Travel Speed

[Scooterfan]

I usually put the cruise control on 65, but if there's any cross wind(s) I find 62 is the mph that is most controllable. Not sure how that all changes now that we purchased a TOAD. A FIAT 500 so it's light (2,200lbs). Not expecting too much change in driving speeds but I won't know until I get on the road with her. Drive at a comfortable speed for you but stay in the right lane unless you are passing. JMHO...blessings

 

[Crazydog]

Drive the limit!..Anything slower will create problems for others and potentially cause an accident! Is that worth saving a buck or two?

The OP was talking about being on an interstate. Every interstate in the U.S. has at least 2 lanes in each direction.
Driving under the speed limit in the right lane will not hinder anyone. They are free to pass at anytime.
I set my personal speed limit at 65mph if conditions are good whether I'm towing our 25' TT or our 40' 5th wheel and have never caused a slowdown behind us in over 40+ years.

 

[sanda]

65 max for us. Mainly for safety and not fuel mileage. Blow a tire out at 75 is more apt to put you in the ditch

 

[Kevin D Pem]

That may have been true during the national 55 speed limit, when autos and trucks were geared to the "sweet spot" of fuel economy at 55-60 mph, but today, they're geared for higher speeds, with overdrive transmissions, full lock-up torque converters and computer-controlled shift points. That all equals out to "best" fuel economy at almost any speed you might drive.

Not so sure about the "safer" part, what with a big wind-catching wall back there to get blown over, or start whipping around to jack-knife you, but that's another issue.

That being said, YOU are still the operator, and may drive any legal speed you feel safe at. I have a mental saying when overtaken by somebody that seems to be in one heck of a hurry......"Speed on....hell's only half full"

Roger

Overdrive!
The importance of using your tow/haul setting is evidently understated. Won't say more unless pressured.

 

[Rollin Ollen]

Overdrive!
The importance of using your tow/haul setting is evidently understated. Won't say more unless pressured.

Are you implying that OD does not work in Tow Mode?? It sure does on my 2011 F53 and the owner's manual verifies. At about 60 MPH on a level road with minimal wind we cruise at just over 2000 RPM in OD in TM

 

[Kevin D Pem]

Are you implying that OD does not work in Tow Mode?? It sure does on my 2011 F53 and the owner's manual verifies. At about 60 MPH on a level road with minimal wind we cruise at just over 2000 RPM in OD in TM

I would not imply that! In tow haul mode my truck stays out of OD. if I were driving your f53 the same would be the standard. I have tested this with the ers.

Though I miss typed 55mpg above, you know I ment 55mph. TOW/HAUL is on when I tow or (haul) loads close to capacity. I can lock out OD using the ers but the only reason I would have to do that was if I was to brake my 55 rule.

So yes! What OD?

 

[RVThereYet]

Drive the limit!..Anything slower will create problems for others and potentially cause an accident! Is that worth saving a buck or two?

That is a pretty broad, all inclusive answer. If this is the case, stay away from desolate area like west Texas. The speed limit is 80.
I drive at 65 and that seems to be around the best MPG and not be a big hinderance on the roadway.

Happy Glamping!

 

[SGilbert]

That is a pretty broad, all inclusive answer. If this is the case, stay away from desolate area like west Texas. The speed limit is 80.
I drive at 65 and that seems to be around the best MPG and not be a big hinderance on the roadway.

Happy Glamping!

I can go 80 if need be, but prefer not to. I'd likely be @ 70-75 in that case!
If I had the time or inclination, I'd, just for you, spell out all 50-100 scenarios that might ever occur!
I can camp or glamp just as easy as I wish.

 

[Rollin Ollen]

I would not imply that! In tow haul mode my truck stays out of OD. if I were driving your f53 the same would be the standard. I have tested this with the ers.

Though I miss typed 55mpg above, you know I ment 55mph. TOW/HAUL is on when I tow or (haul) loads close to capacity. I can lock out OD using the ers but the only reason I would have to do that was if I was to brake my 55 rule.

So yes! What OD?

What is "ers"? The owners manual says the tow/haul improves the operation of the transmission and all gear ranges are available. That means, and I know for a fact, OD works in tow mode. So yes!! That OD.

