First interstate tow nightmare

[Paul M]

From the Carlisle site:
How fast can I travel on Carlisle trailer tires?

In the past, most trailer tires were rated at 62 or 65 mph. Today, some of our tires are "rated" (speed symbols) at 87 mph (N), some at 75 mph (L), some at 65 mph (J: ST tires) and some at 62 mph (J: non-metric tires).

Please remember that speed ratings are test speeds and not recommended driving speeds. The ratings apply only to the tire itself, and not a particular vehicle. The speed rating does not mean that the vehicle can be safely operated at the tire's rated speed.

We recommend driving no more than 60 mph when towing a trailer. Please always drive at a safe speed and abide by the posted speed limit.

[MtnGuy]

I try to keep my speeds at 65 and under, but occasionally have to go over to get in a certain lane. Having ST tires rated for higher speeds seems like a good safety factor. Carlisle tires had a bad reputation back in the early 2000s, but you don't hear many problems with them now. I would certainly consider them when buying new tires.

[aceinspp]

I guess all you folks want to be NASCAR drivers on the interstates. whats your big hurry. 60 to 62 mph is fine. As for tt sway I use a 4 point Equalizer hitch on my 35 ft tt works great.

Biggest reason you need wdh for tt is you can not equalize your weigh of trailer say like a enclosed car trailer where you can move the vehicle in side to even weight out. I had a 24 ft I could tow that trailer at 80 with out WDH no problems. Most of the time 70 was the max speed. No need for speed now as tt so much different and I'm no hurry. Later RJD

[stansoper]

Get a ProPride hitch and you will have no worries with sway. I had a 25' and now a 35' both towed by GMC Sierra Denali 6.0LT 1500. Had terrible time with sway with my 25' (towed first by trailblazer) scared the S**t out of me when passed by a 18 wheeler. Got ProPride and no sway. Worth every cent! With my 35' I normally travel around 60mph, never over 65. It's a safety thing for me. Rving is no fun if you don't feel safe going down the road.

[bluewoo]

This seems the norm at times getting passed a lot by these folks in a hurry.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_E0LYU0AYG8

[AquaMan]

I'm usually not in a hurry, but I also don't have all day or all the time in the world to get where I'm going. I run 67-68mph, which seems to the sweet spot for my combination. I'm also not a NASCAR driver, as I'm getting passed all day long when the speed limit is 70mph, but I have a more than capable truck and plenty of experience. As for the OP, I would take a serious look at your tongue weight. I've pulled many a 4-5k trailers with 1/2 ton trucks and SUVs without a WDH, and have had no problems. Tongue weight can be your friend! Adding a WDH may not solve your problems if your tongue weight is light to start with, in fact it could hurt you. Adding just a sway control will always help, and never hurt. Get some real time weights and go from there. You can actually do this with a bathroom scale, YouTube it for directions on how.


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[Canadiancrew]

I was on the highway the other day doing about 70mph not towing. I got passed by a pickup pulling a single axle camper doing at least 80 mph. Crazy.

[prestonj12]

No faster than 65 for me. Mileage starts to suffer and wind buffeting is more noticeable. I see very little reason to drive over 65. And speed limits in Idaho are 80 in some interstate stretches. Fine in a fine German car, but not so much at 18,000 lbs rolling down the freeway.


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[J.Fallon]

Was told to fill the fresh water tank on the 21fbrs. Just traded my 2014 F150 reg cab 6.5 bed 5.0 for a 2014 F150 crew cab 4x4 with a 6.5 bed and 5.0 had L series tires and beefy suspension. That should do it. It was worth $50. A month more

[rblack22]

I reckon I'm one of BigReds stupid idiots. I tow a 275ULSBS 33 foot Toy Hauler, loaded it's around 13,000. Tow vehicle is a 2000 F350 DRW 4dr with a 7.3. I have air bags with an on board compressor and a beefier hitch, no WDH or anti sway. Before I knew better, I used to set the cruise control at around 75 and away we went. Never have had any issues, with semis or otherwise. I have decided however to stay at or under 65, you know because that's what I've learned from reading posts on here. And I agree, bigger is better.

[J.Fallon]

here is what I ended up with. 2014 5.0 4x4. It pulls the 21fbrs with a WDH wonderful. Doesn't seem to matter if the fresh water tank is full or not. No problem passing semi's or getting passed. Heading to Nashville this weekend over Black mountain and the gorge. Wish me luck. Question.... On initial set up are you guys setting the hitch level with the TT or 1-2 inches higher?

[prestonj12]

I set up an inch high at the front of the trailer. Not because I want to, but that's the most close I can get to level with my WDH.


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[nineoaks2004]

I tow at 62 MPH, plenty fast enough and slow enough to handle almost any problem

[elchilero53]

Originally Posted by J.Fallon

Attachment 87538 here is what I ended up with. 2014 5.0 4x4. It pulls the 21fbrs with a WDH wonderful. Doesn't seem to matter if the fresh water tank is full or not. No problem passing semi's or getting passed. Heading to Nashville this weekend over Black mountain and the gorge. Wish me luck. Question.... On initial set up are you guys setting the hitch level with the TT or 1-2 inches higher?

Nice truck!!

Here is a link to the procedure: How to Setup a Weight Distributing Hitch (9 Steps) | eHow.

You do need to find a level place to do this, otherwise it will come out wrong.

Alternative: get a service guy to do this for you. There is a modest charge, of course!

[J.Fallon]

Got it hooked up right. Last night towed over Black Mountain 4th gear 45 mph. Easy. Then cruised thru the gorge with ease. No effect getting passed or passing semi's arrived at Columbus Belmont state park and it's all good. Happy Labor Day Weekend all!!

[bob caldwell]

I've had real good luck with E rated Carlisle tires...good safety factor being more tire then what's needed..

[tinasdude]

Sway control device was the best investment I made for going down the road. Bought it before I picked up my 7000 lb TT and it installed and adjusted at the dealer. Using the trailer brake helps you slow down better in most situations