Safe Driving Speed While Towing A Camper

Driving an RV or towing a camper is not the same as driving a regular car. RVs are much heavier than the average vehicle and need special tires to carry that weight. In most states, the RV speed limit is between 70-75 mph. However, in some states, the speed limit is lower. For example, in California, the speed limit for RVs is 55 mph. The speed limit for trucks is generally between 5 and 10 mph less than for regular vehicles. When towing a camper, it's important to slow down even more to prevent sway. The ideal speed for driving an RV is considered to be around 63 mph.

Speed limits for RVs vary by state

When pulling a camper, it is important to be aware of the speed limits for RVs in the state you are driving in. While the speed limit for RVs is typically 55 mph, this can vary depending on the state. For example, in California, the speed limit for RVs is 55 mph, while in Idaho, it is 70 mph. It's important to always obey the posted speed limit when driving an RV and be aware of any special restrictions that may apply to your vehicle.

In addition to speed limits, there are also other regulations that you should be aware of when driving an RV. For instance, some states require large vehicles, including RVs, to drive in specific lanes, usually the right lane or the right two lanes on multi-lane highways. These restrictions vary by state and are often marked by signs on the road. Additionally, some states have specific regulations on towing, such as maximum length restrictions for the RV and towed vehicle combined.

When determining how fast to drive when pulling a camper, it's important to consider the conditions you are driving in. If your trailer is swaying or your motorhome feels unstable, you should slow down. It's also important to be aware of the speed rating of your tires and not exceed that speed, as it can increase the risk of a blowout or cracked sidewalls.

• Alaska: 55 mph default speed limit for trucks and cars, with a maximum of 65 mph on select interstates. Mobile home tow is limited to 45 mph.
• Alabama: 75 mph for cars and trucks on rural interstates; 65 mph for urban interstates. Vehicles towing trailers may not exceed a rate of speed that causes lateral sway.
• Arkansas: 70 mph for cars and trucks on rural interstates; 65 mph for cars and trucks and 55 mph for trailer tow on urban interstates. Mobile home tow is limited to 45 mph.
• Arizona: 75 mph for trucks and 70 mph for cars on rural interstates; 65 mph on urban interstates.
• California: 55 mph for certain types of vehicles, including motorhomes towing another vehicle.
• Colorado: 75 mph on rural interstates, 65 mph on urban interstates. Trailer speed limit is the same as cars.
• Connecticut: 65 mph on rural interstates, 55 mph on urban interstates.
• District of Columbia: 65 mph limits apply to trucks over 10,000 lbs, school buses, and truck-tractor combinations, but not RVs.
• Delaware: 65 mph for cars on rural and urban interstates; 55 mph for trucks.
• Florida: 70 mph for cars and trucks on rural interstates; 65 mph for urban interstates.
• Georgia: 70 mph for cars and trucks on rural interstates; 55 mph for urban interstates.
• Hawaii: 60 mph for cars and trucks on rural and urban interstates.
• Idaho: The speed limit for vehicles with 5 or more axles and a gross weight of more than 26,000 lbs is 10 mph lower than for vehicles with fewer than 5 axles and weighing less than 26,000 lbs.
• Illinois: 70 mph for cars and trucks on rural interstates; 55 mph for cars and trucks on urban interstates.
• Indiana: A maximum speed of 65 mph is established for any motor vehicle with a declared gross weight over 26,000 lbs.
• Iowa: 70 mph for cars and trucks on rural interstates; 65 mph for urban interstates.
• Kansas: 75 mph on rural interstates, 65 mph on urban interstates. Trailer towing is limited to 55 mph unless otherwise posted.
• Kentucky: 70 mph for cars and trucks on rural interstates; 55 mph for trucks on urban interstates.
• Louisiana: 75 mph for cars and trucks on rural and urban interstates.
• Maine: 70 mph for trucks on rural interstates and 65 mph for cars and trucks on urban interstates.
• Maryland: 65 mph for trucks on rural interstates, 55 mph for trucks on urban interstates.
• Massachusetts: 65 mph for cars and trucks on rural and urban interstates.
• Michigan: 75 mph for cars and trucks on rural and urban interstates.
• Minnesota: 70 mph for cars and trucks on rural and urban interstates.
• Mississippi: 75 mph for cars and trucks on rural and urban interstates.
• Missouri: 70 mph for cars and trucks on rural and urban interstates.
• Montana: The standard 80 mph speed limit applies to motorhomes.
• Nebraska: 75 mph for cars and trucks on rural interstates; 70 mph for cars and trucks on urban interstates. Mobile home towing is limited to 55 mph.
• Nevada: 75 mph for cars and trucks on rural interstates; 70 mph for cars and trucks on urban interstates.
• New Hampshire: 70 mph for cars and trucks on rural and urban interstates.
• New Jersey: 65 mph for trucks on rural and urban interstates.
• New Mexico: 75 mph for trucks on rural interstates; 65 mph for trucks on urban interstates.
• New York: 55 mph for trucks and trailers on rural and urban interstates.
• North Carolina: 70 mph for cars and trucks on rural interstates; 65 mph for cars and trucks on urban interstates.
• North Dakota: 75 mph for trucks on rural interstates; 65 mph for trucks on urban interstates.
• Ohio: 70 mph for cars and trucks on rural interstates; 55 mph for trucks on urban interstates.
• Oklahoma: 75 mph for cars and trucks on rural and urban interstates.
• Oregon: 65 mph for cars and trucks on rural and urban interstates.
• Pennsylvania: 70 mph for cars and trucks on rural interstates; 65 mph for urban interstates.
• Rhode Island: 65 mph for cars and trucks on all freeways.
• South Carolina: 70 mph for cars and trucks on rural interstates; 55 mph for cars and trucks on urban interstates.
• South Dakota: 80 mph for cars and trucks on rural and urban interstates.
• Tennessee: 70 mph for cars and trucks on rural and urban interstates.
• Texas: 75 mph for cars and trucks on rural and urban interstates.
• Utah: 80 mph for cars and trucks on rural and urban interstates.
• Vermont: 65 mph for cars and trucks on rural and urban interstates.
• Virginia: 70 mph for cars and trucks on rural and urban interstates.
• Washington: 60 mph for vehicles over 10,000 lbs or towing.
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RVs are subject to truck speed limits in most states

