Community Forums

RoyM · 11-08-2014, 09:02 PM

I have hit 70 when my right foot gets a little heavy but like to keep it around 55-60. Safety and fuel mileage trump speed.

2500HD · 11-09-2014, 04:43 AM

I run between between 60-65. On a good open stretch of hiway Ill run 70.
And yes I know trailer tires are only rated for 65

TDI-Minnie · 11-09-2014, 05:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 09 harley

What is the maximum speed you have ever towed at and did you feel safe or were you on edge?
Give me your best stories!

Why does it seem like everyone missed the question in the original post??

I had to deal with a very determined trucker one time who repeatedly cut me off to prevent us going past him. I cruised past on an uphill and he tried to pass me back on the downhill for miles on end. Several times he would cut across my bow. I should have let it go, but I finally put the hammer down and left him far behind. Not sure what the max speed was, but it was "maniac-certain-death" territory. Actually, I know exactly what it was and it was no problem.

The max speed rating on tires is for sustained speed at max load. If you are not at max load, not sustaining the speed and have balanced the trailer tires, exceeding the max is really not that big of a deal if your tires are otherwise healthy.

Triker56 · 11-09-2014, 06:27 AM

When I had a 22' TT back in the 70's I pulled it at 55 MPH.
Main reason was that over 55 MPH the 16' Bass boat hooked to the TT would start to sway back & forth so much you could see the tires on the boat trailer in the rear view mirrors.

When it done that, anyone ridding with me would start squeezing the dash for a good hand hold.

L.C.Gray · 11-09-2014, 07:12 AM

To date, about 85 with the TT up a steep hill climbing lane to get by a string of slowpokes that separated me from the two other rigs I was traveling with.

I've been triple digits with a 32' gooseneck. I used to routinely hit the bottom Ranger Hill on I-20 in central Texas at 100 mph to try to make it over the top at a decent speed.

In the big truck, never over about 80, I just had a "Big Car" not a "Large Car". The difference is, in a big car you're going fast as you can, in a large car you're going fast as you want to...

Never been a problem with any of them.

UTTransplant · 11-09-2014, 08:19 AM

We have definitely travelled at 70-75 with a lightly loaded trailer and increased tire pressure. When we travel 700-800 miles a day, the difference is significant. Yes, I know a lot of you say "enjoy the drive", but if you have only a week for vacation and you want to go to southern Colorado from Iowa, you don't want to spend 4 days on the road and 4 days at your destination. Now we don't have to travel as far to get to the places we want. More importantly, our trailer is heavier! The extended speeds only work for long distances if you have a lot of margin, and we don't have as much now.

bokobird · 11-09-2014, 10:26 AM

I don't normally comment on how folks drive as it's really their business, doesn't bother me when I'm in my coach at all. I will say this, simple math, a 1,000 mile drive from say Des Moines IA to Durango CO (picked points reasonably at the edges) would take a little over 13 hours at 75 mph (if anyone could actually average that) and a whole 3 hours longer at 60 mph. I've only been averaging 42 mph (with food, fuel, breaks included). Unless you drive straight through, I don't see how driving at the limits of the vehicles really gains you any time. Unless of course you go to ludicrous speed, which then I would agree, saves you loads of time, but I can't imagine triple-digit speeds towing something.

L.C.Gray · 11-09-2014, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bokobird

I can't imagine triple-digit speeds towing something.

I used to know a truck driver who carried around a framed ticket he got for 123 mph in his bull wagon back in the 55 mph days... He said it took him 5 years to get his CDL back after that little stunt.

sknight · 11-09-2014, 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by L.C.Gray

I used to know a truck driver who carried around a framed ticket he got for 123 mph in his bull wagon back in the 55 mph days... He said it took him 5 years to get his CDL back after that little stunt.

My dad drove trucks with a guy that got popped for 117 out in Arizona, said it took him nearly four miles to get completely stopped.

I want to say that he just drove on his near identical brothers license until he got his back.

CaptnLouie · 11-21-2014, 02:11 AM

I drive 55mph.

Bigbird65 · 11-21-2014, 12:10 PM

I drive 60 - 65. Accidently got up to 70 a time or two but backed down when I noticed it.

slanted · 11-21-2014, 01:38 PM

In Colorado the speed limit is the same for trailers as it is for cars. In places we have posted limits as high as 75. While i have occasionally gone 75 or so, I try to keep it at about 65ish.

timetogo · 11-21-2014, 05:47 PM

When conditions dictate speed, I don't look at the speedometer, but I'm sure its less than 100 mph.

Bob Weis · 11-22-2014, 01:40 AM

2500 rpm for the torque, = 62 mph. Heavy traffic limit -5. Try to leave 3 - 4 car lengths in front of me. Just did a 65 -> 0 emergency stop in downtown Atlanta at 75 / 85 junction, had about 8' remaining.

I drive the rpm / torque that gives me the best tow, MPG, etc, not speed. Rarely ever go over 70 mph. MPG / MPH over 2500 RPM decreases rapidly, therefore 62 MPH.

Yes I stay the hell out of the way in the right lane.

Bob Weis