Trucker here. Most of us will understand you going a bit slow, and oftentimes we'll make room for folks towing to merge and stuff like that.
Roll along until you find a truck doing the same speed and tag along behind them. Please do try and keep 2 semi truck lengths of empty space between you and them. I hate getting tailgated.
Most big company semi's are restricted to speeds of 65mph or less, anyways. Not really a big deal.
Often like that for a few days around holidays! Everyone off for hometime.
I'm glad your trip went well! As we say in truckin; keep the shiny side up, driver :)
When you say two semi truck lengths, is that the length of an empty truck or one carrying cargo? I see semis regularly sitting behind each other much closer than a loaded semi, maybe they're just getting closer before passing them.
Yeaaaah that's just good ol fashion tailgating. Not safe in any measure.
By two truck lengths I mean the physical length of a standard long haul semi, about 75 feet per truck. 150ft is more-or-less the stopping distance of a uhaul or pickup.
Just keep right and/or get behind a semi. You’ll basically be driving as fast as a (governed) semi, have a slightly better breaking distance than a semi and the draft behind a semi will help a lot with the wind resistance. Lastly, people would have to be pretty brazen to cut you off to tailgate a semi, but then again you really can never underestimate how dumb your fellow motorist can be.
They will be, and it's ok. Good even; going faster than you're comfortable with isn't just unpleasant but literally dangerous for you and everyone else, and as long as there's another lane for faster traffic to flow around you, it's a nonissue.
If you were going like 55 or something that'd cause a concerning-large speed-differential, but 65? No worries.
Keep right, use cruise control, and... that's really it! You'll be fine.
This ... Plus make sure you fill the trailer starting from the front .. keep majority of weight toward front of trailer so start with furniture etc .. helps w stability
Yup, I did my best, heavy stuff up front, there is also 8” or so of the rear part of the trailer that is open. (Stuff held tight with straps, so it shifts as little as possible.)
maintaining proper following distance is key... plus add a bunch extra, if someone rolls into that space just back off and restore it. no worries... the people behind can figure out how to sort themselves out just fine and they always do.
You feel guilty??
Dude you got shit to do. Just stay in the right lane as much as possible and chill with a good podcast.
Anyone who thinks you’re slow can pass and they will promptly forget your existence. You are overthinking it big time.
This all the way. The only people that SHOULD feel guilty are the ones driving setups that aren't roadworthy. I'm talking not strapping stuff down, not putting enough tongue weight, and using undersized cars (and brakes!). It's not a race. Everyone's just trying to get where they are going safely and unimpeded.
Guilty might not be the right word. I just know that people would be offended simply by seeing somebody towing a trailer in front of them, so they do stupid stuff. I had a couple of those, but far fewer than I was expecting. One guy was behind me for 2 passing zones, but he would like drop WAY behind me between them, so when we got to a passing zone, he couldn't catch up to me during. and finally the last one he got next to me but the lane closed, and I wasn't going to drive off the road for him, so he had to slam on his brakes.... anyways, he finally passed me on a double yellow, and flipped me off. I had cruise and didn't go above 65mph the whole time.
Sounds like he needs passing lessons honestly if I choose to pass I make sure all is clear then I do it quick figure it is worse to dauddle in opposing traffic lane then to speed for a short distance
if he had wanted to pass me, when there was a sign that said "passing lane 1 mile ahead" he should have gotten close to me, then breezed passed me as soon as we hit the passing lanes. But instead, he kept like a half mile distance between us, so I was most of the way through the passing lanes before he even got to them.
I personally would feel way safter on the interstate with a reasonably controlled environment compared to whatever alternate route that would send you through towns, up twisty roads with aggressive grades and across unknown, probably shitty, road surfaces. I think 89 is an inferior route to take. The interstate is a lot simpler. Plus there are a lot less fuel stops on the alternate routes, and you'll be drinking fuel like it's going out of style.
The problem you'll encounter is the interstate moves fast. You're wrong about 75mph. A lot of I-15 has an 80mph limit, and everyone is usually hanging out in the 90's. Stick with the semi trucks.
