Truck or No-TrucK May 25, 2019, 10:18:07 am Are our RV's trucks in the eye of the law? At Love's fuel stations they sell only diesel at the truck section, and when crossing the border between Arizona and California it seems to be correct to use the car lane. However, when I then see on the I-10 - general speed limit usually 70 mph - the signs that restrict the speed to 55 mph for trucks I'm not quite sure whether that applies also to me. How is the legal situation here?
Re: Truck or No-TrucK Reply #1 – May 25, 2019, 10:30:21 am "Are our RV's trucks in the eye of the law? "In so far as California is concerned, RVs follow the same speed rules as automobiles. You are not held to the same 55mph restriction as are Semis. As to other jurisdictions they may vary. I have found the best source of information on this topic to be the Rand McNalley Road Atlas. It gives you a breakdown of 'rules of the road' for the entire nation.
Re: Truck or No-TrucK Reply #2 – May 25, 2019, 11:12:13 am California also restricts vehicles towing to 55, which affects those with tow'ds. It seems to be as rigorously enforced as the other speed laws on the Interstates.
Re: Truck or No-TrucK Reply #3 – May 25, 2019, 11:35:37 am I don't tow, so I'm not sure if the 55 mph speed limit applies to an RV towing a car (and even if it does, in my experience, enforcement is almost non-existent), but I suggest caution against driving an RV at higher speeds, even in conditions of less traffic, whether towing or not. Even a skilled and experienced driver will have difficulty maneuvering, controlling, and/or stopping a heavy vehicle in an "emergency" situation if excessive speed is involved; the faster a heavy rig is traveling, the more time and distance it will take to stop, and the additional time to shut 'er down can be the difference between escape and disaster. And, if the heavy rig is towing an additional 2500-4000 pounds, the "control and stop" time and distance calculations are increased significantly. Factor in road and weather conditions, amount and type of traffic, and "unexpected" moves from other drivers, and it should be clear that keeping a lighter foot in play is a good plan. YMMV, as always. 2 Likes
Re: Truck or No-TrucK Reply #4 – May 25, 2019, 12:47:58 pm Quote from: Joan - May 25, 2019, 11:35:37 amI don't tow, so I'm not sure if the 55 mph speed limit applies to an RV towing a car (and even if it does, in my experience, enforcement is almost non-existent), but I suggest caution against driving an RV at higher speeds, even in conditions of less traffic, whether towing or not. Even a skilled and experienced driver will have difficulty maneuvering, controlling, and/or stopping a heavy vehicle in an "emergency" situation if excessive speed is involved; the faster a heavy rig is traveling, the more time and distance it will take to stop, and the additional time to shut 'er down can be the difference between escape and disaster. And, if the heavy rig is towing an additional 2500-4000 pounds, the "control and stop" time and distance calculations are increased significantly. Factor in road and weather conditions, amount and type of traffic, and "unexpected" moves from other drivers, and it should be clear that keeping a lighter foot in play is a good plan. YMMV, as always.^^^^^^^ This is great advice. I can basically ignore the posted speed limit on major highways because my personal limit in the RV is 60-65 based on the conditions (traffic, weather, terrain, etc)I'm always the one being passed. 2 Likes
Re: Truck or No-TrucK Reply #5 – May 25, 2019, 01:24:41 pm Quote from: Joan - May 25, 2019, 11:35:37 amI don't tow, so I'm not sure if the 55 mph speed limit applies to an RV towing a car (and even if it does, in my experience, enforcement is almost non-existent), but I suggest caution against driving an RV at higher speeds, even in conditions of less traffic, whether towing or not. An RV, pulling a car in California is limited to 55-MPH. I have found that 62-MPH appears to be the maximum speed that does not attract the Highway Patrol attention. Going up and down Interstate 5, most semi-trucks sit at 62-MPH, on level ground.. It amazse me how fast people drive in states that have no special towing speed limit, in Arizona, it's common to have a 40' toy box, pulled by a diesel pickup, pass you going 75-MPH.They must have some spectacular accidents.Larry
Re: Truck or No-TrucK Reply #6 – May 25, 2019, 01:44:18 pm As with the 'Oil Filter' thread, there seems to be no end to the # of opinions out there!California Speed Laws
Re: Truck or No-TrucK Reply #7 – May 25, 2019, 01:53:34 pm My 2011 Honda CRV is flat towable. According to the owners manual, it is recommended not to exceed 60 mph. That determines my maximum, and at that speed I see a lot of taillights flying by. 1 Likes
Re: Truck or No-TrucK Reply #8 – May 25, 2019, 02:02:16 pm Quote from: Lazy Bones - May 25, 2019, 01:44:18 pmAs with the 'Oil Filter' thread, there seems to be no end to the # of opinions out there!California Speed LawsNot sure where the confusion come from, the California towing speed is specified."Note: Unless otherwise posted, the maximum speed limit is 55 mph on a two-lane undivided highway and for vehicles towing trailers."California Driver Handbook - Laws/Rules of the Road"vehicles towing trailers." seems very specific, eliminating any arguments about cars vs. trucks, they are all vehicles.We have also had the argument that a tow car is not a trailer. Every Highway Patrol person I have asked about this just smiles and says if it is being towed, it's a trailer in the eyes of the law. Good enough for me.Larry 1 Likes
