Redarc Brake Controller and Cruise Control

Hi all, With no trailer attached, yesterday I was in cruise and just to see what happens, I pushed the trailer brake button on my Redarc brake controller and it kicked me out of cruise. Is this normal for a brake controller? I assume this same thing would happen if I did have a trailer attached? I wouldn't expect to drive with cruise on anyway when towing though. Thanks.

 

I think pushing the Redarc button simulates for the truck (at least for some systems) that the actual brake pedal is pushed. That's why you can pushbutton start the truck by pressing in the Redarc controller button instead of pressing on brake pedal, with or without trailer attached. A trick I use often if I want to start truck without getting in. Thus, for the system that controls the cruise control it thinks the brake pedal has been pressed and kicks off the cruise control (just like if you actually pressed the brake pedal). Other brake controllers may act differently, but I only have experience with the Redarc in the Tacoma.

 

Normal for all brake controllers.

 

Yep. Part of the reason I mounted mine in the center was so I can start the truck from either seat.

 

On your comment about towing with cruise control... Yes, I agree that cruise control shouldn't generally be used when towing. However, I tried something on my last trip towing that I wanted to share. I was in S-mode (S4, I think) and with ECT activated on the highway towing my 3,500 - 4,000 pound camper. I have OTT tune (mild/medium) too. I was also using OBD Fusion to monitor transmission and torque converter temps, TC lock-up, etc.

I had a friend with me (that has a new Tundra) who insisted that cruise control will work fine in S-mode towing a trailer. So, I decided to try it. Activated cruise control and monitored performance while watching trans and TC temps. Surprisingly, it worked rather well. Drove for about 30 miles this way and TC stayed locked up normally, trans/TC temps showed no elevation, and shifting seemed normal. Now, this is on a straight highway doing about 70 mph. I can't remember if it had to slow down for other cars in front, but I think it may have a few times before I switched lanes. I wouldn't do it in busy traffic, where the cruise control has to slow down and speed up routinely. Not advice, just my observation...