tires and speed

goducks10 wrote:

ktmrfs wrote:
Given the speed limit when towing trailers in oregon is the same as trucks, 55, sooner or later they will likely slow down.

Where's it say that? Only trucks pulling trailers going that speed are the semi's. I've never seen a truck pulling a TT/5'er pulled over. Most run 55-65+ on freeways. It's either a law that's never enforced or doesn't exit. All it says on the freeway signs is
"Speed Limit 65
Trucks and Trailers 55".
That's not specific enough to include TT/5'ers IMO, if it was then everyone towing in Oregon would be in the right lane going 55mph like in Ca.

Son works for state parks and tows a enclosed trailer for work. And as expected, as a state employee, had to take "training". Part of the training included the Oregon State Police instructions on state towing laws. One of the things State Police stated was that speed limit in Oregon when towing a trailer of any kind is 55mph same as trucks and trailers. Reminding them that as state employees, Tickets for speeding are highly frowned apon.

And it is consistent with my garmin RV760 (not the trucker version) that in RV mode shows the speed limit in Oregon as 55.


Now how often that is enforced is another matter.

But then the 55mph is seldom enforced for big trucks anyway. Seems like if they are under about 65 they don't draw attention. Many times when towing I've been behind trucks doing between 60 and 65 and gone by a speed trap and trucks didn't get pulled over. When they get over 65, yes, then they tend to get attention.

But I'd say a pickup pulling a trailer seems like a "trucks and trailers" to me.

Easy folks, let's stick to the topic and not let this become a 'personal' issue.

OK guys, I get it... evidently it is perfectly "legal" to run ST's max speed rated at 65 as fast as want. That does not not make doing so a good idea. If you want to go that fast why not just spend the money and get some LT's that are rated for the speeds you drive? Spend a little money on safety, what was I thinking? :h As far as some not knowing their tires are max speed rated at 65, every ST I have ever seen says so on the sidewall.

ktmrfs wrote:
Given the speed limit when towing trailers in oregon is the same as trucks, 55, sooner or later they will likely slow down.

Where's it say that? Only trucks pulling trailers going that speed are the semi's. I've never seen a truck pulling a TT/5'er pulled over. Most run 55-65+ on freeways. It's either a law that's never enforced or doesn't exit. All it says on the freeway signs is
"Speed Limit 65
Trucks and Trailers 55".
That's not specific enough to include TT/5'ers IMO, if it was then everyone towing in Oregon would be in the right lane going 55mph like in Ca.

I drive 56-58 mph when towing....if I need to go faster I store trailer and rent car.....if I need to go really fast I store trailer and buy plane ticket.
IMO this speed allows lets everyone get by me fast so have minimum contact with other vehicle....what amazes me is I see almost all of the vehicle in the next rest area....so I get to see them pass me several times....so go figure.....
At this speed my rig will stop in a timely fashion.....good luck to all.....

The problem is that the buyer is not usually told the speed rating of the tires by the dealer when buying a trailer and few people read all the papers given with the purchase. Then the second owner buys the trailer and to them a tire is a tire.
The thought never enters their mind.

Our daughter had a medical emergency while dw and I were traveling. We ended up traveling from west Yellowstone to Topeka in one day and in order to do this I towed at speeds as high as 85 -90 mph. Not a way to take a relaxing vacation but we arrived in time to see her before her surgery. I was prepared to park the trailer on the highway and travel on if necessary bit the maxis load range c tires held up and are still on the trailer.

Contrary to beliefs the result of having a blowout are usually that a passing motorist will wave you down to alert you that a tire is flat. Most damage is from throwing tread into the wheel well.

First, you don't know what tires they had. Even ST tires in the fall's cooler weather should be fine at 75mph if rated at 65mph at 100*.

Safety, comfort, how well they tow? You have no idea how their setup tows. Mine is rock solid at 75mph, but tow slower except to pass. If you are concerned for your safety, give them space and let them go!

I'd personally like to see the code that says one can not run over the speed rating for a tire! At least here in Wa st, the LEO's do not care if you are over a door placard wt, much less a speed rating! You just have to be under your paid for registration tonnage!

Then again, ANYWHERE in Wa st, which is where I am assuming old man was driving, if you are pulling a trailer, or have a rig with a gvwr, or the total of the truck and trailer is over 10K, you max speed is 60 mph! So the speed rating of a tire is really a non issue per say!

Marty

The towing speed limit in CA has nothing to do with speed rating of tires. And that speed limit, in my travels, is rarely enforced.

Despite all the dire predictions of death and dismemberment, I don't ever remember seeing or hearing of a case of a major accident causing catastrophic loss of life and limb attributed to towing over the speed rating of an ST tire. I'm not saying you should do it, but it certainly isn't as dangerous as some of the posters here will have you believe.

And no, a tread separation that causes damage to an individuals personal property, would not in my book be classified as a catastropic failure.