1. Welcome to 4Runners.com!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all 4Runner discussion topics
    • Transfer over your build thread from a different forum to this one
    • Communicate privately with other 4Runner owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

What’s A Safe Highway Speed?

Discussion in '5th Gen 4Runners (2010-2024)' started by MooreKen, Sep 23, 2023.

  1. Sep 23, 2023 at 11:26 AM
    #31
    Trail Runnah

    Trail Runnah New Member

    Joined:
    May 8, 2020
    Member:
    #14189
    Messages:
    2,946
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2013 T4R Trail Edition
    Stock
    I was in Utah a few years back driving a first gen Tacoma. Speed limit was 80, the Tacoma couldn't maintain that. Doing between 65 and 70, I had no problems with people wanting to kill me.

    The speed limit is the max speed limit, not the required speed. Personally, if I don't feel like going the max speed limit, I won't, IDGAF what other people are doing. That's what the right lane is for, just find a speed that you're comfortable at and hang out there. Personally, I wouldn't do 80 all day in my 4Runner, I find just below 70 to be the sweet spa as far as MPG and comfort.

    Blah blah blah, we don't buy these for MPG, but that affects range, which IS important to me. Also, I wouldn't want to have to make an emergency maneuver at 80 in this thing, but that's just me.

    Quick edit, after reading other people's comments more closely. Yes, if in dense traffic and everyone is faster, stay with that speed for safety. But if traffic is sparse, just stay in the right lane and go your desired speed. If I'm fairly alone on the highway, sometimes I just set the cruise at just over 60 on the way home from work if I'm enjoying a podcast. Most of our speed limits here are 65, so that's not an issue.
     
    MooreKen[OP] and Thatbassguy like this.
  2. Sep 23, 2023 at 11:32 AM
    #32
    bassist

    bassist New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 15, 2023
    Member:
    #34926
    Messages:
    910
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2023 TRD Offroad Premium
    You should try guided mediation. Sometimes closing your eyes and taking some deep…


    AHHHH TRUCK!!!!!!!!!!
     
  3. Sep 23, 2023 at 11:34 AM
    #33
    bassist

    bassist New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 15, 2023
    Member:
    #34926
    Messages:
    910
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2023 TRD Offroad Premium
    Pro tip: if you are on the 5 through the Central Valley in CA, you must go either the speed of the right lane or the left.

    Doesn’t matter what that speed is. Anything else is dangerous.
     
    Captain Spalding likes this.
  4. Sep 23, 2023 at 11:47 AM
    #34
    scanny

    scanny New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 14, 2022
    Member:
    #26121
    Messages:
    293
    Gender:
    Male
    Ontario, Canada
    I feel comfortable in 4Runner at 80 mph, it drives good at that speed when road conditions allow it.
     
    MooreKen[OP] likes this.
  5. Sep 23, 2023 at 12:05 PM
    #35
    BearBio

    BearBio New Member

    Joined:
    May 3, 2021
    Member:
    #21264
    Messages:
    1,173
    First Name:
    Greg
    Vehicle:
    2019, Dark Blue SR5
    Roof rack, side bars
    Driven I-5 over 100 times! being a "speed demon" in the left lane will get you a ticket (They DO have airplanes out there!). Stray right, pass on left when you need to and can and don't become obvious! Basic rule: Don't be obnoxious!
     
  6. Sep 23, 2023 at 12:25 PM
    #36
    bassist

    bassist New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 15, 2023
    Member:
    #34926
    Messages:
    910
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2023 TRD Offroad Premium
    Frankly, I didn’t care about tickets on that road - it was more about safety.

    If you don’t want to do 55mph or so behind a truck, you basically have to agree to run 90mph until you can find a gap to get back to the right.
     
  7. Sep 23, 2023 at 12:34 PM
    #37
    BearBio

    BearBio New Member

    Joined:
    May 3, 2021
    Member:
    #21264
    Messages:
    1,173
    First Name:
    Greg
    Vehicle:
    2019, Dark Blue SR5
    Roof rack, side bars
    Don't think I've ever seen a truck doing 55 on I-5! :facepalm::facepalm::facepalm::facepalm:
     
    DesertSurfer likes this.
  8. Sep 23, 2023 at 2:03 PM
    #38
    bassist

    bassist New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 15, 2023
    Member:
    #34926
    Messages:
    910
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2023 TRD Offroad Premium
    I’ve been stuck in that situation before. It’s an absolute nightmare.

