This morning I saw a rig doing more than 100kph on the freeway, and it made me wonder, what speed do others do?
Does it depend on your rig?
My b-i-l says 90kph in 4th gear is the best for economy for his Nissan Patrol towing a caravan.
My friend says 80kph. He has an auto Mazda BT50 and tows a caravan also.
Is there a recommended speed?
Cruising Granny said
09:33 PM May 20, 2011
Just because the speed limit is 100 or 110KPH doesn't mean you HAVE to do it, especially when towing. I tow the 20 footer at 85-90 KPH. I feel in control at that speed, and if anything is going to happen, it will happen a little more slowly than it would at 110 KPH. The worst is when the trucks and road trains pass and cut off the wind for that short time. I have to really hang on to steer straight while the 3 trailers slide past. I've seen some big van rigs hurtling down the highway, seemingly totally oblivious to the possible consequences if anything should go awry. What do they do when they come to a road train, crazy driver or oversize load, and they have to take evasive action? My past experiences with these events has taught me slower is better, but not so slow as to cause a nuisance on the highway and prompt people to make stupid moves to get around you.
Yuglamron said
09:38 PM May 20, 2011
Hi Beth54,
I have driven everything from small sports cars to semis and heavy haulage and can tell you that there is a natural speed each combination seems happiest and feels safer towing.
It really depends on how you feel the tug and tow feels most comfortable doing.
I have my RV towing a Suzuki Grand Vitara on an A frame.
On a flat straight road it feels OK at 100 KPH but on winding roads that comfort feel drops to around 90-95.
I borrowed a friends box trailer and used the Vtara and it only felt safe at 80-85.
All I can suggest is that is the speed you feel safe and comfortable is the speed you should tow.
Regards
Trevor
Beth54 said
09:53 PM May 20, 2011
I've felt comfortable doing 100kph with Lucy and Gypsy, on a good road.
If the the road is windy, or the road surface is bad, I'll back off to 90 or 80.
When travelling with others, I'm happy to do their preferred speed.
Esmeralda said
11:28 PM May 20, 2011
As Esmeralda is tiny and the car isn't I find it very comfortable to sit at 100 on a good road - and I have found that I slow down on narrower and windy roads - you don't want to get behind me on Black Spur where the limit is 80 and because the road is narrow and very winding I sit on about 60 (often less). Driving to the conditions is a very important thing to remember whether towing or not.
Vic said
01:00 AM May 21, 2011
Hi Beth,
In WA, trucks and caravans are restricted to 100 kph by law, so go over that and you could get booked, even though the posted speed limit may be more.
For myself I generally travel at around 90 kph which felt right for my last tug/caravan and most say is the most economical speed.
Helena said
06:13 AM May 21, 2011
WE feel comfortable at 80 like CG said we have seen some go hurtling past and you have to wonder what would happen in an emergency just make sure you are comfortable with the speed that you are doing and stay safe everyone it can be mighty dangerous on the roads out there. Helena.
Zoomtopz said
06:39 AM May 21, 2011
Some good answers . AND advice . I find I tend to drive to the conditions .
Except when I went to Sydney the other day , I was doing 95-100 in both
100 & 110zones , just th Cruiser , not towing .
I believe it to be several things - experience , personel & vehicle capabilities,
road conditions . Let me use this example -
I live 45k out of town , our road is 100k , I usually do 90k . At night in th car
I am usually on 75-80 , straddling white line . Cruiser with bullbar , 80-85 , still
on line , as we have a lot of kanga's , walla b's + cattle & fog , it is not so much a
conscious decision to drive like that , I suppose you would say there is a -
Dare factor & Fear factor , drive fast enough to get home , but slow enough to
swerve safely or be able to stop . On this road You will see kanga's Every trip ,
you will see wallabys every trip , at least once or twice a week you will see a
cow out on the road . Going the other way unfenced stock , you get the drift .
Richo
jimricho said
06:53 AM May 21, 2011
I can only endorse the comments here and add that a well known towing instructor and tag-along guide has done some tests with a tag-along convoy and reports that there is generally little to be gained in fuel economy by travelling at less than 90 kph. My own experience confirms this with my rig. No doubt there will be some circumstances where this may not apply.
