Let's be careful in 2019

[Greg A]

Originally Posted by Jim Bennett

I usually travel the speed limit, or the speed of traffic, up to a max 110 kph (70 mph). The very odd time, like on an interstate, a wee bit faster, but though I feel no issue safety wise, the fuel economy really starts to suck.

Those folks that regularly drive 80 mph on the freeways that allow it must certainly have a big fuel budget.

And Life Insurance.....

[rubicon327]

Originally Posted by fgunderson

really appreciate the comments on the highway speeds you folks use when towing...makes me feel better about my 55-65 mph comfort zone if I make down to lower 48 states with my 17b

Sometimes I think we lose perspective on the highway. On a 150 mile travel day the difference between 65 and 60mph is only 12 minutes. Does that really matter especially if you are retired and trying to enjoy some scenery? Better gas mileage, shorter stopping distance, less potential for sway and just overall safer.

Says the guy who is always seems to be rushing to work. Let me tell you though I’m slow compared to how people want to drive in NJ. I could be going 90 in the left lane and someone would be wanting to get by. Crazy.

[rbryan4]

I "lose perspective" every time I get behind the wheel Dave, if I'm not careful. I have to remind myself it's not a race.

It reminds me of a line from one of Keith Urban's songs, Days Go By:

"I'm changing lanes and talkin' on the phone, and drivin' way too fast...

And the interstate's jammed with gunners like me afraid of comin' in last.."

[Mike Lewis]

Originally Posted by rbryan4

I "lose perspective" every time I get behind the wheel Dave, if I'm not careful. I have to remind myself it's not a race.

It's possible that this aspect of your personality is also what makes you a successful businessman.

Years ago, on my first day of an assignment in a politically unstable Third World country, my new boss told me to follow him across town. We got into our cars then he immediately forgot all about me and floored it. He dashed across town and I tried to follow, terrified. Sure enough, I was soon stopped by the corrupt local police, who expected a bribe. I didn't speak the language and didn't know what the cop wanted. As the cop became increasingly agitated my boss doubled back and got into the car with him. I soon figured out that he was negotiating with the cop to release me. I said, "just pay the man, Dave! Pay the man!" On that day I learned that my freedom was worth $50.

[Brian B-P]

I'll just note that the default maximum speed rating for Special Trailer type tires is 65 miles per hour (which is 105 km/h). Many ST tires are now rated for higher speeds, but traditionally it has been assumed that light trailers (big trucks don't use ST tires) would not be towed at higher speeds than that.

[fgunderson]

[hate to be a pest by chiming in again on the subject of my comfort level towing speed of 55-65 mph...the stock escape tires I received with my 17b don't seem to have a speed rating that I could find...so I default to max. of about 65 unless conditions warrant higher...I hope to ask for some input/suggestions on replacement trailer tire when mine time-out in a year or so...this forum has been very helpful to me..thx againfgunderson/Wrangell,alaska

[gbaglo]

What specifically are the tires on your 2015?

If you Google the tire, you will likely find a table of speeds from that manufacturer.

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by fgunderson

...the stock escape tires I received with my 17b don't seem to have a speed rating that I could find...so I default to max. of about 65 unless conditions warrant higher...

If your tires have a load index and a speed rating, they will be shown at the end of the type and size specification. The type and size will be "ST205/75R15", and may be shown in more than one place on the sidewall.

What brand and model are these tires?

[fgunderson]

[sorry for delay getting back to on my tires-had to log-out to go shovel snow...re checked my ties are Carlisle radial trail rh-dura trail technology st 205/7r15-for trailer service only-load range c-tread 4 plies 2 polyester/2 steel sidewall 2 plies polyester-max load 1820 lbs at 50 mph...I know speed and load ratings/ranges were covered pretty extensively in a previous thread...don't expect you all to have to revisit for me...thx for all your responses on towing speeds used on highways...everyone has their own thoughts on this...I don't judge anyones opinions-just trying to get an idea how you interstate dwellers handle towing when traffic is flowing at higher speeds of upwards of 75-80 mph...like I said-I may venture forth to some of these areas in the future...sounds like most if not all of you don't let traffic push you faster than you think safe-good to hear...happy new year to you all...fgunderson

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by fgunderson

...re checked my ties are Carlisle radial trail rh-dura trail technology st 205/7r15-for trailer service only-load range c-tread 4 plies 2 polyester/2 steel sidewall 2 plies polyester-max load 1820 lbs at 50 mph...

None of that is the load index and speed rating; these were probably not defined for the Radial Trail RH, so that leaves you with the default 65 mph rating. Also, that's "max load 1820 lbs at 50 PSI".

