Speed Question

I try to tow at the same speed as the other towing traffic unless that speed exceeds 65 mph to preserve traffic flow. If non-towing traffic wants to go faster, they can pass and I do observe the use of turn outs on 2-lane roads.

Sprink-Fitter wrote:

Teamfour wrote:
I like to travel at 64 mph just to be safe. But lets look at the math: We typically drive 400 miles a day on a long trip. At 64 mph that takes 6 h 15 m. At 70 mph it takes 5 h 45 m. I will gladly eat the measly 30 minutes for the sake of safety. Those of you who travel shorter distances are saving even less time.

So you think you won't get as injured doing 64 like you would if you were doing 70?

Ha... I love the "safety" aspect that some people quote. The difference between 64 and 70 mph is minimal... 64 mph is 94 feet per second (fps), and 70 mph is 103 fps. If that 9 feet per second is the difference between life and death, you are doing a LOT of other things wrong.

If your vehicle is properly set up and properly loaded, with proper brakes and proper tires that are properly inflated, if the driver is paying attention to the ROAD instead of staring at his GPS or eating lunch, if you are maintaining proper following distances and aware of the vehicles around you, if the roadway can support that speed, if road conditions can support that speed, then 9 feet per second is NOTHING.

Now, if you are overloaded or improperly loaded... if your tires are bad or underinflated... if you aren't looking out your window... if you aren't aware of your ability to make an emergency lane change left or right... or any other distraction... if you are driving on a windy or steep road... if it is raining/snowing/sandy/debris on road... than the speed difference between 64 and 70 probably won't be enough to save you anyway.

The fact of the matter is that the difference between 64 and 70 is simply in fuel costs. If people really want to get on the "safety" bandwagon, then we shouldn't ever tow about above 15 mph in optimal conditions, should never tow more than 50% of your GVWR, should never tow at night or in the rain, should never tow on highways, should never tow during rush hour, should never tow in a construction zone, etc.

Some people will have their opinions, but they really aren't based in much fact. People can make whatever decision they want and I don't care until it affects MY ability to make whatever decision I want. You want to tow at 100 mph, I just hope that I'm not on the road at the same time, or shortly thereafter when emergency crews are trying to clean up the mess from your accident. You want to tow at 35 mph, I just hope you are behind me or on a different road so that I can drive at whatever speed at which I feel comfortable towing (usually 65-68 mph).

But please, lets save the nonsensical argument that 70 is inherently UNSAFE, but an arbitrary number only slightly lower is somehow inherently SAFE.

Thanks for all the great advice. My run over comment was obviously an exaggeration. As for tire ratings, I won't run the junk tires that the dealer wants to stick me with, but that is a different matter.

Many of the 18 wheelers around our area are running 60 to 65, and don't seem to get bothered much. I agree with the time savings isn't worth the additional speed. I also pull a 16 foot trailer at times with a car on it and my best fuel mileage is 60 mph.

California drivers are used to trucks and towing outfits travelling at 55 - 60. You won't get "run over".

Teamfour wrote:
I like to travel at 64 mph just to be safe. But lets look at the math: We typically drive 400 miles a day on a long trip. At 64 mph that takes 6 h 15 m. At 70 mph it takes 5 h 45 m. I will gladly eat the measly 30 minutes for the sake of safety. Those of you who travel shorter distances are saving even less time.

So you think you won't get as injured doing 64 like you would if you were doing 70?

Teamfour wrote:
I like to travel at 64 mph just to be safe. But lets look at the math: We typically drive 400 miles a day on a long trip. At 64 mph that takes 6 h 15 m. At 70 mph it takes 5 h 45 m. I will gladly eat the measly 30 minutes for the sake of safety. Those of you who travel shorter distances are saving even less time.

I agree. My speed is usually 63 MPH. That 30 minutes would be under perfect conditions. When you factor in reduced speeds in towns, signal lights, traffic congestion and construction areas, the actual increase of travel time would be much less.

I like to travel at 64 mph just to be safe. But lets look at the math: We typically drive 400 miles a day on a long trip. At 64 mph that takes 6 h 15 m. At 70 mph it takes 5 h 45 m. I will gladly eat the measly 30 minutes for the sake of safety. Those of you who travel shorter distances are saving even less time.

I drive whatever speed is reasonable/legal/makes sense. I have not yet been "run over". I do try to stay in the right lane however.
bumpy

TucsonJim wrote:

Even though I have a speed rating of 75mph on my tires, I typically drive 63-65mph to save fuel, even when the speed limit is higher in states other than California.

Wouldn't you save the most fuel by not buying a rv and staying home?

When towing in CA on Interstates I drive in the 2nd lane in.
Slow lane you have to deal with the idiots that do NOT know/understand how to merge.

2nd lane in I travel at 62 mph