Towing above 65

Kevin O. wrote:
I usually set the cruise between 60-65mph stay in the right lane and just enjoy the ride.. Half the fun for me is getting to our destination..

Agree with Kevin, we usually set the cruise at around 65 mph and just enjoy the scenery. We camp in Western and Northern Michigan and it's just beautiful in the summer for us. Love the trees, love the green, love the blue water if we're along the lake.

hohenwald48 wrote:
E=MC squared. I like to save E so I keep the C to a minimum. When I'm in a hurry I take a plane. :)

I, too, prefer to reduce the speed of light to conserve energy :B

I would go 70+ if I could conditions permitting. However here in Oregon semi's don't go faster than 60mph as their speed limit is 55mph. Plus my ST tires are speed limited to 65mph unless I pump them up to 75psi. So I just go about 62mph. Seems to work best on the interstate as I'm not going so fast as to always be needing to pull out into the fast lane to get by semi's. I'll push it to 65mph when I get out in more open areas with less traffic.

The different speed limits for towing/non-towing is a fuel waster and dangerous.

As for speed, tow at your comfort level.

pira114 wrote:

Huntindog wrote:

pira114 wrote:
Interesting. Do most other states not have a separate speed limit for trailers? Most places here it's 55. Decent ticket if the CHiPies are of the mind.

CA does a lot of things different than the rest of the nation. I avoid it like the plague.

True. In this case, however, I happen to agree with the speed limit. Much more than 55 is silly when towing.

I've towed out of state and didn't notice there weren't any signs postin a different speed limit. Was just curious.

Illinois.

Special 55 mph signs if you are towing a trailer, and all semi's trucks. And they DO ticket for it.

And the most confusing thing on that 55 mph speed limit sign is it also states campers. I take campers as a trailer being towed......wrong it includes MH's.

And to those of you who drive over 70 towing or in a MH, or in a MH towing. I hope the hell I am NOT in front of you when you come flying up behind me and I have to slow down to avoid something in front of me.

You can NOT stop any of those combinations at that speed in time to avoid an accident. Thanks for caring about the safety of me and other drivers on the road and their families.:R

In GA the published speed limit for towing is 55. I have never seen a sign saying such, but I know that the limit exists. That being said, I don't think anyone follows it. I have been passed when I was towing and driving around 60mph, by so many different combinations, that I feel like I am creeping, but I feel more comfortable and in control.

Last weekend and this past Friday, I spent a number of hours on interstates in the state and it seemed NO ONE drove 55. Friday, I was in rain on I75 and the only place people were driving 55 was where traffic was backed up due to accident and all lanes were at about 20mph.

E=MC squared. I like to save E so I keep the C to a minimum. When I'm in a hurry I take a plane. :)

old guy wrote:
ST tires are rated at 65 mph but I've had them blow out at 45 mph. plus I've had my share of blow outs in my life.

My Carlisle Radial Trail RH on my old trailer are rated for 75 mph. They even offer tires speed rated N, or 85 mph. Having a blowout at 45 mph isn't speed related, its obviously a sign of some other problem with the tire. FYI, most manufacturers state that exceeding the speed rating lowers the tire weight rating... it doesn't automatically mean your tire will explode.

dadmomh wrote:
I wouldn't. Bear in mind that you have to get that 75 mph rig stopped and in an emergency you couldn't do it. This question has been around the block a zillion times and the majority have seemed to agree that 60 - 65 is the best and safest.

You make a valid point... but what is the difference between 75 mph and 65 mph if you have to make an emergency stop? 75 mph is 110 feet per second, 65 mph is 95 feet per second. 15 extra feet per second. A young driver with a faster reaction will hit his brakes long before the older or distracted drive even realizes there is a threat. A younger driver who hits his brakes a second faster from 75 mph will get to a stop faster than an older or distracted driver doing 65 mph but reacting a second later.

If you are coming to a stop on a 75 mph interstate, you should have been able to look ahead and seen traffic stopping ahead of you. If you maintain a proper following distance, it shouldn't be too much of an issue to come to a stop. I've never had a problem on an interstate... most of the times I am cut off or someone pulls out in front of me are on slower surface roads at speeds well below 75 mph.

I've said it before, I will say it again... Safety is a combination of a LOT of factors. Speed is one factor. Tire ratings are another factor. Driver age and reaction time is another factor. Road conditions are another factor. Intelligence and "heads up driving" are another factor.

If the OP has tires that are rated for the correct speed, or takes into account that his weight rating potentially drops at speeds above 65 mph and is a vigilant driver, constantly scanning the road for potential problems, isn't playing with the radio/GPS/cell phone, and has a quick reaction time then there is no concern with him doing 75 mph.

On occasion I have tipped over 75 mph to pass traffic or something. I try not to consistently exceed 67 or 68 because my mileage takes a HUGE hit. First year we drove our old trailer to Florida I wasn't paying attention to my speed and was keeping up with traffic... got 6 mpg doing about 75. It wasn't worth it for me. 67 gets me about 10.

To each their own. I would just ask that you be conscious and aware of the ramifications of your decision. If you want to do 50 in a 70 mph zone... be prepared for the traffic hazard you may be causing. If you want to do 75... be prepared that your distance to stop will be greater.

When not towing on the highway, cruise control is set at 79. When towing the TT, cruise control is set at 63. Why? Much better gas mileage, under the speed rating for the tires, and I find the drive is more calm and relaxing. I set my frame of mind for a nice, leisurely pace. At first it drove me nuts to see everyone passing - but I got used to it. That's just me though.

My trailer tires are only rated to go 65 mph, plus my TT is only a single axle. While it drives me crazy, I keep my speed at 60-65 for safety. I'm amazed at how fast some trailers are being towed - I shudder to think what would happen if they had to make an emergency stop.