Re: [VAL] how fast can we pull it?

["Scott Scheuermann" <s.l.scheuermann@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Ann,

Back in the late 50's early 60's the rule of thumb was to never go faster
than 50 mph. It was a rule that my Grandfather enforced when my parents
borrowed the trailer for our summer vacations in the 60's & 70's. With the
lowering of the speed limit we inched it up to 55. Back then if sway control
was in existance it was not in common use. Tow vehicles were often times the
family car, not properly set up for towin. Times have changed, the
Interstate system is in use, and I believe that the "modern" Airstream has
been tested to 100mph. (I seem to remember an ad from the early 70's?
proclaiming that your Airstream can do anything your car can, up to 100
mph.)

Goodyear Marathon tires (a popular tire brand for trailers) are speed rated
at 65 mph. (per a Goodyear flyer). What brand are your tires? Go to the
manufacturer and ask for the speed rating!

Before realizing the speed rating of the tires on my trailer I would travel
the posted limit, which in some areas is 70-75, but I have been towing this
particular trailer for 25 years so I know how it handles in both good times
and bad. I am backing it down...with the high fuel prices the increase in
mpg's makes it a bit easier to swallow.

My tow vehicle is a full sized pickup truck with an extended cab (long
wheelbase) which weighs about 6500#. From the factory it is set up to tow
10,000#. My trailer weighs under 5000# when fully loaded. I use a Reese dual
cam system. So, if anything you can say I like an extra margin for safety.
But, I do use it as much as possible and have been known to be on the road
the whole summer, traveling cross country!

The state of IL has a top speed limit for vehicles with trailers of 55. OH
has a similiar law, but goes by weight...I have yet to see this enforced,
but you never know!

Things to consider:
Do you have a proper, weight distributing hitch?
Has the hitch been adjusted to specs?
Does the hitch have some sort of sway control? (bar, dual cam or a Hensley
type set up)
Are your tires properly inflated and balanced?
Are your tires over 5 year old?
Is your tow vehicle marginal in size? (does it weigh more than your trailer)
Does your tow vehicle have a long wheel-base?
How much experience does the driver have, both solo and with the trailer,
and in what conditions?

You are probably wise to keep the speed down. However most people are not
wise, and most are in a hurry!

Scott Scheuermann
1960 Overlander