What speed do you tow your caravan [Archive] - Australian Land Rover Owners

Homestar

14th August 2017, 08:02 PM

Depends what I'm towing it with. [smilebigeye]

In the 101 85 flat out, but I keep an eye out behind me and call the Trucks around - I find them quite good as they know I can't go any faster.

In other vehicles, the speed limit (up to 100) - I'll still sit on 100 on an dual carriageway in a 110 zone. Always with the CB on.

On other roads, I'll generally pull over when it's safe or after turning at an intersection when I'm going slow and if there's somewhere safe to do so.

I'd say I'm a considerate caravanner and 99% of the time I have no issues with other road users but yes, you still get the odd pillock who is just too impatient. There is no pleasing them no matter what you do so I just keep an eye on them so I'm ready if they do something dumb but just leave them to stew.

Tins

14th August 2017, 08:20 PM

I have had my caravan now for some 6 months and tow at around 85/95 Kph depending on the road, and try to do the following ,

Slow down a bit on good sections of road to make it easier for others to pass .

Pull over when convenient and let traffic pass if there is a buildup behind me .

Talk to truckies on the CB and work in with them where possible .

But it does not seem to matter what i do there always a ****ed driver some where to make your day . !!!!!!

Julius Summer Miller would say , " why is this so " , anyway stuff em i say and just get on and enjoy my day [bigrolf] .

Keep up that behaviour and you'll make friends, although I can't see any particular reason most car/van combos can't manage to do the speed limit when safe. After all, a lot of them seem to manage 125 when it suits them.:rulez:

BigJon

14th August 2017, 09:54 PM

I have never towed anything with the Vogue that required me to travel below the speed limit, where safe to do so.

ozscott

15th August 2017, 05:22 AM

Fatso

15th August 2017, 06:52 AM

Keep up that behaviour and you'll make friends, although I can't see any particular reason most car/van combos can't manage to do the speed limit when safe. After all, a lot of them seem to manage 125 when it suits them.:rulez:

Yep, Unfortunately the idiots are not just confined to car drivers .

DiscoMick

15th August 2017, 06:39 PM

95-100 as the Defender doesn't like going below that unless I change down to 5th.

BigJon

15th August 2017, 07:18 PM

I tow a van and a large boat (Not at the same time..🤤). What annoys me when not towing are people towing at 90 in the 100k zone and when they reach the overtaking lanes they can suddenly make 105kph within 50m or so making overtaking difficult/illegal speed wise. Cretins. It's like a (dangerous) extreme sport for idiots who tow. It's uncanny as it happens at nearly every overtaking section. When i tow I back off very slowly in the overtake area to get as many people round as possible (for e.g. if I'm doing 100 in a 110 zone).

Cheers

It is annoying as hell, but I think the mindset goes like this:

"This road is narrow and winding, I can't go any faster than 90.
Oooh, look at all the cars behind me."

Cue overtaking lane.

"Now the road is wide and straight, I can go faster so I don't hold these people up"

Overtaking lane ends.

"This road is narrow and winding, I can't go any faster than 90".

Rinse and repeat.

Mick_Marsh

16th August 2017, 12:36 PM

Going to work this morning, I was following a car doing 80 in a 110 zone, generally. We did slow to 60 to allow a school bus to pull out. Good job too. The school bus left us for dead.
I was in no hurry. Who is in a hurry to get to work?

Generally speaking, when I tow the camper, I tow it below the speed limit, pedal to the metal.

workingonit

16th August 2017, 12:47 PM

Early 1980's I'm doing 140kmph, top speed of a diesel Ford Fiesta(?), on the smooth as silk autobarn in the SLOW lane, when a Merc towing a caravan cruises past. What the!?

The Merc gets about 20 lengths ahead when up comes a BMW right up the Mercs tail with brake lights being feathered. The BMW swings to the far lane to overtake the Mec.

The BMW was also towing a van.

We estimate by time taken to get to overpasses and other landmarks that the BMW must have been doing 180 clicks, at least.

I believe we still have some open speed road left in the Territory - any takers? Bouncity bounce bounce...

shanegtr

16th August 2017, 01:25 PM

I believe we still have some open speed road left in the Territory - any takers? Bouncity bounce bounce...
I believe thats been shut down now.
I generally tow my camper at 100km/h - but that's the posted towing speed limit in WA

workingonit

16th August 2017, 11:38 PM

I believe thats been shut down now.

Quick Google (tic tic tic)...darn it...I think you're right!

shanegtr

17th August 2017, 10:56 AM

Last local govnt change ditched it:bat:

vnx205

17th August 2017, 12:10 PM

It is annoying as hell, but I think the mindset goes like this:
.. ... ... ..
.
I think you may be right that there are some who think as you have suggested. They think they are being helpful.

