Second post on CHP activities this year!

[Artemus Gordon]

To my MOC friends. Today I witness three Fivers traveling South through Redding on I 5. Two Montana's and an SOB. Actually they were all parked on the side of the road, each with their very own CHP. Apparently the 55 MPH limit was being abused. One CHP truck compliance truck stopped and the officer was doing an inspection the Hitch in one unit! I called my CHP friend for a "what's up". Was told it's always been the "policy to uniformly enforce" the speed limit. However, he added that they have directives to slow down trucks and RVs exceeding the speed heading South. He also stated they are taking a closer look at "registration and unsafe towing conditions"! Also drugs being moved from up North. I suspect all Oregon plates at the very least, are getting close scrutiny. Also since nearly all of interstate 5 is under constant repair, fines are doubled. Coming back from San Francisco ( not towing ) I was passed by 2 toy haulers doing 75-80. They seem to have gotten away with it... I feel like I am becoming prejudice of toy haulers? Just FYI and as always "Welcome to California, Have a nice day"! You all comeback soon!

[Carl n Susan]

That downhill section of I-5 southbound from Mountain Gate to Redding is a known speed trap. Towing over 55 MPH there is asking for trouble. Similarly, the section of I-5 from Weed to Yreka, in either direction, is another place which is closely monitored for "excessive" speed (i.e. > 55 MPH).

[drknapp]

We've observed a lot of CHP pulling people over in the Williams/Willow stretch of I5 this summer also.

[8.1al]

That's why we enjoy towing in so many other states. 55 mph just sucks

[Artemus Gordon]

55 does suck and many of us have talked to legislators about increasing the limit for RVs. It comes down to the incredible truck traffic and creating a third class of vehicles. As I have had it told to me, the trucking industry barely abides by the 55 limit. In addition the data supports reduced fatal accidents involving large vehicles. I realize that sounds contradicting. The final argument involves simple physics. Our rigs combined are 25k lbs or more. Lots of weight going 70 mph. Therefore it appears California has little to gain by increasing the speed limit?

[davidaf]

I certainly don't like my nanny protecting me and 55 is just to slow but common sense seems to have eluded the bulk of people who tow. So, I'm glad they are doing something. I just finished a 4000 mile trip carrying my truck camper, not towing the Monty, where I rarely exceeded 70mph. More often than not I was being passed by vehicle and trailer rather than passing them. Once I hit CA I passed less than a handful of trailers. Several more than that passed me. I'd hate to guess how many of these folks were running on stock 65mph tires at 75mph + across the desert and open plains where it was over 100 degrees. Laws don't fix stupid but maybe they can protect me and mine as well as those kids in the macho mans back seat.

[WeBeFulltime]

One of the MANY reasons I stay out of California.

[7.3Ford]

I am a 4th generation Californian. I got at ticket in Jackson, California for going to slow, and I was driving the speed limit in 1985. We left California in 1986.

[DQDick]

The few times I get over there I've continually noticed that when I'm driving 55, I'm getting passed by a lot of big trucks. Must just be more fun to pick on the RVers.

[1retired06]

In 2010, we were pulled over and directed to a truck weigh station for a spot check by the Highway Patrol. We were within specs. HP was neither nice nor even polite. Last trip to California, lots of other places to go.

[Tom S.]

When pulling the 5t wheel, I typically only do 300 miles a day, so 55mph doesn't bother me much. Besides, I've done some driving on Southern California freeways when I'd wished to God I could have been doing 55mph. It was more like 55mpd (miles per day)!

[Mynabird]

Since our kids and grandkids still live there in Califirnia, we will always be driving through. Hubby and I have been full-timing for the last 5 years and driving all over.

It seems to me....there are many states who have unsafe truckers and RVers. Have had several pass us and hubby says "they must have money to burn"! We have seen many stops on interstates and local highways in all the states we have been.

And...if I may interject a question here... What is the speed limit on our tires?. My memory is a bit slow today, but I thought it was 60 for the safety of the tire? (I have been wrong before though...just ask the hubby!)

So , my question is.... Why are you complaining if safety is so important?

[mlh]

On the ST tires the limit is 65 MPH the G tires I'm not sure the LTs it's a little over a hundred.
Lynwood

[Tom S.]

quote:Originally posted by mlh

On the ST tires the limit is 65 MPH the G tires I'm not sure the LTs it's a little over a hundred.
Lynwood

LT's vary. They can be as low as 80mph to 110, if I recall correctly. You are right on the ST - 65 mph tops, though you often see people either ignoring it or not cognizant of the fact.

[Overlord]

quote:Originally posted by mlh

On the ST tires the limit is 65 MPH the G tires I'm not sure the LTs it's a little over a hundred.
Lynwood

Goodyear 235/85R16 G614's are rated at 75MPH max

[Virginia Young]

Overlord - We won't tell my husband, because I have him convinced it's 65. I feel much safer at that speed with this beast in tow.

[mlh]

My problem is, I don't understand why they put 65 MPH tires on these campers knowing very well they will be used on 75 MPG highways. We know these tires aren't rated for 75 MPH but I will bet most people don't know that.
Lynwood

[Tom S.]

quote:Originally posted by mlh

My problem is, I don't understand why they put 65 MPH tires on these campers knowing very well they will be used on 75 MPG highways. We know these tires aren't rated for 75 MPH but I will bet most people don't know that.
Lynwood

Ever heard the phrase "ignorance is no excuse"? Tire companies and trailer manufacturers don't care if we take time to educate ourselves or not. In fact they may ever prefer we don't because our mistakes lead to spending more money.

[jlb27537]

My vehicles are registered here, and my trailer tires are rated @ 101mph. I usually drive/tow around 60-75mph where conditions would allow it. Below 60mph I need to be in 5th gear. I refuse to be in the state of California. Too many other places to go to. (hint, the sign is on the interstate in the Lone Star State)

[scattershot]

Not only is the speed limit 55, but towed vehicles are restricted to the right lane, at least last time I was out there. Now, if you're restricted to the right lane and four lanes exit..... I hate towing in the people's republic, and try not to do it if I can help it.