I don't know if it's me or perhaps both the speedometers in both my cars are out of adjustment? As this year over the summer period caravans have overtaken me on the motorway when I have been travelling at 70mph in either car!!! Sad to say it always appears to be the 'big 2 axel' towed by a 4x4! Is it just me with a faulty speedometer or is this a trend that others have noticed. I don't wish to sound as if I come from the 'holier than though' school of thought but I did think that perhaps there may just be a safety issue here when towing at speeds in excess of 70mph!!
Motorway Speeds
- Thread starter brian_5039922
- Start date
In some cases this is probably safe; a well matched unit, correctly loaded, experienced driver, right road, good weather, etc.
Unfortunately it appears to be more common that the unit is barely under control, with the caravan often visibly nose or tail heavy.
I suspect that the drivers who are good, experienced, and capable of handling these speeds... are generally those happy to take their time and be legal.
Unfortunately it appears to be more common that the unit is barely under control, with the caravan often visibly nose or tail heavy.
I suspect that the drivers who are good, experienced, and capable of handling these speeds... are generally those happy to take their time and be legal.
Hi Brian,
Speeding is a matter of exceeding a particular legal limit, and whilst it is generally accepted that the dangers of driving increase with increasing speed, simply passing a particular road speed limit does not necessarily make an outfit unsafe.
However the converse is is not necessarily true either, Just because an outfit keeps to or below a speed limit does not necessarily make it safe either.
All outfits will tend to become less manageable as the speed increases, but the point at which it become unmanageable is dependant on a lot of factors, and will be different for each outfit. Ultimately is down to the ability of the driver to keep things under control.
Most car speedometers are set to read faster than the vehicle is actually travelling. This gives the driver some safety margin, and also allows for the change in the diameter of the tyre as it wears. Your speedo may read up to 10% faster than you are travelling, though it is more typical to be about 3 to 5% out.
Many people now have SatNav, s which also show the vehicles current speed as calculated from the satellite signals. This is generally more accurate than the car's speedo.
There is no justification for deliberately exceeding a speed limit, and if these outfits you have seen are genuinely speeding, then they should expect to be caught and prosecuted.
Speeding is a matter of exceeding a particular legal limit, and whilst it is generally accepted that the dangers of driving increase with increasing speed, simply passing a particular road speed limit does not necessarily make an outfit unsafe.
However the converse is is not necessarily true either, Just because an outfit keeps to or below a speed limit does not necessarily make it safe either.
All outfits will tend to become less manageable as the speed increases, but the point at which it become unmanageable is dependant on a lot of factors, and will be different for each outfit. Ultimately is down to the ability of the driver to keep things under control.
Most car speedometers are set to read faster than the vehicle is actually travelling. This gives the driver some safety margin, and also allows for the change in the diameter of the tyre as it wears. Your speedo may read up to 10% faster than you are travelling, though it is more typical to be about 3 to 5% out.
Many people now have SatNav, s which also show the vehicles current speed as calculated from the satellite signals. This is generally more accurate than the car's speedo.
There is no justification for deliberately exceeding a speed limit, and if these outfits you have seen are genuinely speeding, then they should expect to be caught and prosecuted.
From another point of view
If you cars are 10% out at 70 you may well be doing only 63.
the caravan however at 60 +10% may be doing 66. Therefore seem to you faster than 70!!
I have also found with my car/van @62 the engine is at peak torque and therefore at most efficient
If you cars are 10% out at 70 you may well be doing only 63.
the caravan however at 60 +10% may be doing 66. Therefore seem to you faster than 70!!
I have also found with my car/van @62 the engine is at peak torque and therefore at most efficient
Speedometers are allowed an error in that they may show a speed up to 10% higher than actual speed. They are not allowed to register a speed lower than true speed.
The general standard of driving these days is appauling. People speed with caravans on the motorway on a regular basis. A well loaded and balanced caravan is easy to tow. Just try taking evasive action under braking and see what happens. That is usually the cause of most trailer accidents.