However, can you help me understand the mindset of a couple of drivers I encountered at overtaking lanes on my last two trips down the Princes Highway?

I was gaining on the car in front and with several hundred metres to go, I was about to move into the overtaking lane when the driver in front moved right. I thought it was fairly obvious that I had plenty of time to complete my overtaking before the end of the overtaking lane. At the next overtaking lane, exactly the same thing happened and again at the next one.

I can think of a couple of possible explanations for that behaviour. It may be that the driver is paranoid about being trapped in the left lane by an overtaking vehicle as the lanes merge. It may be that their view in a convex external mirror gave them the impression that I was a lot further back than I was. It may be that the driver was just very bad at judging the speed at which I was gaining.

That one I can almost understand, but I need some help understanding the mindset of the second example.

I was about the fourth car behind a motorhome. The instant the overtaking lane started, the motorhome driver moved into the right hand lane. Since the overtaking lane was fairly short, by the time the following cars realised that he was going to stay in that lane, it was too late to take the risk of overtaking on the left.

At the next overtaking lane, the same thing happened. At the third overtaking lane, the motorhome again immediately occupied the right hand lane. By then the three cars in front of me had decided to use the left lane to overtake.

I was sitting back a bit to ensure that I wasn't going to be part of any carnage that might occur, so another vehicle had the opportunity to pass me but wasn't able to pass the motorhome.

I knew that there was another overtaking lane coming up and I knew that the driver between me and the motorhome wasn't going to take any nonsense from the motorhome. I knew that because it was a lowered ute with a P plate driver.

As predicted, the ute charged past before the motorhome had time to move into the overtaking lane and I followed close behind. The moment we were both past, the motorhome took up its usual spot in the right hand lane.

The fact that the motorhome paused for long enough for the hard charging ute and the more sedately driven Defender to pass suggests that the motorhome drive was not completely oblivious to the fact that there were cars waiting to overtake.

Any suggestions you can offer to help me understand the mindset of that motorhome driver would be most appreciated. :)

austastar

17th August 2017, 12:53 PM

Hi,
Dashcam file to the police might instill some commonsense.
Cheers

Tank

17th August 2017, 06:48 PM

I think you may be right that there are some who think as you have suggested. They think they are being helpful.

However, can you help me understand the mindset of a couple of drivers I encountered at overtaking lanes on my last two trips down the Princes Highway?

I was gaining on the car in front and with several hundred metres to go, I was about to move into the overtaking lane when the driver in front moved right. I thought it was fairly obvious that I had plenty of time to complete my overtaking before the end of the overtaking lane. At the next overtaking lane, exactly the same thing happened and again at the next one.

I can think of a couple of possible explanations for that behaviour. It may be that the driver is paranoid about being trapped in the left lane by an overtaking vehicle as the lanes merge. It may be that their view in a convex external mirror gave them the impression that I was a lot further back than I was. It may be that the driver was just very bad at judging the speed at which I was gaining.

That one I can almost understand, but I need some help understanding the mindset of the second example.

I was about the fourth car behind a motorhome. The instant the overtaking lane started, the motorhome driver moved into the right hand lane. Since the overtaking lane was fairly short, by the time the following cars realised that he was going to stay in that lane, it was too late to take the risk of overtaking on the left.

At the next overtaking lane, the same thing happened. At the third overtaking lane, the motorhome again immediately occupied the right hand lane. By then the three cars in front of me had decided to use the left lane to overtake.

I was sitting back a bit to ensure that I wasn't going to be part of any carnage that might occur, so another vehicle had the opportunity to pass me but wasn't able to pass the motorhome.

I knew that there was another overtaking lane coming up and I knew that the driver between me and the motorhome wasn't going to take any nonsense from the motorhome. I knew that because it was a lowered ute with a P plate driver.

As predicted, the ute charged past before the motorhome had time to move into the overtaking lane and I followed close behind. The moment we were both past, the motorhome took up its usual spot in the right hand lane.

The fact that the motorhome paused for long enough for the hard charging ute and the more sedately driven Defender to pass suggests that the motorhome drive was not completely oblivious to the fact that there were cars waiting to overtake.

Any suggestions you can offer to help me understand the mindset of that motorhome driver would be most appreciated. :)

Allan, a brain dead arsehole, get a dash cam and record arseholes that do this and report it to 131700 or the next police station, I always merge right into the overtaking lane as soon as I see the sign and the arrows and am back in the main lane right at the end of the merge arrows, the dotted tapering line at the end of the arrows is NOT a traffic lane and if you have an accident while merging from this section then you have NO rights, Regards Frank.

