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01-17-2017, 11:09 AM
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#1
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Weekend Camper
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: Ohio
Posts: 46
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Towing speeds on interstate
What do most of you recommend for towing speed. I have aZ-1 231 pulling with F150 4x4 5.4 triton.
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01-17-2017, 11:26 AM
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#2
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Seasonal Camper
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Indiana
Posts: 258
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It all depends on what YOU feel comfortable with, most of the people we know and travel with would say 60 - 65 is a comfortable speed for them. Personally I never pull over 65 mph even though our truck can pull faster. I can get the best mileage at 55 - 60 mph. I've had people pulling trailers pass me doing over 70. The one thing you have to remember is even though you can pull something that fast you still have to get it stopped. Stopping at higher speeds is going to take longer and making sudden moves at those speeds can also be very dangerous.
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Phil & Janine
2010 Dodge Ram Crew Cab Short Bed 2500HD Cummins
2014 Cruiser 333RL
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01-17-2017, 11:28 AM
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#3
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Site Team
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: WI.
Posts: 9,162
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Some will say----the speed limit!
Me, I'm never in that much of a hurry any more. I usually set the cruise about 60. Being on any multi lane road, whether it's a freeway or not, I don't have any worry about impeding traffic. They're welcome to pass.
I think the first thing you should do is look at the sidewall of your trailer tires. Check and see what's printed on them for max speed. That might be your governing factor right there.
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01-17-2017, 11:34 AM
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#4
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Seasonal Camper
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: California
Posts: 333
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My state (CA) limits trucks and autos with trailers to 55 MPH. That's pretty slow, but it's plenty safe too. I set my cruise control to 59 and let everyone blow past me.
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Dave Edmiston
2015 Crossroads Elevation Homestead toy hauler
2014 Dodge RAM 3500 4x4 Diesel Dually
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01-17-2017, 01:46 PM
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#5
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Weekend Camper
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: Ohio
Posts: 46
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Thanks for the input, I never thought to look at the sidewall for speed recommendation.
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01-17-2017, 03:23 PM
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#6
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Site Team
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: PA
Posts: 5,724
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Most, but not all, ST tires are rated for 65 mph.
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Mark & Susan
Lehighton, Pennsylvania
EAGLE HT FIFTH WHEEL | 30.5CKTS - '13 Ford F150 SCREW - PullRite Superslide - Roadmaster Active Suspension
Member - "Northeast Adventures RV Rally Group" & "Mason-Dixon Bunch"
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01-17-2017, 04:53 PM
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#7
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Seasonal Camper
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Texas
Posts: 297
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Absolutely check the speed rating on your tires! That is the max speed those tires are rated at for towing at the max psi cold level printed on the side of the tires and the tires are in good condition. As time goes on and the tread starts to wear, that max speed should be reduced.
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Jeff & Laurie -- Full timing in Rockport, Texas
Auggie (our beer-loving English Cocker Spaniel)
Angus (55 pounds of attitude in a 5 pound chihuahua body)
Our home base -- 2018 Grand Design Solitude 375RES -- The "Uno Mas!"
The mobile office -- 2016 Crossroads Hill Country HCT26RB -- The "Poquito Mas!"
Gone but not forgotten: 2015 Heartland Landmark 365 Key West (lost to Hurricane Harvey)
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01-17-2017, 08:10 PM
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#8
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Full Time Camper
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: DFW, TexUS
Posts: 1,032
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What ^^^ Tx said !
65 mph for ST tires in perfect condition under perfect conditions... right psi,. right weight they are carrying, etc...
But in the middle of a 105 degree August day and overloaded ST tires and I wonder if there is a 'safe' speed
Goodyear bought me a new tire and repaired my previous redwood 5er when one let go !
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01-18-2017, 10:09 AM
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#9
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Full Time Camper
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Canton, OH
Posts: 937
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Ditto on the 60-65 MPH. I've seen a few vidoes of someone towing/swaying/flipping, and to me it seems a swerve while going way to fast is what sets the motion.
You can't swerve with these things, so a bit slower to help with reaction is definitely a plus.
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Eddy & Brenda
Canton, OH
2015 Silverado HD 6.0L
2014 Zinger 32QB
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01-18-2017, 12:07 PM
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#10
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Family Vacation Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: CA - California
Posts: 142
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Quote:
My state (CA) limits trucks and autos with trailers to 55 MPH. That's pretty slow, but it's plenty safe too. I set my cruise control to 59 and let everyone blow past me.
