Community Forums

D M · 02-06-2012, 09:02 AM

How fast do you drive? My coach handles nice at higher speeds but better mpg at slower speeds. Is 55 to slow on freeway when other traffic is doing 75 mph? If you drive 55 are you a hazard? I go on short trips so the difference from 55 to 65 mph maybe only 10 to 15 minuets. I am new to class A so just how fast do you drive? Thanks I have learned a lot from this site.

sc3283 · 02-06-2012, 09:08 AM

If your driving 55 and in the right lane...your fine...you may encounter an occasional idiot who doesn't know how to merge into traffic when entering the highways but that is FAR safer than attempting 55 in a passing lane(any lane that is not the right lane).

jzick · 02-06-2012, 09:14 AM

You will probably get a lot of "you have to keep up with traffic" answers on this question, but IMO that is not true. We drive 62 - 64 mph with the motorhome and stay in the right lane. That speed is our "sweet spot". Faster vehicles will pass (you will notice they tend to be in batches). We always arrive at our destination about when we expect. Getting there a few minutes faster will not change our lives.

demoon · 02-06-2012, 09:15 AM

I try to stay under 60 because I know that is where my rig gets the best mileage and still can do hills without a big loss of momentum. Agree sc that there will be the occasional idiot who thinks you are in the way.

IMDSailor · 02-06-2012, 09:28 AM

Depends on how fast you want to get to the next gas station, or be able to skip it.

GPW · 02-06-2012, 09:30 AM

JZ, Odd you mention the “batches” ... like Rat Packs , a group of the faster drivers will pass like they’re racing each other , then the road is empty for miles ... This scenario repeats over and over .... Strange !!!

Being Old , I drive pretty Slow (55) and the only people I ever pass are broken down on the roadside ... Never a problem when they see an old fart’s driving , they just shake their heads and hit the gas ...

GaryKD · 02-06-2012, 09:31 AM

Hi D M,
Posted speed limit is >60 I drive at 60. Posted speed limit is <60 I drive the posted speed limit.

dajudge · 02-06-2012, 09:35 AM

I always drive between 62 and 65, depending on the road condition. I drive 65 on a good interstate. I think it is dangerous to drive too slow on interstate. You should try to drive at least 60. What aggravates me is those people in 40ft motorhomes travelling 75-80mph. They don't save time, most of the time I catch up to them at the next light or in slower traffic. You have a better chance of surviving a front blowout at 60-65 than 75-80. As a retired LA. State Trooper, I speak from experience.

Cat320 · 02-06-2012, 09:41 AM

62/63...a reasonable speed and reasonable fuel mileage.

tylerdmoore · 02-06-2012, 09:46 AM

As a general rule I try to drive about 1-2 MPH below the speed of traffic in the slow lane (up to 63MPH). This way I can set the Cruise and relax. I hate the whole speed up slow down thing. I'd rather run a bit slower and just keep on, keepin on

Ramblin · 02-06-2012, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by D M

How fast do you drive? My coach handles nice at higher speeds but better mpg at slower speeds. Is 55 to slow on freeway when other traffic is doing 75 mph? If you drive 55 are you a hazard? I go on short trips so the difference from 55 to 65 mph maybe only 10 to 15 minuets. I am new to class A so just how fast do you drive? Thanks I have learned a lot from this site.

That's a tough question to answer, numerically. I drive the speed I feel safest driving. I can't just say: "I drive 62 because that's where I get the best mileage, or that's where my engine is happiest". For instance, if I'm driving 62 in the slow lane and 18 wheelers are wizzing past me at 75, it's not very safe. I'd be safer (and therefore more comfortable) driving 70 or 75 in that case. If it's foggy or rainy, I might drive 55 or less, because that would be the safest speed in those conditions.

Bee950 · 02-06-2012, 09:51 AM

I go the speed limit. If I cared about fuel, I would be driving a 40 foot bus.

tomwalt · 02-06-2012, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jzick

You will probably get a lot of "you have to keep up with traffic" answers on this question, but IMO that is not true. We drive 62 - 64 mph with the motorhome and stay in the right lane. That speed is our "sweet spot". Faster vehicles will pass (you will notice they tend to be in batches). We always arrive at our destination about when we expect. Getting there a few minutes faster will not change our lives.

X2 on the interstates, speed limit on the 2ndarys.

frankdamp · 02-06-2012, 09:52 AM

Since my GT is really an 11-ton truck, I drive the truck speed limits on the major roads and at whatever feels right on the two-laners. At the lower speeds, I put the rear-view video on and keep tabs on what's behind. If there are more than three or four cars, I'll pull over and let them go by.