DiscoMick

18th August 2017, 05:57 AM

You should come up behind the blocking vehicle and repeatedly flash your lights until he moves over.

vnx205

18th August 2017, 06:16 AM

There were other vehicles between me and the motorhome, so flashing lights wasn't an option on this occasion.

DiscoMick

18th August 2017, 07:20 AM

Pity. Flash anyway - the others might copy. It's standard procedure overseas.

3toes

21st August 2017, 12:07 AM

Perhaps the driver was from a country where they drive on the other side of the road. Was fatigued and was making the wrong move when attempting to do the right thing and let people pass

DoubleChevron

21st August 2017, 10:04 AM

Most caravaners travel at far to fast. The fact you are holding up people is irrelevant. You MUST travel at a safe speed. I go out of my way to try and let anyone and everyone past ( you always get the big thumbs up and waves from the truckies as they sail past me... I will be way over on the edge of the road with the caravan brakes gently applied by the controller.... The Bdoubles and road trains don't effect you much at all if you do this ... ).

I've just spend 3 months towing the block of flats up the coast and back. My speed is entirely dependent on the wind and road conditions. I've traveled as slowly as 70km/h ( heavy gusting winds down near warnanbool ..... I was blown all over the roads ).

The maximum speed I ever travelled at was 95kms/h ( absolutely ideal conditions). Generally it was 85kms/h. Just try and hold a big sheet of roofing iron in a gentle breeze to see why wind is what makes all the difference. There was quite a few places I'd slow down to 70km/h... Eg: kangoroo hop highway up in queenlands ( or pacific highway if you like .... god damn bloody kangaroo bloody hop highway. The road surface is built in "blocks" of road surface. The ridges between these were the exact harmonic frequency of the weight distribution bars.... so the whole thing "hopped" along for bloody hours ... flogging the **** out of the suspension and shockers). I would see the places of concern coming ... moutain ranges with wide open spaces and no shelter. The wind "swirls" badly through the surrounding mountings. I'd slow to 80km/h .... and often drop back 75km/h as felt the caravan starting to get buffeting. Almost everytime you would have a nomad up your arse.... I'd be watching the mirrors and say to the boss women "here we go again" .... grey nomad would haul arse past us.... probably doing a 100km/h with towering ( read unstable stupidly high offroad caravan) behind.... Pretty much everytime without fail they would start swaying ... panic, back off and them we'd be stuck behind them a short time as they dropped back to 80km/h in fright .... then they'd be away ... back to 100km/h ....

These people have absolutely no idea of how close the the limit they are travelling. They don't read the road conditions ... don't seem to notice "open" spaces where you could be hit by huge gusts of sidewinds as you come out onto the flats ... It's downright bloody terrifying to watch.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachments/trailers-vans-and-campers/128311d1503276309-what-speed-do-you-tow-your-caravan-hol3.jpg

This is the block of flats. Expected road speed .... 75->95km/h. Generally 85-90km/h while guzzling 35'ish L/100km of LPG. The sail area of the sides of the thing is the biggest factor in road speed. If there is strong gusty winds, I'll go slower ... and slower ... and slower and stop if I have to. Whatever is the safest option (bloody warnanbool ... I always pick gale forced days to go there. Last time I was there, I arrived, unhooked ... and was blown over the bloody roads at 80km/h ... even when NOT TOWING :o ).

seeya,
Shane L.

POD

26th August 2017, 09:25 AM

I saw the question in the thread title and immediately thought: Isn't it obvious? All caravans are towed at 85km/hr on single lane roads and 115km/hr where there are overtaking lanes!

1nando

26th August 2017, 10:07 AM

People that intentionally pull the right lane to not allow people to pass deserve to be cut off. Its not a practice that i endorse but sometimes it drives me insane. Isnt it common courtesy to slow down in the left passing lane and allow faster traffic to pass?
In saying that ive found that most caravaners and people towing are usually pretty decent and do the right thing. Its only a small percentage of people that are f@#k wits!

justinc

26th August 2017, 10:15 AM

Can happily sit at 100 on the flat with no headwind... but mostly 90 to 95, 4th sport mode/tc locked. Full height 3t dirt road 21 '6" van

Jc

Geedublya

28th August 2017, 11:37 AM

trout1105

28th August 2017, 01:08 PM

Regardless of what speed is being done the Most annoying thing I find with caravaners is that they tend to "Hog" the centre of the road and make it extremely difficult to see past them so that you can overtake safely.
I tow a van and a boat at times and I have absolutely NO problems keeping as far to the left hand side of the road as possible, Especially when passing or when there is a vehicle behind me.

donh54

28th August 2017, 01:20 PM

Last local govnt change ditched it:bat:

Make that State (or Territory gubmint).
Road toll outside town areas was averaging 4 per year, introduced 130km speed limit first time, toll went to 24 (IIRC). Next change of gubmint went back to open speed limit, toll dropped again. Latest mob gets in, let's try it again! Doh!!!