    Frankly, I always thought the the 101 was a nicer drive, but the speed traps are horrible.
     
    Toy4X4 and SlvrSlug like this.
  9. Sep 23, 2023 at 6:24 PM
    #39
    Bodie the Dog

    Bodie the Dog Danger Ranger!

    Joined:
    Nov 14, 2019
    Member:
    #11975
    Messages:
    459
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2016 TEP, 1994 SR5
    Shrockworks sliders & rear bumper, Toytec 3/2 lift, ARB diff mod, 8 pod RGB LED's, RCI steel front skids, Big Sky katana rack, Reese roof rack, cool stickers.
    Except that everyone stays in the left lane, with sudden braking and other nonsense. Going from 85 to 40 repeatedly is dangerous, I think. I'm also a veteran of that drive, making the LA to Sacramento (or even all the way up to Humboldt) many times over the past 35 years. And on a long trip like that, speed, and timing it to avoid various rush hours can mean the difference between an 8 hour trip and 6. My 2nd Gen ran fine at 80-85 the entire way. My 5th Gen can do it faster.

    Never got pulled over, either (knock on wood), because I use my mirrors and slow down if I'm the only car going by an on-ramp. Also to the naysayers, it is possible to drive that fast without driving like an ahole. Turn signals, plenty of warning and space between vehicles, and letting faster cars go by, so you don't surprise anyone. Of course there ARE situations where I cut people off, usually when they're camping in the passing lane and it's the only way to pass them.

    I should do a thread on how to avoid tickets, lol. It always brings out the angry people.

    slow.jpg
     
    2Toys likes this.
  10. Sep 23, 2023 at 6:28 PM
    #40
    FN2187

    FN2187 Stormtrooper

    Joined:
    Jul 6, 2022
    Member:
    #27707
    Messages:
    1,553
    Earth
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRD ORP w/ KDSS
    Victory 4x4 Blitz front bumper Smittybilt 10k Synthetic Gobi Stealth no-rise RCI sliders Rago panels and shelf, dash mount RCI Alu skids Dobinsons 2.5/1.5 285/70 Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek SSO Hitch Mounted Swingout Anytime Front/Rear Camera
    I started one a while back about interacting with police officers when getting pulled over. Basically being polite and doing things that help them assess the situation they are walking into. Also things I learned in my defensive driving course.

    It was promptly deleted though

    Edit - I was pulled over the other day after driving into a blind speed trap. I was lucky to come away with the written warning. I still maintain it was because of my response to the situation
     
    2Toys likes this.
  11. Sep 23, 2023 at 6:32 PM
    #41
    Latrans

    Latrans New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2023
    Member:
    #35808
    Messages:
    160
    Gender:
    Male
    Wichita, Kansas
    Vehicle:
    2023 4Runner SR5
    80 is ridiculous to me. When I’m on I-70 West driving to Colorado, the speed limit is 75 and I usually go 75 or less, 73. And a lot of others do too. If the spied limit is 100 I’ll go 70, thanks.
     
    307WY, redneck pilot, Toy4X4 and 2 others like this.
  12. Sep 23, 2023 at 6:35 PM
    #42
    Tama1968

    Tama1968 New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 2, 2016
    Member:
    #1353
    Messages:
    710
    Gender:
    Male
    Florida
    Vehicle:
    T4R SR5 in Classic Silver
    with good road conditions and visibility, I generally cruise at 80. this leaves me a little head room when I need to pass. 90 starts feeling a little unstable in this vehicle at least to me.
     
