Vintage trailer and the interstate, opinions solicited

I'm glad your first trip went well.

I try to avoid the interstate but as you know it's not easy on the east coast.  Though DC or NYC the drive on secondary roads can be worse traffic than the highway.

60mph is also our max. I don't believe they were ever meant to move faster.

I guess how fast it is safe to tow these trailers is debatable. At five MPH you would be safe if someone didn't run over you. My best answer is these trailers were designed to be tow in the 50 to 60 mph range. I personally if towing on the interstate would tow in the right lane at 55 to 65 max. This is assuming good tires, proper hitch, and everything else in good order. Also assuming good weather on good pavement.
Our personal favorite way to travel is on the two lanes seeing the country side and meeting the people. We love to visit any place that looks interesting and this allows us to see and do things that create memories that will last a life time. You get to see the things that people used to marvel over that everyone claims no longer exist. They are still there but you can't see them from the interstate. When you stop for anything talk to the people tell them you are traveling the back roads to see America and meet the people, you will be surprised at the places that people will tell you about that are just down the road that used to draw huge crowds but nobody goes there now but locals because the interstate bypassed them.

They weren't meant to travel more than about 45 of 50...

I like to pick a slow moving truck or RV and hang behind them. People are usually fine on the open road having to pass on the left but in cities they have a lot of pent-up anger that pours out. Out west, where there is only one lane each way and cars are moving at 80mph, I find myself pulling over every 20 or 30 minutes to let the car behind me race by.

 

larryb I appreciate you bringing this up, guess I hadn't really thought about it. We have a trip out west planned for early summer and are working hard to get the camper ready in time. But it's a long trip and my husband had limited vacation time. I just assumed we would be traveling on the interstate at 70 mph.
I guess I could live with 65. What about a full frame up restoration - does it still have those limitations?

I guess the determining factor for me is the tire rating, which in my case is 65 MPH max. So, I (almost) never exceed that. My biggest worry with only two wheels on the trailer is a blow-out. I have tried to anticipate and prepare for all kinds of bad things, like a tire change (which is manageable but no fun) but I still have no idea what a blow out would feel like at any speed. Point being....do everything possible to avoid such problems before you hit the road. Make sure tires are in good condition (no more than 4 years old) check tire pressure, wheel bearings, etc. Have a checklist for all kinds of things like roof vent closed, leveling jacks up, Propane tanks secured, safety chains properly attached, turn signals working, etc. Practice changing a tire in the safety of your own driveway, where if something goes wrong...you just have to find a block of 2"x 4", or make a trip to the hardware store,etc. It literally only takes about 5 minutes each time you move. Be safe, and enjoy the adventure!

Where do you buy your axles?

I was surprised recently that CarQuest had the bearings and race in stock for a 55 year old camper.