Do we over think weights?
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 10,060
Likes: 491
From: Bristol, TN.
That all makes since to me. Good points all!
For me its to slow down and obey the speed limits, more so when loaded. In fact I do my best to stay off freeways when loaded. I just got back from a trop including Idaho, Montana, Utah, and Arizona. Some speed limits are 80 MPH, for truck too. To me that is too fast for a loaded vehicle, including big semis. Think about how long it will take to stop 80,000lbs+ at 80+ MPH. No mater how good the brakes, that is a lot of energy to get rid of. Things are going to get ran over!
I truly hope you took everything I said as intended, not as wright and wrong, but as two different views discussing an issue.
For me its to slow down and obey the speed limits, more so when loaded. In fact I do my best to stay off freeways when loaded. I just got back from a trop including Idaho, Montana, Utah, and Arizona. Some speed limits are 80 MPH, for truck too. To me that is too fast for a loaded vehicle, including big semis. Think about how long it will take to stop 80,000lbs+ at 80+ MPH. No mater how good the brakes, that is a lot of energy to get rid of. Things are going to get ran over!
I truly hope you took everything I said as intended, not as wright and wrong, but as two different views discussing an issue.
Nothing to be offended by here. Just a discourse covering a lot of points where there is likely way more agreement than not. I worry almost not at all about folks who can cogently make their points in a thoughtful manner. I love truck camping in the West. Wish it wasn't such a long pull from N.E. TN. Those western speed limits are really something though aren't they? Will be back out there late August through October.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 111
Likes: 2
I started this thread and have read it intently. I agree with some and disagree with some opinions that have been stated,but have considered all the post. I have engineered, built,and assembled many things in and used in the industrial work place since 1983, That's what 35 years experience. As stated as far as I know early vehicals were not rated for load capacity or towing capacity. Many TT were pulled with cars. My dad pulled a 28'airstream with a Cadillac because older Cadillac's were cheap and had a big engine. My take on manufacturers load and towing capabilities is a suggested weight,with a large safety cushion built in. It's based on individual parts used and not so much how they all work together.(my opinion) I think it would be hard to use a suggested capacity against someone in court ,especially if the vehical was realativly close to the suggested weight. But McDonald's got sued for to hot of coffee. I think 6 or 8 hundred lbs over the suggest weight is well with reason,and under the safety factor built into the suggested weight by the manufacturer. I also agree that the driver should drive according to the load they are pulling or carrying. I have pulled campers that would stop better than the tow vehicle could stop by itself. The TT I have now will not and takes more distants so I copinsate for that.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 111
Likes: 2
Hey man,
Nothing to be offended by here. Just a discourse covering a lot of points where there is likely way more agreement than not. I worry almost not at all about folks who can cogently make their points in a thoughtful manner. I love truck camping in the West. Wish it wasn't such a long pull from N.E. TN. Those western speed limits are really something though aren't they? Will be back out there late August through October.
Nothing to be offended by here. Just a discourse covering a lot of points where there is likely way more agreement than not. I worry almost not at all about folks who can cogently make their points in a thoughtful manner. I love truck camping in the West. Wish it wasn't such a long pull from N.E. TN. Those western speed limits are really something though aren't they? Will be back out there late August through October.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 10,060
Likes: 491
From: Bristol, TN.
I am sure we were passed by 18-wheeler running 85 mph. Heck of a drive across the fly-over states. When we finally got to Wyoming I was ready to get out and kiss the ground. Isn't the wind crazy? We stopped to see the old Territorial Prison I think in Laramie and asked the folks working there how long it took to get used to the wind. They just looked at us and said they didn't know. they weren't used to it yet and they had been there several years.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,521
Likes: 412
From: Washington Coast
Really it all comes down to choice just like been said over and over again.
With my Prowler I ran 60 to 65 in the slow lane where ever I went north to Edmonton and south to Houston, west from Oregon, California, and Washington east to the Mississippi River along with Illinois and Tennessee. I’ve seen people pulled over for unsafe passing but I’ve never been pulled over for impeding traffic. I learned early on what speeding/rushing cost me and others.
You have to be comfortable. I try to set mine up right, and stay within the limits and since I started doing that I’ve been successful.
When I get passed by someone I think is going to fast I just give a little prayer they get where they’re headed and no one gets hurt. I don’t buy the “You’ll get run over by the speeders” line after over 300,000 miles of towing.
With my Prowler I ran 60 to 65 in the slow lane where ever I went north to Edmonton and south to Houston, west from Oregon, California, and Washington east to the Mississippi River along with Illinois and Tennessee. I’ve seen people pulled over for unsafe passing but I’ve never been pulled over for impeding traffic. I learned early on what speeding/rushing cost me and others.
You have to be comfortable. I try to set mine up right, and stay within the limits and since I started doing that I’ve been successful.
When I get passed by someone I think is going to fast I just give a little prayer they get where they’re headed and no one gets hurt. I don’t buy the “You’ll get run over by the speeders” line after over 300,000 miles of towing.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 2,800
Likes: 31
From: OKC, OK
Hey man,
Nothing to be offended by here. Just a discourse covering a lot of points where there is likely way more agreement than not. I worry almost not at all about folks who can cogently make their points in a thoughtful manner. I love truck camping in the West. Wish it wasn't such a long pull from N.E. TN. Those western speed limits are really something though aren't they? Will be back out there late August through October.
Nothing to be offended by here. Just a discourse covering a lot of points where there is likely way more agreement than not. I worry almost not at all about folks who can cogently make their points in a thoughtful manner. I love truck camping in the West. Wish it wasn't such a long pull from N.E. TN. Those western speed limits are really something though aren't they? Will be back out there late August through October.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,866
Likes: 84
From: Rainier OR
if you like state parks I can recommend a couple.
Kodachrome state park near Bryce canyon is nice, nice showers and all paved full hookups for $30 a night.
Painted rock campground, part of Yuba state park, south of SLC, is another inexpensive full hookup site.
if you are staying around Bryce Canyon, the town of tropic has much better prices on groceries and the restaurant at the store is reasonable pice.
there are a lot of camp and cooking fire restrictions in South Utah now. Some places cant do any type of outdoor cooking.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 2,800
Likes: 31
From: OKC, OK
we just got back from a Bryce and grand canyon NP trip
if you like state parks I can recommend a couple.
Kodachrome state park near Bryce canyon is nice, nice showers and all paved full hookups for $30 a night.
Painted rock campground, part of Yuba state park, south of SLC, is another inexpensive full hookup site.
if you are staying around Bryce Canyon, the town of tropic has much better prices on groceries and the restaurant at the store is reasonable pice.
there are a lot of camp and cooking fire restrictions in South Utah now. Some places cant do any type of outdoor cooking.
if you like state parks I can recommend a couple.
Kodachrome state park near Bryce canyon is nice, nice showers and all paved full hookups for $30 a night.
Painted rock campground, part of Yuba state park, south of SLC, is another inexpensive full hookup site.
if you are staying around Bryce Canyon, the town of tropic has much better prices on groceries and the restaurant at the store is reasonable pice.
there are a lot of camp and cooking fire restrictions in South Utah now. Some places cant do any type of outdoor cooking.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
James Brown
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
9
Feb 23, 2015 07:11 AM
plomerostroker
6.0L Power Stroke Diesel
9
Dec 11, 2010 11:55 AM