Cruise speed

Rock · 12-03-2015, 07:04 AM

Just wondering what cruise speed you do when towing. My old TT I would tow 65-68. My just done first trip towing the big beast at 60 mph and got 13.2 mpg. I know the g rated tires can tow way faster but this just seemed to be my trucks sweet spot
Rock

dalebra · 12-03-2015, 07:23 AM

I always shoot for the posted speed limit. Any TT should be able to be pulled at the posted speed limit. However, always adjust your speed on the conditions. As you have found out it's more about the TV and where that sweet spot is. I found that my 04' gasser was 60-65mph any more and it was down shifting too often even for the slightest grade. Now with my new 2015 Duramax it don't care. Maintaining 75mph is not an issue.

tularockstar · 12-03-2015, 09:00 AM

We always cruise between 65 and 70. We see no need to hurry, but will speed up to get around slower traffic when needed. Our mileage so far, has been more than exceptional. When we're not towing we average around 18 and 19 mph. When we tow we get about 14 mph. We have no problem going up hill, and the engine never rev'd higher than 2,200 rpm.

SmokerBill · 12-03-2015, 09:56 AM

Usually no faster than 60 mph, even if the posted speed limit is 75. I've had to pass many slo-pokes on the road during my life. Now it's payback time.

Seriously, I get better fuel mileage if I keep the speed down, plus I want to keep my RAM pickup for a long time, so not pushing the transmission too hard will hopefully help me achieve that goal.

Camper_bob · 12-03-2015, 10:27 AM

Generally, and depending on conditions, we're typically cruising right around 70 mph. But we spend a lot of time down around 60-65 too. Just depends. We have a wide variety of roads we travel. Some roads say 75, but if you go that fast, you're going to be looking for dental implants (bad roads).

ST tires are generally rated to 65 mph (based on arbitrary import restrictions from what I understand), so I don't like to go too fast. And it's a lot of mass to deal with if something happens, regardless of the tire rating.

I haven't really found the sweet spot for my truck yet though. I seem to get about the same mileage from 60-70 with slight improvements over and under that range.

Hattie · 12-03-2015, 10:37 AM

AAA has state/province information on towing speed and trailer brakes. I'm sure there are many other reference points too.

mtdawg · 12-03-2015, 11:57 AM

I generally maintain my speed at 60 - 65 mph. I'm towing a 12k 38 ft. fiver with an 07 Dodge diesel (5.9l Cummins). Certainly I have the power to go faster, but there is a 1-3 mpg loss in fuel efficiency. Additionally I assume that braking is tougher and will contribute to faster wear on the brake pads.

Jim

dalengail · 12-03-2015, 12:29 PM

I stay at about 65 mph. The little one ton can certainly pull it much faster but, why? I'm with some of you others. Got time, save some fuel and don't tear anything up before it's time. Besides, going up most mountains, I can still pass 18 wheelers. I just get out of the way going down the other side!

KLGard · 12-03-2015, 01:14 PM

We have found that you need to follow each state's seed limit laws. For instance in California, the speed limit is 65mph, except for semi-trucks and any vehicle that is towing. That speed limit is 55mph. (They have very hefty speed fines!) You will find that most states have laws for towing, and or, the size of vehicle. If you are towing a large 5th wheel you do have to realize the safety of towing at a safe speed. I usually tow bewteen 60 and 62, except where the speed limit is lower (again California). I am not out to win the race, but aim to be safe and get to our destinations. And, if you have ever had a tow-master tire blow, you will be very glad to be going a little slower.

**norty1** · 12-03-2015, 01:18 PM

I tow at 60 to 65. I'm in no hurry and my truck gets a lot better fuel economy at that speed.

Most trailer tires run cooler at slower speeds. Not to start a big "heated" discussion but I tow a lot and see lots of big trailers on the side of the road with blown tires.

KLGard · 12-03-2015, 01:22 PM

Well said norty1! I also tow a lot and have learned to take my time and enjoy the scenery.

spoon059 · 12-03-2015, 03:38 PM

I tend to cruise around 67-70 mph when towing. ST tires are load tested to 65 mph. That means that if your tire is rated for 3000 lbs at 60psi, they start to lose that weight rating when your speeds exceed that 65 mph mark. Some manufacturers specifically state that you can exceed the 65 mph speed limit, but you need to over pressure your tires by 10psi.

I am still a working stiff, so my vacation time is precious to me. When I retire, I'll probably try to drive at 55 mph and see if my mileage improvements are worth it. For now I am willing to sacrifice a couple mpg's in order to have more time at the campground!