DoubleChevron

29th August 2017, 08:58 AM

I towed my new to me Basestation back from Bathurst on Sunday. I sat on 85-95 in the 100-110 zones depending on road conditions. Cruised up Mt Victoria doing the 60 km/h speed limit and surprisingly averaged around 20 l/100.
It took a few attempts to get the brake controller where I liked it but the D4 V8 towed it with ease.

128636

I reckon those caravans are downright unsafe. The idea you can load heavy weights into the back of a caravan ... behind the axle scares the absolute crap out of me.

If you want a cheap base station ( that will need repair ). Just watch pickles ... the first time a lot of them are loaded up in the arse end they'll end upside down on the side of the road.... then get carted off too the auctions.

please be careful with the amount of weight you place in the back of it ... Those things really worry me. They are too easy to load very heavy recreational vehicles into the back of!

They probably should be built like horse floats with the axles right at the back ... and monstrous nose weight until they have a load in them.

seeya,
Shane L.

Geedublya

29th August 2017, 09:35 AM

I reckon those caravans are downright unsafe. The idea you can load heavy weights into the back of a caravan ... behind the axle scares the absolute crap out of me.

If you want a cheap base station ( that will need repair ). Just watch pickles ... the first time a lot of them are loaded up in the arse end they'll end upside down on the side of the road.... then get carted off too the auctions.

please be careful with the amount of weight you place in the back of it ... Those things really worry me. They are too easy to load very heavy recreational vehicles into the back of!

They probably should be built like horse floats with the axles right at the back ... and monstrous nose weight until they have a load in them.

seeya,
Shane L.

I will be loading 3 bikes maximum (1 full size, 1 mini and 1 mid) when traveling with the family, a total of 230kg. I'll be putting the weight as close as possible to the axle. The two 80l water tanks are in front of the axles as is the bathroom, kitchen, lounge, front bed and battery, the rear section is completely empty except for the two bunks. I'll be moving the spare to the drawbar.
The load capacity of the caravan is 750kg so maybe 500kg max in the back with full tanks. Personally I wouldn't put over 300kg in there. If you were putting a heavy quad or packing lots of gear in there I'd be very concerned. It has the ALKO ESC installed so I'm interested in seeing how well that operates. When I towed it empty the ESC wasn't connected and found it very stable.

I had a look around at the alternatives and there is nothing that has a better layout for carrying bikes and accommodation, all have their compromises. I was actually thinking of buying a Bushtracker and a dual cab ute to carry the bikes but a trip in a BT-50 cured me of that.

gavinwibrow

29th August 2017, 11:23 AM

IMHO the first purchase for any towed "vehicle" over about 1.5 tonnes should be a towball weight measurer. I always test mine before I take off, but then again, I'm towing a 3 tonne plus brick with a D2 TD5.
I do have a HC licence, and have owned a Greyhound coach converted to an RV and towing my 4WD on a 3.5 tonne triaxle trailer, and hopefully always attempt to get others past me ASAP, (including slowing down/pulling off the road if needs be) even to the extent of SWAMBO wondering if we will ever reach our destination.

My biggest problem is some city drivers who have no idea of overtaking and do the usual wait until halfway time before suddenly undertaking the manoeuvre.

Eevo

29th August 2017, 11:47 AM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWdcKdZ_OZw

Tombie

6th September 2017, 12:10 AM

Posted speed limit when conditions permit.
Including unsealed roads (ask Alien or Sitek).

Have cruised comfortably at the expensive side of the limit for hours without issue.

Having said that, I don’t tow a block of flats, just a Crossover [emoji41]

The boat (Shark Cat) is a bigger wedge height and width wise, and still happily sit on 110.

Milton477

6th September 2017, 10:54 AM

I'm becoming aware of an unwritten rule that dictates that one absolutely has to pull out in front of / catch & overtake a caravan even if it is travelling at the posted speed limit & not at the more leisurely 90km/h or so. Once past, you can slow down again to your speedo's indicated speed limit & get in the way of grumpy towing the caravan at the posted limit (106km/h on my speedo).

Further advice once past the caravan: Don't forget to speed up again when grumpy towing the van attempts to overtake you in the next overtaking lane.

