I'm an imbecile!

[SimonM]

I am very happy with my cruise control, set it 5 mph faster than the traffic in front of me and it adjusts to their speed. If they slow down for roadworks it slows me down, even to a stop without touching anything, and as they move away so it gets back up to speed once more.

 

[mistericeman]

There is a chap doing pretty much plug and play (no ecu work etc)

Advertising retro fit kits for some earlier Ducatos for less than £300 on Facebook...

I'm considering ordering one in the new year as I do actually miss it on ours.

 

[Pudsey Bear]

Better than the old Bowden cable types, I think you can get it for the later 07 on vans too, not sure how much.

 

[mistericeman]

Better than the old Bowden cable types, I think you can get it for the later 07 on vans too, not sure how much.

By the sounds it's already wired and the software on the ecu etc for the earlier ones so possibly same on later ones...
Pretty common thesedays for wiring etc to be there just blank switches and dangling plugs for some stuff.

 

[Pudsey Bear]

Indeed


Key Options & Brands:

• Precision Cruise: Offers OEM-quality retrofit systems, programming pre-installed for your specific Ducato (Euro 4 model covers 2006-2010).
• Goldcruise / Laserline: Well-known brands for motorhomes, providing kits that can look very integrated.
• AP900/AP900C: A popular choice, often featuring a left-hand stalk control that fits neatly below the indicator stalk.

What to Expect:

• Control: A new stalk control is installed, often near the existing indicator stalk, with buttons for Set, Resume, On/Off.
• Installation: Involves connecting to existing wiring and swapping the brake pedal switch; mobile fitters can do it in under an hour.
• Integration: The green cruise control light on your dashboard usually activates when the system is working.

Where to Find Them:

• Specialist Retailers: vehicletrackingtech.com, rhinoinstalls.co.uk, sasmobile.co.uk.
• Online Marketplaces: eBay UK for switches and some kits.
• DIY/Forums: Facebook groups (e.g., Fiat Ducato motorhome groups) often have individuals selling kits or providing advice.

Recommendation:
For a 2008 model (likely a Euro 4), look for kits compatible with the 2006-2010 range and consider professional installation from a mobile fitter in your area for a seamless, tested setup.


I would have had a go once upon a yonk, but I'm not bendy enough anymore.

 

[barryd]

I am very happy with my cruise control, set it 5 mph faster than the traffic in front of me and it adjusts to their speed. If they slow down for roadworks it slows me down, even to a stop without touching anything, and as they move away so it gets back up to speed once more.

Is that "Smart" Cruise control then as I'm pretty sure as I thundered up behind a wagon this afternoon that was doing 50 the van showed no signs of it slowing down on its own. So I hit the brakes.

 

[Pudsey Bear]

It's adaptive cruise control.

 

[barryd]

It's adaptive cruise control.

Shall I leave it a bit longer next time then before hitting the brakes to see if I have it? I could of course read the manual but no real man ever does that.

 

[RSD7a]

Well, here's an opportune moment to sneak in my own "I'm an imbecile" moment.

Our new Boxer has a Hill Hold thingy which I've managed without for 50+ years, but find quite handy. The day I picked up the van and on a few random occasions since, the Hill Hold mechanism wouldn't release, so absolutely no forward movement possible and burning clutch smell. Dash message "Hill Hold Not Available". In desperation I turn off the engine and restart and most times this seemed to clear the fault and off I went.

Last time this happened, with dash message and clutch burning smell, no amount of turning off/turning on would release the Hill Hold. For some reason I'm trying to get going once more and this time looking down at my feet. Only then I noticed the right foot of my wide super comfy size 12 Sketchers trainers, with fat springy soles (you've guessed it) were just fouling the brake pedal as well as the accelerator. Easy fix. This possibly out-plonkers Barry in the "what a plonker stakes"

Come on now, don't be shy everyone. Let's hear yours.

 

[alwaysared]

Delighted though, its a major bonus for me with Arthritis as I can move my right leg around a bit now, hop in the back and get a beer out of the fridge etc.

Or make a cup of coffee

Winnebago driver case shows truth behind frivolous lawsuit claims

No wonder many people think frivolous lawsuits are rampant. \n Check out this story, sent to me by a local woman who writes a consumer advocate newsletter. She includes the account in her latest editi…

eu.heraldtribune.com

We were living in Florida at the time

Regards,
Del

 

[Robmac]

Come on now, don't be shy everyone. Let's hear yours.

When I was a young un I bought a Daimler Sovereign which was a brilliant but thirsty car. After owning it for a couple of weeks I foolishly got caught out between services and ran out of Petrol and was stranded on the A6.

Anyhoo I managed to find a 'phone box and called out the AA, after about an hour the mechanic arrived, stroked his chin a little and then reached inside and flicked a switch, and within a few turns of the key the engine burst into life.

The mechanic looked at me and said "you didn't know that these have twin fuel tanks then?" I had to admit that I didn't.

He continued "The fuel filler caps either side of the car didn't give it away then No?"

 

[Boris7]

When I was a young un I bought a Daimler Sovereign which was a brilliant but thirsty car. After owning it for a couple of weeks I foolishly got caught out between services and ran out of Petrol and was stranded on the A6.

Anyhoo I managed to find a 'phone box and called out the AA, after about an hour the mechanic arrived, stroked his chin a little and then reached inside and flicked a switch, and within a few turns of the key the engine burst into life.

The mechanic looked at me and said "you didn't know that these have twin fuel tanks then?" I had to admit that I didn't.

He continued "The fuel filler caps either side of the car didn't give it away then No?"

He had a similar experience with Ladies back then but I’m sworn to secrecy

 

[barryd]

Or make a cup of coffee

Winnebago driver case shows truth behind frivolous lawsuit claims

No wonder many people think frivolous lawsuits are rampant. \n Check out this story, sent to me by a local woman who writes a consumer advocate newsletter. She includes the account in her latest editi…

eu.heraldtribune.com

We were living in Florida at the time

Regards,
Del

LOL! I wonder how many millions have repeated that story! Its not like its a new one either so you can't blame social media.

 

[trevskoda]

To much garbage in modern stuff these days all to go wrong, old stuff much better built.

 

[barryd]

To much garbage in modern stuff these days all to go wrong, old stuff much better built.View attachment 148562

To be fair that does look like even I couldn't break it. Would be good for off roading in the Balkans next summer.

 

[trevskoda]

Seen a big truck with germans 2 years back up the coast here, must have burned some amount of fuel, think it was ex firewagon.

 

[mark61]

Seen a big truck with germans 2 years back up the coast here, must have burned some amount of fuel, think it was ex firewagon.View attachment 148563View attachment 148564View attachment 148565

Nice.
Old Magirus Deutz

 

[REC]

Not the van...still haven't persuaded OH to use cruise control...but our sat nav was used for several YEARS before I realised it had voice command! DOH.

 

[trevskoda]

Not the van...still haven't persuaded OH to use cruise control...but our sat nav was used for several YEARS before I realised it had voice command! DOH.

I have one of those, its called wife.

 

[ProDave]

Re retro fit cruise controls.

We have 2016 Toyota Hilux. The basic 1 1/2 cab models. Cruise control was only available on the more posh twin cab versions. I often wondered if it was possible to retro fit the missing bits to add cruise control to ours. I don't suppose anybody knows?