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Old 11-28-2022, 06:05 AM   #1
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What’s the “sweet spot” for highway cruising speed?

I’d love to see comments on ideal highway speed when driving your coach. I realize that there are probably many opinions on this and that different drivers prioritize different things. We’re all trying to balance safety, fuel economy, ride comfort, and travel times.

My experience prior to buying my Newmar coach was with travel trailers. The top fear with a bumper-pull travel trailer is trailer sway, and the risk increases with speed. I never towed faster than 65 mph, and I never had a sway incident.

Out west where I do most of my driving, the speed limit is often 75 mph. Do people drive large coaches at 75 mph? On my inaugural trip, I set cruise control to 65 mph or maybe a few mph faster depending on road and traffic conditions. That seemed reasonable.

What’s your cruising speed? Does it change with a vehicle in tow?
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Old 11-28-2022, 06:15 AM   #2
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We usually have a 1/2 ton PU for a toad and keep it about 65 on good roads. Without the toad I'm about 70.
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Old 11-28-2022, 06:15 AM   #3
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Out on the interstate if I set my cruise @ 65 mph, my mileage will go up to 8 mpg and sometimes as high as 8.5 depending on the grade. Overall my coach averages about 7.5 mpg.
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Old 11-28-2022, 06:23 AM   #4
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Our previous coach, a Monaco, loved 62 MPH. It would stay in high gear on level and on mild inclines. It felt stable and predictable. And it got quiet! Things seemed to stop rattling and clunking.

Current coach... I have found myself going almost 80 if I don't observe and obey the speedometer. I installed a "heads up" speedometer to keep a better watch. The coach does not mind fast at all (but I do!) I try to keep it at 64 MPH, unless heavy traffic demands a little faster to be safe.


I have never checked my miles per gallon - I try not to think about that.

PS current coach Foretravel U-320 with M-11
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Old 11-28-2022, 06:24 AM   #5
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What’s the “sweet spot” for highway cruising speed?

43 ft motorhome with tag. 55 - 63 mph depending upon road conditions. Best fuel economy at these speeds.

Of course if hilly, the downhill side sometimes gets up to 70-75 with engine brake engaging automatically.
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Old 11-28-2022, 06:36 AM   #6
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I keep my cruise set at 62 mph.

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Old 11-28-2022, 07:10 AM   #7
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65-68 depending on tow, road and traffic conditions.

Push up to 72 if trying to pass a truck doing 67 - not wanting to block the left lane for 10 minutes while inching around them.
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Old 11-28-2022, 10:32 AM   #8
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When I’m pulling the tow vehicle I keep it between 62-65. MPG is decent. If no tow and good open highway I’ll run it at 70 recognizing that fuel mileage is taking a hit.
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Old 11-28-2022, 10:36 AM   #9
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My sweet spot has always been 63 mph for two reasons. In California, the towing speed is 55 mph, if you stay under 65 mph, you won't have issues. Second, 63 mph seems to be my mileage sweet spot and I'm not passing or being passed by most semis.
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Old 11-28-2022, 10:41 AM   #10
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Used to be 63-65. This past year I've backed it off to 59-61. Slightly better mileage and I enjoy the drive more. I'm retired so have the luxury of not having any real time restraints. When I get there I get there!
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Old 11-28-2022, 10:46 AM   #11
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01 DSDP cat 3126B on a FL chassis. alison 6 speed with 2400# toad...most common for me is 50 mph. 1450rpm in 5th gear 11mg. 62 mph, 1450rpm in 6th gear 9.75 mpg. Some times I have to get the tranny to shift to 6th by going slightly faster then can slow down to 58 mph.... This is assuming flat desert freeway. 1450 rpm seems to be the best engine speed with out constantly hunting. Diesels have good torque at lower rpm's using less fuel. very diff than gas engines.
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Old 11-28-2022, 10:48 AM   #12
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Max speed rating for most DP chassis is 70 mph... think about that for a minute...
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Old 11-28-2022, 11:01 AM   #13
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I think most are on the right track with a cruise in the low 60’s. However, depending on the area and traffic flow, slower speeds could create a traffic hazard and if your not careful could be deemed a problem by an overzealous patrol. I don’t think 60 would qualify, but doing 50 on a busy high flow interstate could.
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Old 11-28-2022, 11:09 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lonfu View Post
Max speed rating for most DP chassis is 70 mph... think about that for a minute...
Curious where to find that. Is it a tire rating, freightliner/chassis rating?
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