Other advice: Overtaking is best done from a little way back to maximise the time facing oncoming traffic & then to cause grumpy to have to brake hard to make space for you in front of him rather than in the front of the oncoming HGV who will not back off because he is bigger than you.

Just my experiences.[bigsmile1]

Shoogs

6th September 2017, 12:03 PM

I have just bought a DOT 6, and with a 22 year old 300Tdi CT 110 hope to at least make 90km/h, in fourth... downhill... with a tail wind... leisurely will be our pace... secondary and dirt roads our choice of contact with our wheels when we can...

DiscoMick

28th September 2017, 07:41 AM

Ninety is a good speed for a 300Tdi towing a camper, in our experience with an auto D1.

Shoogs

29th September 2017, 11:49 AM

Ninety is a good speed for a 300Tdi towing a camper, in our experience with an auto D1.

Yep, we just cruise with a 300Tdi, keep left, stop often, enjoy the journey, a little bit of Bob Seger, Bruce and Angus and the boys makes for a nice drive...

Mick_Marsh

10th October 2017, 11:07 AM

Milton477

10th October 2017, 11:46 AM

If I got a discount on my insurance maybe.

Homestar

10th October 2017, 12:41 PM

Should caravan owners undergo compulsory towing education? - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) (http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-10-09/should-caravan-owners-undergo-compulsory-towing-education/9031486)

Yep. I'd be up for the course.

Absolutely it should be - if you can't back it, you can't tow it! As well as a heap of other things. In a lot of European countries towing any trailer requires an endorsement on the licence which both costs extra for each licence renewal and also requires a test before issue. I'd have no problems with that being introduced here. Bring it on.

weeds

10th October 2017, 01:10 PM

That would be a big change.......and getting all the states to agree for consistency would be a challenge.

We still have trucks, cars and motorbikes causing accidents. Where do you start. I think caravan would contribute the least amount.

What the local policemen did down south with caravan organization was a good process but who is going to find something like this.

I travel a lot for work and I don't see caravans as a major problem, well no worse than other road users.

Good/consistent education at point of sale would be but this only covers commercial sales not private sales.

Re: reversing a trailer, what constitutes competent? Straight reverse, 90 degree reverse into a van site....in how many attempts. A % of Truck drivers would also fail depending on the situation.

On a different note, last week on fraser the wife was driving (we always share driving when touring whether towing or not), not towing, heading down a single lane soft sand track. We were going up a ride around a bend and come across oncoming car, she started to reverse but lost confidence due to the slope, ruts, corner and the other car creeping forward at the same pace as she was reversing. I jumped in the drivers seat.

Does this mean she shouldn't be driving???

We did do some practice the next day to build on experience but I suspect it will take a bit more practice.

BTW, wife and reverse the camper trailer in some/most situations

trout1105

10th October 2017, 02:47 PM

On a different note, last week on fraser the wife was driving (we always share driving when touring whether towing or not), not towing, heading down a single lane soft sand track. We were going up a ride around a bend and come across oncoming car, she started to reverse but lost confidence due to the slope, ruts, corner and the other car creeping forward at the same pace as she was reversing. I jumped in the drivers seat.

Does this mean she shouldn't be driving???

Not at all.
Your Wife had the common sense to hand control over to you and like you said with some more practice she will be just fine.[thumbsupbig]

incisor

11th October 2017, 06:41 AM

Latest stat I read on an article up here after the head of Clayton's towing expressed an opinion was that .01% of vehicle accidents involved vans...

Every one has off days

Try as you might you can never remove it from the equation..

Homestar

11th October 2017, 07:29 AM

Re: reversing a trailer, what constitutes competent? Straight reverse, 90 degree reverse into a van site....in how many attempts. A % of Truck drivers would also fail depending on the situation.

All of that - 1 correction allowed. You fail, you get your van crushed... :rocket:

Make me Prime Minister for 1 day... [bigrolf]

But seriously, you know pretty quick if someone can or can't reverse a trailer - it's so much fun going to the tip and watching people that simple cannot make the trailer go backwards more than a metre at a time without having to correct it. [biggrin]

trout1105

11th October 2017, 07:36 AM

All of that - 1 correction allowed. You fail, you get your van crushed... :rocket:

Make me Prime Minister for 1 day... [bigrolf]

But seriously, you know pretty quick if someone can or can't reverse a trailer - it's so much fun going to the tip and watching people that simple cannot make the trailer go backwards more than a metre at a time without having to correct it. [biggrin]

If you think that is fun just wait until you watch the fools at the boat ramp, especially the ones that have had a few beers during their fishing outing [bigrolf][biggrin]