Carlisle has replaced the Radial Trail RH with the Radial Trail HD. The HD has a speed rating of 81 miles per hour, so it should have an "M" speed symbol on it. While it's nice to have the rating margin to allow higher speeds in some circumstances, I wouldn't tow a travel trailer at 81 mph.

[fgunderson]

attn brian b-p...you are correct 1820 lbs at 50 psi-not 50 mph...thank you for the heads-up on updated radial trail hd tire and associated info on them...I wont be towing at 81 mph either or I might be a candidate for and addition to the videos at the beginning of this thread...fgunderson/Wrangell Alaska -google my home town,its most likely a little different than where you are from...would like to meet some of you folks at a rally sometime-

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by fgunderson

Wrangell Alaska -google my home town,its most likely a little different than where you are from...

True, but I live almost as far north, and I have been within 235 kilometres (145 miles) of Wrangell.

[HabibaNola]

Originally Posted by Greg A

Scary, and sad for those involved. Almost all of these appear to escalate because the drivers don’t know how to respond to sway.
If you encounter the trailer doing this, foot off the gas, do not apply vehicle brakes, and use the manual brake lever on the brake controller to apply only trailer brakes.
This will straighten things out almost immediately and put you back in control.
Wishing all a happy and safe New Year.

Thank You! I'm a newby, and just learning - everything. Brake controller is still a mystery.

[Lisa M.]

Originally Posted by Patandlinda

We don't have anything installed except the ball to hitch . We travel 55-60 the majority of the time . Maybe might hit 65 too. Never had any problem with larger truck and trailers move us around when they pass . Could be our truck is very heavy to trailer and has a 8 ft bed something to do with it . Learned to use brake controller when first towing so hopefully will be second nature if ever needed. Pat

Sounds like we are in the same boat. No sway bar or WDH, etc. I travel 55-60, rarely hit 65. In 12 years of towing my 17' Casita with an F150 over mountain passes, and through bad storms, passing and being passed by semis on the 99 and I-5, I have never had an incident of sway. That video scared me though and makes me wonder if I should invest in something now that could be used down the road when I get an Escape 21'. If nothing else, I know I have become too comfortable and complacent and need to start thinking and practicing with that brake controller just in case.

[Patandlinda]

Originally Posted by Lisa M.

Sounds like we are in the same boat. No sway bar or WDH, etc. I travel 55-60, rarely hit 65. In 12 years of towing my 17' Casita with an F150 over mountain passes, and through bad storms, passing and being passed by semis on the 99 and I-5, I have never had an incident of sway. That video scared me though and makes me wonder if I should invest in something now that could be used down the road when I get an Escape 21'. If nothing else, I know I have become too comfortable and complacent and need to start thinking and practicing with that brake controller just in case.

Hi Lisa keeping speed down is important . Our truck is a f-250 with a 8 ft bed . I can't tell you if you need anything . I think with your f-150 much better then smaller tow vehicles even to tow the 21 . I just know when semi's pass us ,it doesn't do anything to truck and trailer . We also tow with full freshwater tank . Most of the time empty grey and black tanks . But sometimes couldn't empty and still no problem . Good to get used to using brake controller . Even though our trailers are smaller and light weight , good to have a good size tow vehicle. Pat

[h2owmn]

fgunderson, I spent 4th of july in wrangell a few years ago...it was awesome. So many kid on bikes etc in the parade. My friends who live here, pete and mary, used to live there, and are moving back!

[Oldtimer]

We toe with just a plain hitch. When we brought our 21 home last September, never had any issue with sway. I was doing 65 mph most of the way home. But after reading and seeing what happened to the 19. I am looking at a sway only setup. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

David n Vicki

[rbryan4]

Originally Posted by Oldtimer

We toe with just a plain hitch. When we brought our 21 home last September, never had any issue with sway. I was doing 65 mph most of the way home. But after reading and seeing what happened to the 19. I am looking at a sway only setup. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

David n Vicki

Before investing in any gadget to prevent/reduce sway, just make sure you've distributed your load properly and have adequate tongue weight. It's been stated to the point of exhaustion but still bears repeating: the number one cause of sway is low tongue weight. Your tow is not undersized, and can handle higher tongue weight as well. I sincerely doubt you will need an anti-sway device provided your tongue weight is over 10% of the trailer weight.

[Oldtimer]

I always ck how the weight of items loaded in trailer and where they are placed. Evenly distributed loads make for a smooth tow.Just looking a little insurance to prevent possible issues. We want to enjoy our 21 for yrs to come.

[bdornbush]

Originally Posted by fgunderson

just trying to get an idea how you interstate dwellers handle towing when traffic is flowing at higher speeds of upwards of 75-80 mph...

I live in CA where the speed limit for trailer towing is 55 MPH. I almost always tow at 60 MPH wherever I am going, including states that allow much higher speed limits. I stay in the curb lane and let them all pass me, never had a problem.