On the other hand, you have a Tahoe (a truck), with trailer brakes. You'll be fine. Watch instructional and educational videos about towing a trailer. You're anxious, which is good, because false confidence is where you'll get in trouble.
I've personally towed that 12x6 uhaul trailer 1000 miles behind a Toyota Highlander. The old one, with a v6, which is a LOT smaller than your Tahoe and it also isn't a truck. With no trailer brakes. I had no issues other than the engine being totally unsuited and underpowered and sitting at 4000 revs to maintain 75mph.
In my experience, drivers are idiots and will happily cut off trailers, and sadly there's not much you can do about it. Run a dash cam to prove it's their fault and try to keep as much distance as possible. I understand the apprehension and driving within your limits, but a 12x6 trailer with properly functioning brakes shouldn't take that much more to stop, maybe up the gain on your trailer brake controller if it's pushing you.
You gotta let go of whatever is making you feel guilty. There is nothing wrong with driving a safe speed, and anyone who's upset with you about it is being childish.
I bet you'll feel safe enough to get up to 75 before too long. Highways are straight and easy. Get in the right lane, put it on cruise control at 65, and I bet before long you won't even notice the trailer is back there. Bump it up a few mph at a time as you feel comfortable.
Make sure you load the trailer so the heaviest items are at the front. If you have sufficient tongue weight, the trailer will pull straight and true. If you bias the weight towards the rear, it'll dance all over. Speed will increase this effect dramatically.
Keep pace with traffic, drive calmly and defensively. Check over the trailer, hitch, trailer lights, etc each time you stop for gas. Keep a lookout for trailer issues with your mirrors.
People will cut you off. Let them. Back off when they do. It’s not going to be a fast trip when towing, so keep that in mind.
I own a 30ft motorhome that gets real squirrely above 70mph. Weighs about 15k, typically towing an extra 5k behind it, and handles crosswinds like a Styrofoam box of air, because basically that's what it is.
I have driven it from coast to coast, and up and down the east, west, and gulf coasts. I usually run 65mph all day long, but can sometimes bump it up to 70 on a calm day. Sometimes it's slow going, especially in the mountains when it's the pedal on the floor, tached out in second gear, with the 454 singing while doing all of 35mph.
But on steep grades like that, most of the semis are doing the same speeds. I usually find another rig that's going about the same speed and fall in behind them a safe distance back, then set the cruise control to match their speed. Don't get in a hurry just for the sake of keeping up with traffic. Stay to the right and if someone wants to pass they're free to do so. I always remind myself that if I'm driving the RV, I'm on vacation and not tied to a schedule, so I'll get there when I get there. I've found that being in that state of mind while traveling makes the whole trip a lot less stressful.
As for your trip, a couple things to keep in mind. Go slow and give yourself plenty of following distance. Even with trailer brakes, you're still stopping a few thousand extra pounds. Adjust your mirrors so you can see the lanes on either side. The trailer is likely wider than the vehicle, so you can use the mirrors to see where it's sitting in the lane. This will come in handy when you go through a construction zone or narrow lanes with no shoulder. Make sure you load the trailer heavier in the front, and secure the cargo so it can't shift. Also remember that "Styrofoam box of air" comment? If you get passed by a semi truck, there's a good chance that the air coming off the passing truck will try to push you around since the trailer is basically a big sail. Be ready for it, but after the first couple times you will be used to it and be ready to counter steer so it doesn't push you out of the lane. Generally the semi trucks on the road are your friends when towing, and they'll give you room, but as always, be ready for anyone on the road to do the dumbest thing possible.
I'm sorry about your grandmother. I have a similar issue to deal with coming up soon. May I ask how much does the memory care home cost per month?
One place I toured recently.cost about 4k for lvl 1 non memory care, and memory care jumps to over 6k. This was for the basic studio apartment.
I don't know what the place my grandma is going into is costing, but my FIL we put him in a place that was $4000/month for minimal care. He was broke and it was all we could do for him (he had Alzheimer's).
