We don't have a lot of experience with towing but have spent a lot of time practicing backing up the camper in a parking lot. The question that I have, is it better to travel the back roads or the highways? Back roads are more narrow and alot stopping while the keeping up with highways speeds and traffic is the alternative.
I vote for the highway. I'd rather just get up to my cruising speed and hang out in the right lane letting people pass me if they want. Remember you don't have to do the speed limit....you can always do less. I currently have a 25 year old RV that was not built to go over 55.
Matt O 2006 Skyline Nomad 27' travel trailer. Previously owned 1986 Coleman Columbia / 1992 Coleman Senecca / 1989 Born Free Class C RV.
[quote author=JackD link=topic=3198.msg31275#msg31275 date=1418014265]
We don't have a lot of experience with towing but have spent a lot of time practicing backing up the camper in a parking lot. The question that I have, is it better to travel the back roads or the highways? Back roads are more narrow and alot stopping while the keeping up with highways speeds and traffic is the alternative.
Jack,
One run of thumb -- do everything a little "slower" with a camper. Don't change lanes too fast, don't turn too fast and don't drive too fast (most campers are only rated to 65mph max anyway). Also, try to leave more space between you and the car in front. Depending upon the size of the camper you are pulling (pop-up vs. travel trailer), you will also get much better gas milage the slower you go. In my experience with our Jayco X23B, once you exceed 62mph, the milage begins to drop very quickly.
Pretty soon, towing will become second nature. Good luck!
Joe
I prefer major highways - simple reason, if I have a problem and have to pull over, much better chance of getting road side assistance or help that on back roads. (Especially when I am not totally sure where I am).
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I like highways too, less turns, more room. It takes more time to start and stop while towing, and you have to do much, much less of both on a highway. Most importantly, if I have to go below the speed limit, I'd prefer highway so I'm not holding people back like I would on a single lane road.
When you have to stop go for a big parking lot like Kitphantom said. I refuse to tow into a situation where I might have difficulty getting out of. I don't need the stress. So I have to walk a little further sometimes, even better because I need to stretch my legs!
Don't stress, and take your time. I can't find a picture online, but I have a bumper sticker that says "You may be passing me, but I'm going camping!"
Well I prefer the interstates also. (OK this is odd I guess). Where I generally go camping is a nice place about 20 miles from my house which, incidently, the only roads between my house and the CG is a crooked little 2 lane blacktop with no shoulders and a 40 MPH speed limit. So to answer. You can suffice on either type of highway. However a nice mulitlane interstate is generally a more enjoyable, less stressful towing experience.
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