hollywood2217

Hi guys! I'm fairly new to towing.. So I'm taking my first long trip this summer pulling my camper for an 8 hr trip.. I'm wondering what is a top speed or safe speed I can tow Without damaging my transmission. 2014 f150.. 2013 24' travel trailer... Weight distribution hitch anti sway bars. Thanks in advance.

MGD

Primarily - It's limited by yer trailer's tire speed ratings - and that is almost always 65 MPH, maximum. Don't exceed that for safety. Ensure those things are inflated properly as per the tire sidewall info, and yer manual.

Then - given that load, yer brake's capabilities (not that great, sadly) dictate that you should be prudent with speed: faster = MUCH longer stopping distances.

Take it slow and easy - you'll get there.

MGD

acadianbob

^^ x2.

BCMIF150

^^x3.

smokeywren

As everyone else noted, your trailer tires' speed rating probably limits you to a top speed of 65 MPH. So do not exceed 65 MPH unless you are positive that your trailer tires are rated for the higher speed.


As to your tranny, your F-150 probably has a tranny temp gauge. The analog-looking gauge on the dash is somewhat weird in the markings. Green means go, but yellow means stop immediately. And red means "Sorry Charlie, but you have burned up your tranny."


If you have a Lariat or above trim F-150, then you probably have a digital tranny temp gauge in the "gauges" display. Normal tranny temp is around 190° to 210°. 210° to 225 is hot but not too hot yet. 225° is the absolute redline. If you hit 225° notice that your analog gauge is now in the yellow and it's time to stop and cool off. Put the tranny in park or neutral and elevate the idle RPM to 1,200 or a bit more, and sit there twiddling your thumbs until the tranny temp drops back to less than about 215°.

Jeriko

This is slightly confusing. I have a 2013 XLT and I have the digital tranny temp readout. Top option on the screen, before the virtual compass




Useful bugger.

Norotso

As posted, personally, I set the cruise at 105kph and enjoy the ride. We average 4000-5000 kms per season and never had an issue.

BCMIF150

This is perfect. I don't care if I get there 1/2 hour later. I know I've done it safely and enjoyed the ride.

smokeywren

Yeah, but you have a Canadian truck, so the options are different that the options in the real world.


Your have your gauge setup to show C., and my numbers are all in F. You need to convert C. to F. to see your red line of 225° F. Looks like 225 F. = about 107.3 C. So make your red line 107°, or 108° C if you're a gambler.

Tystevens

This is what my "USA version" '11 XLT looks like, too. Minus the kph speedo and C readout.

Your transmission isn't going to be a problem. Just check on the temps now and then. If the transmission is hunting and the temps are rising, downshift a gear to try to limit the shifting.

I tow at 65-70. My 6500# travel trailer doesn't heat my transmission up much at all. Unloaded, it is at 190-195*; towing, it will be 195-205*. Maybe 210* after a long grade, but that's about it.