Speed Limit Towing

[Wrascal]

On open multiple lane highways I'll hang in the slow lane, generally 10 MPH lower than what's posted; if applicable I seriously try not to exceed 65 MPH.

In town and on secondary roads - I strive for closer to the limits.

But until that go-go juice returns to 25 cents/gal you can bet that I'll not be hard on the go-go pedal.

[pawpaw]

I tow between 60 & 65 MPH. If I'm in flat country, I just set my cruise control at 62 and enjoy the scenery. I know my tires are rated at 65 MPH, so why push them beyond their safe limit? There's also the issue of saving a lot of $$$$ because I'm not burning as much fuel by towing faster.

[edatlanta]

X2 what Grumpy said. I don't care what the max speed limit is. I drive 60 on interstates and less on secondary roads.

I'm retired, I'll get there in due time.

[Hitch Pin]

All truck tires have speed ratings to. I've seen some that were only rated for 75 MPH.

Speed Rating
In Germany some highways do not have speed limits and high speed driving is permitted. Speed ratings were established to match the speed capability of tires with the top speed capability of the vehicles to which they are applied. Speed ratings are established in kilometers per hour and subsequently converted to miles per hour (which explains why speed ratings appear established at "unusual" mile per hour increments). Despite the tire manufacturer's ability to manufacturer tires capable of high speeds, none of them recommend the use of their products in excess of legal speed limits. The maximum operating speed of a vehicle must be limited to the lowest speed rated tire on the vehicle.
Speed ratings are based on laboratory tests where the tire is pressed against a large diameter metal drum to reflect its appropriate load, and run at ever increasing speeds (in 6.2 mph steps in 10 minute increments) until the tire's required speed has been met.
It is important to note that speed ratings only apply to tires that have not been damaged, altered, under-inflated or overloaded. Additionally, most tire manufacturers maintain that a tire that has been cut or punctured no longer retains the tire manufacturer's original speed rating, even after being repaired because the tire manufacturer can't control the quality of the repair.
Over the years, tire speed rating symbols have been marked on tires in any of three ways shown in the following examples:
225/50SR16
225/50SR16 89S
or 225/50R16 89S

Each of these was an acceptable method of identifying speed ratings.
Early tires had their speed rating symbol shown "within" the tire size, such as 225/50SR16. Tires using this type of branding were not to have been produced after 1991.
225/50SR16
112 mph, 180 km/h
225/50HR16
130, 210 km/h
225/50VR16
in excess of 130 mph, 210 km/h

Beginning in 1991, the speed symbol denoting a fixed maximum speed capability of new tires must be shown only in the speed rating portion of the tire's service description, such as 225/50R16 89S. The most common tire speed rating symbols, maximum speeds and typical applications are shown below:

Off-Road & Light Truck Tires
L
75 mph
120 km/h

P
93 mph
150 km/h


Studless & Studdable Winter Tires
Q
99 mph
160 km/h


H.D. Light Truck Tires
R
106 mph
170 km/h

[3'senough]

I usually set my CC at 63 on the interstates regardless of the limit when 55-70. That seems to be just right for the movement of traffic which is usually pushing 75-80 so it keeps me moving enough to not be a hazzard.

[cekkk]

My truck seems to like 62 with the TT attached and that speed suits DW, who is usually following with the toys attached to her Expedition. That goes for interstate and good roads, slower if roads are rough or otherwise not comfortable at that speed.