Those who travel at 80 kph or less on busy 100/110 kph single lane highways are a menace on the road and give the rest of us GNs a bad name. (unless of course conditions dictate that a higher speed would be unwise)
-- Edited by jimricho on Saturday 21st of May 2011 06:57:09 AM
colsa said
09:51 AM May 21, 2011
When we first started travelling i was always worried we would make it hard for the truckies when sitting on 80 or 90, but a truckie friend said that speed doesn't bother them as long as we stay on the speed and don't slow down, she said they usually know the roads well and know when they will be able to pass but if we slow down they also have to and then have to try to speed up again so they can pass.
Smokeydk said
10:19 AM May 21, 2011
Yes.....I heard about that speed too.....other day while towing the van.....a semi passed....I stayed at 90kph......and he passed easily...and gave a flash of his indicator just a sign to say thanks.....I've been told.....not to slow down while they pass......as they know their rig length....and judge by mirrors when to pull back in
Dunco said
10:31 AM May 21, 2011
The speed limit in NSW for Vans is whatever the posted limit is. Other States are different.
However, all the answers above are on the mark because you should tow at a speed that you feel comfortable with, but I suggest that you should be looking at around the 90km/h mark, when on good roads, as it is a decent speed to travel at without annoying too many other road users.....and as jimricho said, there is no real evidence that doing anything lower will help fuel consumption as you keep losing your momentum.
Travel safe
Beth54 said
11:16 AM May 21, 2011
Re: the rig doing over 100kph...it was a very good piece of highway, 100k zone.
I was trying to see his rig, but couldn't get close enough until he was caught in heavier traffic and had to slow down.
I like to see people get booked when they're not obeying the speed limit.
I agree jimricho, that people going too slow are a menace, and can be downright dangerous.
I use our multi lane highways a lot, and often see all the break lights ahead, everyone slowing down quickly, and on getting closer, discover it's a caravan, or motorhome doing 80 in the 100 zone.
Yes, they may be in the left lane, but when there's a lot of traffic, they can still cause chaos.
-- Edited by Beth54 on Saturday 21st of May 2011 11:17:05 AM
Beth54 said
11:27 AM May 21, 2011
We have several truckies in our extended family, so I'm always conscious of not holding them up.
If it's a particularly windy road with nowhere for them to pass, I try to pull over and let them go.
Sometimes they're nice polite drivers, and sometimes they sit right on your tail, bullying you to go faster or get off.
I personally know a truckie from years ago, who was pulled up by police for doing 140, with a bottle of pills and a bottle of rum sitting beside him!
And a few years ago, my sister and b-i-l were plowed down by a B double. Wrote off their brand new Patrol and pop top caravan. They were sooo lucky to not be killed!
The police said they'd done everything right.
The truckie was charged, and the company he drove for, as there was something wrong with the truck.
petengail said
02:40 PM May 21, 2011
85 - 90 on the Bruce highway, I feel i am getting in the way if I go any slower. But out west I am happy to tootle along at about 80 but certainly no slower.
Onedodger said
04:54 PM May 21, 2011
My Patrol likes to travel @ 2400rpm in 4th when towing and this relates to 94kph.GPS Speed
The whole rig at that velocity is very stable and passing trucks in either direction do not move the rig at all.
However our roads are a different kettle of fish and I find that on many that a slower rate of progress is warranted.
I also do not go over 80kph when on gravell roads even if they are in good nick.
As said in other replies I/WE drive to the road and weather conditions.
Dodg.
