Towing speed - some like it hot!

vince56 · Senior Member

Towing speed - some like it hot!

Whenarewethere · Guru

We don't tow & do about 95. Saves fuel (The car's fuel calculator is reasonably accurate) & we stop very regularly for short breaks & don't drive that much in a day anyway. Takes 2 hours just to get out of Sydney & we need to get out of the car to stretch.

Mike Harding · Guru

No way on this earth would I tow a caravan at 110kph!

My standard tow speed is 92kph (speedo reads 3kph high) and only that providing the road, weather and traffic allow. With a 3T box on the back there is zero room for error and we all make those occasionally.

Much of Europe has 80 or 90kph limits for caravans.

Dougwe · Chief one feather

Morning all,

When the aluminium teepee is on the back of the Collie, I never go over 90kmh, 93 on the dial. Dial is 3kmh faster than actual. I too get shocked as to the amount of fellow towers that go low flying past me. Even when the aluminium teepee is not on the back I don't go over 100kmh. No need.

Keep Safe out there.

Izabarack · Guru

Depends on the road condition, for me. I rarely exceed 98 (on the GPS) as a nod to everything from Fuel economy to acknowledgement of age related deficits in reaction speed. I also ignore the rants from the fools who continue to insist that the posted speed limit is mandatory.

Iza

The Belmont Bear · Guru

Last October while travelling on a perfect good section of a motorway the U bolts holding the rear axle on one side the van failed while doing 95kph (which is the speed I normally tow). Trying to bring the rig safely to a stop without flipping it was extremely traumatic and I am still struggling with getting back to feeling relaxed and confident whenever I have the van on the back. The Jeep GC is quite capable of pulling the 2.8T load at 110kph but there is no way that I would do it in fact if I had been doing that speed I reckon the outcome could have been very different. I hope nothing ever goes wrong for those who like to travel at 110kph because the faster you go the less time you are going to have to react and the result could be catastrophic for not only them but for other road users.

BB

By the way the speed limit on the motorway was 110kph..

-- Edited by The Belmont Bear on Wednesday 9th of September 2020 07:58:50 AM

SouthernComfort · Guru

On the straight and dry I stick at 90 (93 on the gauge & GPS). Plenty fast enough for me even with less than 2.5T behind. Other than that conditions determine the speed.

FMC · Veteran Member

We tow a 23ft van approximately 3 ton with a 100 series Landcruiser and I only drive at 85-90 kms per hour and yes I have been overtaken by other drivers with a van on so they must be doing in excess of 110 kms per hour, too scary to think about.

Aussie1 · Guru

I prefer (and do) drive as per the revs rather than trying to maintain a certain speed. I maintain under 2000 Revs. Overall that usually works out at around anywhere from 80 to 90 kph and gives me the best fuel economy. I also find at those speeds it is less fatiguing.

delapan · Senior Member

Totally agree with Aussie1

Lozza56 · Member

I tow at 100km, im reading a lot of you tow at 90, the problem with that , is you can be 20km under the speed limit ( roads signposted 110km)

So 20km is a lot to be under, and i have been behing caravans that drop to mid 80's, so no w its 23km under etc

Seems to me, consideration is needed, its not kust about you saying "im gunna do 85 b ad luck, because that creates road rage on single lane roads, an d believe me, there is nothing worse when you are behind a van doing mud 80's or even lower, i often wonder do these drivers ever look in their review mirror ???

So sometimes its not about you, its about doing the right speed for everyone to enjoy

Phillipn · Guru

I started a post [25/02/2020, Accident going some where to happen] regarding two vans being towed in excess of the speed limit on the Gatton Bypass, which has a speed limit of 100 kph.

I received some good replies and quite a few replies that were just unbeleivable.

Their are a lot of people who tow vans think that speed limits do not apply to them.

The two vans that over took me were doing 110 to 115 kph. My speed was 100 kph [ GPS speed ]with no van being towed.

Magnarc · Guru

Laurie, have to take issue with you on your post. People should always drive at a speed that THEY feel safe at. Just because the limit is 100klms does not mean that you have to drive at that speed. Finding yourself behind a van going at 90klms is not the end of the world, how far down the road is the next passing lane??? So what's your hurry mate? what is so urgent that you need to knock 5 minutes off your arrival time? You drive at your speed and others drive at theirs. Live and let live Laurie.

