Traveling speed

[Mary Ann in MN]

I tried to search but didn't find much info.

What speed do most of you travel at while towing the camper? I know most speed limits are 65-70 but I've been doing about 55-60 and everyone passes me on the open roads, campers, trucks and people towing boats. I'm usually not in any hurry to get from point A to B when I have the camper, but it might make a difference for traveling across the states.

[honda03842]

Many people tow at high speed. In our travels we are often passed by people towing. We restrict our maximum speed to the limit stamped on our tires, 65 mph, or the speed limit of the state we are driving thru.

About 1/4 of the states limit top towing speed to 55 mph, though I admit I have never seen it enforced.

We are retired and generally avoid the Interstates. Our typical speeds are between 55 and 62 mph depending on the road and the law. On the Interstates we generally stay to the right and drive 60-62 mph.

[deryk]

I try to keep it to 60mph. Safer and I can keep going and get better mpg

[Kevin K]

Did a 4000 mile trip to the east coast in late Sept. and drove no faster than 60 mph. Let the speeders pass.

[Otters]

If you ever make it out to California, know that the limit is 55 while towing on the freeways. I keep it between 55 and 60. During the summer if its very hot, I don't go over the 55 and stop more frequently to let the tires cool. I'm retired too and had to learn to be pokey. Once you get used to it, its great. Like Kevin said...let the speeders pass.

[Byron Kinnaman]

Between 55 and 60 mph, weighted toward the lower side. CA and OR maximum towing speed is 55. OR has maximum speed of 55 for all vehicles except on the Interstate higways. CA has a maximum towing speed of 55 and they seem to enforce it.
The gas mileage and relaxed travel make it worth staying well below the maximum trailer tire speed (65 mph).

Yes we have a lot of people including those towing travel trailer zooming by us and every once in a while we read where one has put the dirty side up.

[Adrian W]

In the Ford Ranger (our original tow vehicle), I tried to keep it about 55 (& up to 60). But at times I'd tow the Scamp at 65 to 70. Much better gas milage at 55.

With our Ford F150, at times 55, but more often 60 to 65. Again up to 70 or a little better a few times. Much better mpg at 55/60. Less tire problems it seems as well.

In California, I try to go along with flow & that is often well over the posted speed limits. My brother-in-law, an almost native of CA, told me years ago the police usually will let those keep up with the flow alone. The go after the ones who are lane changing & passing those following the flow. This was pertaining to the freeways around LA & vicinity of SoCal.

Some of the posted speeds in Texas on I-10 & perhaps I-20 are 85 mph. A raceway. Tow the Scamp once on it (maybe them) when it was set at 80 mph with the Ford Ranger. Went about 70 then, I believe. Perhaps 75 at times. Should have used the backroads.

Safe Travels

[Byron Kinnaman]

Originally Posted by Adrian W

In the Ford Ranger (our original tow vehicle), I tried to keep it about 55 (& up to 60). But at times I'd tow the Scamp at 65 to 70. Much better gas milage at 55.

With our Ford F150, at times 55, but more often 60 to 65. Again up to 70 or a little better a few times. Much better mpg at 55/60. Less tire problems it seems as well.

In California, I try to go along with flow & that is often well over the posted speed limits. My brother-in-law, an almost native of CA, told me years ago the police usually will let those keep up with the flow alone. The go after the ones who are lane changing & passing those following the flow. This was pertaining to the freeways around LA & vicinity of SoCal.

Some of the posted speeds in Texas on I-10 & perhaps I-20 are 85 mph. A raceway. Tow the Scamp once on it (maybe them) when it was set at 80 mph with the Ford Ranger. Went about 70 then, I believe. Perhaps 75 at times. Should have used the backroads.

Safe Travels

On I-10 from LA to CA I still drive between 55 and 60. Let the those that are in a hurry go by.

[Bob Miller]

More and more in CA even the OTR trucks are sticking to the 55 mph limit. Yes, I to see exceptions, but as more and more trucks are carrying recording GPS systems, drivers are more apt to stick to posted limits. Day after day I can follow an 18 wheeler at exactly 55 mph on CA freeways.

[padlin00]

I usually set the cruise to 62 or 63 as that's the speed where I feel comfortable on the highway, with or without the trailer.

FWIW, ST tires are rated to 65 mph max. Supposedly the heavy sidewalls heat up too much if one goes faster.

[Jon Vermilye]

I go for 57 MPH, although going across I10 I've been doing 60. I usually stick to non interstates so the slower speed isn't usually a problem. I do pull over for drivers that pile up behind me...

[kb1flr]

I also go 55-60 MPH. Though the Casita tows niceley, it is still a lot of weight to get under control if something should go wrong. I feel the chances of a positive outcome in an emergency increase at lower speeds.

Rick

[Pam Garlow]

Under 60mph. If someone wants to pass me, I move over so they can go by. I enjoy my trip better without speedy peeps on my tailfeathers.

[FTTRV]

Everyone is in a hurry these days. When I tow I keep it at 60 mph. You always get the jerk who almost cuts you off changing lanes.

[Donna D.]

Originally Posted by Jon Vermilye

I go for 57 MPH, although going across I10 I've been doing 60. I usually stick to non interstates so the slower speed isn't usually a problem. I do pull over for drivers that pile up behind me...

I'm with Jon. Every tug/tow combo has a sweet spot where you'll get the best mpg. I want to keep as much money in my pocket as I can. Gotta buy that t-shirt, restaurant dinner or trinket at my destination. Improve that counties economy if I can! My combo gets the best fuel mileage at 57 mph. YMMV

[Big O]

Just came down to FL from MA and was pretty much 62 to VA. slowed down to 60 for rest of trip and got a little better mileage. I'm heading west after thanksgiving and will be shunpiking out to CA. Don't like the interest antes at all.

[melissab]

Between 55 and 60. Also I stay off the Interstates as much as possible. We've seen soooo much more now that we've switched to State Roads.

[Mary Ann in MN]

Thanks for all the comments. I will stick to my 55-60 mph. I also like staying off the Interstates. There is so much more to see in the back country. To me Interstates are boring, I like stopping in some of the little towns just to check things out.

[Jared J]

I do the speed limit. 75 in ks, 70 in mo, ia, mn. The little time off I get is precious to me, if I wasn't on a schedule, it might be different. 15-20 mph difference on a 12-1500 mile trip adds up quick.

[deryk]

Only having weekends to get away, the destination is the high point right now so I try to pick a direct route to get there...try to keep it at 60, sometimes a little faster or slower weather/wind taking into effect.

I hate when I get people on a 65mph highway, Im doing 60 and have to pass people that are driving slower then me in the middle or left lane.