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Speed

Speed and Your RV

17th December, 2020 by rvSafe Team
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Driving an RV, especially a larger motorhome or car and caravan combination can be strenuous, particularly if you are new to the task. It is important to consider your speed as it is not the same as driving a passenger vehicle.

The relationship between speed and fatal and serious injury outcomes has been well researched and documented and it should not be news to anyone that speeding is dangerous. So, what is a safe speed to be travelling in your RV?

This can become complicated as states and territories vary in their legislation; however, ultimately it comes down to what is safe with your vehicle and the conditions.

The laws:

 

NSW

If your Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) or Gross Combination Mass (GCM) is under 4.5t then you can travel at the sign posted limit. However, if your GVM or GCM is over 4.5t, the speed limit is capped at 100km/h.

WA

Maximum speed limit when towing a trailer or caravan is 100km/h.

The maximum speed for a heavy vehicle (with a GCM of over 22.5t) is 100km/h.

VIC

If your vehicle GVM is over 4.5t your speed limit is capped at 100km/h otherwise the posted speed limit applies.

TAS

Posted speed limit if towing.

Maximum speed limit on gravel roads is 80km/h.

If you are driving a bus with a GVM over 5t or another vehicle with a GVM over 12t, the maximum speed limit is 100km/h.

SA

Posted speed limit if towing.

The maximum speed limit for a vehicle with a GVM over 12t or a bus GVM over 5t is 100km/h.

ACT

There are no speed restrictions applying to caravans and trailers other than the signed maximum speed limit.  The highest speed limit zone in ACT is 100 km/h.

NT

Drivers of heavy vehicles such as buses of more than 5t gross vehicle mass (GVM) or other heavy vehicles of more than 12 tonnes GVM must not exceed 100km/h.

QLD

Posted speed limit.

Nationally, certain heavy vehicles require speed limiters, however; these vehicles are typically heavier than most RVs.

Manufacturers may also place speed restrictions so be sure to check your owners’ manual.

It is often safer and more economical to drive at slightly below the posted speed limit. RV’s are different from driving a passenger car. You are likely to have:

  • decreased acceleration and braking performance
  • reduced vehicle control and manoeuvrability
  • increased fuel consumption.

Speed is also a major contributor to vehicle stability. If you have a poorly distributed load, you may not notice at slow speeds, but at higher speed you are likely to end up with sway and the faster you go, the more severe the consequences.

Larger heavy vehicles will use more fuel. If you push the engine harder to go faster, you will use more fuel yet again. Often you will find a comfortable speed where you feel safely in control and have a decent fuel economy. Often this speed will sit in the 80-90km/h range.

And of course, you must drive to the conditions.

It is better to get there safely, than not at all.

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