How fast with a Fiver?

joeuncool · 03-04-2019, 05:58 PM

Over the weekend I was traveling on a major interstate and was passed by a truck towing a Fifth Wheel. I was traveling at around 78 mph. I couldn't resist and had to figure out how fast he was going. I sped up a bit to get behind him and match speeds. I found he was cruising between 82-85 mph. This was a new RV with temporary plates on it.

The best part of this story? He had wheel with a completely shredded tire on the spare tire mount. You could see the damage on the driver's side of the trailer. I couldn't help but think that the driver was bitching about China bomb tires all the way down the road.

dodgemark · 03-04-2019, 06:01 PM

I’m betting he was a transporter. And a poor one at that

spock123 · 03-04-2019, 06:50 PM

I run 75mph right much, I start out at 63mph but I soon get tired of all the Fords passing me and speed up.

B and B · 03-04-2019, 07:06 PM

Safe speed dictated by road conditions and not being stupid. I travel at 80 kph on posted 80 kph roads and 100 kph on 100 kph posted roads. Will go up to 90 / 110 as required to pass or get out of the way of someone.

aceinspp · 03-04-2019, 07:38 PM

With all the campers I've had I never towed faster than 65mph. Plenty fast and save possibly tearing up rig. Now I have speed rated tires to 80 mph, so what 65 mph is good just a nice safety factor. Later RJD

mwdilday · 03-04-2019, 07:51 PM

Since you are normally on vacation and possibly retired slowing down is actually relaxing. I have never had any handling issues at higher speeds and I believe that the RVs today are structurally capable of 70 or 75 or more. That said there are other issues with higher speeds. Stopping from 70-75 is a lot harder than 60-65, especially if you are going down hill. Also, most Special Trailer ST tires are limited to 62 MPH. Personally, I am comfortable with 60-65 and even 70 depending on the road conditions. My current trailer tires are limited to 62 so that is the maximum I tow now. On the stopping doubling your speed quadruples the energy required to stop.

spock123 · 03-04-2019, 09:18 PM

I have LT tires on camper also disk brakes on camper.

**ependydad** · 03-04-2019, 10:32 PM

62-64. I get passed a lot and occasionally pass somekne

NMWildcat · 03-04-2019, 10:50 PM

Before retirement, we drove 70-75mph when towing on 75mph freeway. Time was of the essence and our equipment was rated for it.

After retirement, we drive 65mph. Now comfort and relaxation is most important

. Time is usually not even a factor.

At 65 on a 75mph freeway, we usually have a few semis for company. Slower than that, I feel like a rolling roadblock.

Teresa CAL · 03-04-2019, 10:57 PM

I never go over 65. I like to arrive at my destination in 1 piece and and my alive family, thank you.

babock · 03-04-2019, 10:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Teresa CAL

I never go over 65. I like to arrive at my destination in 1 piece and and my alive family, thank you.

Likewise. Trailer speed limit in CA is 55. I never go over 60 to 62. I am retired so it doesn't matter if I get somewhere 5 minutes sooner. Even other states where the speed limit is higher, I go the same speed. I am not in a hurry.

HONDAMAN174 · 03-04-2019, 11:20 PM

60-65. If I’m too slow, how around!

JP Camper · 03-05-2019, 02:03 PM

60-65, no reason to go faster. Faster = longer stopping distance

hbillsmith · 03-05-2019, 02:06 PM

Generally 65, except CA 55. Exception is usually a calm wind dry day on a nit too crowded long flat interstate then its cruise control on 70.

upflying · 03-05-2019, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dodgemark

I’m betting he was a transporter. And a poor one at that

Yep, that's my guess, the 5iver he was pulling did not belong to him.
Time is money when delivering new rigs around the country.
Poor customer who ends up buying that pre-abused RV.

RVPP · 03-05-2019, 02:11 PM

My dad use to say, 'keep right, keep moving', and 65 is a nice number.

SlowrideHD · 03-05-2019, 02:19 PM

If on a long trip and expect to cover 400-500 miles that day and conditions permit, I will set my cruise to 67 mph. Much over that and the DW complains too much about the ride and my fuel mileage starts to suffer.

SQROOT · 03-05-2019, 02:19 PM

My son used my fiver attending a class in MS for the AF and he managed to get home an hour earlier then he should have so I asked him how fast did he drive. Sometimes it was a 100MPH. MY TRUCK MY CAMPER!

GalsofEscape · 03-05-2019, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SQROOT

My son used my fiver attending a class in MS for the AF and he managed to get home an hour earlier then he should have so I asked him how fast did he drive. Sometimes it was a 100MPH. MY TRUCK MY CAMPER!

Ummmmm guess you won't be loaning him the truck and camper again any time soon.

SQROOT · 03-05-2019, 02:26 PM

joeuncool Has not used since, has to use his own.

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