RichardK · Senior Member

We tow 2.4 tons at 90 KPh, it is comfortable and far less stressful than 110 KPh, always keep watch in the rearview particularly for truckies who we give every chance to pass when safe either by pulling over or slowing down so they can get past easily. We keep in touch with them.
The max. speed limit in WA for towing is 100KPh.

Cheers
RichardK

Whenarewethere · Guru

For our car 110kph vs 90kph per 60 minutes of driving. We would be 11 minutes late. No big deal! Actually less stressful driving a bit slower, & about $6.00 extra in our pockets, adds up over a trip around Australia!

Cowboy7307 · Senior Member

Lozza56 wrote:
I tow at 100km, im reading a lot of you tow at 90, the problem with that , is you can be 20km under the speed limit ( roads signposted 110km)
So 20km is a lot to be under, and i have been behing caravans that drop to mid 80's, so no w its 23km under etc

Seems to me, consideration is needed, its not kust about you saying "im gunna do 85 b ad luck, because that creates road rage on single lane roads, an d believe me, there is nothing worse when you are behind a van doing mud 80's or even lower, i often wonder do these drivers ever look in their review mirror ???
So sometimes its not about you, its about doing the right speed for everyone to enjoy

I totally agree with not looking in mirrors,

just a couple of weeks ago was coming out of Latrobe Tas , an ambulance was coming same direction so let him pass he heads off and catches up to a caravan going 60 in a 90 area, ambulance light and sirens going, caravan kept going on his merry way for about a 1km till passing lanes,then ambulance could get past , when i got passed caravan this idiot had no wing mirrors had no idea what was behind him or her, and if he had rear view cameras then he was an arrogant AHOLE

markf · Senior Member

The issue at hand seems to me to be that people, in general, see the speed LIMIT as the speed TARGET.

A limit of 100kph says that given that all things - your capabilities, the road condition, the weather, you vehicle's condition, etc., etc. - are perfect then you may
travel at 100kph. If anything is less than perfect then you must reduce your speed to something more suited to the conditions.

Almost by definition, if you hook a couple (few) tonnes of trailer on the back of the vehicle then the conditions are not perfect any more and you must reduce your speed.

-- Edited by markf on Wednesday 9th of September 2020 12:22:25 PM

Craig1 · Guru

Between 90-95, try to keep closer to 95 if road is good

valiant81 · Guru

Hi all; With our set up ( 95 Pajero and a 2012 Jayco pop top caravan ) i find that the sweet spot is at around 95 Kms per hour, drops down a fair bit when climbing hills though!!. On the open road and traveling up to darwin in 2014 the old girl liked sitting on around 105 and doing it easy. Other places ( Tasmania, west coast ), 2nd gear with 3000 revs and try and change up and the Pajero just dies, all one can do is to pull to the left and keep going. We are not in a hurry and have to take our time.

I have had people overtake and some even with caravans/ boats or trailers and way above the speed limit. Some people must have a death wish !!!

Whenarewethere · Guru

valiant81 wrote:
I have had people overtake and some even with caravans/ boats or trailers and way above the speed limit. Some people must have a death wish !!!

They don't want to be late, they want to be dead on time!

gwb · Senior Member

I thought that pretty much Australia wide the maximum speed limit whilst towing was 100 kmh. We normally tow about 90 kmh but that can vary on road conditions.

Dhutime · Senior Member

I find that with our 200 series including upgrades GVM , chip and torque converter, and towing about 3.4t the sweet spot is 100 klm . Everything just feels right and getting great fuel consumption. I believe it all depends on your rig .Our previous 100 series same caravan the sweet spot was 90 klm . Everyone should drive whats comfortable, but make sure of your set up . Weights , balance, tyre pressures , correct tow ball weight ,good suspension.

markmack · Veteran Member

Driving on any road and being able to look at the country side that you have travelled so far to see, is what it is all about..Isn't it.? On the flat and open countryside I'll cruise 90 kmh .. The engine sounds good at that speed .. And if my sums are right 8 klm per litre. A felllow told me a long time ago that your chances of surviving a rollover at 100 klm hr are very ,very slim.