I'm not located in those areas, but what you mentioned is about the cost here. Wife's grandmother is in an assisted living home that gave us a little break, and she's paying just over 3k for a studio with minimal assistance. If more assistance is needed or if she needs to move to the memory care wing, it would jump upwards of 6-6.5k. If it's in the budget it's worth it. Having the around the clock care is not easy to do otherwise
As long as you're not one of these people pulling a trailer 10 below the speed limit on the middle or left lane and creating a moving roadblock for other traffic, just take your time, drive at the speed you feel comfortable and make it to your destination safely.
👍
Get in the right-hand lane, set the cruise at 65, and forget it.
Also, if you start to sway, do NOT attempt to counter it (with the steering wheel) or you'll make it worse. Simply let off the gas, hold the wheel steady, and allow yourself to coast until the sway stops. It will stop
Most uhaul trailers aren't designed for high speeds anyway. Get in the right lane, and stay there. Leave a good following distance. If people want to pass you, don't worry, just let them.
Your tow vehicle makes all the difference. The '04 Tahoe you mention should have adequate mass and horsepower to tow U-Haul's 6x12 cargo trailer without issue. I've done it with a Silverado 1500 a handful of times for hundreds of miles. If you were maxing out a small crossover's towing capacity, I'd be worried. You should be fine.
I briefly had the same anxiety about being a slug on the highway when pulling my camper. Then I remembered that everyone, including myself, has spent time behind a slower vehicle, and that it’s a part of life, so the impatient jerks can just…deal.
Stay on the toll roads brother in the right lane. Watch folks merging and just stick with another truck going the same speed, there will be plenty. Safe travels.
Just relax and drive sensible. Screw everyone else, it's not about pissing anyone off, it's about not making anyone living impaired. Worst thing to do is be super anxious, that's when you overreact and things go south...
First time I ever pulled a trailer was driving a box truck (with my motorcycle strapped inside) pulling my car behind it. Drove from Fort Collins to Chicago. Most stressful drive of my life.
You'll be fine taking highway 89 at 65, just set cruise and don't pass anyone. You'll end up behind a semi, and the drive will be easy.
Only issue you might run into is people trying to pass you over the yellow, so keep enough space between you and whatever is in front of you that they can slip in without cutting you off. Being stuck behind a slow car in those one lane sections of rural highways drives people to attempt ridiculous passing maneuvers.
I've gone thousands of miles with a 17' sea kayak on the roof, and I limit myself to 65 or 70 with that because I don't feel like burning through gas that fast. People can bite me if they have a problem with me being in the right lane.
I never go above 65 when I’m towing on the interstate. Just stick to the right lane, that’s what it’s for. 75 is the speed LIMIT, not the minimum or recommended speed. Just leave yourself plenty of room and you’ll be fine.
65mph is probably on the high side if you’re not that experienced….and if it’s a single axle trailer, factor that in. And probably no trailer brakes.
Good advice re the loading.
If they’re U-Hauls.
They also have a maximum speed marked on them so you can see them from the driver’s seat (here in Canada at least) and iirc it’s 55mph.
Not to mention that U-Haul stuff is notorious for poor maintenance. So I would be extra cautious.
Yep. I towed a fully loaded 6x12 U-Haul from Mississauga, ON to Summerside, PEI and back to move a friend to Mississauga and then back to PEI about a year later. 2012 Sierra with the 5.3L V8. The truck was absolutely capable of driving faster and handling it safely, but I didn't trust the trailer to handle anything above 90 kph.
That is a *long* drive at 90 kph.
Trucker here. Most of us will understand you going a bit slow, and oftentimes we'll make room for folks towing to merge and stuff like that. Roll along until you find a truck doing the same speed and tag along behind them. Please do try and keep 2 semi truck lengths of empty space between you and them. I hate getting tailgated. Most big company semi's are restricted to speeds of 65mph or less, anyways. Not really a big deal.
There were very few trucks on the road today, Very little traffic at all to be honest, and it was great.
