50mph what gear do you use?

macafee2 · 12th May 2013, 08:22

My 2L CDT does not really like 50mph with the caravan attached. It's too slow for top gear so find myself in 4th unless going downhill. Fitted a synergy hoping it would help but 50mph in 5th gear is only 1500 revs or there abouts'. The synergy helps with overall performance and am really pleased with it.

With diesel being such a low revving engine 4th does not have the revs very high anyway.

what gear do you use at 50mph?
macafee2

trikey · 12th May 2013, 09:11

What size tyres are you using, mine is on 15 inch and has had the 160 upgrade, does not suffer this at all when towing!

MrDoodles · 12th May 2013, 10:20

1,500 rpm is right at the bottom of the revs where the M47 engine delivers any usable torque!

As has been suggested, the 160 up-grade available from a Marinabrian and Big Russ, not only increases the horse power, but the torque along with it!

Whilst I realise that you are by-law restricted to 50 mph when you are towing, I would suggest that you probably increase that to nearer 55, which will help the engine be closer to it's peak pulling power, which is developed at 2,000 rpm!

The que of traffic behind you would probably appreciate it as well!

carlpenn · 12th May 2013, 10:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrDoodles

1,500 rpm is right at the bottom of the revs where the M47 engine delivers any usable torque!

As has been suggested, the 160 up-grade available from a Marinabrian and Big Russ, not only increases the horse power, but the torque along with it!

Whilst I realise that you are by-law restricted to 50 mph when you are towing, I would suggest that you probably increase that to nearer 55, which will help the engine be closer to it's peak pulling power, which is developed at 2,000 rpm!

The que of traffic behind you would probably appreciate it as well!

55 Mph Indicated is closer to true 50Mph as well (If you use GPS you will see what I mean)

oldcarguy · 12th May 2013, 11:35

I sometimes drop to 4th to save the autobox changing up and down, but normally it stays in drive.

uk_dave&gill · 12th May 2013, 12:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrDoodles

Whilst I realise that you are by-law restricted to 50 mph when you are towing

60 mph on dual carriageways and motorways Mark (unless other restrictions are in force)

MrDoodles · 12th May 2013, 12:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by uk_dave&gill

60 mph on dual carriageways and motorways Mark (unless other restrictions are in force)

Just a quick follow on question from someone who doesn't tow a van!

When did the 50 mph limit with a caravan come in?

No doubt when we were towing caravans with Ford Consul's on cross ply tyres and drum brakes?

uk_dave&gill · 12th May 2013, 12:31

I remember a time when all caravans had to have a "50" sticker on the back, because that was the maximum they could legally do on any road, but can't recall when it came in or indeed when it stopped!

macafee2 · 12th May 2013, 13:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by uk_dave&gill

60 mph on dual carriageways and motorways Mark (unless other restrictions are in force)

50mph on single lane roads where national speed limit (60) applies for solo vehciles.
macafee2

uk_dave&gill · 12th May 2013, 14:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by macafee2

50mph on single lane roads where national speed limit (60) applies for solo vehciles.
macafee2

Indeed it is!

12th May 2013, 08:22	#1
macafee2 This is my second home Rover 75 Saloon & Tourer Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Lincoln Posts: 14,928 Thanks: 1,630 Thanked 3,032 Times in 2,181 Posts	50mph what gear do you use? My 2L CDT does not really like 50mph with the caravan attached. It's too slow for top gear so find myself in 4th unless going downhill. Fitted a synergy hoping it would help but 50mph in 5th gear is only 1500 revs or there abouts'. The synergy helps with overall performance and am really pleased with it. With diesel being such a low revving engine 4th does not have the revs very high anyway. what gear do you use at 50mph? macafee2

12th May 2013, 09:11	#2
trikey Premium Trader Rover 75 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Devon Posts: 33,772 Thanks: 8,837 Thanked 14,831 Times in 8,030 Posts	What size tyres are you using, mine is on 15 inch and has had the 160 upgrade, does not suffer this at all when towing! __________________ Lest we forget..

12th May 2013, 12:31	#8
uk_dave&gill This is my second home .. Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Town Posts: 4,166 Thanks: 1 Thanked 189 Times in 105 Posts	I remember a time when all caravans had to have a "50" sticker on the back, because that was the maximum they could legally do on any road, but can't recall when it came in or indeed when it stopped! __________________ Dave

12th May 2013, 10:20	#3
MrDoodles Banned MG ZT+ V6 190 Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Spalding Posts: 13,245 Thanks: 369 Thanked 1,196 Times in 818 Posts	1,500 rpm is right at the bottom of the revs where the M47 engine delivers any usable torque! As has been suggested, the 160 up-grade available from a Marinabrian and Big Russ, not only increases the horse power, but the torque along with it! Whilst I realise that you are by-law restricted to 50 mph when you are towing, I would suggest that you probably increase that to nearer 55, which will help the engine be closer to it's peak pulling power, which is developed at 2,000 rpm! The que of traffic behind you would probably appreciate it as well!

12th May 2013, 11:35	#5
oldcarguy Posted a thing or two Rover 75 Conn SE Tourer Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Driffield Posts: 1,952 Thanks: 27 Thanked 151 Times in 125 Posts	I sometimes drop to 4th to save the autobox changing up and down, but normally it stays in drive.