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travelczar · 12-02-2016, 04:53 PM

Okay, I'm going to ask a question that can possibly result in a litany of various rants, commentary, and the like, but what the heck....here goes.

May I also preface my question with the point that I have a Class B license....nothing special about that; I'm only noting that I have a commercial license, but I'm not a Class A trucker.

In California, there is a maximum speed for towing of 55mph...many of you may already know that. But in many other states, there are no such prohibitions. I don't know of any other state where the truckers and folks pulling a trailer are held to 55mph on a wide open interstate highway. In most of the states I've traveled (in a car) trucks pulling trailers can run as fast as the cars can, and if memory serves me correctly, in Montana, for instance, that can approach 70, maybe 80mph.

Now I'm NOT looking to become Smokey and the Bandit with a trailer, but for those of you who've pulled before, at what speed have y'all comfortably pulled when the law allows? 65?? 70??

Of course, I'm NOT looking for input that cautions me about weather, driving conditions, etc.; I know all of that. I'm just looking for what speed some of you have comfortably pulled.

For information, I have a 30ft International, and my truck is a 2500HD diesel and I am using an anti-sway hitch (P3).

Thanks for gently answering my very honest question.

C&N

rmkrum · 12-02-2016, 04:57 PM

I typically hold it down to about 60-65 on the highway if the speed limit is higher. It's just a comfortable speed for my rig.

That said, I have briefly flirted with 80 going across Texas. Burns too much fuel.

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gandttimes · 12-02-2016, 05:05 PM

Typically 55 to 60. Occasionally 65.

Rich Jenkins · 12-02-2016, 05:09 PM

MAX of 65, usually 62-64.

I just don't see a need to go faster, really.

The truck (Dodge Ram 2500) seems to really like around 63, as it downshfts / goes into overdrive around 60 or so.

markdoane · 12-02-2016, 05:09 PM

I cruise at 70 until I look at the gas mileage, then I slow to 66-67.
I've done 80 in Montana trying to stay out of the way of the equestrians.

Trucker dude · 12-02-2016, 05:12 PM

The faster you go, the faster it happens.

AWCHIEF · 12-02-2016, 05:17 PM

FYI, recent thread

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f438...ed-158534.html

spenfolder · 12-02-2016, 05:20 PM

The interstate speed limits in Utah are 70 and 80. I usually tow between 65-70 with an occasional short term higher speed if passing. I do notice a pretty big drop in mpg over 65.

Stan
Salt Lake City

nvestysly · 12-02-2016, 05:22 PM

We're usually towing right at 60 if weather and road conditions permit. In some ways I would prefer to drive just a bit slower but it seems unsafe to drive/tow too slow when almost everyone else is traveling much faster.

We've towed in states like Texas, Wyoming and others that allow much higher speeds but we remain at approximately 60. Sometimes for short stretches we register higher speeds but not for long periods of time.

Regarding maximum towing speeds... In many states RVs are exempt from the laws that relate to commercial vehicles. Don't know about California but states that post signs referring to commercial vehicles (number of axles, speed limit, which lane to be in, etc.) do not apply to RVs and other non-commercial vehicles.

mpsgolf · 12-02-2016, 05:28 PM

Our target speed is 63. This is because below this our particular TV tends to lose torque and downshift too frequently. Above this we're burning more gas. Occasionally we hit 70 and on a good road with light traffic might stay there. But in general I'm not comfortable cruising much above 65.

Caffeinated · 12-02-2016, 05:29 PM

I feel comfortable at 60. Sometimes crept up to 70 without really knowing it, but I try to keep it between 55 and 60.

What tires are you running? If GYMs, they have apretty limited speed rating.

Mike

cliffcharb · 12-02-2016, 05:31 PM

I tow my 30' between 68-72sh. That's where my truck likes it best and I still get decent mileage.
Lighter trailers or open car trailers 75-80 all day long, whatever the traffic is flowing.

FCStreamer · 12-02-2016, 05:39 PM

Doesn't that depend on the speed rating of the trailer tires?

rlhendren · 12-02-2016, 05:44 PM

65 seems to be a comfortable speed for my truck and trailer. Any higher and it seems to shift more and the gas mileage plummets.

Countryboy59 · 12-02-2016, 05:48 PM

I go with traffic.

polarlyse · 12-02-2016, 05:49 PM

In most states I'm comfortable pulling at the speed limit so long as conditions allow. With that in mind here in the east that means 65 max maybe 70 in a few states. Out west ( Montana comes to mind ) where one might find 80 mph allowed I don't feel comfortable at 80 and will hold to 65-70.

DaveMc · 12-02-2016, 06:16 PM

I like 63-64 mph. Kind of tough on two lane highways here in Texas that are 75 mph, but I drive with as much courtesy as I can. Texas played with different speeds for cars and trucks for a few years and finally abandoned it. Good results in my opinion with everyone having the same speed limit. I'm much more comfortable at 63-64 mph when I have two lanes to let the faster cars keep on keeping on... I run GYM's for now and I operate assuming they're rated 65 max. Max speed isn't too much of a factor for me, I just try to roll where I'm comfortable and not gumming up the flow of traffic.

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Tim A. · 12-02-2016, 06:27 PM

On our annual trips towing our trailer via Interstates across Nevada (75 mph limit), Idaho (80 mph limit), and Montana (75 mph limit on the Interstates we use), I drive at 65 and pass at speeds up to 75 on occasion. In California, with the 55 mph limit, I have had no problems with the CHP when driving at speeds up to 62 mph.

The Michelin Ribs on our trailer are rated for more than 65 mph, but, as others have noted, mileage drops rapidly at higher speeds. When passing at higher speeds, we have had no problems with the trailer, but our Hensley hitch surely helps.

Tim

overlander63 · 12-02-2016, 06:37 PM

I used to travel with traffic when towing, generally 70-80mph on Interstates, but after multiple trailer tire failures, I've limited myself to 60-65. I've since had no more tire trouble, and fuel mileage is much improved.

Wingeezer · 12-02-2016, 06:52 PM

Typically mid sixties - ish, where speed limits permit.

But if it appears that I am close to being the slowest thing on the road at that speed, then I'm not adverse to picking it up a tad more, but that's where I feel comfortable.

Like Tim (above) I couldn't be doin' with 55 mph in California but luckily got no tickets running my usual speed! Everyone else pulling trailers seemed to be doing the same!

Brian.