Towing Speed

[Bald Cypress]

Has anyone had any trouble exceeding the 45 MPH limit towing a Northern Tools heavy duty trailer ?.

Would like to use on with a 9 X 5 TT. I don't think a six inch overhang on each end will create any problem and would like the extra foot.

[KennethW]

That is on there for liability reasons. I know of no problems at freeway speeds.

[daveesl77]

I normally tow my HF trailer at about 55-60 simply because I'm in no hurry and try to save gas. There have been times when I needed to push it and pulled at over 70 and touched 80. No problems.

My cabin floor size, exterior, is 5' 6" wide x 9' long on a 4x8 HF 1720 trailer. I've seen them build 6' wide and 10' long on the same frame. I have absolutely no problems at all. I also way, way overbuilt my floor system.

dave

[les45]

I towed my Northern Tool trailer at 55-60 all the time with no problems. I was a little reluctant to take it on up to 70-75 because of the Chinese tires and bearings. Lots of folks on the Forum say they run them on the interstate at 70 all the time with no problem.
BTW - I built my weekender to 5X10 on the NT heavy duty 5X8 trailer.

[Tomterrific]

I have an old NT 4x8 trailer. The camper is built very light and we travel light. Three things: The bearings were not greased with any real amount from the factory. I pulled the hubs after 10 years and found rust on the bearings! Yikes! I greased them half heartedly and went on a 1300 mile trip where I drove 70 most of the time and 70+ allot. I felt the old tires and hubs for heat every time we stopped. If anything felt more than a bit warm I would have worried but all was good. I think I had 55 psi in the 12x5.30 tires.

So, grease the bearings and fill the tires with air. Touch the tire and hub as soon as you stop for excess heat.

T

[pchast]

I'm running the HF HD trailer with a light load. We use 30# in the tires and
often drive 70-75. I've never felt heat on the hubs when I check at each
stop.

[Metaxa]

As a former business guy I am of the position that, if you need a one ton truck, you buy a two ton truck.

If you need a 100 square foot walk in fridge, you buy a 150 square foot one.

Stuff just lasts longer and with less maintenance time if you are running under specs as opposed to right at or over specs.

That said I'd bet the rating on the HF trailer as it relates to road speed has lots of CYA in it due to lawyers. Just like the million safety stickers on a step ladder.

Be cautious, be careful.
Do some You Tube watching of trailer accidents, make sure you are comfortable with the risk as you perceive it.

Its your skin in the game, not mine, eh?

[terryutica]

I'm working on a 6.5 x 10 on the northern trailer. I've run my trailer with 1000 lb of wood at 65 with no problems.

[blentz]

Good to know. I'm using the same trailer.

[logman7777]

I have towed a HF 4x8 (8 inch tires) 640 miles 5 times at slightly over max capacity while the cruise was set on 62. Tires got warm but the bearings were cool. Tires seem to be the weakest link if the bearings are serviced.

[Donutboy]

I built my camper on the Northern Tool 5x8. I typically tow at 70 mph and have had it over 80 a few times when passing (on our 85 mph tollway). No issues. I pulled the bearing covers once, saw lots of grease in there, and just put them back on.

[Jim Edgerly]

I have no problems. I also upgraded my standard tires to Goodyear Marathon ST205 75R14 so I would feel safer at highway speeds.