Driving motorhomes and towing trailers doesn’t exactly scream “speed demon,” but it certainly could for a select few! When you’re in your RV, do you usually drive the speed limit, or go above (faster) or below (slower)?
Of course, driving the speed limit is where you’ll get the best gas mileage, and it’s what’s best for your tires, but sometimes it seems that getting to the destination faster is more important. As long as you get to your destination safely…
Please vote in our poll and leave a comment too, if you wish. We’re always happy to hear from you.
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Here in montana speed limits are 65 to 80 . As two lane are higher then single ,As most camper state 65 is the safe speed for tires. With the correct load is a factor in what is tire loads ,too go heavier then what the tire is designed for causes it to run hotter. This is why most want you to run 65 . There are some companys that sell higher speed 75 , but they still warn about over loading. I have used a equalizer hitch setup , this helps in windy conditions and if I speed up to much going down hill.I have a tire monitoring that lets me know what each tire is doing. I was surprised at the temperature of running at higher speeds.
As an old truck driver, I try to stay within the speed limit, but I also feel you need to drive what feels safe. I have a Minni Winni towing a jeep and drive what feels safe usually under the speed limit to get fuel mileage and not getting so close to the next car that if I had to stop quickly, I would be halfway into that car. I also limit the time I am driving with a few breaks to settle my nerves.
I’ve got a small (22′) travel trailer and could go fast if I wanted to. But just below the limit (max 60) is plenty fast enough, and if needed to feel in control of my rig, will slow down a bit more. Getting there slowly sure beats not getting there fast…
It really really depends on the condition of the road, the wind conditions and the environment. Driving on a divided highway with little traffic on a country road … or downtown LA getting run over by speeders will definitely have an impact on my speed.
I’ve pulled my 30 ft fifth wheel all through the Southwest for four Winters. Interstate as well as county roads. Doesn’t matter if it’s posted 70 or 80mph…I don’t go over 65 unless I’m picking up a little speed going downhill to help with an upcoming huge uphill grade. My speed varies with road conditions, hills, curves and traffic. Know your truck, know your RV and always overestimate stopping distance. Traffic will always go around you. If traffic is backing up behind me on a two-laner, I find a place where I can pull over and let them by and continue on my way. Don’t ever let traffic force you into unsafe driving.
Best to follow truck speeds anyway. Most states require you to.
We never run over 60-65. I don’t care if traffic is speeding or what the posted limit is over 60. I try to keep to inside lanes whenever possible. My equipment, our lives, my insurance.
We have a 17 foot Casita and I usually keep the speed at 68 give or take. I try to stay at the truckers speed (in the right lane) so I don’t have problems with cars on my tail. Although truckers tend to slow on upgrades, so many times I have to pass them (going much faster 70-75) to maintain my set speed (often I use my adaptive cruse control). with roads having slower speeds than 60 I will go about 5-8 miles an hour faster then posted. This depends on the road and conditions.
Sounds great. I drove the big rigs for 42 years. Now just pull the 30 ft 5th wheel.
We travel 58 to 60 and enjoy 14MPG. Pulling a 44 foot Mobile Suite with 4500 GMC.
63- 67 depends on speed limit.
Rcm
On a single lane road I will do the speed limit and if traffic builds up behind me, I’ll try and pull over to let them by. If I can’t pull over I will go up to 5 over. On a double lane, I’ll do the speed limit and if no traffic behind, may go slightly under. It saves fuel and let you actually enjoy the scenery.I don’t want to pee other drivers off by holding them up.
Yep, motorhome pulling a jeep zips passed as it was a 2 lane road and a little narrow so I was going 5 under speed limit. He flies by barely cuts in front, throwing up rocks at my truck. Jeep is smoking as rear tire is half gone. He continues another 10-20 miles until he pulls over. All that was left was the rotor. He probably would have got there 30 minutes ahead of me. It pays to go fast..,.
If the speed limit was 60 I would go the speed limit but that would also depend on wind and road conditions. If it was posted higher I would generally go less and try to stick around 60 but again depending on conditions.
Generally on two lane roads I try and maintain the speed limit that is posted. On the interstate I generally I travel around 62 MPH.
I generally tow at 55MPH or the speed limit, whichever is lower, but it really depends on the wind direction and speed. With a following wind I may drive around 60MPH.
I typically drive 60 mph, even if the posted speed is 75 mph
That’s what I drive is 60. Also most trailer tires are rated 60 or 65mph.
My Honda says not to tow my Pilot faster than 65, so it’s that or the speed limit if lower. When not towing I’ll go 70, which I think is the speed rating for my tires.
In ideal conditions I travel at 68mph. That is my perfect speed in a perfect world… . But I always adjust for weather, traffic or road condition.
I answered I go the speed limit, but that’s not always accurate, when pulling a toad, my limit is 65, without a Toad my limit is 65. I very seldom drive faster, when I do it is never any faster than 70. I have witnessed many times over, older and new rigs flying low, looks to be about 85. I can say for sure all I know is they passed me like I’m standing still. I usually say a prayer for them, that they get to their destination safely…
Re the 60 mph speed limit. I’ll normally allow myself to go 65 mph, for two reasons. First, ST (trailer) tires are limited to 65 mph – read anything from the Tire Guy, Roger Marble. Of course, if you don’t use ST tires, that doesn’t apply. Second, I am told that there is a federal requirement on all vehicles sold in the US that the speedometer may not indicate a speed that is lower than the actual speed. To avoid a violation of this rule, and the lawsuits that would result, car manufacturers intentionally build the speedometer to indicate 2-3 mph faster than the real speed.
Bill
One Bill to another, I don’t think that is correct. I use my GPS to determine my speed, and it is right on the speedometer reading.