Granty · Senior Member

With my set up ( Challenger / 2.1 tonne van ] I find it is nice and comfortable at about 95klm. Any faster effects fuel and concentration. Even at 95klm You need to keep an eye on Trucks etc coming up behind and being curtious to them.

bgt · Guru

The big issue for many folks is the "ME" syndrome. "I'll travel at the speed that suits me". I find this a very selfish way of thinking. Sure travel at the speed that suits you but don't impeed others from doing what suits them. Yeah sure the idiot doing 110 towing is, just that, an idiot. But let it be. Watch your mirrors and think of others. I sit on the speed limit. Get out of the way of trucks and find the quiet back roads so I can gawk at the scenery.

JayDee · Guru

vince56 wrote:
Being one of those nomads that cruise along at around 90kph (LC200 and 2.5t van) it does surprise me at times to be rounded up by fellow caravan owners doing easily 110kph, towing sometimes quite large vans. I know every tow vehicle and van combination each have their own parameters but I'm interested to hear what others see as an ideal and safe speed when towing.

G'day VINCE.

Well I tow a 22ft Coromal Princeton weight around 2800 kg but it is a semi off Road with dual axle & 4 large tyres and Weight Distribution Hitch. I travel, like you, around the 80 to 90 klms when conditions permit.

I must say that at that speed I rarely pass another caravan or truck for that matter.

Certainly it is concerning at the speed other caravaners travel, but what does concern me most if when a let's say a 18 ft or smaller van with small tyres and single axle, whips past us doing 110klms.

This type of rig at that speed is a disaster waiting to happen. ( I stress that this is just my opinion.)

I find it amazing that in the major outback roads/ highways in western / North western Queensland that at 80 to 90 KLMS you can travel from one large town to another. EG.

Toowoomba to Dalby .....82 klms

Dalby to Chinchilla .... 84 Klms

Ok Chinchilla to Roma via Miles and Yuleba is a longer trip 189klms

But it will take 2 hours at my speed, that includes a small break.

You know the saying about ....... the speed that thrills.....

Safe travels everyone.

Jay&Dee

-- Edited by JayDee on Wednesday 9th of September 2020 10:01:48 PM

-- Edited by JayDee on Wednesday 9th of September 2020 10:03:06 PM

oldbloke · Guru

Like most here, towing a 2.5t van usually 85 to 90kph. But on a real nice bit of freeway may take it up to 95kph
I find that a good compromise. Not stressful good fuel consumption and doesn't work the Triton too hard. Van rides very nice.
Fuel wise, my usage it about:

Triton not towing doing about 90kph 8.7/100
Towing 85 to 90kph about 17 or 18/100
Towing at 100 kph about 23 or 24/100

That extra bit of speed makes a big difference.

Old and Grey · Senior Member

Good morning Vince, and everyone,

Well we tow 90-95km with our 200 GX, towing 2600kg dual axel pop top. As above the sweet spot in fifth.

Old loves her cupper tea, coffee, tea, coffee, coffee, tea.

Soooo we pull over repeatedly.Let Em all go. We have time.

Oh I forgot to mention Me. Pass me another one of those Mint Biscuits Please. biggrin biggrin biggrin

Old & Grey

iana · Guru

I have seen two dead Rangers with blown up transmissions on our travels. So guys go your hardest, and I will pass you on the side of the road too. We have a scan Gauge II fitted, and drive according to the transmission temperature. So early morning start, we can go at 90, but as the day warms up, we have to bring the speed back into the low 80's. It is an eye opener to see how the temperature quickly raises with only a small increase of speed.
Apart from that, how do you see the scenery, the faster you go, the more you have to concentrate on the road.

yobarr · Guru

JayDee wrote:

Certainly it is concerning at the speed other caravaners travel, but what does concern me most if when a let's say a 18 ft or smaller van with small tyres and single axle, whips past us doing 110klms.This type of rig at that speed is a disaster waiting to happen. ( I stress that this is just my opinion.)

Hi John....the above may be "just my opinion",but it also is fact! Many of small-tyred,single axle,vans also are lightly sprung,so that when they start swaying around at speed,they quickly develop axle steer.Once axle-steer sets in,it is all likely to end in tears.Cheers furious

-- Edited by yobarr on Thursday 10th of September 2020 08:47:44 AM