Tombie

11th October 2017, 08:50 AM

If you think that is fun just wait until you watch the fools at the boat ramp, especially the ones that have had a few beers during their fishing outing [bigrolf][biggrin]

Oh hell yes! A most entertaining way to pass some time!

ramblingboy42

11th October 2017, 01:27 PM

Well, I'm very impressed on the whole , in the way that a large majority of boaties conduct themselves on our local ramp....one of the busiest in Australia.
I am there every thurs/fri and often go and talk to and assist boaties.
I never hear a bad word or see any bad activity.
A lot of the boaties tow their boats over 200km to use the ramp so I guess they're almost the same as caravan owners.

scarry

11th October 2017, 03:24 PM

If you think that is fun just wait until you watch the fools at the boat ramp, especially the ones that have had a few beers during their fishing outing [bigrolf][biggrin]

Now this is off topic,but,

Nearly as much fun as sitting at Eli Ck,on Fraser, and watching vehicles negotiate a rather large drop off,when the tide is a fare way up.

Many cruise along at over 60km/hr,and don't see it until they are over it........[bigsad]

Bigbjorn

12th October 2017, 05:10 PM

trout1105

12th October 2017, 05:20 PM

If either you or your rig are incapable of driving at the speed limit when the prevailing circumstances make it safe to do so, then you have several options:-

1- Learn to drive.

2- Get a rig that will tow at the speed limit.

3- Stop towing or driving or both.

Very loud air horns and very bright headlamps and driving lights become hard to ignore if used repeatedly on the same brain dead caravanner.

Just because someone is pulling a van along below the speed limit doesn't necessarily equate to Him/her Not being a competent driver.
Many vanners drive at a slower speed to firstly save on their fuel bill and secondly to save the wear and tear on their car and van.
Flashing lights and hooting the horn at someone that "CHOOSES" to travel below the speed limit is just rude and ignorant and smacks of a driver with a supreme sense of self entitlement, The speed limit is exactly what it states a "Limit" and is Not a target.

Homestar

12th October 2017, 05:25 PM

If either you or your rig are incapable of driving at the speed limit when the prevailing circumstances make it safe to do so, then you have several options:-

1- Learn to drive.

2- Get a rig that will tow at the speed limit.

3- Stop towing or driving or both.

Very loud air horns and very bright headlamps and driving lights become hard to ignore if used repeatedly on the same brain dead caravanner.

My 101 doesn't do 100 without the van so it's got **** all chance of doing 100 with the van hanging off it - doesn't make me a bad driver or inconsiderate either, I'm very aware of what's going on around me and always let people past when safe or pull over when safe too.

I have a 'rig' that will tow the van at the speed limit but a lot of the time I prefer to use the 101 to do this - it makes not a rats arse difference to me that you want me to use a different vehicle to do so, so I'd suggest you live with it. :)

Geedublya

13th October 2017, 04:24 AM

If either you or your rig are incapable of driving at the speed limit when the prevailing circumstances make it safe to do so, then you have several options:-

1- Learn to drive.

2- Get a rig that will tow at the speed limit.

3- Stop towing or driving or both.

Very loud air horns and very bright headlamps and driving lights become hard to ignore if used repeatedly on the same brain dead caravanner.

Sorry mate, you have no idea. As stated the speed limit is a limit not a target. The limit in NSW on Motorways is generally 110, yes my vehicle is easily capable of towing my rig at 110 and so am I but that speed diminishes my options if something occurs (unexpected wind gusts, idiots cutting my off etc.) it is entirely safe for me to travel at less than the speed limit and the only inconvenience is that other drivers have to move from the left lane to overtake me (as if they are in the left lane in the first place).
Travelling at or near the limit requires a level of attention that is fatiguing and diminishes the enjoyment of travelling for me. I will continue to drive at a speed that is safe for the conditions while being considerate and allowing others to pass when it safe to do so. Lights and horns don't bother me, what is my utmost concern is the safety of my family, myself and other road users.

Tombie

13th October 2017, 07:17 AM

Agree G’dub with your safety statement!

It requires a holistic approach to safety - there are likely times where a bit more pace is suitable and sensible and other times slower is the go!

All about reading the environment around you and adjusting accordingly [emoji6]

shanegtr

13th October 2017, 08:32 AM

Very loud air horns and very bright headlamps and driving lights become hard to ignore if used repeatedly on the same brain dead caravanner.
Oh I find that stuff very easy to ignore for impaitent drivers[biggrin]

weeds

13th October 2017, 08:58 AM

Oh I find that stuff very easy to ignore for impaitent drivers[biggrin]

I just adjust my mirrors...problem fixed, out of sight or of mind.

