Fastest & Safest Towing Speed?

[jcscotson]

I just pruchased a springdale bunkhouse. I am towing it with a 2011 3/4T suburban. What is the "fastest" safe towing speed?

[campingcpl]

Personally I never tow over 65 mph even though my truck will pull it faster then that. Even having the bigger truck trying to stop over 8000 lbs takes awhile not to mention it's easier to lose control when traveling at faster speeds. There are other benefits to driving slower too... GAS MILEAGE.

[ksfis43]

Originally Posted by campingcpl

Personally I never tow over 65 mph even though my truck will pull it faster then that. Even having the bigger truck trying to stop over 8000 lbs takes awhile not to mention it's easier to lose control when traveling at faster speeds. There are other benefits to driving slower too... GAS MILEAGE.

x2

[hankpage]

Originally Posted by jcscotson

I just pruchased a springdale bunkhouse. I am towing it with a 2011 3/4T suburban. What is the "fastest" safe towing speed?

For one thing , if you have ST tires they are only rated to 65mph. Even with LT tires stopping distance and fuel mileage will suffer above 65. JM2¢, Hank

[kenn209]

I usually cruise at 60 to 62 mph on the interstate. ST tires are only rated for 65 mph. so best to stay below that. and of course gas mileage is better.

[gmohr]

We keep our speed to 65mph max. Check tires cold before starting every
travel day and watch for any sign of wear. Will be switching to 16"ers later
this year.

[Johnnyfry]

I like 58 mph. I get the best mileage with my Dodge/Cummins 3500 & 318SAB. It is fast enough that you don't usually have to pass people and not so slow you go to sleep.

JM$.02worth.

John

[Festus2]

If you are looking for a specific number which would reflect both the "fastest and safest" towing speek, I don't think there is one. There are too many variables that will determine what this speed might be. Some factors will include highway/road conditions, traffic volume, and weather conditions. Fuel consumption and tire rating have already been mentioned.
Obviously, driving at both low and high speeds are equally hazardous and dangerous. Some drivers feel comfortable driving at 55-60 mph, some at 60-65 mph and there are some who like to go at 65+ mph. In many respects, your driving speed under normal driving conditions is limited by what makes you feel both comfortable and safe. It also may be age related ----- older drivers probably tend to drive somewhat slower. In my own case, 58-60 mph suits me just fine (which speaks to my age).
If I've done the math correctly, over a distance of 100 miles, you would arrive just 8 minutes earlier driving at 65 mph than you would at 60 mph. So I might ask, "What's the hurry?"

[mhs4771]

With my 05 1 ton Dually Duramax/5 speed Allison I ran at 58 to 60. Now with the 11 1 ton Dually Duramax/6 speed Allison, if I run at that speed it will never get out of 5th gear, if I bump up the cruise to 64 to 65 it will shift to 6th an drop the RPMs according. With the weight of the 1 ton dually, the exhaust brake, and heavier brakes I'm very comfortable cruising at that speed.

[therink]

Personally; I would think that while towing, the posted speed limit would be the fastest and safest towing speed. I never go over 65. My cheap Chinese tires can't handle anything more than that with 12,000 lbs over them. Besides, why the hurry?
Steve

[hankaye]

jcscotson, Howdy;

They all gave you good answers.

My question to you is ;

What are YOU comfortable with...?

Think about it... no hurry ... take your time ... consider the options.

hankaye