Cruising Granny said
05:15 PM May 21, 2011
When I see a truck in my mirrors I call them up on the UHF to let them know, firstly that I've actually seen them, and secondly, what my average speed is and that I'll call them around when it's clear. In the case of road trains I slow down once their next to me to hasten their progress past me, and call them in when it's safe for them to cross over into my lane again. They always show their appreciation. Now with the escort/pilot work we do the same for faster moving semi's and road trains. The "actually" seeing them in the mirror is very relevant. I'm convinced some people NEVER use their rear vision mirrors, by their behaviour on the road. I also drive with my headlights on low beam, especially when I'm towing, as mentioned on a former thread. I think the more we can to do ensure our safety and the safety of other road users, the less we'll get hurt or worse. I try to do my bit, and so far it's paid off.
tonyd said
10:38 PM May 21, 2011
One of the problems here is that too many people (some GNs included) regard speed limits as minimums to be maintained, rather than maximums not to be exceeded. Parts of the NT have (or at least had) no limits on some roads. Does this mean you can tow at 150kmh? I hope not. I tow (Jayco Flamingo) at 90, sometimes sneaking up to 100 on long, flat stretches. On long uphill bits, I may drop back to 80 or so in the long-term interests of my engine. If this means those behind have to slow down for a few kays, well that's their problem. Cheers, Tony
Zoomtopz said
07:52 AM May 22, 2011
Some more good responces .
If you remember some yrs ago , trucks in th States were restricted to 55mph . Here in
Aussie truck went UP to 90kph - same speed . BECAUSE - Economy & stopping distance.
Ok it is supposedly 100k(60mph) now , it is like th car doing 60 , travelling at 65 , so
much longer to stop . As said earlier - I don't care what speed you go - AS long as it
is consistant , and if I want to overtake you , than let me .
The other night coming back from Sydney , from Port McQ to Grafton 5 b/doubles &
myself plodded along . I just sat behind th 1st 4 , th 5th one caught up , I let him
o/take me & just followed them.I ovetook them all going up Dirty Ck Range & did not
see them behind me again , I knew they were still coming along as I could hear
them on handheld UHF . Most of our highways are no longer th billy goat tracks they
used to be . YES the road is OK , wot about th nut behind th wheel
Richo
jimricho said
07:52 AM May 22, 2011
Onedodger wrote:
My Patrol likes to travel @ 2400rpm in 4th when towing and this relates to 94kph.GPS Speed
The whole rig at that velocity is very stable and passing trucks in either direction do not move the rig at all.
However our roads are a different kettle of fish and I find that on many that a slower rate of progress is warranted.
I also do not go over 80kph when on gravell roads even if they are in good nick.
As said in other replies I/WE drive to the road and weather conditions.
Dodg.
80ks is plenty on a gravel road (often less) especially if tyre pressures have been reduced to avoid damage from sharp stones. 4WD experts (tag-along guides) usually recommend using full 4WD if the road surface is loose and/or significantly corrugated. (a transmission/drive-chain won't "lock-up" in these conditions)
rosco said
02:08 PM May 22, 2011
I tow a van of 1700 kilos fully laden with a 6 cylinder Commodore.
The Commodore manual says the speed limit for towing anything over 1600 kilos is 80kmh.
I am always aware of the speed I am travelling, and although I try to stick to 80, it quite often creeps over. It always disturbs me if I have a traffic build up behind me, and sometimes I pick up the pace a little, especially if there are no convenient places to pull over and let them pass.
The other thing too, is that if I have a prang at anything over 80kmh, it would be quite spectacular. The other issue is insurance. I'm sure i I did have a prang the insurance would ask " how heavy is the van" and "how fast was the vehicle going"?
Now I'm sitting here wondering if I'm breaking the law, travelling faster than the book says, but lower than the posted limit. Wheres Dunco when you need him????
Ross
Dunco said
04:27 PM May 22, 2011
Sorry Rosco, have been busy over the weekend. I replied in the other thread you started
Beth54 said
06:12 PM May 22, 2011
Well, you've all been busy typing away while I've been up to my sons for a couple of days.
It's very interesting to read everyone's opinions/thoughts on the subject. Thanks all.
This morning I saw a rig doing more than 100kph on the freeway, and it made me wonder, what speed do others do?
Does it depend on your rig?
My b-i-l says 90kph in 4th gear is the best for economy for his Nissan Patrol towing a caravan.
My friend says 80kph. He has an auto Mazda BT50 and tows a caravan also.
Is there a recommended speed?
I tow the 20 footer at 85-90 KPH. I feel in control at that speed, and if anything is going to happen, it will happen a little more slowly than it would at 110 KPH.