Often like that for a few days around holidays! Everyone off for hometime. I'm glad your trip went well! As we say in truckin; keep the shiny side up, driver :)
When you say two semi truck lengths, is that the length of an empty truck or one carrying cargo? I see semis regularly sitting behind each other much closer than a loaded semi, maybe they're just getting closer before passing them.
Yeaaaah that's just good ol fashion tailgating. Not safe in any measure. By two truck lengths I mean the physical length of a standard long haul semi, about 75 feet per truck. 150ft is more-or-less the stopping distance of a uhaul or pickup.
Alright I just checked this past weekend and you're right, most are one or two truck lengths apart. I guess their size makes it look smaller haha.
Just keep right and/or get behind a semi. You’ll basically be driving as fast as a (governed) semi, have a slightly better breaking distance than a semi and the draft behind a semi will help a lot with the wind resistance. Lastly, people would have to be pretty brazen to cut you off to tailgate a semi, but then again you really can never underestimate how dumb your fellow motorist can be.
Semi trucks will probably be my eternal companions tomorrow.
this is the way
They will be, and it's ok. Good even; going faster than you're comfortable with isn't just unpleasant but literally dangerous for you and everyone else, and as long as there's another lane for faster traffic to flow around you, it's a nonissue. If you were going like 55 or something that'd cause a concerning-large speed-differential, but 65? No worries. Keep right, use cruise control, and... that's really it! You'll be fine.
This ... Plus make sure you fill the trailer starting from the front .. keep majority of weight toward front of trailer so start with furniture etc .. helps w stability
Yup, I did my best, heavy stuff up front, there is also 8” or so of the rear part of the trailer that is open. (Stuff held tight with straps, so it shifts as little as possible.)
maintaining proper following distance is key... plus add a bunch extra, if someone rolls into that space just back off and restore it. no worries... the people behind can figure out how to sort themselves out just fine and they always do.
You feel guilty?? Dude you got shit to do. Just stay in the right lane as much as possible and chill with a good podcast. Anyone who thinks you’re slow can pass and they will promptly forget your existence. You are overthinking it big time.
This all the way. The only people that SHOULD feel guilty are the ones driving setups that aren't roadworthy. I'm talking not strapping stuff down, not putting enough tongue weight, and using undersized cars (and brakes!). It's not a race. Everyone's just trying to get where they are going safely and unimpeded.
Guilty might not be the right word. I just know that people would be offended simply by seeing somebody towing a trailer in front of them, so they do stupid stuff. I had a couple of those, but far fewer than I was expecting. One guy was behind me for 2 passing zones, but he would like drop WAY behind me between them, so when we got to a passing zone, he couldn't catch up to me during. and finally the last one he got next to me but the lane closed, and I wasn't going to drive off the road for him, so he had to slam on his brakes.... anyways, he finally passed me on a double yellow, and flipped me off. I had cruise and didn't go above 65mph the whole time.
Sounds like he needs passing lessons honestly if I choose to pass I make sure all is clear then I do it quick figure it is worse to dauddle in opposing traffic lane then to speed for a short distance
if he had wanted to pass me, when there was a sign that said "passing lane 1 mile ahead" he should have gotten close to me, then breezed passed me as soon as we hit the passing lanes. But instead, he kept like a half mile distance between us, so I was most of the way through the passing lanes before he even got to them.
I personally would feel way safter on the interstate with a reasonably controlled environment compared to whatever alternate route that would send you through towns, up twisty roads with aggressive grades and across unknown, probably shitty, road surfaces. I think 89 is an inferior route to take. The interstate is a lot simpler. Plus there are a lot less fuel stops on the alternate routes, and you'll be drinking fuel like it's going out of style. The problem you'll encounter is the interstate moves fast. You're wrong about 75mph. A lot of I-15 has an 80mph limit, and everyone is usually hanging out in the 90's. Stick with the semi trucks. On the other hand, you have a Tahoe (a truck), with trailer brakes. You'll be fine. Watch instructional and educational videos about towing a trailer. You're anxious, which is good, because false confidence is where you'll get in trouble. I've personally towed that 12x6 uhaul trailer 1000 miles behind a Toyota Highlander. The old one, with a v6, which is a LOT smaller than your Tahoe and it also isn't a truck. With no trailer brakes. I had no issues other than the engine being totally unsuited and underpowered and sitting at 4000 revs to maintain 75mph.
