Community Forums

NFlcamper · 08-08-2012, 08:53 AM

Florida speed limits in some places is 70 MPH. What most people don't know, there is a towing speed limit in Florida of 65 MPH!

MickBrennan · 08-08-2012, 09:06 AM

You should drive 80% of the posted speed limit up to 63 miles per hour.

wa8yxm · 08-08-2012, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dlovitt

Check your tires' speed rating. Probably only rated for 65 MPH. I'm constantly amazed at the speeds some folks drive with their 65 MPH rated tires.

X2 on that, It depends on the tires, Some trailers with small tires the recommended top speed is only 45 MPH. Used to tow one of those put bigger tires on it and upped it to 65 MPH, towed at 55 so that put a stop to blowouts.

The actual answer depends on many things. That is one which we can discuss on the forum easily.. Plus of course there is the posted limit (The one for TRUCKS, not cars) and then there is the "Basic Speed" law. version 1 and 2

Version 1 (Written) is that speed at which you can safely stop your vehicle in a controlled manner without hitting anyting.

Version 2 is "The speed at which you are most comfortable".

And always remember: The RV lifestyle is not about getting there faster than anyone else, it's about taking time to stop and smell the roses. At 90mph you don't even SEE the roses.

FW5000DRIVER · 08-08-2012, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dunner

After I proved that, I switched to LT rated tires. No more blow-outs.

Ooooo. Good idea!

Tireman9 · 09-18-2012, 08:58 PM

The 65 mph rating on ST tires is like the red line on your engine. It's possible to run at or even above the red line but don't complain when the engine or tires go "bang"

Mr_D · 09-18-2012, 08:59 PM

Speed costs money, how fast do you want to go?

TXiceman · 09-19-2012, 07:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr_D

Speed costs money, how fast do you want to go?

You mean how fas can you afford to go......

ken

Blag · 09-19-2012, 08:02 AM

My question would be how fast CAN YOU STOP!

I learned the hard way towing a heavy old caravan years ago... I had a nice powerful tow vehicle and you'd hardly noticed the trailer on acceleration and high speed cruising, but man that thing took some effort to slow it all down when you needed to stop in a hurry....

Dunner · 09-19-2012, 08:33 AM

When I was towing my first 16' toy hauler, a MH pulled out in front of me. I slammed on the breaks and air horn and missed him, but 5 miles down the road, a wheel bearing broke. I think it shocked it. Couldn't find a replacement in Blythe on a Sunday and had to limp home on three wheels at a reduced speed.

RetiredFPD · 09-19-2012, 09:40 AM

Everyone responding has left out the most critical factor. It's not how fast you can tow, it's how fast you STOP the rig you have, at whatever speed you're traveling. It's all true about ST rated tires, truck size, engine size, GVWR, blah..blah, but if you can't get the rig stopped in an emergency situation, all that stuff is suddenly moot and you will realize in those final seconds that you have chosen.......poorly. Good judgement comes from experience. Experience comes from bad judgement. If you're new to this game, keep it slow until you know. Good luck

ralphie · 09-20-2012, 07:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dlovitt

Check your tires' speed rating. Probably only rated for 65 MPH. ....................

XX2

CD · 09-22-2012, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RetiredFPD

Everyone responding has left out the most critical factor. It's not how fast you can tow, it's how fast you STOP the rig you have, at whatever speed you're traveling. It's all true about ST rated tires, truck size, engine size, GVWR, blah..blah, but if you can't get the rig stopped in an emergency situation, all that stuff is suddenly moot and you will realize in those final seconds that you have chosen.......poorly. Good judgement comes from experience. Experience comes from bad judgement. If you're new to this game, keep it slow until you know. Good luck

X2
Speed is NOT you friend when towing a trailer of any kind. I can't tell you how many times I have seen an 1/2 T or smaller TV towing what may be within their ratings go past me when I was going about 60 and their trailer was doing a lasy sway. It was moving about 6" to each side which wasn't bad yet but was close to trouble. Apparently they were completely unaware what was going on as it just kept swaying until they got down the road where I could no longer see them..

wonderer1 · 09-22-2012, 09:22 PM

i live in california and the townig speed is 55 mph. thats not just for simis but any trailer, even a motorcycle pulling a trailer. i'd advise check states your going to drive in and check they're speed limits and laws. always amazed when i see cars towing boats or what ever in the fast lane (we have 4 lanes) running 75 +. out here townig vehicles 55 mph and right 2 lanes or ticket. but best advice i saw is right, it's not how fast can you drive but control. stopping ability , you want a e-ticket ride have something happen in front of you (car falls apart) and you have to stop now and you can't. stopping is more important than speed. remember your out there to have fun with your family, not to race with the jerks. also mind set. your coming off a mountain and you lose your brakes what are you going to do, down shift, and if that doesn't work? now what? remember you keep going faster no time to think. find some thing to hit it's going to hurt less at 65mph than at 100mph. so think about what could happen and your choices. so when it happens its reflex. so brakes and mind set, and enjoy your family and rv.