The worst is when the trucks and road trains pass and cut off the wind for that short time. I have to really hang on to steer straight while the 3 trailers slide past.
I've seen some big van rigs hurtling down the highway, seemingly totally oblivious to the possible consequences if anything should go awry.
What do they do when they come to a road train, crazy driver or oversize load, and they have to take evasive action?
My past experiences with these events has taught me slower is better, but not so slow as to cause a nuisance on the highway and prompt people to make stupid moves to get around you.
Hi Beth54,
I have driven everything from small sports cars to semis and heavy haulage and can tell you that there is a natural speed each combination seems happiest and feels safer towing.
It really depends on how you feel the tug and tow feels most comfortable doing.
I have my RV towing a Suzuki Grand Vitara on an A frame.
On a flat straight road it feels OK at 100 KPH but on winding roads that comfort feel drops to around 90-95.
I borrowed a friends box trailer and used the Vtara and it only felt safe at 80-85.
All I can suggest is that is the speed you feel safe and comfortable is the speed you should tow.
Regards
Trevor
I've felt comfortable doing 100kph with Lucy and Gypsy, on a good road.
If the the road is windy, or the road surface is bad, I'll back off to 90 or 80.
When travelling with others, I'm happy to do their preferred speed.
In WA, trucks and caravans are restricted to 100 kph by law, so go over that and you could get booked, even though the posted speed limit may be more.
For myself I generally travel at around 90 kph which felt right for my last tug/caravan and most say is the most economical speed.
Some good answers . AND advice . I find I tend to drive to the conditions .
Except when I went to Sydney the other day , I was doing 95-100 in both
100 & 110zones , just th Cruiser , not towing .
I believe it to be several things - experience , personel & vehicle capabilities,
road conditions . Let me use this example -
I live 45k out of town , our road is 100k , I usually do 90k . At night in th car
I am usually on 75-80 , straddling white line . Cruiser with bullbar , 80-85 , still
on line , as we have a lot of kanga's , walla b's + cattle & fog , it is not so much a
conscious decision to drive like that , I suppose you would say there is a -
Dare factor & Fear factor , drive fast enough to get home , but slow enough to
swerve safely or be able to stop . On this road You will see kanga's Every trip ,
you will see wallabys every trip , at least once or twice a week you will see a
cow out on the road . Going the other way unfenced stock , you get the drift .
Richo
I can only endorse the comments here and add that a well known towing instructor and tag-along guide has done some tests with a tag-along convoy and reports that there is generally little to be gained in fuel economy by travelling at less than 90 kph. My own experience confirms this with my rig. No doubt there will be some circumstances where this may not apply.
Those who travel at 80 kph or less on busy 100/110 kph single lane highways are a menace on the road and give the rest of us GNs a bad name. (unless of course conditions dictate that a higher speed would be unwise)
-- Edited by jimricho on Saturday 21st of May 2011 06:57:09 AM
When we first started travelling i was always worried we would make it hard for the truckies when sitting on 80 or 90, but a truckie friend said that speed doesn't bother them as long as we stay on the speed and don't slow down, she said they usually know the roads well and know when they will be able to pass but if we slow down they also have to and then have to try to speed up again so they can pass.
The speed limit in NSW for Vans is whatever the posted limit is. Other States are different.
However, all the answers above are on the mark because you should tow at a speed that you feel comfortable with, but I suggest that you should be looking at around the 90km/h mark, when on good roads, as it is a decent speed to travel at without annoying too many other road users.....and as jimricho said, there is no real evidence that doing anything lower will help fuel consumption as you keep losing your momentum.
Travel safe
Re: the rig doing over 100kph...it was a very good piece of highway, 100k zone.
I was trying to see his rig, but couldn't get close enough until he was caught in heavier traffic and had to slow down.
I like to see people get booked when they're not obeying the speed limit.
I agree jimricho, that people going too slow are a menace, and can be downright dangerous.
I use our multi lane highways a lot, and often see all the break lights ahead, everyone slowing down quickly, and on getting closer, discover it's a caravan, or motorhome doing 80 in the 100 zone.
Yes, they may be in the left lane, but when there's a lot of traffic, they can still cause chaos.
