The fast and the furious

[907airstream]

I'm relatively new to the airstream community. However, I've been towing a travel trailer for quite some time. I've got a mild amount of experience, and I wanted to pose a question to the group. I recently made a trip from Alaska to Missouri and saw some amazing sights. But some of the most amazing things I saw were the trucks and trailers flying by me like I was not moving. I don't feel safe pulling my trailer any faster than 65 mph tops and that's to get out of a situation. Normally I only go sixty. I averaged about sixty mph for my entire trip. I commonly saw travel trailers going in excess of 70 mph. I would like to get some thoughts here. Am I being too prudent? I'm sorry if I am stirring the pot.

Bobby

[Minno]

We travel at 60 - 62 MPH. It's where we feel in control and get the best gas mileage for our bucks. We enjoy the travel as much as the destination. We get passed by most others, but that's ok.

Kay

[dbj216]

I travel at 60mph also. I pass a slower moving vehicle at 65 or so. It is comfortable for me to ride the right lane. Many USA truckers limit themselves to 65 for fuel economy. I slow down a bit when they pass so they can get out of the passing lane faster.

Yes, there are all kinds of speeders. I'm easy to pass in the right lane.

On single lane highways, which we like to travel, I run about 55 mph if the road isn't too bumpy, slower if it is. I watch the mirrors, and when I become a traffic block, I find a safe place to pull over and let them pass.

David

[dkottum]

Wind, weather, road conditions, and traffic determine our speed, usually 60-65.

[CBWELL]

We like to run about 100-105 kph (60-65 mph). Duramax gets the best fuel economy at that speed. Also, the recommended top speed for ST tires 100 kph. You usually catch up with the people that go blowing by you at a fuel stop. They stop a lot more often!!!

[dznf0g]

No, you're not too prudent.

[MrUKToad]

Sounds like the perfect speed. We do 60-62 mph; better gas mileage and a tad safer. Others going fast? That's their problem.

[BoldAdventure]

Originally Posted by dkottum

Wind, weather, road conditions, and traffic determine our speed, usually 60-65.

THIS. 62-63 seems to be the max sweet spot for my combo for speed/stability.


I stick to US Routes & Highways and try to avoid the interstate. On I-10 though I had a similar experience, 3/4 tons pulling SOB trailers doing 80+ mph.

Considering all the tire threads I've read here, I got a good look at some of these guys at a rest stop. Most all had ST tires.

We got passed by one guy pulling a utility trailer had to be going 80+ with tires that couldn't off been more than 10 inches, just bouncing along like nothing was wrong.

I'm sure he was saying to himself "Merica!" in his Ford diesel.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by 907airstream

I'm relatively new to the airstream community. However, I've been towing a travel trailer for quite some time. I've got a mild amount of experience, and I wanted to pose a question to the group. I recently made a trip from Alaska to Missouri and saw some amazing sights. But some of the most amazing things I saw were the trucks and trailers flying by me like I was not moving. I don't feel safe pulling my trailer any faster than 65 mph tops and that's to get out of a situation. Normally I only go sixty. I averaged about sixty mph for my entire trip. I commonly saw travel trailers going in excess of 70 mph. I would like to get some thoughts here. Am I being too prudent? I'm sorry if I am stirring the pot.

Bobby

Some folks are always in a hurry, some like to take their time, and when they get there, they get there. No questions.

That's also good for maximizing fuel economy.

And then there are those that HATE Airstream's, but own one because they like to tow 80 to 90 mph, or faster.

Yes, an Airstream can be towed very fast because of it's design.

I personally filmed myself towing a loaded 31 footer, as a test, at 115 mph, with a Buick, and a calibrated speedometer.

But that was many years ago, when I took more chances with life.

A super huge part of how fast one can tow, is how they are rigged.

With some, 30 mph is already too fast. With others, sky's the limit.

Andy

[dbj216]

Nice post Mr. Andy, well said.

David

[Road Ruler]

Originally Posted by Inland RV Center, In

A super huge part of how fast one can tow, is how they are rigged.

With some, 30 mph is already too fast. With others, sky's the limit.

Andy

So true!