Poll: Average speed you tow at?

John · 12-26-2002, 11:38 AM

This is the month for polls, so I thought I'd add another

!

Here it is: While towing on the highway with the legal speed posted at 70mph, what speed do you tow at?

John

Pahaska · 12-26-2002, 01:52 PM

I think that a lot depends on the size of the Airstream and the particular road. There are ranch-to-market roads in Texas posted at 70 that I don't even drive 70 in the Buick.

If I had a 34-footer, I suspect that I would join the 55 or 60 crowd. With a 22-footer and a truck that outweighs the trailer, I'm completely happy at 65.

I have towed at 70 very comfortably on the Indian Nation Parkway in south Oklahoma. The highway was straight, really smooth, and there was no traffic.

My average is 65, though.

**john hd** · 12-26-2002, 02:50 PM

john

70 seems to be my speed of choice, mostly because my truck shifts in o.d. around 67.

i have run it at 75 for extended periods out west if the road is good.

john

John · 12-26-2002, 05:39 PM

Big J,

The horsepower & torque curves intersect right @ 2500rpm, which while towing in 3rd gear, gives me around 58mph. This is where I feel I'm getting the most power without wasting too much fuel.

I called Chevy and they confirmed that even thou the manual says that it's ok to tow my truck in overdrive, that their dealer network has confirmed that 3rd gear is the best for long term towing.

Let me know when you're ready to trade yours in

.

John

Drew · 12-26-2002, 05:40 PM

Usually, around 77 mph....I don't get very good mileage doing that, however (about 10). If I don't like the roads, about 70 to 72.

**john hd** · 12-26-2002, 08:26 PM

sorry john, i'm keeping this one.

best tow rig i've had.

john

bhsl8 · 12-27-2002, 12:26 PM

I have found I like to tow with my excursion between 70 and 75 mph. I have tried towing at 10 mph slower and the mileage is surprisingly not that much different. Even at those speeds I have been averaging 11 mpg or better. Without the trailer, going those speeds I did about 14. I suspect that when I take this beast out West to the mountains, where I yearn to be, I will have to slow down a bit.
Brouck

InsideOut · 12-27-2002, 06:53 PM

WOW! Hope none of you travelling at those high speeds ever gets a flat!

Shari

**john hd** · 12-27-2002, 07:32 PM

overlander64 · 12-28-2002, 10:49 AM

As a regular friend of Murphy's Law, I try to maintain an absolute maximum speed of 60 MPH. My usual speed when towing is 55 MPH. I also avoid Interstates whenever possible as I prefer the more relaxed pace of the secondary road system. As a Free Wheeler, I also have to keep in mind that I only have one set of eyes watching the road so I like to keep my speed more conservative. I do monitor my mirrors and utilize turnouts where they are provided to allow faster moving traffic to pass. I am probably among the few who really likes the maximum trailer towing speed limit of 55 MPH in Illinois!

After having a blowout on one of the tires on my nearly new Brand X trailer two decades ago, I always remember what an unpleasant experience that was - - and I was only traveling 40 MPH when the blowout occurred.

Kevin

caribbeanbum · 12-29-2002, 11:13 AM

Hi.....

I like "John HD's" post. LOL. I normally tow my overlander with my 1976 chevy p/u at 50 mph. With a 350 in it, it's mouth is ALWAYS wide open. The moral of this story is 7-8 mpg.

daltondbh · 12-29-2002, 02:52 PM

Hi all.......

I polled incorrectly, I checked 65 mph and I'd probably tow at 70 mph in a 70 mph zone. I use an F250 w/diesel and average 14 mpg towing. Great tow vehicle to tow a great TT.

smily · 12-30-2002, 10:05 AM

Up the hill, 30 MPH

Down the hill, 80 MPH

Wahooooooooooooooooooo

Smily

JeffandSuzanne · 12-30-2002, 11:52 AM

We try to maintain 65mph where 65+ is legal pulling our 30ft. 1998 Excella. We get the best overall mileage at this speed with our Silverado 2500HD with the Vortec 8.1 liter engine.