Speed Limits

[polkatronron]

Fellow American rv'ers...on your interstate highways is a motorhome considered a truck when it comes to speed limits or a standard vehicle..We do not have truck limits in Canada and I am confused..

[cfsoistman]

As far as I know here Speed Limit applies to every vehicle equally, although most times I believe I might be the only one close to it. The main thing I watch is weight limits and when it says no trucks left lane. I just stay out of the way of those that want to fly down the road. Height restrictions and propane restrictions at tunnels apply around here as well.

[tncruiser]

i have always believed it to be a private passenger vehicle,that the way it is registered
and even tho trucks have lower limits in some areas i have never seen them going slower than regular vehicles and the speed dif is usually 5mph plus i never go over 65 no matter the limit (or i folloew the limit which ever is lower)
brianj

[Lostdog]

Don't care...I drive between 60 and 63 mph. It's my comfort zone, better fuel economy and I enjoy watching the show behind me while hot rodders figure a way to get around me. It can be amusing at times.

[MtnGuy]

polkatronron, it is confusing, even for those that live here. It could well depend on which state you are traveling in. Many states no longer have separate speed limits for trucks. I was traveling through Tenn. a couple of years ago, and wondered how my truck and trailer was classified, and even called the state police to verify......my unit was considered a car.

I don't think there is a cut and dry answer for every state.

[donn]

Since this is a state regulation and not a federal one you will likely get 48 different answers. Here in Oregon the speed limit is posted on freeways at 65MPH and 55 for trucks. Trucks is defined as commercial vehicles. Since you are driving a private (NOT FOR HIRE) vehicle you are limited to 65 on the interstates and 55 in all other highways.

[tncruiser]

Originally Posted by donn

Since this is a state regulation and not a federal one you will likely get 48 different answers. Here in Oregon the speed limit is posted on freeways at 65MPH and 55 for trucks. Trucks is defined as commercial vehicles. Since you are driving a private (NOT FOR HIRE) vehicle you are limited to 65 on the interstates and 55 in all other highways.

hate to break it to ya but we now have 50 states not 48 and especially not 57
i just could not resist
safe travels and Merry Christmas to all
brianj

[polkatronron]

Thanks to all ...Montana Hwy patrol tell me speed limit 75, trucks 55, motorhomes fall into a class over one ton and is 65...so i guess i am safe driving 60 to 65 everywhere.
Thanks to all

[Joe S]

Originally Posted by Lostdog

Don't care...I drive between 60 and 63 mph. It's my comfort zone, better fuel economy and I enjoy watching the show behind me while hot rodders figure a way to get around me. It can be amusing at times.

Ditto but here is a link to towing laws in all states including speed limits.
State Towing Laws for RVs

[polkatronron]

thanks Joe S for the info...very helpful.

[donn]

Originally Posted by tncruiser

hate to break it to ya but we now have 50 states not 48 and especially not 57
i just could not resist
safe travels and Merry Christmas to all
brianj

Don't see too many folks traveling by RV to Alaska in the winter or to Hawaii at all!
The OP was a Canadian and asking about traveling south. There you have it, we have the LOWER 48 and then Alaska and Hawaii.

[crocus]

"There you have it, we have the LOWER 48 and then Alaska and Hawaii."
===============================================
Talked to a guy from Alaska, and he reflects that opinion that the 'lower 48' treat them like a foreign country. He wished Alaska would join Canada!

[Laura]

In California - it is only if you are pulling a trailer you are held to the different rules - 55mph and must stay in the right 2 lanes. RVs that are not pulling anything are free to be a car, they can use the carpool lanes and go 65.

[Terier]

Originally Posted by Laura

In California - it is only if you are pulling a trailer you are held to the different rules - 55mph and must stay in the right 2 lanes. RVs that are not pulling anything are free to be a car, they can use the carpool lanes and go 65.

Where did you come across this information - DMV? While it's common sense to stay in the slower lanes because of going slower I didn't know it was the law. I would like to see if there anything I should know about.

The link listed that in CA Flares & signs are required. Is this for towing a travel trailer? What kind of signs?

[flyrotor]

Idaho interstates, truck speed is 65, all others are 75, trucks are defined as 5 axles on the ground or GVWR 26,000# or greater. This is limited to commercial vehicles.

I have travelled into California a few times, there are multiple areas where the signs indicate vehicles pulling trailers are restricted to the two right lanes.

[transamz9]

Originally Posted by Lostdog

Don't care...I drive between 60 and 63 mph. It's my comfort zone, better fuel economy and I enjoy watching the show behind me while hot rodders figure a way to get around me. It can be amusing at times.

You better stay out of Ky then because the "Hot Rodders" will run over you around here.

[MtnGuy]

Originally Posted by transamz9

You better stay out of Ky then because the "Hot Rodders" will run over you around here.

There are impatient people in every state. They just need an excuse to blow by someone, and I give them that excuse.

When the hot rodders start paying for my gas, then I might speed up a little. But maybe not....I just might pocket the extra money.

Slow and easy is the name of the game. I am on vacation when the camper is following my truck.

[Mountainmanbob]

Originally Posted by mtnguy

Slow and easy is the name of the game. I am on vacation when the camper is following my truck.

yes
I need to remember that
after pulling trailers for many years on the job
sometimes I think I get going a little too fast
then I slow it down yet again
the thought of a blow out at speed
scary to say the least

50 to 60 MPH pulling a trailer
for me anyway
should be kept in mind at all times

I think that the law in Calif says 65 MPH
that is getting close to FAST SPEED while pulling
if
there is any kind of trouble

pulling my sailboat home just last night
on the freeway
looked up and noticed traffic was stopped
I think that I was going around 60 to 65 MPH
slammed on the brakes a little
as the
blood shot to all parts of the body
adrenaline was flowing
one or two more seconds of not paying attention
OR
10 MPH faster
that boat may have never seen the water again ???

Mountainmanbob

[fbconsults]

In California, according to the Vehicle Code it is considered a car for the purposes of speed limits. If you are towing, the speed limit is 55 MPH.

Happy Trails, Forrest