[John]

The nice thing Jon is that you’ll never have to worry about this proposed law!

[Archived]

I know where you are coming from, but there is a reality associated with limiting devices that can set up a dangerous situation. The speed differences between trucks and cars is not the big deal it is made out to be. There are cities and some states where interstate posted speeds are different and drivers just know if they are approaching a truck or slow moving vehicle they just have to plan ahead to step over into the passing lane.

What concerns me more is if our top speed is limited we can get hung out or even unable to pass some vehicles.

My 87 coach gearing limited me to somewhere around 69 to 72 depending on if I was going uphill or down. I learned the hard way I had to drive much slower than those speeds so I had a decent margin between the speed I normally drove and my top speed so I could have enough margin to make a pass. I think every one of us has been behind two trucks, both limited either by their power to climb a hill or their governor and for miles they sat side by side with traffic and road rage building behind them.

We don’t need to put ourselves into that position because often we are viewed unfavorably by others and do not need to be on the receiving end of someone playing with us because they are mad that we are put in the same position as the trucks are often in now.

[Chas]

I read the article also. It states all NEW trucks and buses would be required to have speed limiting devices. However, we all know how this works. Once the government is involved they see it as a money making proposition. Could they potentially require retrofits to older units? Let’s hope not. Reminds me of Tom and my dues…….once he starts they just help going up.

[Archived]

We now know they can force retrofits. A recent example of that was commercial coaches have to have roof hatches and entertainer coaches that did not require them when new now need them retrofitted at substantial expense to meet the requirement.

I read in one of the articles about speed limitiers that the proposed rule may be applicable to vehicles produced after 1990 because apparently the electronic engine controls prior to that are not capable of supporting speed limiting technology.

[Bryan]

In California, the speed limit is 55 for semi-trucks and other vehicles while towing, which includes my bus when towing my car, and even my jeep when towing a small boat. The result is that the truck traffic in CA generally travels around 62mph, which is the speed I drive my bus. That regulation works just fine. I’m very rarely passed by a truck. The 55 speed limit could easily be expanded to include buses and non-semi trucks and imposed nationwide. It would have essentially the same effect as speed limiting devices at zero cost to the operator and without the safety concerns that truckers and Jon mentioned. However, imposing a nationwide speed limit is politically unpalatable in this era of resistence to regulation, especially regulation imposed by the feds. DOT must have concluded that accomplishing a similar result via a mandate of speed regulating devices will be less visible to those who oppose new regulations, and therefore easier to implement.

[Archived]

In terms of regulations imposed on the commercial realm of trucks and buses, many in the RV and bus conversion community argue that we are Recreational Vehicles not subject to such rules. For example, rules relating to CDLs and weigh stations.

Linda

[Dan]

The fact RVs can escape the regulations imposed on large commercial vehicles is in my opinion wrong. The same skills possed by truck and bus drivers is required of motor home and travel trailer drivers.

Congress and the regulators Congress creates know the general public votes and companies with fleets of trucks and buses do not so they feel free to impose rules and regulations on those commercial entities.

[Archived]

New Prevost already have this and I can not remember for sure what the speed is set at…..Prevost will not adjust this….

[Bernie]

Jeff, I’m not sure how new you are talking about but we have no limits as far as I can tell. I’ve gone 75 mph when the speed is at that speed but only for a short time. I like 55-65 mph best (depending on the speed limit).

Mark

[Andy]

Prevost started putting governors on the new buses this past winter. My friends was set to 75 mph because of the Michelin tire rating, they want no liability.

For about 30 dollars Volvo truck will set it back to normal after you sign the release form.

Later

bv

[Chris]

I can only wonder if this proposed regulation was triggered by the 2014 Tracy Morgan/Walmart accident. In that accident, it was stated the driver of the Walmart truck was traveling 20 mph over the speed limit.

[Andy]

As I recall the retarder will come on to slow you down even if you are going down a hill in excess of the set speed…..

[Jim/Chris]

Just found another reason to love my old bus!

[Jerry]

My 17 Marathon has a governor set at 80 per Prevost. However going down a long Mtn pass, I have gone over 80. The retarder did not kick in until I engaged it.

[Doug]

Online today regarding speed limiting devices on all new tucks and buses.

The Obama administration wants to require electronic speed-limiting devices in big trucks and buses