    ChessGuy likes this.
  13. Sep 23, 2023 at 6:43 PM
    #43
    FN2187

    FN2187 Stormtrooper

    Joined:
    Jul 6, 2022
    Member:
    #27707
    Messages:
    1,553
    Earth
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRD ORP w/ KDSS
    Victory 4x4 Blitz front bumper Smittybilt 10k Synthetic Gobi Stealth no-rise RCI sliders Rago panels and shelf, dash mount RCI Alu skids Dobinsons 2.5/1.5 285/70 Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek SSO Hitch Mounted Swingout Anytime Front/Rear Camera
    Sounds like that's what you are comfortable with. There are sports cars that have top speeds 180+ and can stop on a dime - they'd probably be fine driving more than 80.

    I have an arrogant asshole perspective though - I feel like speed limits are set based on very conservative estimates of what "any license bearing moron can drive on this road safely". This includes new drivers that have no experience and 90+ year old drivers who can barely see over their steering wheel. When it's a curvy road I don't know well, I will drive less than that because I don't feel comfortable. But roads that I know well, straight and flat highways and interstates, I typically drive faster than the limit because I feel comfortable.
     
    2Toys likes this.
  14. Sep 23, 2023 at 6:49 PM
    #44
    FN2187

    FN2187 Stormtrooper

    Joined:
    Jul 6, 2022
    Member:
    #27707
    Messages:
    1,553
    Earth
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRD ORP w/ KDSS
    Victory 4x4 Blitz front bumper Smittybilt 10k Synthetic Gobi Stealth no-rise RCI sliders Rago panels and shelf, dash mount RCI Alu skids Dobinsons 2.5/1.5 285/70 Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek SSO Hitch Mounted Swingout Anytime Front/Rear Camera
    I don't think I've ever had the 4runner over 90. I've only had a few SUVs over that speed because I agree, they don't feel stable or comfortable at that speed for me.

    But I have driven cars and motorcycles at much higher speeds and felt comfortable. Wasn't the legal speed limit but let's all be honest here; an old SUV that is barely road worthy shouldn't have the same speed limit as a sports bike. They are completely different vehicles with completely different capabilities.

    Speed limits are set for the conservative safe capabilities of all road vehicles. It's too complicated to have different limits for different vehicles. Although I have seen many signs that have a 5-10 mph lower limit for trucks
     
  15. Sep 23, 2023 at 7:14 PM
    #45
    Captain Spalding

    Captain Spalding . . .

    Joined:
    Feb 4, 2022
    Member:
    #25492
    Messages:
    2,047
    Ahhh. Youth. I remember those days.
     
  16. Sep 23, 2023 at 7:18 PM
    #46
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2019
    Member:
    #9314
    Messages:
    13,644
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    James
    S/E Wisconsin
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRDORP, KDSS, MGM
    RSG sliders, Yakima offgrid basket, Pro-Comp wheels, SOS Streamline bumper and skids, Warn VR EVO10S winch + Ultimate Sidewinder, Bilstein 6112 + 5100 + rear lift coils, Rigid Dually SS ditch lights w/Caliraised brackets and OEM style dash switch
    90 feels disturbingly comfortable to me in mine. I don't know what is the fastest I've gone in this one, but I know I was clocked at 98 in Georgia.
     
    bassist likes this.
  17. Sep 23, 2023 at 7:20 PM
    #47
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2019
    Member:
    #9314
    Messages:
    13,644
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    James
    S/E Wisconsin
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRDORP, KDSS, MGM
    RSG sliders, Yakima offgrid basket, Pro-Comp wheels, SOS Streamline bumper and skids, Warn VR EVO10S winch + Ultimate Sidewinder, Bilstein 6112 + 5100 + rear lift coils, Rigid Dually SS ditch lights w/Caliraised brackets and OEM style dash switch
    I don't think it's about youth. I still feel quite comfortable at 90, even with a lift and added weight.
     
  18. Sep 23, 2023 at 7:56 PM
    #48
    FN2187

    FN2187 Stormtrooper

    Joined:
    Jul 6, 2022
    Member:
    #27707
    Messages:
    1,553
    Earth
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRD ORP w/ KDSS
    Victory 4x4 Blitz front bumper Smittybilt 10k Synthetic Gobi Stealth no-rise RCI sliders Rago panels and shelf, dash mount RCI Alu skids Dobinsons 2.5/1.5 285/70 Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek SSO Hitch Mounted Swingout Anytime Front/Rear Camera
    Wish I could say it was all about youth. I certainly had an indestructible mindset at the time.