Rock · 12-03-2015, 05:36 PM

I know my truck with 4:10 gears power band for my Cummings is at 2000 rpm which with my 315 tires is 70. I might go back to just bigger than stock and put the power back at 65 mph
Rock

LAKnox · 12-07-2015, 12:46 PM

ST tires are speed rated to 65 mph; if they fail, and there's signs of you going over that, there's no recourse. With only 1 or 2 exceptions, ST tires on heavy TTs and FWs are a joke. I figure my Carlisle RH, which are rated for 87 mph, should do me just fine for a long time as I only drive 65 max. I prefer 60 for the ~1.5 mpg mileage increase, but sometimes mama wants to get there a little faster. IMO, anyone who runs STs > 65 mph is just asking for a tire failure, usually catastrophic. LTs are a different story, and if you've got them on your rig, I'll wave as you pass by. :-)

Lyle

JohnWedell · 12-07-2015, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LAKnox

ST tires are speed rated to 65 mph; if they fail, and there's signs of you going over that, there's no recourse. With only 1 or 2 exceptions, ST tires on heavy TTs and FWs are a joke. I figure my Carlisle RH, which are rated for 87 mph, should do me just fine for a long time as I only drive 65 max. I prefer 60 for the ~1.5 mpg mileage increase, but sometimes mama wants to get there a little faster. IMO, anyone who runs STs > 65 mph is just asking for a tire failure, usually catastrophic. LTs are a different story, and if you've got them on your rig, I'll wave as you pass by. :-)

Lyle

My Maxxis 8008's are speed rated (Q) 99 mph. Still I don't go over the speed limit.

Camper_bob · 12-07-2015, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnWedell

My Maxxis 8008's are speed rated (Q) 99 mph. Still I don't go over the speed limit.

Is that marked on the tire? I just put Maxxis on my trailer, and their website still lists the standard "65" rating. From what I understand, that was an import requirement that has since expired, so you're finding ST tires with higher speed ratings now. It should be marked somewhere on the tire right?

Grumpy · 12-07-2015, 03:45 PM

I set the cruise at 62 or slower if in heavy traffic.

Everybody talks about having a blow out on the trailer or FW. My biggest concern would be on the TV, I have G-614's on the FW. I don't care what tire you have all it takes is a small chunk of something on the road to cause a blow-out. My uncle had the happen and the only thing that saved him from ending up on the opposite side of the X-way (can we say head-on) was the fact the trailer flipped and hit the passenger side of his car and sent it straight up the median.

I'll spend the extra hour on the road, rather than taking the chance.

Rock · 12-07-2015, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grumpy

I set the cruise at 62 or slower if in heavy traffic.

Everybody talks about having a blow out on the trailer or FW. My biggest concern would be on the TV, I have G-614's on the FW. I don't care what tire you have all it takes is a small chunk of something on the road to cause a blow-out. My uncle had the happen and the only thing that saved him from ending up on the opposite side of the X-way (can we say head-on) was the fact the trailer flipped and hit the passenger side of his car and sent it straight up the median.

I'll spend the extra hour on the road, rather than taking the chance.

I agree it only takes once. I had a close one before with my 14k boat on a tri axle trailer and most people have never had to stop now or swerve while towing a very heavy load more than the tv. Yes the tv will wave the dog and u will never forget that
Rock
That one took several years off my life

LAKnox · 12-07-2015, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Camper_bob

Is that marked on the tire? I just put Maxxis on my trailer, and their website still lists the standard "65" rating. From what I understand, that was an import requirement that has since expired, so you're finding ST tires with higher speed ratings now. It should be marked somewhere on the tire right?

I've never heard this. I =have= heard that ST tires run right at the edge of their "envelope", with little safety margin. The speed limit is simply to keep the tires from self-destructing if run > a certain speed. Frankly, this is true of =all= tires.

Lyle

RVhiker · 12-08-2015, 06:36 AM

Well, now I'm confused. I found this AAA Trailer Speed Limit chart (clicky) and it provoked several questions:

1) Sounds like I have really been speeding in Louisiana:

Boat or utility trailer, same as passenger car; house trailer, 55 mph, day, 50 mph, night for brake-equipped trailers 15 to 32 feet long, 50 mph for trailers without brakes less than 15 feet; all others, 45 mph.

So how fast can I (not should I) tow my fifth wheel on an interstate in LA with a posted speed limit of 70 mph??

2) Generally, my fifth wheel is not a "Mobile Home" or "house trailer", is it?

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