Speed Question

transamz9 wrote:
I just spent $5,000 on boat anchors last year. People spend their money in different ways.

I hope that was for "power poles", not mushroom anchors. :)
bumpy

Bedlam wrote:
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.

X2 mostly :)

On interstates, I run up to 70 while towing, depending on traffic and road conditions.

On secondary roads I run with the flow which is usually doing about 60. I seldom use pullout, as I am not the slowest in the line of traffic, I will pull to the right when a passing zone comes up, but will also pass slower vehicles in those areas.

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?

I can't speak for the OP, but they probably meant that 64 is safer because it stays below the 65 rating for tires.

Illinois has a similar law. however I still travel at 65 in those areas and have never been bothered. when the 55max speed goes away I set the cruise at 67, then I just sit back and enjoy.

Sprink-Fitter wrote:


But I'm not trying to stir the pot, I hear so many people say they are trying to save gas, wouldn't they save the most staying home?

We traveled the last 15 years on a GL1800 Goldwing pulling a small camper, anywhere from 8,000-14,000 miles per season, we constantly were asked what kind of mileage we got with it, my answer was "I don't know, I've never checked, we ride for fun and enjoyment so I don't care what it is."

Now it's the same pulling the toy hauler, I don't know what mileage we get and don't care.

Maybe they want to save money to be able to enjoy something else with it. There are a lot of reasons to save money. Some like to ride like you. Some like to fish like me. Some like to collect rocks so they can have the biggest and heaviest rig on the road.
The more money I can save on one thing is more I have to spend on other interest. Camping is cheap compared to some hobbies and pastimes. I just spent $5,000 on boat anchors last year. People spend their money in different ways.

TucsonJim wrote:


I know you're just trying to stir the pot, but for discussion purposes I'll respond to you. There is a huge difference in fuel consumption for my set up between 65 and higher speeds. When I'm exceeding 65, my truck typically will downshift much more frequently, especially on grades. It's not the cost of the fuel, but the range that I can drive. If I can get another 30 miles or more on a tank of fuel, it can be the difference of having to find a fuel station while hooked up instead of having the benefit of parking the FW and then heading out for fuel with just the TV.

But I'm not trying to stir the pot, I hear so many people say they are trying to save gas, wouldn't they save the most staying home?

We traveled the last 15 years on a GL1800 Goldwing pulling a small camper, anywhere from 8,000-14,000 miles per season, we constantly were asked what kind of mileage we got with it, my answer was "I don't know, I've never checked, we ride for fun and enjoyment so I don't care what it is."

Now it's the same pulling the toy hauler, I don't know what mileage we get and don't care.

Speaking of stopping distance, very good points. Since I am a retired truck technician I know an 18 wheeler can't use the 2 second rule, that is too close, four seconds is a good standard. I figure I will use the four second rule and hopefully not buy the back end of some vehicle. Not only that by maintaining a four second distance if someone does stop quickly I can stop without smoking my brakes. Now on hills like Donor, the Grape Vine, and many other 6% grades I will increase that by two seconds on the down hill side, that way I don't smoke my brakes, and live to be a little older.

The comment about staying off the interstates, I like that, but just isn't practical all the time.

What happens if you do tow a trailer in the 60-65 range on secondary roads in Ca.? Are there any cops that could be lurking around on more remote roads? Will be back in Ca. again this summer and don't want to get any tickets.

I can answer that, on secondary roads 62 mph is the magic number for vehicles towing. On most secondary roads in California the speed limit is 55, it is only 65 and 70 on interstates. My CHP neighbor said that is her magic number for all vehicles on roads that are posted at 55. All the secondary roads leading to Yosemite are 55, that includes 120, 108, 132, 41, and yes they will collect revenue. 120 has a few sections that are 65, they are four lane area's and return to 55 as soon as you leave the for lane section.

Yer cruising down I5 ignoring the stupid 55 and doing 65.678mph for best fuel economy and tire temperature and whatever... someone up ahead hammers on the brakes and everyone hammers on the brakes cause someone's spare fell off the bumper...

Skill testing question:

If your dooley and Big Fiver rig with a GCWR 25,000 lbs takes XXX feet to stop from 55 mph, what mph does it take to increase the stopping distance to 1.5 times XXX? (or about 4 minivans full of kids?)

a. 1.5 x 55 mph?

b. 80 mph?

c. about 67 mph?

Bumpyroad wrote:
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

Yep, I could say the same. As long as I am driving within the legal speed limit, Min/Max,vehicle limitations (tires), etc., I drive what speed I feel comfortable at, not what other drivers think I should be driving at. Never been run over yet either. ;)