50mph on the motorway.

[Steve and Denise]

After being locked down for so long I don’t care about fuel consumption just drive

 

[Pausim]

I am usually towing so 60 is my limit. I always make sure that I am going fast enough not to slow the trucks down. My speedo reads about 2 or 3 MPH fast at all speeds, according to GPS.

 

[Manic]

Could be they are using a Fiat speedo, my 2001 would show 60 and I would be nearer 50. That’s why I use the sat nav speed reading.

 

[jongood]

If you learnt to drive and successfully passed your test the following would have applied to making good progress.

What your examiner is looking for​

The examiner is expecting you to

1. Drive up to the speed limit if road, weather and traffic conditions permit or at a realistic speed if not
2. Approach hazards at a safe controlled speed without being over cautious or interfering with the progress of other traffic
3. Emerge from junctions without stopping at give way lines if it is safe to do so or emerge at the first safe opportunity to proceed.

Driving faults recorded
20 Progress

Appropriate speed:

• Crawls along at slow speeds on clear roads.
• Makes no attempt to achieve maximum speeds for the road when safe to do so.
• Reduces speed excessively when the conditions do not merit doing so.
• Makes slow progress through the gears in normal driving.

Undue hesitancy:

• Makes unnecessary stops at junctions and other hazards.
• Waits unnecessarily when it is safe to proceed at junctions.
• Waits for green light at pedestrian crossings when clear on flashing amber.
• Waits for other drivers, who are clearly giving way.

Dawdling on the inside lane on a motorway forces speed limit traffic that is making "good progress within the road or vehicle type limit" to move into the middle lane. In turn traffic is then forced into the outside lane and we end up with a long stream of vehicle in the outside lane. Lorries cannot move into the outside lane so get stuck in the middle lane causing even more congestion:

exactly. I can't wait for the day when everyone who drives above 3500kgs or pulls a caravan has had appropriate training or even better regular assessment s. Be honest guys, there are a lot of terrible drivers in motorhomes.

Am I in favour or retesting? You bet I am.

 

[glenn2926]

exactly. I can't wait for the day when everyone who drives above 3500kgs or pulls a caravan has had appropriate training or even better regular assessment s. Be honest guys, there are a lot of terrible drivers in motorhomes.

Am I in favour or retesting? You bet I am.

Completely agree with you. I was retested every three years whilst in the Fire Service both at normal road speed and on blue lights. This retest was initially a four day retest then reduced to two days. Always enjoyed my EFAD requals.
Retests would certainly help to make the roads a safer place. Particularly retesting reactions would help some to make the decision about when they should give up their licence.
For those still meeting the required standard it would be a boost to their confidence.

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[sallylillian]

exactly. I can't wait for the day when everyone who drives above 3500kgs or pulls a caravan has had appropriate training or even better regular assessment s. Be honest guys, there are a lot of terrible drivers in motorhomes.

Am I in favour or retesting? You bet I am.

I was in effect retested after 40 years when I took my C 11 years ago. What a shock, after 40-50k per year I was the most perfect driver, my instructor and the examiner just failed to see it!

 

[kevenh]

Are we enjoying one of our typicaly cyclic threads or can we agree that picking a speed a little faster than the lorries & arctic’s is a good idea on UK motorways?
What speed is that?
57-60MPH?

Sounds doable.

 

[Landy Andy]

Intresting that people on this forum think that motorhomers dropping grey water out give us a bad reputation, but in my discussions I find no one cares about that, but hate the way motorhomes and caravans are holding up the traffic as they pootle about at old fart speeds, completely unconcerned about anyone else.

 

[pj650]

I think there should be some form of reassessment as we get older. As a fuel tanker driver we had a driving and operations assessment every year. It was done “in house” but we were expected to drive to DSA standards. Also 50 questions on the Highway Code and expected to achieve 90%.
We took it seriously as no driver wanted to be the first to be sent for retraining. I got a buzz when I got a high score.
I’m 69 and would ok with retesting.

 

[Ivory55]

I think there should be some form of reassessment as we get older. As a fuel tanker driver we had a driving and operations assessment every year. It was done “in house” but we were expected to drive to DSA standards. Also 50 questions on the Highway Code and expected to achieve 90%.
We took it seriously as no driver wanted to be the first to be sent for retraining. I got a buzz when I got a high score.
I’m 69 and would ok with retesting.