-- Edited by Beth54 on Saturday 21st of May 2011 11:17:05 AM
We have several truckies in our extended family, so I'm always conscious of not holding them up.
If it's a particularly windy road with nowhere for them to pass, I try to pull over and let them go.
Sometimes they're nice polite drivers, and sometimes they sit right on your tail, bullying you to go faster or get off.
I personally know a truckie from years ago, who was pulled up by police for doing 140, with a bottle of pills and a bottle of rum sitting beside him!
And a few years ago, my sister and b-i-l were plowed down by a B double. Wrote off their brand new Patrol and pop top caravan. They were sooo lucky to not be killed!
The police said they'd done everything right.
The truckie was charged, and the company he drove for, as there was something wrong with the truck.
My Patrol likes to travel @ 2400rpm in 4th when towing and this relates to 94kph.GPS Speed
The whole rig at that velocity is very stable and passing trucks in either direction do not move the rig at all.
However our roads are a different kettle of fish and I find that on many that a slower rate of progress is warranted.
I also do not go over 80kph when on gravell roads even if they are in good nick.
As said in other replies I/WE drive to the road and weather conditions.
Dodg.
In the case of road trains I slow down once their next to me to hasten their progress past me, and call them in when it's safe for them to cross over into my lane again.
They always show their appreciation.
Now with the escort/pilot work we do the same for faster moving semi's and road trains.
The "actually" seeing them in the mirror is very relevant. I'm convinced some people NEVER use their rear vision mirrors, by their behaviour on the road.
I also drive with my headlights on low beam, especially when I'm towing, as mentioned on a former thread.
I think the more we can to do ensure our safety and the safety of other road users, the less we'll get hurt or worse.
I try to do my bit, and so far it's paid off.
Parts of the NT have (or at least had) no limits on some roads. Does this mean you can tow at 150kmh? I hope not.
I tow (Jayco Flamingo) at 90, sometimes sneaking up to 100 on long, flat stretches. On long uphill bits, I may drop back to 80 or so in the long-term interests of my engine. If this means those behind have to slow down for a few kays, well that's their problem. Cheers, Tony
Some more good responces .
If you remember some yrs ago , trucks in th States were restricted to 55mph . Here in
Aussie truck went UP to 90kph - same speed . BECAUSE - Economy & stopping distance.
Ok it is supposedly 100k(60mph) now , it is like th car doing 60 , travelling at 65 , so
much longer to stop . As said earlier - I don't care what speed you go - AS long as it
is consistant , and if I want to overtake you , than let me .
The other night coming back from Sydney , from Port McQ to Grafton 5 b/doubles &
myself plodded along . I just sat behind th 1st 4 , th 5th one caught up , I let him
o/take me & just followed them.I ovetook them all going up Dirty Ck Range & did not
see them behind me again , I knew they were still coming along as I could hear
them on handheld UHF . Most of our highways are no longer th billy goat tracks they
used to be . YES the road is OK , wot about th nut behind th wheel
Richo
80ks is plenty on a gravel road (often less) especially if tyre pressures have been reduced to avoid damage from sharp stones. 4WD experts (tag-along guides) usually recommend using full 4WD if the road surface is loose and/or significantly corrugated. (a transmission/drive-chain won't "lock-up" in these conditions)
The Commodore manual says the speed limit for towing anything over 1600 kilos is 80kmh.
I am always aware of the speed I am travelling, and although I try to stick to 80, it quite often creeps over. It always disturbs me if I have a traffic build up behind me, and sometimes I pick up the pace a little, especially if there are no convenient places to pull over and let them pass.
The other thing too, is that if I have a prang at anything over 80kmh, it would be quite spectacular. The other issue is insurance. I'm sure i I did have a prang the insurance would ask " how heavy is the van" and "how fast was the vehicle going"?
Now I'm sitting here wondering if I'm breaking the law, travelling faster than the book says, but lower than the posted limit. Wheres Dunco when you need him????
Ross
Well, you've all been busy typing away while I've been up to my sons for a couple of days.
It's very interesting to read everyone's opinions/thoughts on the subject. Thanks all.