People do not pay attention or consider their actions before they manouver, often cutting up other motorists or causing sudden braking requirements.
The amount of times I come across people doing 65mph in the outside lane while the other two left hand lanes are empty is staggering. If I had a pound each time for that one I wouldn'd need to win the lottery.
Don't worry about reading sat navs to judge your speed, watch the road ahead and judge for your selves.
Like any driver, I drive quickly to get from A to B and i'm no angel. In the past I've had 6 points for speeding and deserved to get them.
Personally I'd like to see lane speeds both maximum and minimum. You see I bet not many people know that a blue circular 30mph sign in the highway code denotes a minimum speed requirement.
My ideal motorway would have lane 1 (70mph max), lane 2 (60 min & 70 max) and lane 3 (70min & 90 max). Then I'd have a
People do not pay attention or consider their actions before they manouver, often cutting up other motorists or causing sudden braking requirements.
The amount of times I come across people doing 65mph in the outside lane while the other two left hand lanes are empty is staggering. If I had a pound each time for that one I wouldn'd need to win the lottery.
Don't worry about reading sat navs to judge your speed, watch the road ahead and judge for your selves.
Like any driver, I drive quickly to get from A to B and i'm no angel. In the past I've had 6 points for speeding and deserved to get them.
Personally I'd like to see lane speeds both maximum and minimum. You see I bet not many people know that a blue circular 30mph sign in the highway code denotes a minimum speed requirement.
My ideal motorway would have lane 1 (70mph max), lane 2 (60 min & 70 max) and lane 3 (70min & 90 max). Then I'd have a
Steve I can see from your post that you have very little understanding of other road users needs.
You wish to have lane 2 with a 60mph min speed. This would be sheer luncay and create massive tailbacks.
How can a lorry restricted to 56mph overtake a caravanner ambling along at 50. Can you not imagine the tailbacks.
As for minimum speeds this is a complete non starter as the maximum safe speed dependant upon condition's maybe far lower than your minimum.
You wish to have lane 2 with a 60mph min speed. This would be sheer luncay and create massive tailbacks.
How can a lorry restricted to 56mph overtake a caravanner ambling along at 50. Can you not imagine the tailbacks.
As for minimum speeds this is a complete non starter as the maximum safe speed dependant upon condition's maybe far lower than your minimum.
Well slow coach, I do have a lot of driving knowledge and hands on experience.
I drive cars, vans, 7 1/2 ton trucks and LGV vehicles. I've towed goods trailers, boat trailers, horseboxes and of coarse my caravan.
You say about the minimum 60Mph figure for lane 2. I suggested that as a ball park figure. This would effectively mean that lorries could overtake each other but only if they could reach their supposed restricted top speed. Yousee, I can get upto 70Mph out of our restriceted (90Kph or 56Mph)trucks by pumping the throttle. This does gulp the fuel and any haulage firm worth its salt will see by average fuel consumption who the offenders are. After all a haulier has to make his fuel go further every day.
The whole aim of my suggestion was to try to get they idiots who block up lanes 2&3 by staying their when they can use lane 1 as it is empty,and also reduce the amount of lorries taking 5 miles to pass each other for the sake of half a mile per hour faster.
Having been approved both by Jaguar, Lotus and Aston Martin to drive their cars at advanced level and to the maximum performance of the car (not ristricted to 155MPH), I can certainly drive both very safe and fast IN THAT ORDER.
Being a safe driver doesn't mean plodding along at 50Mph. It is about looking and knowing what your driving is doing to others and it's about reading the road and perseption of what other motorists are doing or likely to do. If you can do all that then the risk of accident is reduced.
Next time your on the motorway, try reviewing your mirrors every ten seconds and could you say what make of vehicle is in each lane behind you and give their registration number?
Now couple that with observing in front of you for the five vehicles at the front in each lane.
