cruise control

Typically the lower cost units use a vacuum activation. Its cheap but has issues when towing a load up hills (on petrols). This should not be an issue with a diesel as they have seperate vacuum pumps that operate while the engine is running.

The electrically activated units (as was avail on some model 80 series) tend to work better in that area.

I have been investigating fitting one to my Maverick TD42 (Diesel) All the best info I can gain tells me to NOT fit a vacuum system as the lower exhaust pressures will not allow the cruise to work effectively as stated above, when towing, going up hills etc. It is because the diesel revs significantly lower than a pertrol, particularly under load.

You should be fitting an electronic unti, a good one will cost upwards of $600.00 but well worth the cost. Most suppliers of Cruise Controls Units should steer you away from the vacuum system for a diesel.

My Surf 3.0lTD had an electronic 3rd party Cruise on it when I bought it and it works better than some of the factory cruises I've had on previous cars. Even fully loaded with camping gear and 5 adults it is very responsive and has no hesitation in sticking the boot in and flooring it up hills if required to keep the speed up.
If it wasn't already installed I would have had no hesitation paying the $600 bucks to get a good setup.

I've just (last weekend) installed an AP60 on my diesel troopy.

Took about three hours, but if i did it again it would take less than an hour.

My vacuum source comes off the idle up for the air con, (just make sure you take it before the solenoid for the idle up) and it works just fine.

As far as throwing magnets, I must admit that does concern me, I have my magnet glued and zip tied and have my fingers crossed, apparently you can get a speedo cable driven sensor of some form, that may be worth exploring if the magnet idea doesn't stick (Ha).

For the time being, I can't move the magnet, regardless of how much force i put on it, so I am reasonably confident.

The unit works brilliantly and the kit came with everything you needed (and somethings you didn't depending on your setup).

$168 well spent, very basic, simple, and sound.

Jule
Dave's experience is accurate.
I have fitted about four (or is it five??) .....-no SIX! Command AP50 systems to friends diesels and a couple of petrol motors... Mine (a TD 42 Patrol) and also to a Commodore V6 (VN), a VS V6, and three other Diesel Patrols. All cost under $200- some bought on special for as low as $140 !!
Without exception, the unit works like a charm. I would even go as far as to say I can't fault them in any way... There's no need for extra accumulator tanks and such like either!!
Quite simply couldn't be happier. (Dave - none of the vehicles have lost magnets so far, either, for what it's worth!!)
Enough said!

There's some very inaccurate "opinions" flying around here, I think IMHO. Probably people trying to take more of your hard earned dough by selling you a dearer system!
Cheers

I installed an AP50 on me little 2.4 turbo desiel and it works fine. Does stuggle a bit on the hills but thats more to do with the car then the cruise. Also installed one on a 4 cyl camry and it works fine also. Bought them on special at kmart for around $160. Haven't thrown a magnet yet either even the the magnet has been damaged 4wding.

wizzer

I have a AP50 fitter to my GU Patrol now for 2 years and no problems with it towing the camper trailer or just on a straight run. Agree with everyone else, it all depends on the installation. This is my third AP50 on different vehicles of course and I love them. Cheap and reliable units
I have a manual so I fitted a reed switch to the clutch that I grabbed from Jaycar, to be honest Im lost with out it on my long runs.

Gary

The kMart jigger is a beauty. Fitted one to a vl commodore many years ago, did 350,000k's around the country and it never missed a beat.I may be mad but I'm not crazy
BEAM ME UP SCOTTY

Hooroo
Ray

thanks for all the info..command A50 from Km is the unit we have...we shall continue..