What speed do you tow?
 

This might be a dumb question, but what speeds do you guys run when towing on the highway? For Example: if it is daylight, air temperature in the upper 70's, dry pavement with light traffic on a highway I tend to run between 63-68mph (in a 70 mph zone). That seems to be congruent with what the truck drivers are running and much faster than that just doesn't feel very comfortable to me if I were to blow a shoe or a deer comes out of the median.

I realize that each state has its own rules, but I am surprised how quickly I see others towing larger sized boats . The last time I pulled my boat home from the lake I was running about 65mph (running with the trucker flow of traffic) and was passed by a 3/4 ton pickup pulling a 33-35 cat @ what must have been going close to 80 mph. This particular instance stands out because it was after sunset as well.

So do most of you guys haul A** when towing or are you more on the side of caution? I realize it is a very general question and there are oodles of variables that should be taken into account.

I certainely wouldn't go any quicker than I feel safe, but I was curious what some of your tendencies are.

60

We ran 70-75 when towing the Cafe' back from Florida when the highway was empty. Otherwise, we went with the flow of the traffic. Of course we were driving a Sport Chassis and forgot the boat was back there half of the time.

tow at usually 70-75 or the flow of traffic if it is "crowded"

Speed limit up to 65mph. I'm maxed out on weight so I don't want anything else to complicate me if I have "a situation". It's not like I get better gas mileage going faster either. :D

I have however found the speed limiter in my half ton....pulling 6000lbs. I REALLY wanted to get by these a-holes...:party-smiley-004:

I usually tow down a 3 lane highway that has light traffic except for holidays. I'll run 75 if traffic is light during daylight....at night I tend to slow down a little. The speed I'm running doesn't bother me if I feel I have plenty of room for manuvering and STOPPING.

What ever the left lane is running..... within reason. The right side is to slow for me which requires too many lane changes. I prefer to run faster with less lane changes.

Can't wait for Chris Sunkin's friend with the toy hauler to respond to this one! :party-smiley-004:

Well guys since my trailer is a toy hauler and my toys haul azz I run right on the limiter at 98 MPH since it is listed as an RV and I have the oversized tires anyway...............:evilb:

Usually 9mph over; unless it's raining @ night or traffic is bad...best to feel comfortable @ whatever speed you choose. Know you limits, and your equipment & its limits. Upper 70's is usually fast enough, at least that's what my wife tells me...repeatedly!

As fast as you feel safe is a good rule of thumb.

when I tow a cat I try to get fast enough for the air to get in the tunnel and lift the boat and trailer up so that I am towing less weight:evilb: It all depends on what you are using for a tow vehicle and how big the boat is. Also it depends on your experience towing. Better to be a little slow and be safe. Also remember that most trailer tires are not made to go at high speed. Nothing like loosing a tire or bearing on your trailer at high speed. Remember even a 1500 pickup can pull a 51 outerlimits down the highway. The problem comes when you try to stop in a hurry for an emergency.

I have found that over 75 has a detrimental effect on my front trailer tires after about an hour. That is when they tend to let go. I have gone to 10 ply from the 6 ply Myco put on the trailer and slowed down some. Always check the EoH brakes when starting out BEFORE getting on the highway.

I tow about 65 with new truck if traffic is light, slower about a-holes. (Truck is a Nissan Titan pulling ~4k). Used to tow boat with Explorer and I ran about 55 then, but Explorer towed like crap so I went slow.

If everyone heeded your reply their chances of having problems would decrease dramatically. I second your motion.

Pretty easy to run 70+ speeds towing but I've found out it's a lot harder to stop em when pulling a trailer with surge brakes. Tires seem to like to throw tread as well once you hit that 70MPH+ range.
My tow mileage REALLY drops once I tow any over 65 so we try when possible to hang in that range.

thats some funny chit!!!!

I will use my 5th amendment rights at this time:D:D

55-62 MPH, Kick back in the right lane and enjoy the trip. Too much stress with trying to weave in out of traffic. If I am in the right lane passing then I will take it up to the speed limit and then back it down and get back in the right lane.

:D:D:D

60 - 65

Great sense of humor..............didn't know how you were going to come back on that one!:D

If you took any more than about 2% of the foolishness that goes on around here seriously......we would all be headed to the gun store......:party-smiley-004::cool-smiley-027:

I tow at posted speeds.....unless a Ford 350 or 450 needs his azz busted......if that is the case.........I am not at liberty to discuss my speeds because it may hurt piss stinkin and other ford queer's feelings. Not to mention.....the whole liability issue.....and then there's the governor.....and the murder charges.....

About 65 with 12,000 lbs behind a 3/4 ton Avalanche (at it's limit).

Wannabe

usually posted speeds but no more than 3-5 over. On some steep grades 3/4's of the way down I will give her a little more throttle to maintain the same speed up the hill if at all possible.

I just towed an OL with an epoxy hull at closs to 90. I guess if the boat comes off the trailer the epoxy hull will not come apart. If I drag it by the keel that is less resistance than 6 tires

should have called ol. They could have used it as a publicity stunt. Especially if they could claim they beat fountain in dragging.

About 70 for me. Which is 15 over in my communist ran home state. :angry-smiley-038:

Is that East St. Louis, IL or St. Louis, MO?

70-73 MPH. If traffic is constant but flowing, I tend to run 60 MPH in town. Once out of town, I jump up a bit above 70.

For something like this?! :cool-smiley-011:

IL, Hence the East sider. 14 miles from the Arch.

I typically run 77 mph on the expressway in light or no traffic,My truck is overkill and handles the load pretty good. Any faster than 80 and the tires seem to overheat and blowout,I know this from personal experience,Smitty

it's all about stopping safe. i am a little long so it's cool time under the radar for me. never break radio silence! over.

DI tow at Ludicrous Speed :D