How fast do you drive?

artgpo · 01-17-2013, 05:46 AM

We have a brand new Itasca Sunstar 35F. Previously we had a 5th wheel with ST tires that were speed rated at 65 mph. I never exceeded 62. Our new MH has 235/80 22.5 Michelin XRV tires. I cannot find a speed rating for these tires on the Michelin RV tire website. While I have no intention of driving faster than 65 with no toad I am curious as to how fast is safe on these tires.

wincrasher · 01-17-2013, 06:04 AM

Those ratings are dependant on conditions, as I'm sure others will chime in, so your tires won't just explode if you go 66. So as long as I'm not overloaded, pressure set right and it's not 100 degrees out, I don't worry about the tires much. Check em every hour or two and keep going.

Putting tire warnings aside, I generally go 5 under whatever is posted when I'm towing. Some places are posted 75 or higher now, but I'd not want to tow at 70, just not comfortable going that fast with the rig. When not towing, I just go with the flow.

Going alittle under the posted limit, I'm allowing all the crazy people to whiz past me and I can actually use the cruise control. Much more relaxing. When in metro areas, I always get in the center lane, as there is always the nut that wants to ease on slower than traffic from the merge lane, even though he has a yield sign (those are just a DOT joke, right?).

Triker56 · 01-17-2013, 06:07 AM

Most 22.5" tires have a 75 MPH rating.

I'm in no hurry pulling a toad and get best MPG at 55-58 MPH.
Works good with my usual 250-350 miles travel days.
Leave campground by 8 AM get to the next one around 2-3 PM

This is from Michelin
The maximum speed at which MICHELIN truck tires can be
operated is indicated in the MICHELIN®Truck Tire Data Book.
This speed varies for each type of tire and depends on the type of
application. Consult a MICHELIN®Truck Tire Retailer for
assistance in determining the maximum speed for your
application.
Exceeding this maximum speed will cause the tire to build up
excessive heat, which can cause tire damage that could result in
sudden air loss and rapid tire destruction. Failure to control a
vehicle when one or more tires experience a sudden air loss can
lead to an accident, property damage, and personal injury.
In any case, you should not exceed reasonable speeds as
indicated by the legal limits and driving conditions.

CampDaven · 01-17-2013, 07:31 AM

Being that we have trouble deciding where we are not going to hurry to next, I do the speed limit up to 65, which is also my MPG limit.
At 65, most are passing us anyway.

JohnBoyToo · 01-17-2013, 07:44 AM

Given that MOST rv's flow through the air as well as a LARGE shoebox,

A drop from 75 to 65 really helps the mpg

and typically is a more relaxing drive...

(UNLESS you are late to the ball game or whatever - then you drive as needed

)

but it's still GREAT mpg for a HOUSE !

Wayne M · 01-17-2013, 07:57 AM

The Michelin Tire Table for your tire specifies 75 mph as max speed.

Just search on the words - michelin xrv tire chart - and you will get the table to come up in PDF format.

Petro · 01-17-2013, 08:15 AM

My Horizon seems to have a sweet spot around 62. I never drive faster than 65 except when I need the extra speed to safely pass someone. I find my MPG starts dropping above 65. I average 6.5 - 7 MPG towing our Saturn. Headwinds and tailwinds change those numbers.

Don

Hipshot · 01-17-2013, 08:34 AM

62 to 65 or speed limit wichever is slower. As other have said it is more relaxing and stress free to go a little and let others pass. My destination will be there when I get there, not before.

artgpo · 01-17-2013, 02:57 PM

That is what I thought but y'alls opinions sure do matter. Much appreciated!

vsheetz · 01-17-2013, 08:23 PM

~60mph - gets me there, better mpg

Deek · 01-17-2013, 08:34 PM

Toad or no toad -- 65 MPH. Best mileage we can find.

Deek

new2RVn · 01-17-2013, 09:37 PM

60 to 63. The "Winnie" is very comfortable at that speed. As long as the "Winnie" is comfortable, I'm comfortable. If we need to be somewhere sooner, we leave earlier.

Alan24601 · 01-17-2013, 09:38 PM

What tires are on the trucks going 80+? Our ISB gets 9.3 at 65 mph on mostly flat terrain with a Banks kit towing a CRV. Add a headwind and 8 is very possible, add a Wyoming headwind and start sweating where the next fuel stop may be.

Triker56 · 01-18-2013, 06:12 AM

Quote:

What tires are on the trucks going 80+? Our ISB gets 9.3 at 65 mph on mostly flat terrain with a Banks kit towing a CRV. Add a headwind and 8 is very possible, add a Wyoming headwind and start sweating where the next fuel stop may be.

Trucks have those same 75 MPH tires. Where do you think all those alligator pieces on the road come from?

My ISB with Banks Power Pack towing a HHR gets 10.2 MPG at 55-58 MPH. Or 81 more miles a tank then driving 65 MPH. $3.65 diesel 10.2 MPG = .33¢ a mile 9.3 MPG= .39¢ a mile.

ga traveler · 01-18-2013, 06:51 AM

I am no fan of the oil companies, so I try to get the best mileage possible. I drive a 35 ft Pace Arrow with a Ford V10. On two trips out west, I got 8.33 in 2008 and 8.32 in 2009. This is keeping the RPM's at 4000 up the mountains and driving at 61 mph. I was towing a Honda Civic.

Skip426 · 01-18-2013, 07:17 AM

99 F/L, XC chassis rated at 65 mph. best mileage at 55>60 . Thats where the cruise control gets set. Spent 42 years racing the clock, I don't do that any more.

vraines · 01-18-2013, 08:08 AM

I drive my ISL at about 62, if speed limits and conditions permit. Yesterday, our plans had to change enroute so I decided to kick it up to almost 70 and held that for over 350 miles. My point is that I am sure my fuel economy suffered some, but I made the destination on time, but I did some passing and I am sure the stress level was up some. Today, I will set the cruise at 62 and relax again.

TDInewguy · 03-08-2013, 12:15 AM

depends on if I'm in a hurry or not...

If not then 62-68 MPH

If I'm in a hurry I have been known to bury the speedo. It handles 80-85 pretty nicely. MPG takes a hit, but the hit starts around 66-68mph.

Taking on "hills" starting above 70 makes the uphill maintain speed a LOT better than starting a hill at 62.

ron55 · 03-08-2013, 06:42 AM

what ever the traffic flo is doing

Falcon190 · 03-08-2013, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skip426

99 F/L, XC chassis rated at 65 mph. best mileage at 55>60 . Thats where the cruise control gets set. Spent 42 years racing the clock, I don't do that any more.

I'm with you on this. We just got back today from a few days trip. Tires at 100 in front and 95 in back. While driving, I set the cruise on 62 - about 7 to 7.5 MPG. I reset it to 58 - about 8 to 8.5 MPG. But, the important thing? Just taking my time. I did the Type A for a long time. Not anymore!