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Think you can speed like the pros? Think again! When towing a boat, horse trailer, or car, you’ll need to take things much slower than those massive rigs. Check out more truck images for inspiration.Even with kids yelling and your partner giving you the side-eye, answering "Are we there yet?" doesn’t mean you can hit the gas. Towing a trailer is no simple task, and speeding up only adds to the complexity.
What makes towing so tricky? Several factors come into play, but the main ones are the added weight and the link between your vehicle and the trailer. Throw in heavy traffic or strong winds, and you’ve got a recipe for potential issues. While you can’t control traffic or weather (though you can pause and wait for better conditions), one thing you can manage is your speed.
Driving with a trailer might mean slower, safer maneuvers, but with the safety of other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians at stake, towing isn’t a race. Speed becomes a secondary concern.
So, what exactly is the maximum safe speed? On the following page, we’ll explore some suggested speeds for towing.
Recommendations for Towing at Maximum Controllable Speed
When two large vehicles are connected, there’s a limit to how fast you can safely travel.
© iStockphoto/Dan DriedgerIn reality, there’s no specific speed where everything is perfectly safe below it and guaranteed disaster above it. However, there’s a safer range and a point where risks begin to escalate.
The maximum controllable speed (or maximum open road speed) refers to the speed at which external factors, such as a strong wind or the need for a sudden maneuver, could cause the driver to lose control. It’s impossible to set an exact speed limit because this maximum speed depends on several key factors, including the vehicle, the driver’s skill, and the driving conditions.
For instance, when starting a towing trip, proceed cautiously and assess the situation. Poorly packed cargo might reduce the maximum speed your trailer can safely handle. On a beautiful day, with experience under your belt, you might be able to travel a bit faster. However, rough roads, heavy truck traffic, or crosswinds will require you to slow down. If your trailer begins to sway, reduce speed until it stabilizes.
Additionally, be aware that government regulations may impose speed limits for towing. Before hitting the road, review the rules set by local transportation authorities to avoid fines.
For example, if the Mytour team planned a lakeside boating trip, our speed would depend on posted limits and the driver’s towing expertise. In New Zealand, legal towing speeds are capped at 50–55 mph (80–90 kph), even if highway signs allow higher speeds. U-Haul advises a maximum speed of 45 mph (75 kph) for their rental towing equipment [source: U-Haul].
Remember, no matter how eager you are to reach your destination, seasoned towers will warn against rushing. Towing demands focus and caution, not speed.