Bigbjorn

13th October 2017, 09:23 AM

If a 70 tonne b-double can maintain the speed limit in most locations then there is no reason why a 4-5 tonne car and caravan can't do the same.

Bigbjorn

13th October 2017, 09:30 AM

If you think that is fun just wait until you watch the fools at the boat ramp, especially the ones that have had a few beers during their fishing outing [bigrolf][biggrin]

A friend lives near the Wellington Point boat ramp. On a dull Sunday afternoon he sometimes takes a walk to the ramp with a six pack and sits in the shade to watch the arguments, domestics, sometimes fisticuffs, and bad driving. He says it can be great entertainment.

Chops

13th October 2017, 09:30 AM

If a 70 tonne b-double can maintain the speed limit in most locations then there is no reason why a 4-5 tonne car and caravan can't do the same.

Yeah, true,,, but the BD's on a mission from God (so to speak),,, the V is just on a Sunday drive enjoying the scenery,, even if it is in the middle of a city 🌃 There's always something to look 👀 at.

trout1105

13th October 2017, 09:32 AM

If a 70 tonne b-double can maintain the speed limit in most locations then there is no reason why a 4-5 tonne car and caravan can't do the same.

Have you ever towed a caravan, boat or trailer for any distance?
There is also a huge difference between the way trucks/trailers are set up compared to the average car van setup.

Milton477

13th October 2017, 12:35 PM

Geedublya

13th October 2017, 12:40 PM

If a 70 tonne b-double can maintain the speed limit in most locations then there is no reason why a 4-5 tonne car and caravan can't do the same.

Professional drivers who are trained and do it day in day out in rigs designed from the ground up to do the job. They are also limited to 100km/h on motorways not 110km/h like other vehicles and required to go slower than other vehicles when descending some steep grades.

Homestar

13th October 2017, 05:43 PM

If a 70 tonne b-double can maintain the speed limit in most locations then there is no reason why a 4-5 tonne car and caravan can't do the same.

Bull****, trucks are designed to be loaded at all times and have professional drivers at the wheel. You're either just trolling now (pretty sure you are) because if you aren't you're the most misinformed person on here at the moment.

1nando

13th October 2017, 06:15 PM

If a 70 tonne b-double can maintain the speed limit in most locations then there is no reason why a 4-5 tonne car and caravan can't do the same.Im the general manager for a transport and logistics business that supplies building materials to the construction industry. If there is one thing i know its trucks. You sir are a goose! Trucks are purpose built to do one thing, I wont even bother with the details.

My opinion is that everyone can get a licence but not everyone has the ability to drive! Towing requires ability and the knowledge to travel at a speed that is safe for the circumstances and conditions you are travelling in. For example the speed limit reads 110kmph but its raining heavily and I'm fully loaded with the family on-board in a live axle vehicle (ie defender) therefore i slow down to 80-90kmph, maybe slower.

I don't have a problem being behind a slow vehicle towing but i do have a problem with a stupid driver towing that does not have the curtiousy to let me pass when safe to do so. In that situation i get frustrated and usually flash my lights. Ignorance drives me insane

mick88

15th October 2017, 08:55 AM

I thought this might apply to this thread.

Cheers, Mick.

Pedro_The_Swift

15th October 2017, 08:58 AM

just perpetuating the myth,, thanks Mick,,,:bat:

Chops

15th October 2017, 09:00 AM

hehehe,, feel a bit like that just driving the old Series [bigwhistle]

Eevo

15th October 2017, 09:11 AM

just perpetuating the myth,, thanks Mick,,,:bat:

i would hardly call it a myth.

i love this cheeky holden comercial

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcPmq5Aducc

incisor

15th October 2017, 09:25 AM

I thought this might apply to this thread.

Cheers, Mick.

should be a horse float not a caravan [biggrin]

Tombie

15th October 2017, 06:32 PM

should be a horse float not a caravan [biggrin]

Maybe over in the east [emoji6]

Over here on the Eyre it’s likely a lovely couple enjoying our scenery, terrified by the cross winds, white knuckles and 80km/h.

Their favourite trick - wait until you’re approaching at the posted limit and just pull out of a rest stop and forget what the pedal on the right can do! Causing some serious braking and shaking of head!

DoubleChevron

16th October 2017, 10:30 AM

If a 70 tonne b-double can maintain the speed limit in most locations then there is no reason why a 4-5 tonne car and caravan can't do the same.

gee's guys ... he's stirring .... there is no way anyone would be so stupid they would think or believe this for a second!

normie

22nd October 2017, 05:17 PM

I have had my caravan now for some 6 months and tow at around 85/95 Kph depending on the road, and try to do the following ,

Slow down a bit on good sections of road to make it easier for others to pass .