When it comes to speed limits, each of the 50 states has its own set of rules. This can cause confusion as maximum speed limits and vehicle classifications can vary when crossing state borders. However, RVs are generally subject to truck speed limits in most states.

Typically, any rig over 8,000 pounds or with more than two axles will have to follow the truck speed limits if the state has them. This means that in most states, the RV speed limit is between 70-75 mph. Some states, like Kansas and Nebraska, require you to drive no faster than 55 mph if you’re towing a trailer. In certain states, no one is permitted to be inside the trailer while it’s being towed.

There are only five states where an RVer is subject to a general speed restriction different from the rest of the traffic: California (55), Idaho (70), Indiana (65), Montana (70), and Washington (60). California is the most restrictive, requiring drivers to go 15 mph below the passenger vehicle speed limit.

In addition to posted speed limits, it’s important to drive at a speed that is safe for your RV and takes into account the conditions you are driving in. If your trailer is swaying or your motorhome feels unstable, you are likely going too fast and should slow down.

Slow down in poor weather conditions

When pulling a camper, it is important to adjust your speed according to the weather conditions. Driving in poor weather, such as heavy rain, snow, or high winds, requires extra caution to ensure a safe journey. Here are some detailed guidelines and tips for slowing down and staying safe while towing a camper in unfavourable weather:

Rain:

While driving in rainy conditions, reduce your speed and be cautious of hydroplaning, which occurs when your vehicle's tyres lose contact with the road due to a layer of water. This can cause a loss of control, so maintaining a slower speed will help your tyres maintain traction on wet roads. Remember to keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you, as stopping distances increase on wet roads.

Snow:

When towing a camper in snowy conditions, significantly reduce your speed. Driving in snow requires a much lower speed than on dry roads. As a general rule, the maximum speed for a straight line on a flat surface is 45 mph, and this speed should be further reduced when navigating turns or downhill slopes. For example, on a small curve or 90-degree turn, slow down to 10 mph, and when going downhill on a steep decline, decrease your speed to 10 mph and use a lower gear. Always be mindful of other drivers and maintain a safe distance, as sudden stops or turns can be challenging, even with four-wheel or all-wheel drive.

