Towing speed

[Dgibbster]

We tow a 16’ cargo trailer or a jeep behind our 29xk redhawk and i stay 60-65 max. Also i have been seen just cruisin along at 55 without a worry and no hurry because disabled and no need to get anywhere too fast, or not get there at all. To me not worth the risks of towing at any higher speeds for if you get hit by a wind traveling across the country or a large game animal crosses a road it all gets worse the faster you are going.

[Brownie]

I had always traveled about 62-63 mph, which seemed really slow at the time. When I replaced my first set of TT tires, I upgraded to an "E" load/speed rating. That meant I could go 85 mph. I'd NEVER pull a trailer that fast, but I did try 70 on my first couple of trips on the new rubber. I found it cut my fuel economy by 2.5-3 mpg, and the slightest breeze caused the trailer to dance around - especially when a semi passed me. I slowed down to 65 on the next trip and still got to my destination . . . but with a lot less tension, and a few more gas $$$ in my pocket. Since then, I've stuck to 65 mph, and have found that (because that's the limit in most construction zones) I don't have to slow down & speed up as much.

[koko]

Tires are not the issue at all. Safety is the issue. How fast is unsafe? No mention of safety anywhere in this thread. No mention of weather conditions (especially wind). Can't even count the number of times trailers and motorhomes have passed us rocking and swaying almost out of control without any regard for anything but speed.

[16WhiteColly]

I tow an 18’ TT with a 2016 Colorado V6, and about 63 mph is the sweet spot and can get 14 mpg consistently, and hold gear without a lot of shifting.

[Scoutmaster253]

Originally Posted by koko

Tires are not the issue at all. Safety is the issue. How fast is unsafe? No mention of safety anywhere in this thread. No mention of weather conditions (especially wind). Can't even count the number of times trailers and motorhomes have passed us rocking and swaying almost out of control without any regard for anything but speed.

Being concerned with speed and how it affects the towed vehicle is ALL about safety, even if the author didn't spell it out that way. Slowing down, and generally not being in a hurry has a direct affect on safety. They are all tied together.

Tires with a higher speed rating perform better at all speeds because they do not have the sponginess that causes the swaying and poor control you mentioned.

[koko]

Poorly worded on my part. Of course, the tire is important. My point - too many people we've spoken with pull trailers and brag to us that they go 75 because that's what their tire rating is.

[nynethead]

Depends on tire rating. If you are using ST rated tires the speed maximum is 65 mph. People go much faster but they aren’t rated for it. Just like car/truck tires have speed ratings

[masterarcher]

I’m running a RAM 2500 with a Jayco 336FBOK (~14,000). I found that I watch the TACH and find the sweet spot. If I drive at 62-3 rather than 65, I drop the TACH significantly and save about 4-5 MPG. I lose 3 miles every hour, but that is really nothing. Also, I feel much safer at a slower speed in the event of any type of emergency. The faster you go, the harder it is to stop and avoid problems.

[sasiki]

I have a 2010 f150 5.4l and tow a 267slxw. I do 65mph on the interstate and 5 less than the speed limit elsewhere. I tend to tuck in behind another RV or semi truck and roll on.

[Johnynorthland]

Originally Posted by Thomson

One of the things we have noticed is that staying 65 to 68 makes good time and sits at the top of the torque curve. And, staying below the speed limit allows the idiots to cramp into your safe distance, slam on their brakes, you don't have to react like you would at the speed limit. Since I've been pulling and dropped the speed it is more relaxed and I don't want to turn some idiot into a flat car

That’s my speed too! I also only travel between 2-4 hours a day with a 1 hour stop in between. I’ve heard you should use the “2x2x2” rule; drive no longer than 2 hours a day, arrive by 2pm and stay 2 days, but haven’t been able to do this in 5 years!

[Icy]

What are you driving. I always look at your engine best engine torque range. For example if 90% of your torque is at 2100 - 2500rpm you will probably get better fuel efficiency. I always try not to lug the engine.

[thenne1713]

Originally Posted by CrowCross

So, Ive been heading to Arizona from Philly the last few days....trying to limit my speed to 65 MPH. People have told me 65 is the limit....is that realistic or is 70 more realistic?
Any reasons why or why not?

Just for the record I've been getting an average of 6.45 MPG.

Speed limit towing of 65 is based on (many/ most) ST-type TRAILER TIRES have a MAX SPEED rating of 65-MPH. (Many of) those who go faster then scratch their heads and blame MFR/ others when they experience a blowout? Hmmmm

[belisba]

I drive a Greyhawk 30Z with stock tires rated at 65 mph. I sometimes pull a toad behind it. I’m always close to max weight.

It seems to me going 60-65 on a max 70-75 highway is the sweat spot. Ride is better, mileage is better, and at those speeds I can ride comfortable on cruise control in the right lane without having to constantly adjust my speed.

Anything faster, the tires heat way up and the wind starts to have a real effect. 65 is ok, 60 is best. After all, if you need to get there quick, fly or drive a car. 😉

[msherw]

I never exceed posted speed limits, always monitor my MH and toad tire pressures, and let the cross winds be my guide - if the winds are off my sides and causing me to have to correct steering I then lower the speed to one that is SAFE for our trip.

Otherwise, I motor at or just below posted limits.

[ScottK]

I have to agree with Grumpy I have a 43 ft FW on trip out west to Arizona about a yr ago
65 save on fuel.

[GDBurk]

I tow a 30.5 5th wheel with my 95 ram diesel. I follow posted speed limits for trucks and on the roads I travel that's either 55 or 60 mph. I'm not in a hurry so I stick to these speeds.

[msherw]

I saw little or no diff between 60 and 70 mph driving speeds on gas savings with the V10 Ford E450. However on anything but level roads, both my speeds and savings on gas improve when I drop to 55-60.

Mountains are going to extract time and money from our travels. Just a way of life on the road.

[Happy wife / happy life]

Originally Posted by 16WhiteColly

X2, that’s my philosophy also.

X3

[Bugman]

Originally Posted by 16WhiteColly

I tow an 18’ TT with a 2016 Colorado V6, and about 63 mph is the sweet spot and can get 14 mpg consistently, and hold gear without a lot of shifting.

I'm with you. I have a 21' TT, dual-axle with 15" Goodyear Endurance tires and a 2019 Colorado V-6. I go 60 to 65 max and get 14 MPG also. I'll let the NASCAR-wanna-be morons pass me by all day long, and I'll arrive safely and relaxed 10 minutes after they do.

[TXJACO]

My F250 sweet spot is 65 mph and in 5th gear. I rarely drive in overdrive unless I have a really good tailwind. 65 is the fastest I ever go just because 65 is my brain’s sweet spot. Too often TT or 5’ers pass me like I’m standing still. I would rather get to where I’m going in one piece rather than not getting there at all!

Paul