I think it’s going to come but more to do with reducing numbers on the road rather then safety

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[Steve and Denise]

Intresting that people on this forum think that motorhomers dropping grey water out give us a bad reputation, but in my discussions I find no one cares about that, but hate the way motorhomes and caravans are holding up the traffic as they pootle about at old fart speeds, completely unconcerned about anyone else.

I only dump the grey water at speeds of over 60 mph so it is evenly distributed

 

[Nigel P]

Completely agree with you. I was retested every three years whilst in the Fire Service both at normal road speed and on blue lights. This retest was initially a four day retest then reduced to two days. Always enjoyed my EFAD requals.
Retests would certainly help to make the roads a safer place. Particularly retesting reactions would help some to make the decision about when they should give up their licence.
For those still meeting the required standard it would be a boost to their confidence.

Motoring organisations offer driving assessments for those who wish to have one, whilst a voluntary arrangement, I have met many who commit to re-testing every two or three years for precisely those reasons you mention. It reinforces good technique, boosts confidence and can iron out flaws before they become of greater concern. Whilst initially 'targeted' at the more elderly driver, more organisations are using them as a means assessing employees who drive on company business. £55.00 gets you an experienced driver assessment with a qualified examiner and a competency certificate on completion. Quite a few have been 'referred' by family members following a familiar conversation: ''Dad your driving is bloody awful, I think you need someone to assess you before you have an accident'' I have to declare an interest as I am an examiner for a road safety organisation, but I didn't include the name to avoid advertising.

 

[Trevor Wbm]

You say relatively new vans .... there's been a bit of a surge in MoHo sales apparently - possibly people new to the experience getting used to the vehicles?

I'm no angel when it comes to speed limits, but if the people 'inconvenienced' by goods vehicles in lane 2 are the ones that are annoyed by people doing 70 in lane 3, I'm not all that sympathetic.

 

[Langtoftlad]

Cruise control set to 62 mph...
Then I go on back to make a cuppa & watch a bit of TV

 

[G-RMPS]

Actually with modern engines, the best running in is (and it has to be done in the first 20 miles or so or it won't work), completely ragging it flat out. Best technique is to put in in 3rd at slow speed and floor it to the red-line and then decellerate to low revs and repeat three times. This will result in the piston rings bedding in properly. After that, revert to normal reduced low revs for the next 500 miles.

Of course, manufacturers could never advise you to do such a thing, as the unusual speed profile would be somewhat suspicious (and, in fact, downright illegal) on public roads. However, you'll end up with an engine with half the oil consumption and get a good 1-2mpg better over the lifetime of the vehicle.

Agree, same with piston aero engines. Get airborne without delay, spend the first hour at highest cruise setting. Same after an overhaul involving pistons.

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[deleted79651]

It is but not like it used to be but old habits die hard

As the friars who tried to recolour their faded garbs found out at prayer ...

Steve

 

[rod_vw]

If you come up behind a VW Camper doing 50mph please be patient as it will be travelling shot-gun to another Volkswagen and with just seventy years between their ages I am sure you will understand.

 

[jako999]

Why are people so bothered about mpg? At one point not so long ago our motorhome was the most economical thing we owned by a long way

 

[autorouter]

It depends on the road. On a motorway/major road where lorries can overtake I set cruise control to 60 (about 55mph). Where lorries can't overtake, if there's a lorry behind me I speed up to 65 ie real 60mph. On the scenic cross-country roads I tootle along at 30-40mph enjoying the scenery. I speed up a bit and pull over at the first opportunity to let others pass if there's anyone behind me. I like the driving, it's part of the holiday.

 

[dipsie]

I belong to the “ looney brigade “ speed limit everywhere it appears to be safe.

My judgement of the capabilities of many drivers stem from watching antic in campsites, wife or partner has to get out to watch and indicate wildly when trying to mount their levelling ramps, after several attempts and revving the motor and slipping the clutch manage to go over the top or only get half way up and give up.
If the rest of the driving is like that no wonder they get out. It also makes me smile when I imagine the wife riding her bicycle along in front with a red flag.
I and I’v watched others do it, open the drivers door and lean slightly and watch your wheels, allow a bit for the movement when after applying the hand brake.

