R-pod Owners Forum : Question about Highway Towing Spades http://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : I need HELP!!! : Question about Highway Towing Spades Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Wed, 20 May 2026 19:09:39 +0000 Wed, 11 Jul 2018 07:53:35 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=11876 R-pod Owners Forum http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png http://www.rpod-owners.com/ Question about Highway Towing Spades : I set the cruise control at 60... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11876&PID=112232#112232 Author: lostagain
Subject: 11876
Posted: 11 Jul 2018 at 7:53am

I set the cruise control at 60 (GPS says 63), as a general rule.  When we get into hills or mountains (with relatively straight roads) where we need to down shift some, I set it at 55.  When it downshifts it stays at about 3600 rpm, max, which is the optimal torque for our engine.  If there is a strong head wind and I'm getting a lot of downshifting, then I also set it at 55 unless the wind is blowing so hard that the truck is struggling at 55.  But, if I've got a 30 mph tail wind, I might drive 70, close to the maximum range of my D tires.  The point, for me, is to drive to the optimum engine output for mileage and torque, so as to not waste gas or strain the engine.  

When we travel, we try to keep it relaxed.  Going really fast with a trailer is not relaxing.  For us, if we are in a big hurry to get "there," we'll drive the car and fudge the speed limit all the way, but when traveling for fun and recreation, it's more comfortable to leave the anxiety and stress at home.  If we get to our destination an hour later, as far as we are concerned, so what?, we're still there and haven't broken anything or spent more than we should on gas to get there.


]]> Wed, 11 Jul 2018 07:53:35 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11876&PID=112232#112232 Question about Highway Towing Spades : 65 mph.If you can reach your destination... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11876&PID=112227#112227 Author: ToolmanJohn
Subject: 11876
Posted: 11 Jul 2018 at 5:15am

65 mph. 

If you can reach your destination in 3 days at 70-75 mph, and also 3 days at 65 mph just taking a little longer, why bother with the higher speeds? My usual trip takes 4 hours 15 minutes for 248 miles each way, at the 65 mph limit, which includes a break and fuel stop. If I went 60 mph, it would take a little longer and I might get 1 mpg better, still would have to stop for fuel (just in case) and a break. At 70 mph, I could maybe shave 15 minutes off the trip, but still would need the fuel stop and a break, but cost me another 1 mpg likely. SO I just go speed limit. If I encountered higher speed limits (70-75?? not sure which states have those) then I might press 70 mph, but no higher. I'm just not in that big of a hurry. Leave earlier?

A lot depends on the tow vehicle power, and the weather and road conditions too. If the actual speed limit is 75 mph, and the road is straight as an arrow an no bad winds and light traffic, then it's the tow vehicle capability, tire pressures, fuel mileage, blah blah blah, you get the idea.

Whatever you are comfortable with.
]]> Wed, 11 Jul 2018 05:15:18 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11876&PID=112227#112227 Question about Highway Towing Spades : We have logged over 25,000 miles... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11876&PID=112222#112222 Author: jato
Subject: 11876
Posted: 10 Jul 2018 at 8:35pm

We have logged over 25,000 miles on our 177.  Normal speeds are 65 for us, unless posted lower.  Like others, we aren't in a hurry to get into trouble, enjoy the journey and smell the roses along the way.]]> Tue, 10 Jul 2018 20:35:27 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11876&PID=112222#112222 Question about Highway Towing Spades : 60 mph is my normal speed on the... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11876&PID=112220#112220 Author: PilotPodder
Subject: 11876
Posted: 10 Jul 2018 at 7:35pm

60 mph is my normal speed on the interstate. I take my time, stay in the right lane and let everyone pass me. MI to FL and back this winter and just now up to the UP of MI and back to lower MI. No issues, best mileage, no stress. Like Mike Carter, I also have a EEZ TPMS to keep track of all tire pressures and temps. Really highly recommended. Also, have a torque wrench to check you lugs every 400-500 miles and make sure they are 100 lbs. torqued. If anyone has a 179, reinforce the black tank outlet before you go long. I have a couple of videos on what happened to mine this winter. ~PP]]> Tue, 10 Jul 2018 19:35:32 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11876&PID=112220#112220 Question about Highway Towing Spades : Going 70 or more with an R-pod... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11876&PID=112217#112217 Author: GlueGuy
Subject: 11876
Posted: 10 Jul 2018 at 6:54pm

Going 70 or more with an R-pod just seems like you're asking for trouble. The maximum trailer-tow speed in California is 55. We might push that a little bit, but never over 60.
]]> Tue, 10 Jul 2018 18:54:43 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11876&PID=112217#112217 Question about Highway Towing Spades : I'll slow down in a strong... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11876&PID=112214#112214 Author: TheBum
Subject: 11876
Posted: 10 Jul 2018 at 6:10pm