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I drive in California and the towing speed limit is 55 mph. I usually set my cruise control at 58-59 mph and enjoy the scenery was we slowly move about the state. I've been tailed a few times by the CHP and was only pulled over once for staying to long in the number 2 lane of a 3 lane highway north bound Hwy 99 south of Bakersfield). He didn't cite me for speeding but told me I should stay in the number 3 lane (truck lane) while towing a 5th wheel. I'm sorry, but the number 3 or 4 lane on most CA interstates are torn up by semi rigs. Either of these two lanes will literally shake your trailer apart due to the rough road.
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Donjamin
Fullerton, CA
2015 Ford F-250 SD 4X4
2013 Sunset Trail 32RL 5th Wheel (no longer own)
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01-18-2017, 03:39 PM
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#11
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Full Time Camper
Join Date: May 2012
Location: N.C. Mountains
Posts: 2,417
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I try to stay around 65 on interstate also. And 50-55 on secondary roads.
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*2016 CAF25SE Cruiser Aire 5er. *2020 Chevrolet 2500 HD Custom
*Ted & Tricia (Mimi - Teacup Poodle/ Sailor - Maltipoo)
*I have tried to live my life so that my family would love me and my friends would respect me. The others can do whatever the Hell they please!” —John Wayne
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01-18-2017, 05:30 PM
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#12
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Weekend Camper
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: CT.
Posts: 82
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I'd have to say 65-68 is were I try to stay on the highway with my setup and seem to average about 11.5-12 MPG. Plenty of power to go more but I like to be safe.
Steve
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2014 36FL Redwood pulled by 2015 GMC Denali 3500
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01-18-2017, 05:36 PM
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#13
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Weekend Camper
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: Ohio
Posts: 46
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Thanks everyone for the info
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01-18-2017, 05:57 PM
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#14
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Seasonal Camper
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: California
Posts: 333
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Donjamin
I drive in California and the towing speed limit is 55 mph. I usually set my cruise control at 58-59 mph and enjoy the scenery was we slowly move about the state. I've been tailed a few times by the CHP and was only pulled over once for staying to long in the number 2 lane of a 3 lane highway north bound Hwy 99 south of Bakersfield). He didn't cite me for speeding but told me I should stay in the number 3 lane (truck lane) while towing a 5th wheel. I'm sorry, but the number 3 or 4 lane on most CA interstates are torn up by semi rigs. Either of these two lanes will literally shake your trailer apart due to the rough road.
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Arguing with a CHP is never a good idea, but I'm pretty sure he was mistaken. Trailers are restricted to the two right lanes. On the 99 where there are three lanes, you can tow in the #2 and #3 lanes. Depending on the location (like proximity to cities with with lots of vehicles merging on and off), the #2 lane can sometimes be safer than #3.
Having said that though, I know that the CHP really likes to see us in the far right lane and I like to keep them happy whenever possible.
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Dave Edmiston
2015 Crossroads Elevation Homestead toy hauler
2014 Dodge RAM 3500 4x4 Diesel Dually
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01-18-2017, 08:50 PM
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#15
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Full Time Camper
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Nv
Posts: 628
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Dave, your close...anyone limited to 55 mph in Cal, such as semi trucks, vehicles pulling trailers etc, have to use the far right lane unless passing. If there are at least four lanes in each direction, then the "two" left lanes can be used.
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Steve & Sue
2017 Grand Design 297RSTS Travel Trailer
2017 Ford F-350 Lariat Crew Cab diesel 6.7 SW LB 11,500 lb GVWR package
Former: Crossroads ST26RB
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01-19-2017, 09:43 AM
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#16
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Full Time Camper
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: ca
Posts: 574
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I was pulling up the grapevine heading north. Was running 68mph in the #2 lane of four passing the semi's and a CHP pulled up beside me and in not so nice words told me to get the hell over on his bull horn
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2015 Redwood 36RL pushing a 2015 Denali DRW
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01-19-2017, 09:52 AM
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#17
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Full Time Camper
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Nv
Posts: 628
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Quote:
Originally Posted by woodwalker
I was pulling up the grapevine heading north. Was running 68mph in the #2 lane of four passing the semi's and a CHP pulled up beside me and in not so nice words told me to get the hell over on his bull horn
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I suspect that was precipitated because of the speed more than the lane position.