Konnon Fodder, I don’t know what is wrong with your V Line but we have no rattles and we do not have to even turn the radio up at 75-80mph (speedo) 71-75 (GPS ) wind noise does increase at 80-90 though.
Fuel consumption on dash read out since new and now with 9K + is 28.4mpg. That’s not bad from a 130 motor with a plug in ( Tune It ) module set at no 5, approx 160bhp.

In my optimistic opinion I think a modern turbo diesel is probably thirstier at low revs and being asked to slog when a gradient appears than letting it fall into it’s happy gaite.

My excuse is, driving with my foot at an uncomfortable position it gives me cramp in my ankle, well that’s what I tell my wife.

I’m waiting for the “ flack “ now from my irresponsible drivel.


BernieT

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[RandallC]

If you learnt to drive and successfully passed your test the following would have applied to making good progress.

What your examiner is looking for​

The examiner is expecting you to

1. Drive up to the speed limit if road, weather and traffic conditions permit or at a realistic speed if not
2. Approach hazards at a safe controlled speed without being over cautious or interfering with the progress of other traffic
3. Emerge from junctions without stopping at give way lines if it is safe to do so or emerge at the first safe opportunity to proceed.

Driving faults recorded
20 Progress

Appropriate speed:

• Crawls along at slow speeds on clear roads.
• Makes no attempt to achieve maximum speeds for the road when safe to do so.
• Reduces speed excessively when the conditions do not merit doing so.
• Makes slow progress through the gears in normal driving.

Undue hesitancy:

• Makes unnecessary stops at junctions and other hazards.
• Waits unnecessarily when it is safe to proceed at junctions.
• Waits for green light at pedestrian crossings when clear on flashing amber.
• Waits for other drivers, who are clearly giving way.

Dawdling on the inside lane on a motorway forces speed limit traffic that is making "good progress within the road or vehicle type limit" to move into the middle lane. In turn traffic is then forced into the outside lane and we end up with a long stream of vehicle in the outside lane. Lorries cannot move into the outside lane so get stuck in the middle lane causing even more congestion:

no doubt this applies not to the road speed limits but the the vehicle specific limits.

similarly anyone who has had the benefit of a speed awareness course will have been advised the speed limit is just that, NOT a target.

used to tow a caravan and got a bit irate at middle lane hogs plodding long as not allowed in the third lane.

so ordinary roads, attempt to near 50 as that is the vehicle limit, ditto 60 on dual carriageways and generally 60+ on motorways.

Since the vehicle has mirrors, when not on multi carriageways do periodically if we pick up a few followers and few opportunities to pass pull over so they are not unduly held up and do something stupid to get passed.

 

[Wack]

I don’t mind that they are doing 50 so much, it’s when they speed up when I get along side and can’t go any faster as am already on the limiter.

My van is limited to 70 , the amount of times I've overtaken someone doing 63 in lane two who refuses to use lane one, then you look in the mirror and there they are in the blind spot at 70 so the two of us are now blocking the motorway so I have to back off

 

[jopparocks]

I belong to the “ looney brigade “ speed limit everywhere it appears to be safe.

My judgement of the capabilities of many drivers stem from watching antic in campsites, wife or partner has to get out to watch and indicate wildly when trying to mount their levelling ramps, after several attempts and revving the motor and slipping the clutch manage to go over the top or only get half way up and give up.
If the rest of the driving is like that no wonder they get out. It also makes me smile when I imagine the wife riding her bicycle along in front with a red flag.
I and I’v watched others do it, open the drivers door and lean slightly and watch your wheels, allow a bit for the movement when after applying the hand brake.

Konnon Fodder, I don’t know what is wrong with your V Line but we have no rattles and we do not have to even turn the radio up at 75-80mph (speedo) 71-75 (GPS ) wind noise does increase at 80-90 though.
Fuel consumption on dash read out since new and now with 9K + is 28.4mpg. That’s not bad from a 130 motor with a plug in ( Tune It ) module set at no 5, approx 160bhp.

In my optimistic opinion I think a modern turbo diesel is probably thirstier at low revs and being asked to slog when a gradient appears than letting it fall into it’s happy gaite.

