45 MPH maximum towing speed?

[vomadude]

Hello, I am in the process of building the HF trailer with the 12 inch wheels and the instructions say not to exceed 45 mph. Do I need new tires or what?

[Arne]

really? I'd better slow down.... I usually tow at 60-65..

[AZSpyder]

This made me think of my brother telling me about towing a U-Haul back in the early 70's when he had a Shelby GT 500. The U-Haul had 45 MPH Max printed backwards on it so you could read it in the rear view mirror. He claims it tracked nice at 135 MPH in Nevada at a time there were no speed limits.
He didn't say how long he had it there but I have no doubts he would have done it. He used to get in a lot of trouble with fast cars back then but somehow lived through those days.
Jerry

[Aaron Coffee]

Still see the u-haul trailers with the 45mph limit printed on the fenders usually passing me on the interstate when I am doing 60-65mph.

[Shadow Catcher]

Its a CYA thing, that way it is your fault if it fails.

[len19070]

I had an Uncle who owned a 1966 Serro Scotty Sportsman.

He was Mr "Blood & Guts" They told him not to Tow over 45 MPH and he didn't!

And he Told you about it too. Often.

His reason was that the shape of the Trailer was not built to be towed that fast?????

Well through a long and truly Bazaar chain of events I now own that very same trailer.

And now, 43 years later it tows just fine at 65-75 miles per hour.

It is a CYA thing....everything is your fault.

Happy Trails

Len

[48Rob]

Smaller wheels and bearings are more stressed at higher speeds than larger sizes, however, my opinion is that U-haul, and these "kit" trailer manufacturers must assume that the people using/buying them have no clue how to load a trailer for correct balance in regard to tongue weight ratios, side to side balance, and overloading in general.

When faced with a white knuckle "situation" out on the highway, a nearly out of control trailer can generally be brought back under control at 45 mph, but 55-65+ mph, it is likely you will crash.

Rob

[nevadatear]

Not new tires, new bearings. First thing I do is remove the cheap axel bearings and replace with good quality bearings, like Timken. I own a machine shop and good bearings will last you a life time at the speed you choose.

[caseydog]

I'm pretty certain that the 45 MPH maximum speed was determined by lawyers, not engineers. Normal, prudent highway speeds should be fine.

CD

[LDK]

I just started building my trailer today and I was wondering the same thing..

[brewwagon]

Just unpacked my trailer yesterday and was thinking the same thing. Very timely post I guess. Thanks

[Karl]

I've never had my Little Guy 6-wide going faster than around 85 or thereabouts. I think it would scare too many people if I passed them at a higher speed.

[greybeard13]

I pull one of HF small trailers with 8 inch wheels and as long as you keep the bearings well packed I have no problem pulling it behind my motorcycle at hiway speeds up 85mph and have been towing it with all my camping gear for several years with no problems am working on a forward wedge design now to turn it into a camper so that I can get these old bones out of a tent which is a pain to have to set up and take down every evening and morning

[Grid Runner Adventures]

heh reminds me, few years back when i bought my trailer and was putting it together my grease gun exploded on me some how.. so i called local dealership claimed i had bought my car used from them few years back (i hadnt) and askied if i pulled it to the repair bay if they would fill em with grease heh. they did that was my nice little con job

[txturbo]

Just remember...that little 12" tire is spinning a lot faster than your tow vehicle tires. If your going 70mph that little tire is doing more like 100mph. Not sure what the speed rating on 12" tires is but I'm pretty sure they won't spin that fast for long periods in the summer time, safely, with a good load on them. I always go with at least 14" on all trailers. If you do keep that size tire, I would recommend better quality bearings and pack them with high temp disc brake grease and installing a bearing buddy. Spinning that fast they are going to run at higher temps.