I'll slow down in a strong headwind because it does kill gas mileage. At 70-75, we can usually get 11-13 mpg with our setup and minimal winds.]]> Tue, 10 Jul 2018 18:10:17 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11876&PID=112214#112214 Question about Highway Towing Spades : The maximum speed at which I tow... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11876&PID=112209#112209 Author: StephenH
Subject: 11876
Posted: 10 Jul 2018 at 4:13pm

The maximum speed at which I tow is 60 mph with rare excursions to 65 mph if we hit a downhill run. Any faster and the mileage suffers.]]> Tue, 10 Jul 2018 16:13:46 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11876&PID=112209#112209 Question about Highway Towing Spades : Thanks , I never exceed 65, and... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11876&PID=112206#112206 Author: mcarter
Subject: 11876
Posted: 10 Jul 2018 at 3:29pm

Thanks , I never exceed 65, and always travel at the limit if less. I have D rated tires and an EEZ Go TPMS system, so I know tire temps and pressure on the TT.]]> Tue, 10 Jul 2018 15:29:14 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11876&PID=112206#112206 Question about Highway Towing Spades : Sorry. Towing speed. http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11876&PID=112204#112204 Author: bankman
Subject: 11876
Posted: 10 Jul 2018 at 2:55pm

Sorry. Towing speed.
]]> Tue, 10 Jul 2018 14:55:19 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11876&PID=112204#112204 Question about Highway Towing Spades : What is a towing spade? http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11876&PID=112203#112203 Author: mcarter
Subject: 11876
Posted: 10 Jul 2018 at 2:51pm

What is a towing spade?]]> Tue, 10 Jul 2018 14:51:45 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11876&PID=112203#112203 Question about Highway Towing Spades : To some degree is also dependent... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11876&PID=112197#112197 Author: Ben Herman
Subject: 11876
Posted: 10 Jul 2018 at 12:28pm

To some degree is also dependent on tow vehicle. People using a tow vehicle rated the multiple times the weight of an RPod (think deisel pickup) will have no trouble going 70-75. My Ridgeline maxes out without pushing it beyond a reasonable amount does best at 65 or so max on a highway. Agree with tire rating advice of others here. Since we usually go a bit slower, we often look for state highways rather than using the interstates. IF going through less populated areas, they can be just as fast and way more interesting. Enjoy your trip!]]> Tue, 10 Jul 2018 12:28:49 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11876&PID=112197#112197 Question about Highway Towing Spades : I generally won't go above... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11876&PID=112195#112195 Author: TheBum
Subject: 11876
Posted: 10 Jul 2018 at 11:47am

I generally won't go above 70-75. We have D-rated tires rated to 83mph or something like that.]]> Tue, 10 Jul 2018 11:47:38 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11876&PID=112195#112195 Question about Highway Towing Spades : You should check your tires rating.... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11876&PID=112179#112179 Author: mjlrpod
Subject: 11876
Posted: 10 Jul 2018 at 10:47am

You should check your tires rating. C range tires normally have a max of 60-65 mph. Even if you have D or E load range tires, speeds above 65 are not very smart. There are things more important than mpg to worry about with excessive speed.]]> Tue, 10 Jul 2018 10:47:03 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11876&PID=112179#112179 Question about Highway Towing Spades : Check your tires, the maximum... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11876&PID=112178#112178 Author: MoPod
Subject: 11876
Posted: 10 Jul 2018 at 10:46am

Check your tires, the maximum speed for which they are rated could be a limiting factor.

]]> Tue, 10 Jul 2018 10:46:55 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11876&PID=112178#112178 Question about Highway Towing Spades : I towed my 180 at 76mph across... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11876&PID=112177#112177 Author: Nlconner
Subject: 11876
Posted: 10 Jul 2018 at 10:40am

I towed my 180 at 76mph across South Dakota and Wyoming one way. It towed fine at that speed but really affected my mpg. On the return trip I ran 70. I noticed no difference in towing the trailer except 1.5 mpg better. My luck as I was bucking a 7-10mph wind both ways. I was hoping to have a good tail wind coming home.... Nope! Tow vehicle is a 18 F150 SCREW with 3.5 EB.]]> Tue, 10 Jul 2018 10:40:47 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11876&PID=112177#112177 Question about Highway Towing Spades : Good day to all. We are new to... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11876&PID=112176#112176 Author: bankman
Subject: 11876
Posted: 10 Jul 2018 at 10:25am

Good day to all. We are new to The Forum and have recently purchased our first 2018 r-pod 190 back in April. We have been on three short trips mostly local and each one under a hundred miles round-trip with almost no highway driving. My question is we will be embarking on our first long trip of about 2200 miles round trip with almost all highway driving so. What is the average maximum speed the most will pull r-pod. Thanks in advance. We're not really new to camping as we camped for 10 years when the kids were smaller but that was long time ago. And that was pulling a pop-up.]]> Tue, 10 Jul 2018 10:25:13 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11876&PID=112176#112176