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How fast do you tow?

houtrz
Explorer
Explorer
Today while driving home from work a truck towing about a 36 foot fifth wheel blew by me. I was already going 75 so I sped up and followed him for about three miles. I was pacing him at between 87-93 depending on him slowing down for cars of which he basically pushed out of the way.

Obviously that was excessive but even at a fast speed what is considered ok and
what would you have done if this guy blew by you on the freeway
125 REPLIES 125

MarkTwain
Explorer
Explorer
cyntdon2010 wrote:
TXiceman wrote:
Normal speed is 63 mph. Much over this and the fuel consumption really goes ot pot.

The "R" in RV does not stand for "RACE".

Ken


X2 perfect speed for me too.

X3

cyntdon2010
Explorer
Explorer
TXiceman wrote:
Normal speed is 63 mph. Much over this and the fuel consumption really goes ot pot.

The "R" in RV does not stand for "RACE".

Ken


X2 perfect speed for me too.
2010 lacrosse T.T 318 bhs 34 ft,blue ox-tow bar,2005 FORD F-150 larait super crew,Firestone ready rite-air bags lift kit

KD4UPL
Explorer
Explorer
What was the speed limit? 80? You're going to call the cops on a guy doing 83 in an 80? Really?
IF the tires are rated for the speed and if the speed limit is that high I have no problem with it. Even if the limit were 75 I don't think it's that bad. I certainly wouldn't follow the guy or call the cops. Can you imagine if every time anyone saw someone doing something they didn't personally approve of they called the law? What a way to live that would be.
I normally have 65 MPH rated tires so I don't exceed that. I would have no problem doing 70 or 75 if the tires and limit allowed.

mileshuff
Explorer
Explorer
Typically 65-70 out on the open highway where traffic is light. Much slower in cities regardless of average speed of others.

How many in California adhere to the 55mph max towing speed at all times?
2014 Winnebago 26FWRKS 5th Wheel
2007.5 Dodge 2500 6.7L Diesel
2004 Dodge Durango Hemi 3.55 (Used to tow TT)

old_guy
Explorer
Explorer
I have blown more tires doing 65 than at 50 so I never go faster than that. I for one am tired of changing tires on the side of the road

Desert_Captain
Explorer III
Explorer III
I would have called 911 in a heartbeat. This idiot was clearly, no question, driving impaired. If he was't under the influence of alcohol or other drugs he was impaired by being FELONY STUPID! :M

How would the OP have felt to drive up on a fatal accident caused by this moron knowing he could have proactively acted to prevent the tragedy. When you witness this sort of insanity you DO have a moral obligation to call it in and perhaps save lives.

:S

ron4750
Explorer
Explorer
I try to stay between 64 and 70, sometimes when I am concentrating on traffic will get up to 75 by accident staying with traffic but 65 is where I like to drive, If he went by me that fast I would probably shake my head and mutter a few things to my wife who occupies the passengers seat but does most of the driving.
Ron

Benoit1967
Explorer
Explorer
I usually go 60 to 65 unless I pass but then resume to my normal speed
2014 Open Range 316RLS fifth wheel
2012 Hyundai Veloster 6 Speed, triathlon gray (commuter car)
2011 Ford F350, 6.7L diesel, Lariat, 4X4, Crew Cab, Short box, Tri-coat white
2008 Princecraft Pro 166 (black)

DutchmenSport
Explorer
Explorer
houtrz wrote:
...what is actually safe,...


"Safe" towing depends upon a lot of things. The skill of the driver, the soundness of the equipment, the conditions of the road, the time of day, the weather.

It's "safe" to tow a trailer at 60 mph on a straight road in the middle of an Arizona Summer. Is it "safe" to run 60 mph on snow covered roads in the mountains of Virginia, even if the speed limit is 70?

There is no "right" or "wrong" answer to the word, "safe". What is safe for one is danger for someone else.

A 10 year old kid can climb a tree and he's safe to do so. A 70 year old with hip and knee replacements climbing the same tree is just .... dangerous! Same tree? What's the difference? The tree hasn't changed.

Perhaps the better question to ask, what is, "What is an an appropriate speed for YOUR outfit!" Here again, that depends upon your towing ability and skill, the dependability of rig, if you are loaded and hitch appropriately, if the weather and road conditions are relative good. If all of this is "true" then, perhaps the best answer is, the rating of your trailer tires. Any speed greater than that, you are taking a risk.

But you know, some of us old men still like to climb trees! Not the smartest thing to do, neither is pushing the max speed on your trailer tires. But it happens all the time.

agesilaus
Explorer III
Explorer III
filrupmark wrote:
63 mph for us. We travel and enjoy.


Yup 63 and stuck in the right hand lane. Gas mileage and safety both drop rapidly above that. Not in any big rush anyway.
Arctic Fox 25Y Travel Trailer
2018 RAM 2500 6.7L 4WD shortbed
Straightline dual cam hitch
400W Solar with Victron controller
Superbumper

TucsonJim
Explorer
Explorer
I had a China Bomb failure three weeks ago while traveling at 63mph. The damage was extensive on my FW. I wonder how much more damage there would be if I was running 70+ and not able to stop as quickly. BTW, the tire was still fully inflated, at a reasonable temperature and the TPMS did not sound during this event.

2016 Ford F350 Turbo Diesel SRW 4x4
2017 Grand Design Reflection 297RSTS
2013 Ford F350 Turbo Diesel SRW 4x4 (Destroyed by fire - 8/29/16)
2014 Grand Design Reflection 337RLS (Destroyed by fire - 8/29/16)

Tennessee_Nomad
Explorer
Explorer
houtrz wrote:
Today while driving home from work a truck towing about a 36 foot fifth wheel blew by me.


Probably a HotShot late for a delivery?

I try to stay 60 - 65 mph.
2010 Keystone Montana 3455SA Quad Slide
4 Goodyear G614's
2017 RAM 3500 DRW 4x4 Crew Cab
6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel
B & W Companion Hitch
All Made In USA

*I chose the road less traveled... Now I don't know where the hell I am*

houtrz
Explorer
Explorer
I wonder what your fuel consumption would be at 93.

chiefneon
Explorer
Explorer
Howdy!

Tow our 42' 5er with MDT Between 62 and 65 mph. As for the others "Speed on, hell ain't half full"!

"Happy Trails"
Chiefneon

Sprink-Fitter
Explorer
Explorer
ramyankee wrote:
Rarely over 60... With my truck that is right at 2000 rpm. Too reasons, safety and fuel economy...




If you want to save fuel, why even buy a RV?
2006 Coachman Adrenaline 228FB

2012 Can Am Commander XT 1000