Trailer Towing Speed

[Wallkerbay]

While We were coming back from the rondavbue in North Carolina I was only going about 40-45 mph. I have a 22CD. My tow vehical is a 1999 FORD F- 250 SUPERDUTY pickup. I donot like to feel the bumps twice. The trailer is a 2006 Magic Tilt. Does any one tow faster or slower. I feel that My wife and I will get there whin we get there. My load is more important, than any speed.

[rogerbum]

I usually tow at or near the speed limit unless road conditions require me to do otherwise. Haven't really had a problem with that.

[lloyds]

I go the posted speed limit, but seldom much over 65.

[localboy]

[JamesTXSD]

Our tow speed depends on conditions, but when on freeways or Interstates, I run just over 60 mph generally. Too slow, and you are creating a road hazard for those coming up behind you. I try to blend with the prevailing traffic as much as possible.

Also, our truck has the 6 speed Allison automatic transmission. Just like the "sweet spot" for boat RPMs, I seem to get my best mileage with the truck in 6th gear and not lugging.

As much as I drive defensively, with over 35,000 miles towing the C-Dory, we have had to make a couple relatively fast stops. The ABS brakes on the truck and the elec/hydraulic on the boat trailer do an admirable job. I leave LOTS of space in front of us in traffic.

Best wishes,
Jim B.

[Kent Richmond]

I tow with a 2006 Silverado half-ton at or a little over 55 mph. Never had a problem.
Kent

[smittypaddler]

I tow with a Ford Explorer 6-cylinder, and usually cruise at between 55 and 60 mph, without overdrive, engine turning at about 2500 rpms. If there's a good tailwind I'll put it in overdrive and go as fast as the speed limit allows. I've gone to Florida roundtrip from Wisconsin the last two winters, with no problems other than the wheels being out of alignment on the trailer causing excessive tire wear the first year. Problem was quickly corrected. Actually, it takes a lot of the pressure off driving if you're going a little slower than the rest of the traffick. You almost never have to change lanes to pass, because you never have to pass, or slow down for somebody going slower than you.

[breausaw]

[Socrateur]

Neal, were you doing that on a 65 mph highway? I wouldn't drive a car, no less tow a boat with a 3/4 ton, that slow on a typical interstate. Too dangerous.

[Jack in Alaska]

I tow my 26' C-Dory at 60 -65 mph. Have had no problems. Also have a tandem axle MajicTilt trailer. I tow with a Dodge 1 ton dually diesel.

As I was once rear ended towing my 22' CD I always attach a 12" bright red fluorescent fishing float ball to the lower unit of the motor just for safety sake. If someone hits that then they are morons.

[thataway]

We towed both the 25, 22 and Tom cat at 55 to 62 mph. Occasionally we would go faster, but the rigs are designed to do the speed limit.

[Dreamer]

Neal,

Your tow speed will increase as your confidence in the tow rig increases. We tow at the speed limit with the Super Duty and the 11,000# plus TomCat. On Vancouver Island we tow the 100 kph limit with confidence. Just use care and lots of caffein!

[Doryman]

I tow the Tom Cat at 60 - 65 mph, but a lot depends on the terrain. I go slower in the hills mainly to save fuel and for safety going downhill. I drive an 08 2500 GMC Duramax/Allison. Love the transmission.

Warren

[Tortuga]

The sweet spot for towing my CD-22 with a Sienna minivan is 55-60. Very stable with the dual axle trailer. I noticed early on that the boat trailers MUCH easier when I strap down bow and stern tightly with supplementary tension belts so that there is virtually no bouncing or vibration of the boat on the trailer -- rather they become a single unit. That helps a lot. When I tow with the boat secured only at the bow eye it's very bouncy and unstable. Are you securing the boat well to the trailer? That may be the issue.

Matt

[Doryman]

Forgot to mention two other essentials (for the Tom Cat, at any rate): electric over hydraulic brakes, and a load equalizing hitch.

Warren