If that cannot be achieved, then you may wish to consider not using a motorway and stay on the trunk roads.
The point there is about observation, observation and then being considerate to other drivers while being as safe as possible.
I have no problem with anyone wishing to overtake me, and will often pull over to let them past, rather than risk them tailgating me for miles and getting all hot under the collar. So long as they do so without then causing me to travel at a slower pace, because they cannot drive at high speeds.
Too msny people drive vehicles and have no idea how to drive with safety, pace and cosideration for others.
Steve L.
I drive cars, vans, 7 1/2 ton trucks and LGV vehicles. I've towed goods trailers, boat trailers, horseboxes and of coarse my caravan.
You say about the minimum 60Mph figure for lane 2. I suggested that as a ball park figure. This would effectively mean that lorries could overtake each other but only if they could reach their supposed restricted top speed. Yousee, I can get upto 70Mph out of our restriceted (90Kph or 56Mph)trucks by pumping the throttle. This does gulp the fuel and any haulage firm worth its salt will see by average fuel consumption who the offenders are. After all a haulier has to make his fuel go further every day.
The whole aim of my suggestion was to try to get they idiots who block up lanes 2&3 by staying their when they can use lane 1 as it is empty,and also reduce the amount of lorries taking 5 miles to pass each other for the sake of half a mile per hour faster.
Having been approved both by Jaguar, Lotus and Aston Martin to drive their cars at advanced level and to the maximum performance of the car (not ristricted to 155MPH), I can certainly drive both very safe and fast IN THAT ORDER.
Being a safe driver doesn't mean plodding along at 50Mph. It is about looking and knowing what your driving is doing to others and it's about reading the road and perseption of what other motorists are doing or likely to do. If you can do all that then the risk of accident is reduced.
Next time your on the motorway, try reviewing your mirrors every ten seconds and could you say what make of vehicle is in each lane behind you and give their registration number?
Now couple that with observing in front of you for the five vehicles at the front in each lane.
If that cannot be achieved, then you may wish to consider not using a motorway and stay on the trunk roads.
The point there is about observation, observation and then being considerate to other drivers while being as safe as possible.
I have no problem with anyone wishing to overtake me, and will often pull over to let them past, rather than risk them tailgating me for miles and getting all hot under the collar. So long as they do so without then causing me to travel at a slower pace, because they cannot drive at high speeds.
Too msny people drive vehicles and have no idea how to drive with safety, pace and cosideration for others.
Steve L.
The concept of a 60mph minimum on a motorway is preposterous - most vehicles on a motorway have a maximum speed limit of 60mph or less - only cars, motorcycles, coaches and goods vehicles up to 7500kg are permitted to exceed that - new goods vehicles over 3500kg are required to have 56mph limiters fitted.
If one makes full use of the manufacturer's towload limit you could, in some cases, tow a caravan at over 100% weight ratio and still be legal. It is doubtful, however, whether the majority of such outfits, although legal, would still be safe at over 60mph.
Steve my reply was not a dig at your driving standards merely at your flawed process of thinking.
I equally abhor middle lane hogger's and the lack of good driving standards but forcing some of these people to drive faster is a recipe for disaster. As you yourself state there already is a problem with people driving out with their capabilities and yet you wish to push them to drive faster.
I have professionally watched people drive for many years as a Racer, Team Manager, Clerk of the Course, RACMSA Steward and even used to fund my racing by instructing at various manufacturers track / driving day event's.
If you had sat beside some of the people that I have you would be amazed at the total lack of driving skill's that some people have. This is not to mention their hazard perception.
Yes it is annoying that they are on the road but the fact is they are there and in numbers. Do remember that while you maybe happily driving along in your comfort zone old aunt Ethol will be careering into the back of you through the fog at her 60 or whatever it is speed you have now told her she must drive at.
I equally abhor middle lane hogger's and the lack of good driving standards but forcing some of these people to drive faster is a recipe for disaster. As you yourself state there already is a problem with people driving out with their capabilities and yet you wish to push them to drive faster.