 

[MemoriesByTheMile]

What is "ers"? The owners manual says the tow/haul improves the operation of the transmission and all gear ranges are available. That means, and I know for a fact, OD works in tow mode. So yes!! That OD.

This could be a difference of definitions, what is OD?
In the “old days” OD used to be another gear range but now it seems to be, in the age of automatics, the locking of the torque converter.
So tow mode can be using all gear ranges, just avoiding the torque converter locking to prevent damage from slippage.

 

[Kevin D Pem]

Technically od the output shaft turns faster than the input shaft.

Over speed = over drive.

Ers is the paddle shift capability. Trans still acts like an auto Trans, but the range is limited by you. Think of a four speed auto. D allows 4th. Most often OD and when in 3rd is selected OD is locked out.

 

[Rosy]

I would not imply that! In tow haul mode my truck stays out of OD. if I were driving your f53 the same would be the standard. I have tested this with the ers.

Though I miss typed 55mpg above, you know I ment 55mph. TOW/HAUL is on when I tow or (haul) loads close to capacity. I can lock out OD using the ers but the only reason I would have to do that was if I was to brake my 55 rule.

So yes! What OD?

Agreed. i was always taught to lock out OD when towing. My truck has 2 overdrive gears so I keep it in 4th, which had the advantage that it also keeps the torque converter locked up 100% of the time.

 

[Joe Hogan]

Traveling back from JAX yesterday in the Tesla on 95, a pair of Diesel Pushers went by me, one was towing a cargo trailer. I was traveling 78-80 mph or so, a common travel speed for the section of road I was traveling.
These DPs looked like they were working to maintain their respective lanes, but were in excess of 80. Both had FL plates. I was happy to open some distance between us and them.

BTW Cars were passing me, traveling 90-100 mph, many German and Japanese branded vehicles. A bit of a wild ride.

 

[dave54]

I use OD while towing, if flat ground and good weather.

 

[RVThereYet]

I can go 80 if need be, but prefer not to. I'd likely be @ 70-75 in that case!
If I had the time or inclination, I'd, just for you, spell out all 50-100 scenarios that might ever occur!
I can camp or glamp just as easy as I wish.

Maybe I took your statement the wrong way but seems like someone fell out of bed rather than got out. Little sensitive and quick to admonish I'd say.
Not really interested in your 50-100 scenarios as at 65 don't have that many to worry about so I'll leave that up to you.

Happy Glamping at 80 MPH!!

 

[GypsyR]

This could be a difference of definitions, what is OD?
In the “old days” OD used to be another gear range but now it seems to be, in the age of automatics, the locking of the torque converter.
So tow mode can be using all gear ranges, just avoiding the torque converter locking to prevent damage from slippage.

Overdrive is still overdrive. Overdrive is a gear ratio. Some these days have two or even three overdrive ratios. Also many modern ones can and will "lock up" the converter in any forward gear. from first on up.
Lock up is merely to reduce or eliminate the innate "slip" of a hydraulic torque converter. The effect is to make it like a manual transmission. Once fully engaged, the clutch on those doesn't allow ANY slip between the engine and transmission, no matter what gear you are in.

With vehicles that have a nice positive engagement of lockup in the highest gear it can definitely feel like it shifted into another gear. On such a vehicle you can also normally observe a 150-200 RPM drop on the tachometer when lockup engages.
To muddy the waters, newer lockup converters still slip, but on purpose. "PWM" controls allow them to engage a percentage of converter lockup. Most of these you need a scanner with live data ability to see lockup in action. This is to finer tune the balance between smoother shifting and the need to meet EPA mileage goals. Such partial engagement is hard on the lockup clutches to the point where many are made of materials that bring to mind bullet proof vests. It also makes them more prone to shuddering, the number one complaint with most modern automatics. Shuddering in lockup has been an issue since Ford rolled out the first lockup torque converter circa 1982 I think. (The C5)

 

[RollingManCave]

IMHO: As a retired Commercial Driver. 50-55 MPH. I have not seen it all but I have seen a lot. Stay above the minimum and below the maximum that you feel comfortable with and can afford.