Some thoughts on driving....

boathealer

So,  we are 1100 miles into a 6-week 2500 mile trip.  FL to northern VA so far. When we started, I decided to commit to drive only 60mph on the highway.  Here's what happened....

* Trailer tire temps (TPMS) are lower
* GMC Canyon tow vehicle gets 17-19 mpg instead of 14-15
* Transmission temps down 5 degrees
* ......and OMG 🤯 what an EASY drive!  Sitting in the far right lane, just relaxing! No white knuckle passing, weaving in and out, etc. It was very liberating. So far, in 1100 miles, I have passed TWO cars and slowed down 3 times for on-ramp vehicles.

This adds approximately 10min per hour travel time, but is well worth it -- for me....

Bayliss

Agreed, @boathealer.  Sometimes, I will bump it up to 65 mph (depends on the traffic), but I prefer 55-60 mph.  I have the Goodyear Endurance tires and they have been great.

TourDeForth

I’m at about 1400 miles on a roadtrip from California to New Mexico, my mileage efficiency drops significantly above 60 mph even more so above 65. I’d love to cruise around at 60 mph but on the two lane roads I become a nuisance for the truckers, I feel bad about that. I’ll take a turnout if I see one or pick up the pace and go 65 until I can let them by…

AnOldUR

TourDeForth said:

I’d love to cruise around at 60 mph but on the two lane roads I become a nuisance for the truckers, I feel bad about that.

Like @Bayliss, I like 55 to 60 mph. I tell myself that it's a speed limit. It's not the required speed. It's not the speed your entitled to drive at. It's certainly not my responsibility to assist in someone's desire to break the law. 

It's hard to understand why this has gotten so out of control. Why speed limits are not enforced. Why we all don't drive a few mph under the limit to lessen the chance of going over. I guess it's just me showing my age.   

All that said, I'm like you. I feel guilty about holding up traffic and do my best to find ways to let it by. I would rather drive on an interstate where I can cruise in the right lane than a back road two lane with a 60+ mph speed limit.

elbolillo

With our 2024 Sequoia and '23 Tab 400 we generally run at 65mph, unless we are in California, where the limit is 60mph. We do our best to keep as much to ourselves on the interstate. Although we regularly deal with people just sitting right on our tail.

Cherokee

With 281 ft/lb of torque to pull a 320 Boondock. 65mph seems to be the sweet spot. We've done several cross country trips and not having the stress of semi's climbing up our rear bumper is worth the pence of fuel we would save with our under-stressed rig  

pthomas745

I set my cruise control at 62 or so and just go.  If semis want to pass, please be my guest.  They are pros.  They see much worse than whatever I'm doing on the road!

I always feel the flip side of most "what tow vehicle do I need" threads is the "why is my gas mileage so bad?"  Slowing down is always a good strategy if you decided larger vehicle was proper for your needs.

I live near the coast in California, and while driving east towards NM it is a long slow climb.  My gas mileage is always a bit lower climbing up....and I always notice improved mileage coming home on that long slow decline.

manyman297

I hate to admit it and I claim some ignorance at the time but when we bought our 400 in 2021 I drove it back from the dealer doing 75-80…way too fast obviously. 

I then soon realized you really shouldn’t be driving that fast and kept my speeds below 65-70. Like you said, the right lane is so relaxing and I gained back a couple of MPGs. 

Binghi

elbolillo said:

With our 2024 Sequoia and '23 Tab 400 we generally run at 65mph, unless we are in California, where the limit is 60mph. We do our best to keep as much to ourselves on the interstate. Although we regularly deal with people just sitting right on our tail.

Actually, the speed limit in California for vehicles towing trailers is 55 mph. But like Sammy Hagar, I can’t drive 55!

elbolillo

Binghi said:

elbolillo said:

With our 2024 Sequoia and '23 Tab 400 we generally run at 65mph, unless we are in California, where the limit is 60mph. We do our best to keep as much to ourselves on the interstate. Although we regularly deal with people just sitting right on our tail.

Actually, the speed limit in California for vehicles towing trailers is 55 mph. But like Sammy Hagar, I can’t drive 55!

You are correct!! I don't know why I wrote 60. :-)