Safe speed for hauling a trailer?

[Jugernot]

I just bought a 7'x16' Cargomate enclosed cargo trailer with tandem axles to move from Alaska to Iowa (3400miles) and wanted to get some input on a good highway speed for the trip.

I've already made the trip once with a smaller flat bed trailer and greased the bearing everyday and drove at 68mph with no issue. I've heard that trailers shouldn't be taken above 55mph, but haven't heard why. Is it a limitation with the bearings?

I had planned on greasing the bearings each morning before we left to maintain a good lube for the bearings, but just wanted to make sure about what speed we should be traveling. We'll be doing 600-700 miles per day, maybe more if needed.

The tires on the trailer were put on by the previous owner and are somwhat mismatched (same size though), as two are the same michelins truck tires and two are the same more generic trailer tires.

Is this a case that I can drive whatever speed I am comfortable (assuming no sway in the trailer, etc.) or should I drive slower for the trailer's sake?

Thanks guys!

EDIT: I should have said in the original post, I'm not really looking for legal speed limits, I'm asking about the bearing more than anything else. Will I do any damage if I go 65mph versus 55mph if greased properly? Everyone speeds, I could care less about the laws....

 

[MotF Bane]

Uh, what are you driving, and do you have an expectation of the trailer's total weight?

 

[Demon-Xanth]

55MPH is the max legal speed for trailers in many states.

 

[halik]

Uhaul trailers say 55. I've pulled my bike from NYC to Detroit at ~70 the whole way w/o issue. Just make sure the bearings are good on the trailer and you'll be all set.

 

[Jugernot]

My truck will not be an issue:

2004 Chevy Silverado 2500 6.0l V8 with K&N intake kit, Gibson Dual exhaust, Hypertech Power programmer, tranny cooler, quadrasteer 4 wheel steering, ride control shocks, Tekonsha P3 brake controller, etc.

I've hauled 12,000lbs with this truck before, but I kept that around 50mph for mpg and was only 30miles.

 

[Demon-Xanth]

Look here for the speed limit for the states your route takes you through:
http://www.boatus.com/trailerclub/west_laws.asp

They vary from 55 to 75.

 

[Zenmervolt]

The speed limits are there because many people neglect their trailers. As far as safety goes, you should be fine at all legal speeds as long as your trailer and tow vehicle are in good condition. You'll want to slow down in heavy crosswinds and be attentive to the beginnings of trailer sway, but you shouldn't have a problem maintaining the posted legal speeds in all areas.

ZV

 

[Jugernot]

Originally posted by: Demon-Xanth
Look here for the speed limit for the states your route takes you through:
http://www.boatus.com/trailerclub/west_laws.asp

They vary from 55 to 75.

Sorry, didn't specify earlier, I'm not asking for speed limits, I'm asking about physical limitations of the trailer/bearings. Everyone speeds, pulling a trailer won't change that.

 

[Demon-Xanth]

Originally posted by: Jugernot

Originally posted by: Demon-Xanth
Look here for the speed limit for the states your route takes you through:
http://www.boatus.com/trailerclub/west_laws.asp

They vary from 55 to 75.

Sorry, didn't specify earlier, I'm not asking for speed limits, I'm asking about physical limitations of the trailer/bearings. Everyone speeds, pulling a trailer won't change that.

I make note of it because cops WILL write tickets to out of state people. And you're going to be out of state a lot.

If the trailer's in good condition, you should be able to handle any sane speed.

 

[MotF Bane]

Originally posted by: Jugernot
My truck will not be an issue:

2004 Chevy Silverado 2500 6.0l V8 with K&N intake kit, Gibson Dual exhaust, Hypertech Power programmer, tranny cooler, quadrasteer 4 wheel steering, ride control shocks, Tekonsha P3 brake controller, etc.

I've hauled 12,000lbs with this truck before, but I kept that around 50mph for mpg and was only 30miles.

I was asking because my only thought was in regards to how well could you truck stop the load on short notice, and how well could it resist crosswind sway. You're all set to my mind.

Beware of out of state speeding though.

 

[skyking]

Trailers don't produce useful feedback until things are really going to hell. I tend to stop often at the beginning of a trip, and feel and inspect the tires for bulges or unusual hot spots. Feel the hubs for excessive heat, put your foot at the top of each tire and give it a shove to discover loose bearings. After a few of those stops and seeing no changes, I stop less often. I increase the speed until I get to the limit and note any changes in the running gear as I go.

 

[thomsbrain]

I suspect you'll be fine, but trailer sway can become an issue as speed increases. Just keep an eye on it in your rear-view (I'm sure you would anyway).

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

I tow a 6' x 12' single axle enclosed trailer. If the bearings are packed and in good shape, the quality of the tires is WAY more important in regards to speed and handling.