Towing speeds on interstate

[Donjamin]

As a Californian, I'm doing some consulting work here in Ohio. It is a bit intimidating to have a semi pull up behind you in the fast lane doing 70-75 mph on a Cleveland freeway and flash his lights at you to move over so he can pass. I do like the fact that California limits the speed of semi trucks to 55 mph and limits them to the two right lanes on a 3 or 4 lane highway.

D.

[r2millers]

Originally Posted by Donjamin

As a Californian, I'm doing some consulting work here in Ohio. It is a bit intimidating to have a semi pull up behind you in the fast lane doing 70-75 mph on a Cleveland freeway and flash his lights at you to move over so he can pass. I do like the fact that California limits the speed of semi trucks to 55 mph and limits them to the two right lanes on a 3 or 4 lane highway.

D.

Just to clarify Steve's comment, you can only drive in the two right most lanes while towing when on a freeway in CA.
If you drive on a 4 lane divided hwy, not restricted, you must drive in the right two lanes, except when making a left hand turn and have to merge to the left to do so.
You still can't drive in the inside lanes of a restricted road or freeway as I understand it.

[Steve7]

Originally Posted by r2millers

Just to clarify Steve's comment, you can only drive in the two right most lanes while towing when on a freeway in CA.
If you drive on a 4 lane divided hwy, not restricted, you must drive in the right two lanes, except when making a left hand turn and have to merge to the left to do so.
You still can't drive in the inside lanes of a restricted road or freeway as I understand it.

That summary sounds correct to me Bob...

[AbbaZabba]

Most of our speed limits in CO are 75 for Istate, they drop in most cities and go back up for open roads. Many, myself included, do go over 65. Are there any trailer tires that have a speed rating closer to 75?

[Steve7]

Originally Posted by AbbaZabba

Most of our speed limits in CO are 75 for Istate, they drop in most cities and go back up for open roads. Many, myself included, do go over 65. Are there any trailer tires that have a speed rating closer to 75?

Yes. There's also charts that show an increas in tire pressure and/or reduction in trailer weight will allow for greater incremental speeds. I know my new trailer has "75 mph" on the sidewall, they are Westlakes. My Crossroad trailer also had "75 mph" printed on the sidewall, can't immediately remember the brand at this minute. Most trailer tires will have a 65 mph limit though printed on the tire.

[NoodlesWIU]

While I'm new to pulling a camper, I have towed boats, and other trailers since I was 16. The one thing I've learned is slow and steady truly does win the race. It's much more comfortable to be a few miles under, letting people pass you on the left when all you have to worry about is keeping it between the lines in the right lane. Plus to me, half the enjoyment of the trip is being in a zone with your own thoughts and enjoying the drive.

[moore_rvers]

Originally Posted by NoodlesWIU

While I'm new to pulling a camper, I have towed boats, and other trailers since I was 16. The one thing I've learned is slow and steady truly does win the race. It's much more comfortable to be a few miles under, letting people pass you on the left when all you have to worry about is keeping it between the lines in the right lane. Plus to me, half the enjoyment of the trip is being in a zone with your own thoughts and enjoying the drive.

Right On! My thoughts exactly. I never travel more than 60-65mph. sometimes slower. Rather have everyone pass us and go on their way than to put ourselves in any kind of dangerous circumstances.

[johnboytoo]

I heard somewhere that Goodyear is bringing production back into the states and building a 75mph ST tire...

[Lloyd]

I heard the same thing.

[Danny Pyle]

I checked my sidewalls yesterday and my st tires are rated at 75mph. I am definitely not going to tow at that speed!

[johnboytoo]

And now I hear of someone building an 81 mph rated one !

Makes for a bit more 'wiggle room' for sure !

And, IMHO, if your setup is rated for it, and conditions are safe for it, and you are competent to do it, speed is not the problem, it's the speed difference that creates 'situations'...

On I-10 in west texas where it is straight for 100 miles, you best be ready to move over if you are in the left lane doing 75... I call it the Autobarn

[Russb]

https://corporate.goodyear.com/en-US...iler_tire.html

The new Goodyear tire is the Endurance and will be made in USA

[Lloyd]

Originally Posted by johnboytoo

And now I hear of someone building an 81 mph rated one !

Makes for a bit more 'wiggle room' for sure !

And, IMHO, if your setup is rated for it, and conditions are safe for it, and you are competent to do it, speed is not the problem, it's the speed difference that creates 'situations'...

On I-10 in west texas where it is straight for 100 miles, you best be ready to move over if you are in the left lane doing 75... I call it the Autobarn

The part about competency is the big issue. I have seen an awful lot of people towing or driving big rigs that shouldn't be allowed to do so.
I would like to see a mandatory law for drivers to be tested in order to tow or drive an RV.

[travelin texans]

Originally Posted by Lloyd

The part about competency is the big issue. I have seen an awful lot of people towing or driving big rigs that shouldn't be allowed to do so.
I would like to see a mandatory law for drivers to be tested in order to tow or drive an RV.

It will NEVER happen, the RVIA wouldn't let it happen as their sales would drop by 75% because from what I've witnessed there are that many driving big diesel pushers that can't walk without a walker & even more towing too much trailer with not near enough tow vehicle.

[Lloyd]

Doesn't CA. require some type of additional license now?

[johnboytoo]

Hey Danny, I resemble that remark
Too many knee surgeries from sports will have me with a walker soon - but doesn't affect driving at all

I know in Texas there's a special license for anything towing 10k+ pounds or if the weight of the coach is over 26k ??? IIRC, sorry, got my special license a while back and don't remember the rules...
(Actually should have had the Texas noncommercial Class B Exempt license when towing the FAT redwood, but didn't know it at the time !)