I have professionally watched people drive for many years as a Racer, Team Manager, Clerk of the Course, RACMSA Steward and even used to fund my racing by instructing at various manufacturers track / driving day event's.
If you had sat beside some of the people that I have you would be amazed at the total lack of driving skill's that some people have. This is not to mention their hazard perception.
Yes it is annoying that they are on the road but the fact is they are there and in numbers. Do remember that while you maybe happily driving along in your comfort zone old aunt Ethol will be careering into the back of you through the fog at her 60 or whatever it is speed you have now told her she must drive at.
I now live in Swansea South Wales , but sometimes i get jobs where i used to live in Surrey near London , when i do travel there i leave about 4AM so i am not stuck in traffic ,often going along the M4 the inside lane is empty ,and yet i come across cars in the middle lane doing 50 MPH do they really need that much space ,is this just a British thing , because when i have driven in France they all seem to overtake and pull straight back in
Why it is not an excuse (I hate middle lane hoggers as much as anyone else), I have heard people say the reason they do not pull back into the left lane is the appalling tyre ridges that are in the left hand lane of a great deal of our motorway and dual carriageways owing to poor maintainance
I drive at 70 mph and find that when I pull into the "slow" lane I soon come up behind a slower vehicle and can't pull out again because of streams of traffic in the outside lanes travelling at well over the speed limit.
I think this is the reason why many people don't pull over.
Keith
I think this is the reason why many people don't pull over.
Keith
Now while there might be flaws in my suggested lane speeds, the idea was to encourage LGVs to stay in lane 1 thereby freeing up lanes 2 & 3 for cars and coaches.
Now not wishing to upset my fellow lorry drivers, I can understand their plight as I drive one too.
Speed limiters are ok, but not all are set up correctly. They should allow a constant 56Mph and allow short burst overtaking of upto 62Mph. We have two trucks fitted with romatic limiters. One has a top cruise speed of 56Mph and the other only does 54Mph. The slower one doesn't even get to 58Mph on short burst.
The other bain of a driver is the office driving jockey (transport manager), they always know better and can drive their desk faster than you and bend your ear every half hour with "are you there yet!!"
Now those who seem to hog the middle of the motorway only deserve one thing, a
Now not wishing to upset my fellow lorry drivers, I can understand their plight as I drive one too.
Speed limiters are ok, but not all are set up correctly. They should allow a constant 56Mph and allow short burst overtaking of upto 62Mph. We have two trucks fitted with romatic limiters. One has a top cruise speed of 56Mph and the other only does 54Mph. The slower one doesn't even get to 58Mph on short burst.
The other bain of a driver is the office driving jockey (transport manager), they always know better and can drive their desk faster than you and bend your ear every half hour with "are you there yet!!"
Now those who seem to hog the middle of the motorway only deserve one thing, a
Hi Steve, I fit and calibtate Tachographs & RSL's for a living and have to disagree with you. Most modern vehicles have their road speed regulated via the vehicle ECU or engine ECU. The vehicle will not exceed its set (stabilised) speed on the flat and in some cases engine braking will slow it on a donwnhill even with the throttle held to the floor. It sounds to me that your Romatic speed limiter (one of the makes I fit)is the fuel cut off type which are quite difficult to set up correctly. They are a bit "cheap & cheerfull". Easing off the throttle to below set speed allows the fuel pipes and pump fuel rack to fill with fuel. If you then floor the throttle, when you hit the set speed the Romatic cut off valve will close, however the vehicle will carry on accelerating allowing you to exceed the set speed until the fuel already at the pump is depleated. Carefull adjustment of the adjusting screw in the fuel valve to a balanced position should keep the overspeed to a minimum.
I think your right there chris about the limiter being fuel regulated rather than speed regulated. That would also explain why we have two identical trucks but not identical performances.
Steve L
Steve L
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