Community Forums

melvonnar · 12-22-2008, 10:18 AM

How come every ones in such a hurry--55MPH will get you better fuel mileage and get you there nearly as fast; save the ware on your RV. arrive rested; not stressed out.
If you have ever tried to stop in a hurry at 70 miles an hour, you know how long it takes, at 50 you can stop much quicker.

BryanL · 12-22-2008, 01:24 PM

Why is it that some folks want to tell other folks how to drive and how to spend their money?

Why does cruising the highway at a comfortable speed have to be perceived as a stressful experience and being in a hurry?

Why do people worry about coming to a dead stop on a freeway? Isn't that a traffic hazard?

Perhaps we need to encourage being courteous and attentive and respectful of others, whether on the road or in these discussions?

historyljc · 12-22-2008, 03:06 PM

If I recall correctly, the minimum speed required on an interstate highway is 45 mph. If someone wishes to drive 55 mph it is perfectly legal for them to do so. I have witnessed many vehicles, including many trucks, cruising between 55 and 65 mph on these roads. In general, the interstate system (Dwight D. Eisenhower National Defense Highway System), original specificationss called for a road systems capable of moving traffic safely at a speed of 85 mph, which most of the system when in good repair will do. This means that drivers using the system have a choice of speeds ranging from 45 mph to any legal limit up to 85 mph and can expect generally safe driving conditions unless otherwise posted. The ability to make choices is called freedom. Freedom, that's what America is all about. Ain't America grand.

Besides, that national 55 mph has been tried before and was unsatisfactory then, so I see no reason why it would be so now. Also remember that to many using the roads, time is money. The longer it takes to deliver the load the less money they can make per load so the cost must go up to compensate. The customer gets to defray that added cost.

UFO Pilot · 12-22-2008, 03:14 PM

I have checked mileage on my RV a number of time using different MPH's. My best MPG is driving at 61 - 62 MPH. So if I drive 50 or 55 I use more fuel.

buckeyes · 12-22-2008, 03:36 PM

I am in the 60-62 mph section. I get in the right lane, put on some good tunes, and just chill! Amazing how we arrive in a good mood, relaxed, and since we are retired, always on time! OURS!
My thought is that if you don't want to follow me at 60-62, that is what the left lane is for.
Have a good day, and drive what makes you comfortable.

melvonnar · 12-22-2008, 03:53 PM

buckryes
I agree 100% with you.
I use the right lane; all those folks that are in a hurry--(thats what the passing lanes for) I say go for it.
I didn't know there were so many people in a hurry to get somewhere.

melvonnar · 12-22-2008, 03:54 PM

buckeyes
sorry about the spelling

melvonnar · 12-22-2008, 04:02 PM

While I"m on this speed thing; please let me add:
I"ve had 4 motorhomes in the last twenty years.
The average milage on each when I traded was 130 thousand miles.
I have never had a transmission problem.
I have never had a motor problem.
I have never had a drive train problem.
Why?
I don"t drive like I have to be there yesterday.
Speed costs.

Ray,IN · 12-22-2008, 04:09 PM

I agree with the majority. Drive whatever speed makes you happy, I do, which happens to be in the 60-65 range. The truck is obtaining it's best towing mileage, the speed demons whiz by without bothering me, and slower drivers leave the high-speed lane open for me to pass if I want.
Our country may not be perfect, but is there better-not!

TXiceman · 12-22-2008, 05:06 PM

55 mph is easier to do up in the NE where nothing is very far apart. In the southwest and west, 55 just does not work...you will never get there...it feels that way.

With the trailer we generally run right at 62 to 65 mph and take our time.

Ken

Don (W5IT) · 12-22-2008, 05:31 PM

Well with my current rig I drive between 65 and 70. Below 65, any little hill, overpass or anything other than level the transmission "Hunts" between overdrive and drive. Thus messing up my fuel mileage. Over 70 and the fuel mileage suffers as well.

At 55 it will not stay in overdrive at all. Again, mileage suffers.

So in my case trying to drive 55 COSTS me money and time. Needless to say, "I don't drive 55".

I say drive whatever speed works for you and don't try to impose YOUR will or what works for you on me any more than I care to impose mine on you............................

LVJ58 · 12-22-2008, 07:39 PM

Why do people worry about coming to a dead stop on a freeway? Isn't that a traffic hazard?

Not necessarily if one pays full attention to their driving and drive defensively watching for potential traffic hazards in the distance down the highway.

We cruise comfortably between 55 & 60 as it's more relaxing & we get slightly better fuel mileage.

However,I have no problem with folks who prefer driving faster as it's certainly their prerogative to do so.

Seasons Greetings to all.

TXiceman · 12-23-2008, 04:46 AM

My truck has the same problems as Don's. 65 mph is pretty much the sweet spot. 70 and the feul mileage drops, 60 and it hunts in and out of OD to maintain speed on the small hills.

Running solo, it can do OK at 55 and really jumps up on the fule economy,...but towing, I need the RPMS to get the torque up.

Ken

SeeTheUSA · 12-23-2008, 05:25 AM

I travel at whatever speed strikes my fancy --- depends on road and weather conditions, traffic, my mood, and whatever else I choose to think, feel, or acknowledge.

The only time I am concerned with what others are doing is if they impact my safety or get in my way!

Selfish? Nope, just realistic. Ring whatever bells you want - just leave my bells alone!