our last M/H so when we bought this M/H it was one of the first thing I had fitted,I was lucky as our local Merc Dealer fitted the Factory option cheaper than a after market version, I find I,m not as stiff after driving a long distance using Cruise, I,m able to shift my legs about more. my advice go for it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Newell Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 pelmetman - 2012-03-04 8:19 PM Dave Newell - 2012-03-04 8:02 PM Sorry Dave but I have to disagree here. Cruise control does take some work off the driver allowing him/her to pay more attention to what's happening on the road ahead. My experience is that users of cruise control are safer drivers because of it. They tend to want to avoid dropping out of cruise and so will look further ahead and adjust speed accordingly to avoid disengaging the cruise. This is only my opinion and not based on any factual information other than talking to users over the last 11 years (that's how long I've been fitting them). I suggest you try it before you condemn it. CC can help with fuel consumption but whether or not it will does depend on how you drive anyway. If you find it difficult to maintain a fixed cruising speed (not hard with modern vehicles) then CC can help by doing just that. We sell CC more on the driver comfort aspect than fuel consumption simply because it definitely does make the driver's job easier and only might help with fuel consumption. D. Maybe my aversion is based on being followed around France by a poorly controlled/driven 3+ ton camper :$...........................I'll have to use a false name next time I book in for a service Dave :$ All I'm saying is try before you condemn Dave. No need for false names, we'll recognise Horace's reg No. :D I would also suggest that the bad driving of the following camper was down to the driver's poor standards and not the fact they used a cruise control. I would even be so bold as to suggest that they would have been equally worriesome without the CC system. D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest pelmetman Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 Dave Newell - 2012-03-04 8:31 PM I would also suggest that the bad driving of the following camper was down to the driver's poor standards and not the fact they used a cruise control. I would even be so bold as to suggest that they would have been equally worriesome without the CC system. D You've seen my Dad driving then Dave 8-) .....................It's scary............fortunately he's in Spain :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
colin Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 I use oem cruise control due to joint pain, not all the while but as and when. Couple of things to note, in my experiance fuel consumption will increase NOT decrease. There have been concerns expressed in media as to there being more acidents caused due to use of cruise control, of cause this will not happen with all us very experianced mh drivers as we always give 100% concentraition to the road ;-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clive Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 Also reduses flat spots on the backside from having to sit in one position. Yes, could not have a vehicle without cruise control. (Hand throttles went out about 1956). Also usefull to enable you to keep to low speed limits when traffic is light. Have fitted several cruise controls myself over the years and modern vehicles use a black box of electronics that connect between the accelerator unit and the wiring to condition the signal. Older vehicles have a motor driven actuator which operates the pedal, either electric or vacuum. More notes on what I did here :- http://www.motts.org/Cruise%20Control.htm Take care C. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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