Pull over when convenient and let traffic pass if there is a buildup behind me .

Talk to truckies on the CB and work in with them where possible .

But it does not seem to matter what i do there always a ****ed driver some where to make your day . !!!!!! about

Julius Summer Miller would say , " why is this so " , anyway stuff em i say and just get on and enjoy my day [bigrolf] .

You sound like the perfect caravan driver to me as a truckie 42 years road trains and b/doubles

DoubleChevron

23rd October 2017, 08:32 AM

You sound like the perfect caravan driver to me as a truckie 42 years road trains and b/doubles

I dunno where poeples ideas of truckies comes from.... When I'm dragging a wobbly down the road ... The truckies without fail are the best drivers with the most understanding of towing 'vans out there. Without fail, they'll get right over on the verge and give you maximum distance between there trailers and your wobbly .... They know what can happen when they "blow" ( literally "blow" ) by at 100km/h in blustery conditions.

Truckies are the ones that always overtake me when safe, almost always give me ****loads of road .... Actually look in there mirrors... give you the big thumbs up when you pull right off the road and hit the 'van brakes gently so they can get past more easily.... and the wobbly doesn't take off with a mind of it's own as the 2nd ... and sometimes 3rd trailer blows by .... The third trailer, it's the one that can really take off if you don't get right out of the truckies way and it hits some rough road .... Wow, they get some swaying momentum up.

seeya,
Shane L.

Chops

23rd October 2017, 09:39 AM

I tend to agree Shane,, I've done a lot of towing of cars etc as well as a few large vans for mates,, I've never had an issue with trucks either.

Even just in the car, if they pull out in front of me just prior to a hill, or in a spot where they can pass,, give them room. They need to be wound up to either get up speed or get up the hill,, not point getting ****ty about it or going off at them.
Little things like using blinkers to thank them after you've passed them, flash the lights before you pass them,, goes a long way to gaining respect on both sides.
I've been lucky enough to be warned by trucks of impending danger etc,, always good to be around. Yes there are a few ******* out there, but the majority are very professional 😏

weeds

23rd October 2017, 10:03 AM

A contributing factor for truckies being better behaved is that more and more trucks are being monitored which includes camera not only on the driver but also the road ahead.

Milton477

23rd October 2017, 03:18 PM

I'll second the above posts.
I have had a truckie apologise on the radio for nuking me with his array of driving lights & many truckies keep as far left on their side of the road so not to blow you away.
Thanks guys & girls.

Chops

9th November 2017, 08:16 AM

Well,, first time taking the new van for a run last weekend.
Pulled over to to the side of the road to check something on the van,, trickier moved into the far right lane to give me a wide,,, a nice move on his behalf.

Cruising along at just over 💯, I go to overtake a slower vehicle,, almost get all the way past him,, what does he do 😡, takes off to re-take me, leaving me stuck out in the right lane with a few followers that on cruise, I'm now going to hold up,,, and he now has people seeing "a chance" follow him,,, ****ing useless ******. No thought or consideration at all,,

I'll drive amongst trickiest any day of the week.

Tombie

9th November 2017, 08:38 AM

Yep. The trucks around here are great.
When I was driving Lara back and forth to Adelaide every week around the same times you get to see the same trucks doing the same hauls.

Always called them up and gave them the first bite on an overtaking lane - they need it to move safely...

Wasn’t long and knew many of the regulars on the route by name...

By comparison / volume - conventional single vehicle drivers are far and beyond the worst road users on the highway...

Milton477

20th November 2017, 02:11 PM

Well how about this then?

Access Denied (https://www.caravancampingsales.com.au/editorial/news/2017/why-you-should-tow-faster-60077/)

Doesn't like it. Copy & paste in browser then.
Access Denied (https://www.caravancampingsales.com.au/editorial/news/2017/why-you-should-tow-faster-60077/)

Homestar

20th November 2017, 02:15 PM

In my opinion, this guy is an idiot. If your setup is capable of it and you feel safe and comfortable doing do, then not a problem but there are many instances it isn't safe or expedient to do the speed limit.

He is promoting an idea that in all likelihood would cause accidents and deaths on the road - not only is what he says not smart, but actually dangerous - he should know better writing for a site like that - it's pretty dumb really.

Good drivers will work with truck drivers and others to allow them to pass but this is a whole different story to blindly towing anything at the speed limit. This guy has no idea - and I tow my van at the speed limit most of the time (unless it's behind the 101 then I can't even achieve the speed limit) [emoji16]

Oh, and the link worked fine, just the wording 'access denied' is a little strange in the link, but works fine if you click on it.