Re: Truck or No-TrucK Reply #9 – May 25, 2019, 02:57:01 pm Quote from: Larry W - May 25, 2019, 02:02:16 pmNot sure where the confusion come from, the California towing speed is specified.California Driver Handbook - Laws/Rules of the RoadWe have also had the argument that a tow car is not a trailer. Every Highway Patrol person I have asked about this just smiles and says if it is being towed, it's a trailer in the eyes of the law. Good enough for me.Having attended an Escapees educational seminar in Marysville CA with 2 CA Highway Patrol officers, from the commercial division, and a regular CHP officer, I can state with complete confidence that in California the rules are based on axles and weight. A motorhome with a toad as well as a car/truck pulling trailer or 5th wheel...think 3 axles or more... are to drive 55 mph plus drive in the far right lane except to pass or when specified to use another lane. 1 Likes
Re: Truck or No-TrucK Reply #10 – May 25, 2019, 03:44:59 pm In testimony to this thread: Years ago, in 1984 to be exact, when I owned a towable saltwater boat, I received a citation while towing my boat during the 1984 Olympics for not being in the righthand lanes. I was in the Los Angeles area while multiple venues were being used and traffic was bogged down in the two righthand lanes. I protested to no avail to the officer writing the citation, but he continued writing and explained that I should only be in the second lane to pass. In the end I got to explain it to a judge and he saw it my way and dismissed the citation.Nonetheless, when I tow with my LD, I rarely drive solely in the righthand lane because I don't like to be in that lane as cars enter the freeway. I have never been stopped since my boat experience.Best,Gary
Re: Truck or No-TrucK Reply #11 – May 25, 2019, 04:24:27 pm Google Image Result for https://inhabitat.com/files/camperbike-ed01.jpgSpeed limit for this guy? 2 Likes
Re: Truck or No-TrucK Reply #12 – May 25, 2019, 04:41:41 pm Quote from: HiLola - May 25, 2019, 04:24:27 pmGoogle Image Result for https://inhabitat.com/files/camperbike-ed01.jpgSpeed limit for this guy?Uphill or down?Larry
Re: Truck or No-TrucK Reply #13 – May 25, 2019, 05:22:24 pm "Speed limit for this guy?"Human Imagineering is beyond belief. Did you see the Lazy Daze in that bunch?
Re: Truck or No-TrucK Reply #14 – May 25, 2019, 06:45:31 pm Thanks for the clarification. My personal speed limit is usually 63 mph, and in Arizona I’m driving not more than 5 mph faster. In California I’m with 63 mph just a tiny bit faster than the semis - which confirms that they usually drive at 62 mph in the 55 mph zones.
Re: Truck or No-TrucK Reply #15 – May 25, 2019, 06:50:48 pm I’ve also heard (can’t remember from whom) that LE won’t cite you if within seven mph of the speed limit. Don’t try this in residential areas or school zones though!
Re: Truck or No-TrucK Reply #16 – July 01, 2019, 02:05:44 am If there are 2 or more in your rv, you can also travel in carpool lanes in CA. I find this easier & less stressful while trying to travel across Los Angeles during rush hour. Susie
Re: Truck or No-TrucK Reply #17 – July 01, 2019, 11:02:45 am I think the legality of an "RV" (and/or other large, heavy vehicles) traveling in HOV lanes in California varies according to the location, whether the HOV lanes are "Fastrak", and a few other restrictions, but even if it were legal, using an HOV lane any time in the motorhome, but particularly during commute hours, would not be my choice. I rarely use an HOV lane in the car, even if I have a passenger (this restriction deters very few solo drivers from using the lanes, of course); on every Bay Area freeway system that I know, speeds in HOV lanes, even during heavy traffic, often are 80 mph+, and cars and motorcycles weave and dart into and out of HOV lanes (and drive the left shoulder), making it extremely difficult to keep up with traffic and/or maneuver, control, and STOP in a passenger vehicle. In a large RV or truck, this lane choice can be very dangerous.I've driven the LD on many freeway systems in many places, and my lane placement is the far right lane except in these situations when I move to the next lane over: 1) The pavement condition of the far right lane is too cracked, broken, potholed, etc. to avoid potentially breaking an axle, smacking my head on the cab roof, and/or throwing everything in/on the rig onto the floor or the road.2) Traffic merging onto the freeway; in my experience, SoCal drivers are better at this than Bay Area drivers. (And, a lot more skilled than merging drivers in many other locations!)3. The right lane morphs into a "right turn only" lane, or the right lane closes due to K-rails or cones, or just ends. Often, these scenarios happen without advance signage or warning, so always driving "15 seconds ahead" can allow escape time.YMMV, as always.
Re: Truck or No-TrucK Reply #18 – July 02, 2019, 10:25:33 am Quote from: Klaus - May 25, 2019, 10:18:07 amAt Love's fuel stations they sell only diesel at the truck section, That must be something new, then, because when we were fulltiming with a fifth wheel pulled by a diesel pickup, we were always able to fill up with diesel at the auto pumps. We did use the truck pumps when we had an FL-60 because it had fuel tanks on each side.
Re: Truck or No-TrucK Reply #19 – July 02, 2019, 10:43:15 am Quote from: Linda Hylton - July 02, 2019, 10:25:33 amThat must be something new, then, because when we were fulltiming with a fifth wheel pulled by a diesel pickup, we were always able to fill up with diesel at the auto pumps. We did use the truck pumps when we had an FL-60 because it had fuel tanks on each side."...only diesel at the truck section" means that they sell only diesel (and not also gasoline) in the truck section. They sell, of course, gasoline and diesel in the car section.Klaus
Re: Truck or No-TrucK Reply #20 – July 04, 2019, 09:50:58 am Quote from: Klaus - July 02, 2019, 10:43:15 am"...only diesel at the truck section" means that they sell only diesel (and not also gasoline) in the truck section. They sell, of course, gasoline and diesel in the car section.Oh, okay. Misunderstood the comment!
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