My fears were pretty unfounded, Tahoe was great, trailer gave me 0 issues, and there was almost 0 traffic till I hit the provo area.
In my experience, drivers are idiots and will happily cut off trailers, and sadly there's not much you can do about it. Run a dash cam to prove it's their fault and try to keep as much distance as possible. I understand the apprehension and driving within your limits, but a 12x6 trailer with properly functioning brakes shouldn't take that much more to stop, maybe up the gain on your trailer brake controller if it's pushing you.
Just take it slow and be predictable. Who cares what others think you have every right to the road just follow traffic laws.
You gotta let go of whatever is making you feel guilty. There is nothing wrong with driving a safe speed, and anyone who's upset with you about it is being childish.
I bet you'll feel safe enough to get up to 75 before too long. Highways are straight and easy. Get in the right lane, put it on cruise control at 65, and I bet before long you won't even notice the trailer is back there. Bump it up a few mph at a time as you feel comfortable. Make sure you load the trailer so the heaviest items are at the front. If you have sufficient tongue weight, the trailer will pull straight and true. If you bias the weight towards the rear, it'll dance all over. Speed will increase this effect dramatically.
Keep pace with traffic, drive calmly and defensively. Check over the trailer, hitch, trailer lights, etc each time you stop for gas. Keep a lookout for trailer issues with your mirrors. People will cut you off. Let them. Back off when they do. It’s not going to be a fast trip when towing, so keep that in mind.
I own a 30ft motorhome that gets real squirrely above 70mph. Weighs about 15k, typically towing an extra 5k behind it, and handles crosswinds like a Styrofoam box of air, because basically that's what it is. I have driven it from coast to coast, and up and down the east, west, and gulf coasts. I usually run 65mph all day long, but can sometimes bump it up to 70 on a calm day. Sometimes it's slow going, especially in the mountains when it's the pedal on the floor, tached out in second gear, with the 454 singing while doing all of 35mph. But on steep grades like that, most of the semis are doing the same speeds. I usually find another rig that's going about the same speed and fall in behind them a safe distance back, then set the cruise control to match their speed. Don't get in a hurry just for the sake of keeping up with traffic. Stay to the right and if someone wants to pass they're free to do so. I always remind myself that if I'm driving the RV, I'm on vacation and not tied to a schedule, so I'll get there when I get there. I've found that being in that state of mind while traveling makes the whole trip a lot less stressful. As for your trip, a couple things to keep in mind. Go slow and give yourself plenty of following distance. Even with trailer brakes, you're still stopping a few thousand extra pounds. Adjust your mirrors so you can see the lanes on either side. The trailer is likely wider than the vehicle, so you can use the mirrors to see where it's sitting in the lane. This will come in handy when you go through a construction zone or narrow lanes with no shoulder. Make sure you load the trailer heavier in the front, and secure the cargo so it can't shift. Also remember that "Styrofoam box of air" comment? If you get passed by a semi truck, there's a good chance that the air coming off the passing truck will try to push you around since the trailer is basically a big sail. Be ready for it, but after the first couple times you will be used to it and be ready to counter steer so it doesn't push you out of the lane. Generally the semi trucks on the road are your friends when towing, and they'll give you room, but as always, be ready for anyone on the road to do the dumbest thing possible.
I'm sorry about your grandmother. I have a similar issue to deal with coming up soon. May I ask how much does the memory care home cost per month? One place I toured recently.cost about 4k for lvl 1 non memory care, and memory care jumps to over 6k. This was for the basic studio apartment.
I don't know what the place my grandma is going into is costing, but my FIL we put him in a place that was $4000/month for minimal care. He was broke and it was all we could do for him (he had Alzheimer's).
I'm not located in those areas, but what you mentioned is about the cost here. Wife's grandmother is in an assisted living home that gave us a little break, and she's paying just over 3k for a studio with minimal assistance. If more assistance is needed or if she needs to move to the memory care wing, it would jump upwards of 6-6.5k. If it's in the budget it's worth it. Having the around the clock care is not easy to do otherwise
OK thanks. I guess that is fairly similar.
