Very new to towing...so what is a safe speed to tow a single axle 3000lb travel trailer? I will be coming back from Oklahoma to Albuquerque on all Interstate highway's...and do not want to be driving to FAST or also to SLOW. Those big Rigs...do not care for the slow drivers...

ON EDIT: Will be towing with my 2003 SD (see sig)...

Thanks for the help...and suggestions.

biz

 

Don't tow any faster then YOUR ability to control the vehicle.
If you have doubts... Stay OFF the expressways and use secondary roads.
With that combination, the legal speed limit should be safe for most drivers under normal conditions.

 

I like to start slow, increasing my speed in 5mph increments. As soon as something doesn't feel right, I back off to my last speed and stay there.

 

I think the biggest concern is sometimes not how fast you are going but the time to stop with a trailer behind you. That's the biggest issue in my mind when towing. I usually pull slightly under or at posted speed limit.

 

I read somewhere recently that trailer tires are only speed rated to 65mph. I wish I could quote where I read it but, it may have been this forum.

 

OK. This isn't where I read it but, it probably carries more weight than just my memory. Follow this link http://www.discounttire.com/dtcs/infoTrailerTireFacts.dos;jsessionid=F6cxsyfC8y53Q3 N29G7vdKZQ9TnwfM1h0h4G3WY0cyLhgJxvT7Gz!377088018!N ONE

 

Can't say it any better than that.

 

tps0424 -- Read the link...Thanks good info on trailer towing tires! 65mph...kinda slow, but better safe than sorry.

Also...thanks everyone for all your comments! They were very well received...


biz

 

biz4two,

Here is a link to a chart showing state towing laws. You may find it useful.

www.hitchemup.com/statetowinglaws.htm

Hope this helps

 

While you are going 65, think of the gas money you are saving. I tow a 7200lb. travel trailer with my V10 and when I dropped my speed to 60-65 I increased my gas mileage from 7 to 9.5. It's was well worth it!

 

YES...that info is invaluable! Thanks!


Absolutely! Yes...will certainly keep the mpg up where I prefer it to be. Good point!

biz

 

biz4two,
Clearly, you have a great tow rig. IMO any potential issues are with your trailer... tires, wheel bearings etc. Also, a weight distributing hitch really helps reduce sway, even with a smaller trailer. You should be able to travel at the speed limit with no issues up to 70 mph although I wouldn't recommend exceeding 75 mph. Good luck

 

Thanks everyone for all the info! Really appreciate it...


biz

 

65mph...kinda slow:

Not really - lets see, tow vehicle- 5000-7000 lbs, + trailer 6000 to 10,000 lbs =
11,000 to 17,000 lbs. Six or eight little 1.5 X6" patches of rubber sliding on the road at 65 MPH.
How far until this thing comes to rest?
Oh yeah, these things sometimes bend in the middle as they come to a halt.

65mph...kinda Fast, at least fast enough!

PS: You haven't lived until some idiot pulls right in front of you and hits the brakes .......

 

I guess I've lived then...left the reverse image of my vanity plate in the bumper of a ricer's Honda!! To add insult to injury, she got a traffic citation.....and went on a heckofa ride after I 'tapped' her! I'll bet she doesn't pull THAT stunt again!