My excuse is, driving with my foot at an uncomfortable position it gives me cramp in my ankle, well that’s what I tell my wife.

I’m waiting for the “ flack “ now from my irresponsible drivel.


BernieT

Must be great to be perfect

 

[Conal]

I try to stay behind the SLOWEST lorry, as everyone will have to overtake it, so they can pass us both at the same time. Saying this, I also leave a safe space between us.
Two factors can change this and make me a 50 mph driver. The first is the “comfortable” speed of any vehicle. As has been mentioned on this forum before, each vehicle I have driven seems to have a speed at which it is most comfortable. For my Morris 1000 it is about 40mph, for my Fiat 150bhp Autotrail Delaware it appears to be around 50mph although I agree with many others that it is the polite thing to do to keep to the speed of the (slowest) traffic around me. However I sometimes slip into auto driving mode and my speed drifts down to 50 mph, especially when there is little traffic around. The second is the way the comformatic gearbox behaves as I go up a hill. I really have to press the accelerator a long way to keep at around 56mph and even then, unless I have accelerated slightly just before I start to climb, there will be a delay and I will begin to slow down before the increased revs come in.
The fact that I get 30mph at 50mph has a little to do with it as well.

 

[swiftsteve]

I set the CC to 60mph, which is actually around 57mph. Just fast enough to stay in front of lorries (unless they're rolling downhill). I'm not too bothered about fuel economy, I get around 29 mpg. It actually states in my vehicle handbook that it's not recommended to travel over 60 mph.
Also, those of you that have vehicles that are registered as vans will be breaking the speed limit at over 60.

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[Kannon Fodda]

The speed limit for your MH will depend on your vehicles weight. You’ll be tied to similar speeds as the HGVs or you can go at car speeds. For me setting the speed limiter at 65 means I’m a tad faster than the HGVs which I find is more comfortable as I don’t have to be mixed up with them.

as for noise whilst driving perhaps I’m bad at stowage, but higher speeds will increase noise and whistles from the non aerodynamic stuff on the roof.

 

[tonyidle]

,

open the drivers door and lean slightly and watch your wheels,

You've not driven an A class then?

 

[gus-lopez]

What he said except my limiter is set higher!!

Had a middle lane « 70 is plenty » road warrior do it to me three times on M5 yesterday.

Do what I do & have had done to me . Pull out, u alongside then indicate & start going back in.

This moan is a non starter to me. So long as vehicles are doing AT LEAST 50mph on a motorway how can anyone complain? Safer, steadier, economic, easier control in wind, easier to avoid obstructions.... So what if other vehicles want to go 60, 65 or 70? I am bored of the nob heads that consider 80 to 90 the norm because "modern brakes are better" and other twoddle....

Because yo would fail your driving test 50 years ago driving at that speed let alone now.

I think it’s going to come but more to do with reducing numbers on the road rather then safety

I doubt that it would make a difference when they reckon that now there are 3 million who don't have a licence. add in the uninsured as there will be plenty who have one & not the other. nless they can police it better it will never work.

similarly anyone who has had the benefit of a speed awareness course will have been advised the speed limit is just that, NOT a target.

They can't have it both ways. Yo fail a test driving at 30 in a 30mph limit. They can't the spot ****/cks on a course that that is acceptable.

My van is limited to 70 , the amount of times I've overtaken someone doing 63 in lane two who refuses to use lane one, then you look in the mirror and there they are in the blind spot at 70 so the two of us are now blocking the motorway so I have to back off

As above indicate & cut them off. Totally illegal here , it was made a specific offence here to accelerate if someone pulls out to overtake you.

 

[busby]

exactly. I can't wait for the day when everyone who drives above 3500kgs or pulls a caravan has had appropriate training or even better regular assessment s. Be honest guys, there are a lot of terrible drivers in motorhomes.

Am I in favour or retesting? You bet I am.

There are lots of terrible drivers full stop,,both private and professional,,Cannot believe how driving standards have deteriorated this last few years..You are now frightened to go past parked vehicles with oncoming traffic because most seem to need so much room. I see cars stop to allow oncoming traffic where there is room for a truck to go through.Rant over.BUSBY.

 

[The Old Man]

Cruise control set to 62 mph...
Then I go on back to make a cuppa & watch a bit of TV

Leaving Kerry in charge?

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