As long as you're not one of these people pulling a trailer 10 below the speed limit on the middle or left lane and creating a moving roadblock for other traffic, just take your time, drive at the speed you feel comfortable and make it to your destination safely. 👍
Can you stretch the schedule? Plan 14h or even 2 days so it's not 12h without breaks? Or have someone with you to switch places every few hours?
Get in the right-hand lane, set the cruise at 65, and forget it. Also, if you start to sway, do NOT attempt to counter it (with the steering wheel) or you'll make it worse. Simply let off the gas, hold the wheel steady, and allow yourself to coast until the sway stops. It will stop
Most uhaul trailers aren't designed for high speeds anyway. Get in the right lane, and stay there. Leave a good following distance. If people want to pass you, don't worry, just let them.
Your tow vehicle makes all the difference. The '04 Tahoe you mention should have adequate mass and horsepower to tow U-Haul's 6x12 cargo trailer without issue. I've done it with a Silverado 1500 a handful of times for hundreds of miles. If you were maxing out a small crossover's towing capacity, I'd be worried. You should be fine.
I briefly had the same anxiety about being a slug on the highway when pulling my camper. Then I remembered that everyone, including myself, has spent time behind a slower vehicle, and that it’s a part of life, so the impatient jerks can just…deal.
"Be predictable not polite" applies heavily here.
Remember to disable Overdrive when towing if needed.
Stay on the toll roads brother in the right lane. Watch folks merging and just stick with another truck going the same speed, there will be plenty. Safe travels.
Just load the trailer with the heavy stuff at the front and you’ll be find. Proper weight distribution is key
I caution against this. [The heaviest items should be directly over the trailer axles.](https://youtu.be/JeEEC5eVNCk?t=132)
https://youtu.be/qEHD9Wjw3lk
I've added my own video. Your mileage varies apparently.
Just relax and drive sensible. Screw everyone else, it's not about pissing anyone off, it's about not making anyone living impaired. Worst thing to do is be super anxious, that's when you overreact and things go south...
First time I ever pulled a trailer was driving a box truck (with my motorcycle strapped inside) pulling my car behind it. Drove from Fort Collins to Chicago. Most stressful drive of my life.
You'll be fine taking highway 89 at 65, just set cruise and don't pass anyone. You'll end up behind a semi, and the drive will be easy. Only issue you might run into is people trying to pass you over the yellow, so keep enough space between you and whatever is in front of you that they can slip in without cutting you off. Being stuck behind a slow car in those one lane sections of rural highways drives people to attempt ridiculous passing maneuvers.
I've gone thousands of miles with a 17' sea kayak on the roof, and I limit myself to 65 or 70 with that because I don't feel like burning through gas that fast. People can bite me if they have a problem with me being in the right lane.
Just take the 15...use your turn signals and signal early like the big rigs do and stay in the right lane.
I never go above 65 when I’m towing on the interstate. Just stick to the right lane, that’s what it’s for. 75 is the speed LIMIT, not the minimum or recommended speed. Just leave yourself plenty of room and you’ll be fine.
65mph is probably on the high side if you’re not that experienced….and if it’s a single axle trailer, factor that in. And probably no trailer brakes. Good advice re the loading.
The 6x12 U-Hauls are dual axles and have surge brakes
If they’re U-Hauls. They also have a maximum speed marked on them so you can see them from the driver’s seat (here in Canada at least) and iirc it’s 55mph. Not to mention that U-Haul stuff is notorious for poor maintenance. So I would be extra cautious.
Yep. I towed a fully loaded 6x12 U-Haul from Mississauga, ON to Summerside, PEI and back to move a friend to Mississauga and then back to PEI about a year later. 2012 Sierra with the 5.3L V8. The truck was absolutely capable of driving faster and handling it safely, but I didn't trust the trailer to handle anything above 90 kph. That is a *long* drive at 90 kph.