thecampingman
Wilmington, OH, USA
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Joined: 10/15/2004
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I used to set cruise at 85mph. It used so much more fuel I ran out. It took two days to get the truck refueled and restarted. Now I drive 55.
The car/truck speed limits are more like private/commercial speed limits. In the heavy duty truck forums they argue big trucks adapted to pull campers aren't subject to DOT regulations.
'03 GMC 4500 Topkick with Duramax/Allison
'04 36' McKenzie Medallion triple slide
Honda Magna motorcycle mounted on the front of the truck
Snowbird W/Ohio camper dock
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hermandutchman
Sioux Falls, SD
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Joined: 09/21/2008
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I use cruise almost all the time, but never on ice conditions. Most of the other questions have been covered quit well.
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mr. ed
Madison, SD (currently traveling the US)
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Joined: 02/06/2002
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#1. I use cruise control on long stretches of highway where grades are fairly mild. When approaching a steeper grade I cancel the cruise control and re-enable it when back on relatively flat highway. The reason I do this is because my TV has a manual transmission and it's necessary to gear down on steeper grades, something which can't easily be done if cruise control is on.
#2. My cruising speed when towing is around 62 MPH, which equates to about 1800 RPM on my Cummins, which seems to be the "sweet spot".
Mr. Ed (fulltiming since 1987)
2007 Hitchhiker II LS Model 29.5 LKTG
2007 Dodge Ram 3500/6.7 CTD/QC/4X4/SB/SRW/6-speed man/Big Horn edition
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jdog
Some Place
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Joined: 04/09/2004
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I am from California and for several years when I first started towing I thought that the California towing speed was the same in all states It took me along time to get anywhere. I kept wondering why the truckers and the other drivers were getting mad at me when I thought I was just obeying the laws. One day I was reading a AAA trip guide and to my surprise, realised that the 55 mile/hr limit did not apply in all states. Man did I feel stupid. I always thought truck drivers drove faster in other states because the police were more forgiving when they were actually doing the speed limit. Now I drive at the same speed they do and get to my destenation faster with out making the other drivers mad. I see no problem towing at 65 miles/hr.
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WellShooter2
SE New Mexico
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Joined: 03/20/2009
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I run 65-70 w/TH & cruise control on. The D/A combo handles steep grades both up & down smooth as silk. Last trip on the home leg we decided to do 600 miles in one day. I let the wife drive on a remote stretch of 4 lane so I could take a nap. When I got back behind the wheel I pressed resume and was rocketed up to 75 mph. When I questioned the speed she said "I want to get home". We did, but I had to stop for fuel that I wouldn't have needed if she hadn't been pushing so hard.
2008 2500HD D/A
2008 Keystone Challenger
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SteveRankin
Sequim, WA
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Joined: 05/05/2005
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#1 Yes, I use the cruise control. Except on rolling hills & narrow mountain roads because the cruise control can't anticipate the grade, etc.
#2 I cruise at 58 MPH generally. You'll get the best MPG at the lowest speed that you can hold high gear in. That's been 58 MPH with both our diesel trucks and our DP. Anything over that takes more power and that means more fuel.
The ST tires on your trailer are only rated for 65 MPH. Going 75 on 65 MPH rated ST tires is like going 150 on 130 H-rated tires, as far as the tires are concerned. If you are going to drive over 65, then you need to have LT or regular truck tires under your 5ver.
#3 I lived in CA for 50+ years so I'm familiar with their laws, and now with WA laws. When, I'm elsewhere I either (a) drive under the lower limit, or (b) figure out their laws or (c) take my chances on getting caught. The last time I got caught was for 140+ in a 55. 
#4 When going down a grade, I maintain a speed that the engine can maintain. If the coach continues to accelerate, then I brake & downshift again. Only when I can see the end of the grade and I'm close enough to not over-speed the rig (say 65-70 MPH) do I let her rip. On truly steep grades (12% & greater), that means downshifting the transfer case to low range. Naturally, that doesn't work well on tarmac.
In other words, I let the trucks do whatever they chose to do, and make my own decisions regarding the maximum safe speed for my vehicle and the conditions.
Steve & C. J.
"Gracie" the Rough Collie & "Bo'sun" the Bichon Frise
2009 Arctic Fox 24-5N
2007 Ford F350 4X4 Crewcab
PullRite 18K SuperGlide
Our Arctic by RV trip
Our Arctic Fox & Chevy web pages
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The Arctic Circle
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jetboater454
FL
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Joined: 07/21/2009
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"On truly steep grades (12% & greater), that means downshifting the transfer case to low range. Naturally, that doesn't work well on tarmac."
Now that has to be very hard on the trans going down hill unless your at a crawl.
"If momma not happy  ....Who cares.I have my TH AND my toys  .
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jimw606
Morehead, Ky.
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Joined: 10/23/2007
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I use cruise on the flats, and switch it off in the hills. Many times, on hills,I push the button on the shifter to down shift the O/D. and not wait for the auto downshift.
I tow at 60 to 87 mph.
On steep grades, I look at my wife. If she is not squeezing the arm rest off, my speed is OK. Jim
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way2nutz
Puget Sound Washington
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Joined: 08/13/2007
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Just a quick reply since I see you're in Idaho. Washington state considers any vehicle towing has to follow the posted Truck speed limit.
Guess how I found that out after 33 years of towing stuff in this state? Its $143 in case you're curious!
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rick83864
Sandpoint, ID
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Joined: 09/04/2009
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way2nutz wrote:Just a quick reply since I see you're in Idaho. Washington state considers any vehicle towing has to follow the posted Truck speed limit.
Guess how I found that out after 33 years of towing stuff in this state? Its $143 in case you're curious!
Thanks
06 Dodge 3500 Laramie 4x4 Dually
5.9 Cummins HO Automatic,Jacobs brake, Dodge Navigation
06 Grand Junction 34' Mor/ryde, 5500 Onan genny, Dual A/C, Fireplace
21500 GVW
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