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Steve & Sue
2017 Grand Design 297RSTS Travel Trailer
2017 Ford F-350 Lariat Crew Cab diesel 6.7 SW LB 11,500 lb GVWR package
Former: Crossroads ST26RB
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01-19-2017, 10:35 PM
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#18
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Full Time Camper
Join Date: May 2011
Location: So. Cal.
Posts: 577
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve7
Dave, your close...anyone limited to 55 mph in Cal, such as semi trucks, vehicles pulling trailers etc, have to use the far right lane unless passing. If there are at least four lanes in each direction, then the "two" left lanes can be used.
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Steve,
Absolutely correct on the right two lanes. Never heard of the four lane rule you list above?
The attached isn't the DMV booklet but an accurate overview and I don't see anything about the 4 lane issue.
Can you elaborate?
Here are the California Towing Laws You Need To Know Before You Tow
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Bob and Better Half
2007 F-250 PSD, SW, CC, LB, 2WD
2006 TF32SS Cross Terrain Toy Hauler (sold)
Reese 16k slider
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01-20-2017, 08:04 AM
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#19
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Family Vacation Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: CA - California
Posts: 142
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Quote:
a CHP pulled up beside me and in not so nice words told me to get the hell over on his bull horn
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Same thing happened to us on our drive north through Bakersfield. The CHP officer got on his car's bull horn and ordered us over and back into the number 3 lane. if CalTrans would just stay on top of the road repairs in either the number 3 or 4 lanes due to heavy truck damage to the pavement, it wouldn't be an issue. The lack of funding by the State of California to stay on top of their road infrastructure repair work is starting to show all over the state (personal opinion).
D.
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Donjamin
Fullerton, CA
2015 Ford F-250 SD 4X4
2013 Sunset Trail 32RL 5th Wheel (no longer own)
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01-20-2017, 09:01 AM
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#20
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Full Time Camper
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Nv
Posts: 628
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Here are the laws pertaining to towing in California per the California Vehicle Code.
21655
(a) Whenever the Department of Transportation or local authorities with respect to highways under their respective jurisdictions determines upon the basis of an engineering and traffic investigation that the designation of a specific lane or lanes for the travel of vehicles required to travel at reduced speeds would facilitate the safe and orderly movement of traffic, the department or local authority may designate a specific lane or lanes for the travel of vehicles which are subject to the provisions of Section 22406 and shall erect signs at reasonable intervals giving notice thereof.
(b) Any trailer bus, except as provided in Section 21655.5, and any vehicle subject to the provisions of Section 22406 shall be driven in the lane or lanes designated pursuant to subdivision (a) whenever signs have been erected giving notice of that designation. Except as otherwise provided in this subdivision, when a specific lane or lanes have not been so designated, any of those vehicles shall be driven in the right-hand lane for traffic or as close as practicable to the right edge or curb. If, however, a specific lane or lanes have not been designated on a divided highway having four or more clearly marked lanes for traffic in one direction, any of those vehicles may also be driven in the lane to the immediate left of that right-hand lane, unless otherwise prohibited under this code. When overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction, the driver shall use either the designated lane, the lane to the immediate left of the right-hand lane, or the right-hand lane for traffic as permitted under this code.
This subdivision does not apply to a driver who is preparing for a left- or right-hand turn or who is entering into or exiting from a highway or to a driver who must necessarily drive in a lane other than the right-hand lane to continue on his or her intended route.
22406. No person may drive any of the following vehicles on a highway at a speed in excess of 55 miles per hour:
(a) A motortruck or truck tractor having three or more axles or any motortruck or truck tractor drawing any other vehicle.
(b) A passenger vehicle or bus drawing any other vehicle.
(c) A schoolbus transporting any school pupil.
(d) A farm labor vehicle when transporting passengers.
(e) A vehicle transporting explosives.
(f) A trailer bus, as defined in Section 636.
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Steve & Sue
2017 Grand Design 297RSTS Travel Trailer
2017 Ford F-350 Lariat Crew Cab diesel 6.7 SW LB 11,500 lb GVWR package
Former: Crossroads ST26RB
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