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.
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20ft Roma caravan - Mercedes Benz Sprinter - SA-based at the moment. Transport has no borders.
Management makes the decisions, but is not affected by the decisions it makes.
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.
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.
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Esmeralda
It aint over until the fat lady sings, and I dont feel like singing just yet!
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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If there is such a thing as a tourist season.... why cant we shoot them?
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.
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20ft Roma caravan - Mercedes Benz Sprinter - SA-based at the moment. Transport has no borders.
Management makes the decisions, but is not affected by the decisions it makes.
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
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If you don't stand behind our troops, please feel free to stand in front of them.
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)
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????