Speed and distance traveled

[Walaby]

Using 60MPH vs 70MPH and the same calculations, there's a 44 ft difference. That's slightly more than my 5er. At either of those speeds, there's high risk. Not sure there's significantly more when going 65 vs 70 to be honest. 22 ft difference at 65 MPH? If your reaction time is half a second off, it's not going to matter.

That said, I travel between 63 and 65, right lane, passing only when necessary to keep that speed.

Mike

[Riverbug]

I tend to drive 5 mph over the posted speed. But when towing our TT I rarely exceed 65. Once I retired, I realized that I have very little that I need to "rush" to or from. I spent 35 years rushing to work, to home, to this, to that. Now I like to enjoy the journey and feel more relaxed when I don't feel the need to always pass the guy in front of me just because he's there.

[justdede]

In March I posed a question “ Who actually pulls there RV at 70 mph.”
Naturally the responses where mixed. Using some average numbers used in training Safety Specialist Nationally, I would invite everyone to take some time to consider the distance being covered at 70 mph.

feet per second = miles per hour × 1.466667
70 mph. X 1.466667 = 102.66669 feet

Again using a Nationally accepted reaction time of 3 seconds for human reaction and vehicle variables (weight,resistance,balance), our rig traveled 308 feet from the time a hazard was recognized and all the braking components began to work.

Hold the “I’m just trying to keep up with the flow of traffic” who’s in control, you or folks around you that are not operating the same piece of equipment?

We have a lot of new to towing people reading these threads, should you consider yourself a skilled driver please debate this subject constructively.

Nothing good happens when towing one of these things above 70.

Hm, we rarely travel above 65. In California, the maximum speed limit for any vehicle towing is 55 mph so there is that. So in California we travel between 55 and 60. Elsewhere we typically travel at 63-65. We recently went from California to Oregon to Washington to Idaho and back and the only time we saw RV'ers going slower than we were was uphill. Most of the time they were flying past us doing 70 to 80. (Speeds that just don't seem safe to me, but then what do I know, I just navigate.) We have more than enough truck for our trailer so uphill is rarely a slow down situation. I just thought we were slow and overly cautious. But, I guess I don't see all of you 60-65 folks because we are going the same speed. Safe travels.

[toolman.dustin]

I tend to drive between 62 & 65, I'd rather have people pass me than tailgate me.

Here's an "Kinetic Energy Calculator" that may be of interest to you. As you try and stop you have to dissipate (in the form of heat (brakes)) all the energy you're carrying in your truck and trailer. You can plug in you're numbers and find out your own "dissipation energy
Basically, the amount of energy you have to dissipate is 50% more changing from 62mph to 75mph. Or put another way, in an accident speed is your enemy.
https://www.omnicalculator.com/physics/kinetic-energy

And, here is a "Stopping Distance Calculator" for comparison: difference in stopping distance is increased by about 32% from 62-75mph.
https://www.omnicalculator.com/physi...pping-distance


Here's a speed/time calculator. Assume I want to travel 300 miles, at 62 the time is 4:50 hr:min. At 75 the time is 4:00 hrs:min.
I trade 50 minutes drive time for safety and fuel. But I have to wait 50 minutes longer before I can have a beer.
https://www.calculatorsoup.com/calcu...calculator.php

Here's a "car crash" energy calculator for comparison:
https://www.omnicalculator.com/physics/car-crash-force

Have fun.

[MMessing]

In March I posed a question “ Who actually pulls there RV at 70 mph.”
Naturally the responses where mixed. Using some average numbers used in training Safety Specialist Nationally, I would invite everyone to take some time to consider the distance being covered at 70 mph.

feet per second = miles per hour × 1.466667
70 mph. X 1.466667 = 102.66669 feet

Again using a Nationally accepted reaction time of 3 seconds for human reaction and vehicle variables (weight,resistance,balance), our rig traveled 308 feet from the time a hazard was recognized and all the braking components began to work.

Hold the “I’m just trying to keep up with the flow of traffic” who’s in control, you or folks around you that are not operating the same piece of equipment?

We have a lot of new to towing people reading these threads, should you consider yourself a skilled driver please debate this subject constructively.

Nothing good happens when towing one of these things above 70.

A friend of mine goes too slow with his Ram 2500 truck and travel trailer. On the highway where the speed limit is anywhere from 55 to 85, he is doing the minimum speed of 45 mph. I've question him why so slow, he just says it's fast enough for him and he gets great gas mileage too. I told him that's dangerous and he said that's the other guys problem. Oh did I mention he's in his mid to upper 70s? LOL!

[krsmitty]

Funny how the faster drivers justify driving faster.

[USA in a Chevrolet]

Funny how the faster drivers justify driving faster.

And the slower drivers justify driving slower. It’s just like owning a truck. After you buy a brand you’re pretty likely to justify that it’s the best truck.

[fez111]

I'm another who likes to keep it under 65. I have found that 62/63 is the sweet spot where my truck just feels comfy.

It was the same for my 17 Ram 1500 Hemi, and also for my 05 1500 V-6 when I was towing a small enclosed cargo trailer.

Same here. Our 2006 F250 6.0 diesel just loves 62 Mph while pulling our 2016 Solitude 379FL. It lumbers along at 62 Mph in overdrive (in tow-haul) at 1800 Rpm and 10.5 Mpg. It will even climb slight grades without kicking down a gear or two.

It also helps me relax a bit not having to fret over passing everybody. Now they all pass me and I can stay in the right-hand lane!

[Raider2k3]

Uhh, that is probably a typo I'm guessing.

My guess is he is using automatic transmission instead of manual. I tow in manual mode and don't use my top gear when towing.

[Scott'n'Wendy]

I've seen way too many 5th wheels fly by me doing the dance.

Seen some trailers going by wagging like the tail of a dog. The driver must be white knuckle all the way!