Does any body have any good data on the 70-0 mph stopping distance of a full-size pickup pulling say an extra 6,000 lb. of boat trailer (with brakes) and gear?

Road tests typically show full-size trucks in the 200 ft. range(empty). Depending on the truck, adding 1,000 load can add 5 to 25' to that.

Skibrian, as you know I don't have trailer brakes, so I have come up with a good method of stopping. Instead of staying wayyyy behind the car in front of me and worrying about stopping in time I just ride the guys bummper and when he slams on his brakes, my front bumper simply contacts his back bumper and presto, a whole other set of brakes helping me stop.
There is more than one way to skin a cat.

My guess is, the stopping distance is not too much different, and possibly even better assuming that the trailer brakes are working well.

Lets hope you don't have to find out.

Hmmmmm. Do you also prefer the "touch" method of parallel parking.

With my Dodge '96 Caravan or '97 Grand Cherokee pulling a 1,200 lb boat on a 500 lb trailer + gas and gear, I do not have trailer brakes. I have absolutely NO experience pulling a trailer with brakes. And I am very conservative with following distances.

I'm sure I could stop quicker with trailer brakes, but I doubt anyone's loaded, braked trailer improves their stopping distance. (over their vehicle pulling no trailer) But I'd love to see some test figures that would prove otherwise.

-Skeptical P-Brain

This is helpful. Daddy Dan's info. on testing the brakes suggests there is a 1/2 second delay in brake activation following application.

At 60 mph that 1/2 second = 44'

SBD,

New disc brake kit - only $400


This would be a great late winter project.

DD

Good Idea Daddy Dan but my trailer is rusting away fast because of my salt water trips and I hate to sink the money into it.

My new trailer will have brakes.

And on another note, Skibrian, there is an article in the Feb TBM with some stopping distances using a Ford Dodge and GMC. Check it out.
They are hauling a 10,000# boat on a triple axel trailer.

In Maryland people get into the left lane on many divided hyways 5 miles early to make a left turn and go the speed in that left lane that they think is OK for them. Forgetabout a passing lane when there are numerous left turn opportunties in the road.

SB, where did you find this old relic topic?

Left-Lane-Campers are one of my pet peeves. Makes me wish I had a huge laser mounted up front to vaporize them when they don't move over.

WA has a law that says it's against the law to drive in the left lane lane and impede the flow of faster moving traffic. Note it doesn't mention whatever speed you're driving in the left lane...just that if you're holding someone up you'd better get over to the right.

The way I look at this situation it's my civic duty to flash my lights at Left Lane Campers to induce them to move over. If I don't do that, I might be complicit in enabling them to violate the law. That, gentlemen, makes me an accomplice to their violation. See, it's my duty to flash my lights at them!

Exactly my thoughts.

got to be a record, over 5 yrs between posts

GFC, I don't buy the part about the law not mentioning speed. The speed limit is covered in another area, it doesn't need to be covered again. My point here is, if I'm doing the legal speed limit, then too bad if you want to go faster. I shouldn't enable you to break the law either, should I? If I'm going 10 under and hanging out in the left lane, that, to me, fits your law perfectly.

Now, I am by no means a left lane camper, but there are times when I pull out there to pass someone, particularly when towing, and some yahoo feels the need to ride my prop while I pass. Settle yourself down, I'll get back over when I'm done passing, and I won't be breaking the speed limit just to make you feel better.

Typical American driver attitude. It's no wonder the Germans are amazed we're licensed to drive over here...

Do left lane drivers (whether towing or not) know that they are using too much gas and driving the price of fuel up for everybody?

Conveniently enough, I don't live in Germany, so why should I drive by their rules? My laws tell me not to exceed a certain speed, so how am I wrong?

I think you are right. Here is the definition of "Limit"

lim·it (lmt)
n.
1. The point, edge, or line beyond which something cannot or may not proceed.
2. limits The boundary surrounding a specific area; bounds: within the city limits.
3. A confining or restricting object, agent, or influence.
4. The greatest or least amount, number, or extent allowed or possible: a withdrawal limit of $200; no minimum age limit.
5. Games The largest amount which may be bet at one time in games of chance.
6. Abbr. lim Mathematics A number or point L that is approached by a function f(x) as x approaches a if, for every positive number , there exists a number such that f(x)-L < if 0 < x-a < . Also called limit point, point of accumulation.
7. Informal One that approaches or exceeds certain limits, as of credibility, forbearance, or acceptability: He is the limit of irresponsibility.

If you combine the word 'Speed' with 'Limit' to get Speed Limit, it would indicated that you should never exceed that speed. What a concept.

I don't think that many people have equated speed to gasoline consumption and then to gasoline prices. Perhaps if more people make the speed limit the true limit, things will be better.