I guess 80 mph is the new 65 mph

[SprinklerMan]

I just got back from a 7 day vacation in Myrtle Beach SC , I left Maryland and did the I 95 route . Now this trip we didnt take the trailer , ( not my choice ) Now I am running with traffic , adverage 70 to 75 mph . I was running the slow lane , I was constantly being passed like I was standing still. So just for something to do I kept count , I was passed by 47 travel trailers , and they were pulling away from me while I was running 75 mph . Both trailers and fifth wheels . These guys were moving , best part was this was in the rain , wet roads and spray . I guess 75 ++ is the new 65

[laredo284bh]

I was warned by the RV dealer and Discount tire after a blowout, that the ST trailer tires are only rated for a top speed of 65MPH. I do 60MPH, blowouts are a bummer.

[Campfire_Time]

ReneeG wrote:
The speed limit here is changing to 80, but you can bet we will not be doing that when towing. We drive no faster than 55 - 60 when towing. Several factors for staying with that speed - 1. Safer, 2. Fuel efficient, and 3. RV tires are rated for speeds no faster than 65. DH and I both shake our heads when we are passed by towables going way over the speed limit. What's the hurry? They're risking a lot and for what? To be at the next intersection ahead of me?

X2, though I run about 62/63.

I play a little game when traveling. I make a mental note of both cars and RVs/trailers that pass me. Then I watch for them to pass me again later. I did this going out west and back. There were several of the same rigs that passed me 3-4 times per day over a 3 day period. It happens on my short 3-4 trips in WI too. Thanks for the entertainment guys!

[Jayco-noslide]

I'm convinced that the risk of accident/death goes up with speed so I do not just "go with the traffic". I stick to about 58 with our MH and 60-63 with just the car where I feel comfortable and don't worry about the passers. So far in 40 years I haven't been rearended and I don't care if I'm slowing someone down. A bonus is that MPG is much better.

[DiskDoctr]

It is good to hear there are so many courteous and responsible drivers out there!

Btw, if driving faster than 65 causes premature failure, what ifmyou replace the tires every 2 years instead of 5? Does that mitigate the tire failures? What about running a higher load rated tire to reduce the extra strain?

The brakes on a trailer should be capable of stopping the trailer effectively.

Uneven roads (here in PA this is something we REALLY know about) are sometimes quite dangerous. If you've ever driven PA state route 259, it isn't fit for cars, let alone trailers...and forget about motorcycles!

Wind/sway is probably the most danger with speed while towing.

Stay safe and adjust for conditions: )

[ianmac23]

I found that 2000 rpm gives me the best mpg. That is about 57mph. Everyone is passing me.

[Nvr2loud]

I limit my speed to 60 mph unless I'm passing, then I'll bring it up a little to get the pass done, then back down again.

My fuel consumption is great, and my tires are rated for 65 so I'm happily below that max.

[nomad297]

CKNSLS wrote:
It's painfully obvious how the tire threads start......

Yes, it is.

Bruce

[CKNSLS]

It's painfully obvious how the tire threads start......

[Sillybugs2]

Thanks to all these speed threads I now have dh going no faster than 65 towing. So thank you all. He stays right and on two laners here speed is 55 so he goes 60.

[caseyhoward]

Just my 2 cents .. We just came home from seven weeks on the road and I couldn't believe how many towable and fifth wheels with kids in the back seat of the truck past me when I was doing 65 MPS .
They hade to be doing 75 or 80 MPS because like others said they were out of view in no time.
I spent many years working accidents from an EMS point of view.
It's not how fast your truck can pull comfortably. Its how does it stops from with a RV behind you 75 or 80 MPH the higher speeds you drive the harder it is for you to stop.
You can tell me you wouldn't have trouble stopping and I will tell you that is not what I've witnessed over the years.

[JeepCB]

Now that is someone I haven't heard about in many years....The Joey Chitwood trill show! Thanks for bringing me back to my childhood Bumpy!

[mockturtle]

I suspect the oil companies lobbied hard for these speed limit increases.

[oughtsix]

I have one rule when it comes to speed whether towing or not: if someone wants to go faster then me... let them!

[rbpru]

I do not like to drive much over 70 in my pick-up without a TT.

My rule when towing my TT is simple, on Interstates I go the truck limit usually 65 which is my max. On other roads including two lanes I go 60 max. usually slower.

I do not take offence at those who wish to go faster, I do find tailgaters annoying, and if I am leading a long line of cars with no option to pass I will pull over.

I figure they are not going to change and I know I am not going to change so I just try to take it in stride.

[hddecker]

CKNSLS wrote:

DutchmenSport wrote:
Speachless over that one! But not surprised at all. I've been fussing about the high rare of speed for years and years now, but every time you mention it to a policeman, or anyone for that matter, they just look at you and give you a "so what?" look.

I can't stand the Interstates any more for this very reason and because so many interstates are just so rough and bouncy. ESPECIALLY when towing my trailer, I really don't want to travel that fast. And I absolutely hate feeling the frenzy of have to drive as if I just escaped a prison in hell or get run over, honked at, middle fingered, and idiots riding my bumper (as if that's going to make me go faster .... ha! I slow down!) So driving the interstates to me is worse than a war zone! I've come to hate them. I now drive secondary roads only, avoid interstates, take my time, enjoy the ride, slow down, drive the speed limit, and arrive at my destination relaxed and in good spirits! I've also quit driving interstates when NOT towing also! I'll go clear out of my way to avoid them now! Between my truck and my trailer I have $100,000 invested in my rig. I value my life and the life of my wife, and my dog! No, those idiots can zoom on down the road and I hope they all reach their destination safely. But no wonder so many have so much "rage" in this world. They bring it on themselves. Relax, SEE the roses on the edge of the road, and smell the coffee at a local restaurant in some little hick-town that no one ever heard of, and most definitely, you'd never even know existed if you drove the interstates!

Well said Dutchman

X2

Nobody can pressure me into driving faster than I want too. If your in that much of a hurry then pass me, but getting on my bumper just makes me want to slow down. I would rather get rearended at 50-60 than 75-80.