High Winds:

High winds can be particularly dangerous when towing a camper, as they increase the risk of your vehicle swaying or even overturning. While there is no exact speed limit for driving in high winds, it is crucial to reduce your speed significantly. Wind speeds of 30-50 mph can potentially flip an RV, so always stay updated on weather reports and wind speed forecasts along your route. If you feel uncomfortable at any point, trust your instincts, slow down, and pull over if necessary. Your safety should always come first.

In summary, when pulling a camper in poor weather conditions, it is crucial to slow down and adjust your speed accordingly. By reducing speed, you enhance your control over your vehicle, improve traction, and decrease the risk of accidents. Always prioritise safety, stay alert, and make the necessary adjustments to ensure a secure and pleasant journey.

Avoid speeding to save fuel

When pulling a camper, it is important to maintain a safe speed. Driving too fast can be dangerous and lead to accidents, especially when towing a large vehicle. Speeding wastes fuel, so driving at a slower, steadier pace can help you save money on fuel costs.

Firstly, it is important to understand the speed limits for RVs or campers. In most states, the RV speed limit is between 70-75 mph. However, some states, like Kansas and Nebraska, have lower speed limits and require you to drive no faster than 55 mph when towing a trailer. Additionally, in certain states, no one is permitted to be inside the trailer while it is being towed.

Secondly, driving an RV or a car with a trailer is very different from driving a regular car. RVs are much heavier and require special tires to support their weight. The heavier weight also means that RVs need a larger stopping distance and are incapable of making quick stops. Therefore, driving at slower speeds reduces the risk of colliding with other vehicles or pedestrians. Additionally, speeding is one of the major causes of fatal camper rollovers, so maintaining a slower speed can significantly improve safety.

Thirdly, driving at slower speeds can help you save fuel. When towing a trailer, your vehicle is likely to experience a decrease in fuel efficiency. The exact decrease will depend on various factors, including the speed you're driving at, the weight of the vehicle and trailer, and aerodynamics. By driving at slower speeds, you can minimise the impact on your fuel efficiency.

According to Camper Report, driving your RV faster than 65 mph is not recommended, and 63 mph is considered the ideal speed. While this speed might seem slow, the benefits of driving slowly outweigh the risks. Driving at slower speeds gives you more control over your vehicle and can help you save on fuel costs. Additionally, some RV tires are not built to handle speeds over 65 mph, so driving faster increases the risk of a blowout or cracked sidewalls.

Finally, when towing a camper, it is essential to adopt a driving style that promotes fuel efficiency. This includes practising slow acceleration and early braking. Sudden braking can waste fuel, and accelerating quickly will insert more fuel into the engine, increasing fuel consumption. Additionally, try to stick to straight roads and avoid windy days if possible, as wind can create more drag and increase fuel usage.

Check your tires' speed rating

When pulling a camper, it's important to check your tires' speed rating. This is because driving faster than the speed rating of your tires can result in tire failure, which can be dangerous for you and other drivers on the road.

Tire speed ratings indicate the highest speed that a tire can function at properly while carrying its load safely. The speed rating is the last letter of the description on the tire's sidewall. For example, if a tire reads "2015/60R15 91V", the tire speed has a V rating.

The speed rating of a tire is determined by laboratory testing, with simulated speeds and loads. To receive a rating, a tire must demonstrate that it can sustain a particular speed. Speed ratings are based on factors such as inflation, wear, vehicle condition, driving conditions, and the duration at which the speed is maintained.

It's important to note that weather, wear and tear, and tire inflation can also impact how fast you should travel, in addition to the trailer tire speed rating. While the speed limit always supersedes the tire's speed rating, it's important to drive at a safe speed for the conditions and your vehicle.

Most trailer tire speed ratings are generally between 65 and 75 mph, but it's important to check the rating of your specific tires. You can find this information in the owner's manual or on the tire's sidewall. If you're unsure, it's best to err on the side of caution and stick to a lower speed.

By following the recommended tire speed rating, you can help ensure a safer journey and reduce the risk of a blowout or having to over-correct.

Frequently asked questions