I have a new F250 Super Duty with a 6.2L and the 6 speed auto transmission. I noticed in the manual that towing above 70 is not recommended.

Obviously the "safe" towing speed is always the one to choose, but are there recommended towing speeds based on the engine and transmission capabilities within a given load size?

With my old rig I never towed in overdrive and never over 60. I don't really know how to treat this transmission and engine.

 

I would be more worried about the trailer tire speed and load ratings.

For example the uhaul trailers say max 45 on some

 

I usually keep it to about 65 when towing, even though I could easily go faster. Regardless of what your truck's manual says, most trailer tires are only rated to 65 mph.

Sent from my HTC ONE using IB AutoGroup

 

My experience is that safe towing is more about being able to control bad situations at a given speed and being able to safely stop.
A light small truck with a big engine can pull a heavy large trailer, but I've seen more of them wrecked on the side of the highway than Super Duties.

 

I'm usually @ 70mph most times on the highway. Lately I've been too comfortable doing 80mph...

All depends on how heavy I'm towing, road & traffic conditions, etc..

 

I'm at 65 MPH or lower...
I've had too many blow-outs and am running out of hair that isn't gray.
Many states have a 65 MPH limit for trucks or vehicles that are towing.

Heck come to think of it - I'm just running out of hair!!!

Regards - Randy

 

Never mind the engine and transmission, you should be concerned about your "braking distance" first when towing . Engine and transmission do not get you killed , but the ignorance about braking distance does .

The other issue is the trailer tires . If you are using ST (special trailer ) tires , their "Speed Rating" is 65 mph . If you are using LT (light truck ) tires , their rating is 95 mph . If you are using ST tires , how would you drive 70+ miles and call it "safe" ?

Think about it , play it safely . Good luck

 

1) check state guide lines for max speed for towed trailers on any given type road.

2) as stated, tire speed ratings will also limit max speed. 2 ply usally 55 mph, 4 ply usally 70 mph. and I had new of both blow once rate speeds where exceeded.

3) anti swap gizmo's may be needed at higher speeds

4) make sure your trailer brakes work and your brake controller is set correctly.

 

Welcome Patrick !

As stated, it depends... (not being a smarta... - it really does !)

Summer time or Winter?

What are you towing,
a 2k utility trailer,
a 5k TT,
a 16k 5th wheel ?

What tires do you have ?
if ST tires, in MY experience, anything over 45 mph is a time bomb ready to pop if temps get over 80 degrees...

if LT tires, Goodyear RV Tires

 

Treat it like it owes you money...

 

My trailer has 10 ply tires...How fast can I drive when I am towing??

 

Well said!!

 

10 ply means they are probably E rated for the load.

That does not indicate the max speed or a safe speed to travel at.

Look at the sidewall of the tires again.

If they are STXXXXX then 65 is max or you may overheat the tire.

LT is usually higher.

But..the faster you go then the more stopping distance .

 

x2 what ^ senix said.

My truck has 14 ply drive tires. More plies doesn't mean they are speed rated higher than 4 ply or 10 ply tires. In fact, my 14 ply tires are speed rated less than most 10 ply tires, at only 75 mph.

The maximum towing speed in some states is 55 mph, even on interstates where the posted speed limit is otherwise 75 mph for vehicles not towing.

I'd rather take another ten minutes to get there, rather than take out a life (and not get there).

 

65 for me as that is what my trailer tires are rated to. There are some trailer tires that are rated for a higher speed, but they are rather spendy $$$$.

I have seen a blowout on double axle 5'er (28-30ft long) flying past me on I-5 doing 70+. He almost lost it all, hit another car (which crashed in a ditch). I almost was hit by the car.

Lets just say if I was driving that rig, the pucker factor would have left me with a tail......