Average speeds

[Jchemie]

I usually cruise at 65-67mph, but for my best economy it’s at 62 mph. If you hang with the loaded 18 wheelers, they cruise at 65. Not in a hurry to get to the destination, I enjoy the road. This is with a class A 24,000 lb coach, 300 hp, 5 speed Allison, no toad. Add a toad and I’ll drop down to 62 mph for best economy, but that is rare. Mainly 65 mph it is. I think I’m turning 2000 rpm @ 60 mph in 5th gear, last I checked.

[bhammond1980]

We run @ 65 on most expressways. Seems to be a good, efficient speed with our rig. I normally just settle in with the semi's.

[stevehepfer]

Originally Posted by jrj89134

We are new at this and are traveling from Vegas to Milwaukee in a DP. I know this varies based on personal choice but I’d like to hear what the rule of thumb is for interstate average speed I can expect to travel safely. Also is there a sweat spot for RPMs to achieve the best efficiency and power for hill climbing? Thanks. John

We stay at 55mph. I will run the coach up to 6th gear which is about 58mph in economy mode and then set the cruise control and manually back it down to 55mph. At that speed I am doing 1200 to 1300 rpm and hills like that speed. With this set up I can expect an average of 50 and usually hit it. Fuel consumption is an average of 10mpg.

[mrcummins]

Your diesel will be most fuel efficient at torque peak engine speed, usually about 1600 RPM. In many cases that will be about 62 MPH

[texasrs]

I agree with the 62mph speed. I set the cruise at 1400 rpm (which is 62 mph) This is my best mpg setting. Much better mpg than 70 or 75. Those folks will only be 8 or 13 miles ahead of me in an hour, but will be fueling up as I drive by with more fuel.

[Rodg495]

I'm in the 62 -65 mph range group. That keeps me in the truck lane cruising with the big rigs. There are those big rigs that will pass me, doesn't bother me in the least. I usually pass them on the next hill. If I get into a crowd of vehicles I just slow up a bit until I'm in the clear and run alone for awhile.

[luqutus]

actually it's 186,000 miles per second

[texasrs]

lugutus:

There was a young lady named Bright
Whose speed was far faster than light;
She set out one day
In a relative way
And returned on the previous night.

Ray

[L.C.Gray]

I Plan my trips at 50 mph average. It's easy to take and double the hundred miles in your head into hours and I usually can beat that in actual time. I'd rather plan and be early than plan and be late. It also gives you a cushion for slow traffic, a line at the gas pumps or a chance to look for them battery operated firecrackers at whatever tourist trap your bladder dragged you into....