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Old 06-19-2014, 07:35 AM   #1
Hexnut
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Question Towing Speeds by State

I had this site bookmarked and revisited it today.

http://www.readybrake.com/state_laws.html

There seems to quite a range of maximum tow speeds from 55 to 75 mph. I had always assumed that 65 was the generally accepted max tow speed. I will soon be traveling through several states that say 55, but the speed limit is 70 mph. I can not believe that creates a safe situation with traffic piling up behind and constantly passing at probably 75.

Has anyone ever been stopped for exceeding the state tow speed, but not the posted speed limit?
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Old 06-19-2014, 08:25 AM   #2
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Too much "http://" in your link.
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Old 06-19-2014, 08:37 AM   #3
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Not Unsafe

The OP's logic is the same as my daughter's (which I also do not agree with). She thinks if she is going the speed limit on a freeway and is constantly being passed by others, the safest thing to do is to speed up (exceed the limit) until she is no longer being passed.

Freeways were designed with slow lanes and fast lanes. It is not "unsafe" for you to tow in the right lane at the towing speed limit.
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Old 06-19-2014, 08:40 AM   #4
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55 mph in CA, max you can get away with is 62 mph while towing. When we went to AZ, posted mph was 75!!! for all. I still rolled 55-60 mph, I dont think I would want to be going any faster. The big rigs were blowing by us at 75-80 mph and the HP was too.
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Old 06-19-2014, 08:54 AM   #5
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As a Trooper of twenty + years, I have always heard that "I was going with the flow of traffic" as an excuse. I can tell you, in all the years of driving, I have not been ran over from behind yet. I like all the aggressive drivers to pass me when I am hauling. That way I know were they are.
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Old 06-19-2014, 09:00 AM   #6
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Nice list, thanks for posting!

One of the details in the list is...
  • Ride Travel Trailer: Yes

Who, Huh, What.?.? I wasn't aware it was legal to ride in a travel trailer. Of course legal and advisable / recommended are two different items...
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Old 06-19-2014, 09:09 AM   #7
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I have always heard you can have passengers in a 5ver but not a TT? as long as there is some type of communication. My wife and kids rode in 5ver for a 5 mile ride, they said never again. I know I wouldnt want to ride back there.
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Old 06-19-2014, 09:10 AM   #8
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Originally Posted by HappyCamperMN View Post
Nice list, thanks for posting!

One of the details in the list is...
  • Ride Travel Trailer: Yes

Who, Huh, What.?.? I wasn't aware it was legal to ride in a travel trailer. Of course legal and advisable / recommended are two different items...
I think there is only one state that allows passenger travel in a TT.( WOW! I just looked and there are many more than I thought.!!!! ) Many do allow it in Fifth wheel and truck campers as long as there is communication to TV. The original laws were designed for fifth-wheel horse carriers to allow grooms to ride with expensive race horses to monitor them and keep them calm. Most state laws read "Connected with a pin" so goose-necks are left in Limbo somewhere.
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Old 06-19-2014, 09:14 AM   #9
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I think there is only one state that allows passenger travel in a TT.
According to the list there are several with a 'Yes' indicated for travel trailers. Of course that's only as good as the person / organization compiling the list. And I'd never permit it with my family so it's a moot point. Was just surprised as I've always heard it wasn't legal.
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Old 06-19-2014, 11:15 AM   #10
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According to the list there are several with a 'Yes' indicated for travel trailers. Of course that's only as good as the person / organization compiling the list. And I'd never permit it with my family so it's a moot point. Was just surprised as I've always heard it wasn't legal.
Ah, yeah. I'm not showing this to my wife. She wanted to ride in the trailer and told it was against the law everywhere.
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Old 06-19-2014, 01:52 PM   #11
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Most rv tires are not rated to safely travel over 60 mph anyway. ...
Most ST trailer tires are rated to a maximum of 65 mph max speed.

Quote:
Originally Posted by hankpage View Post
...Most state laws read "Connected with a pin" so goose-necks are left in Limbo somewhere.
No limbo any place. A goose is a ball-in-socket connection and regulated no differently than a bumper pull connection. They are the same type/classification regardless of the location of the connection between the two vehicles.

A pin (RV 5er or semi-truck trailer) is it's own unique mechanism.
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Old 06-19-2014, 02:23 PM   #12
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Be careful about lists like this. Really check with Highway patrol, state police DMVs even on line. I looked at the Oregon list. Of the 22 laws(items) listed 6 where Wrong. They leave out, NO vehicle of any size or type, can use the left lane when pulling any trailer unless passing slower traffic(Traffic below the speed limit) Any vehicle or combo of vehicles over 8,000 lbs follows the listed truck speed which is 55.
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Old 06-19-2014, 05:01 PM   #13
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I try and keep it below 60, I'm in no hurry

As for riding in the 5th wheel....not a chance
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Old 06-20-2014, 02:39 AM   #14
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I will soon be traveling through several states that say 55, but the speed limit is 70 mph. I can not believe that creates a safe situation with traffic piling up behind and constantly passing at probably 75.
You ought to try a stretch of toll road (130) south of Austin. 85 mph speed limit. I tow at 65, at times feel like I'm standing still while paying an amount equal to a nice dinner for the experience. But that is a topic for another discussion!

They get around us. Somehow, feels okay knowing we are like the semi's and able to be seen for some distance away. No way would I feel comfortable traveling with he same difference in speed on my motorcycle.
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Old 06-20-2014, 02:53 AM   #15
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The part I found surprising was the number of states with max trailer width of 8', especially with the number of 102" trailers we are starting to see. Additionally, a couple states (LA, MD) have max lengths on the low 30s, and OR had a maxed combined length of 50', guess I will have to look at those states closer when planning my travels. Finally, and not as concerning, a noticed a max height of 13' on the list somewhere. My Alpine is 12'8", but goes up to 13'4" with the 2nd AC.

One thing that has always concerned me is some of the rigs I see on the road that are not leveled out correctly. I wonder if the owner has taken the time to measure the actual height. I have a few overpasses I role under that are 14'1", not a lot of room to spare. I'm sure if I was nose high like many I see, the front AC would be sacrificed when going under these.
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Old 06-20-2014, 02:54 AM   #16
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Looking at the list for Michigan it needs to be updated at least on one area: the combined towing length for a 5th wheel and a boat is now 75' not 65'.
I'd check with each state your traveling in to get the latest laws.
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Old 06-20-2014, 10:27 AM   #17
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Post #15, That is what I am talking about regarding Oregon, the max combo vehicle lenght has been 65 ft for maybe 20 plus years.
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Old 06-20-2014, 07:16 PM   #18
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Not sure I would place a lot of trust in an internet site. I usually look at the signs when crossing state lines. If there aren't any signs about travel trailers, I just maintain a safe speed under the posted max.
Highway patrol usually has higher priorities than grandpa in a travel trailer.
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