    But now that I'm older, and only slightly wiser, I still maintain my opinion.

    Check back in 40 years when I struggle to see over the steering wheel. But by then, my car may just be able to drive me
     
  19. Sep 23, 2023 at 8:02 PM
    #49
    Captain Spalding

    Captain Spalding . . .

    Joined:
    Feb 4, 2022
    Member:
    #25492
    Messages:
    2,047
    No I was talking about the asshole perspective.
     
  20. Sep 23, 2023 at 8:10 PM
    #50
    FN2187

    FN2187 Stormtrooper

    Joined:
    Jul 6, 2022
    Member:
    #27707
    Messages:
    1,553
    Earth
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRD ORP w/ KDSS
    Victory 4x4 Blitz front bumper Smittybilt 10k Synthetic Gobi Stealth no-rise RCI sliders Rago panels and shelf, dash mount RCI Alu skids Dobinsons 2.5/1.5 285/70 Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek SSO Hitch Mounted Swingout Anytime Front/Rear Camera
    I would like to say it's a product of my youth but unfortunately I think it's just a personality trait.

    On the upside, it's helped given me the ability to speak my mind, even when I know my opinion is in the minority or looked down upon.

    My reckless disregard for stating my opinion, and hearing others, is the best way I've found to learn. Regardless of my big head, I do listen to reasonable arguments.
     
  21. Sep 23, 2023 at 9:09 PM
    #51
    MountainWanderer

    MountainWanderer New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 31, 2023
    Member:
    #31011
    Messages:
    42
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2023 TRD Off-Road Premium
    If someone tailgates me close enough that I can read that plate frame, I'll see to it that they can never pass me...
     
  22. Sep 23, 2023 at 9:34 PM
    #52
    MountainWanderer

    MountainWanderer New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 31, 2023
    Member:
    #31011
    Messages:
    42
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2023 TRD Off-Road Premium
    You seem to be forgetting the fact that you are sharing the same roads with all those new drivers, old drivers, idiots, etc. and speed limits are set with all those considerations taken into account. So it's a little more than "I" feel comfortable or "my" vehicle is good for it so I do what I like!

    Here's an Idea: Builds or buy your own private road, and drive however you like. As long as you are on public roads, you are bound by same laws and restrictions as everyone else, including speed limits.
     
  23. Sep 23, 2023 at 9:46 PM
    #53
    KYFHO

    KYFHO Generic Scumbag

    Joined:
    Feb 9, 2022
    Member:
    #25587
    Messages:
    124
    UT
    2017 SR5P with some stuff
    Since we are sharing I-5 stories… names have been omitted to protect the guilty.

    8 years ago, I was on a project in Livermore that we worked on 12 days straight 12-13 hours a day. On the day that we left, our superintendent told us to meet in the hotel parking lot at 4 am. Knowing him, I knew this meant 3:45 am so my partner and I were down there at 3:40. The rest of the crews had already left. Oh well. Go to 7 eleven next door for coffee and road snacks and get going. I didn’t have to worry about any of the tattletales reporting me for my driving. We get on the highway at a pretty good speed and merge on to I-5. My phone rings, it’s the super:

    S: “Yeah, we left 15 minutes ago. I’m at this gas station filling up the dump truck. You guys can leave whenever you want.”
    Me: “I’m already on the 5”
    S: “Okay….oh I see you now. Fuck, you’re hauling ass.”
    Me: “Race you home….”
    (He was a notorious speed demon in the company and will drive a dump truck and trailer at full throttle every chance he gets)

    so there we were at just before 4 am on a Sunday morning in a F350 crew cab 4WD, I’ve got the cruise set at 90, just humming along. About 20 minutes later we pass our tractor trailer driver. Then just north of Bakersfield we spot one of the crew trucks. I pass him and he falls in right behind us. We catch up with the other crew truck and now it’s an F350 and two Ram 5500s in the stupidest race ever. It goes on like this from Bakersfield to Rancho Cucamonga, when Ram #2 suddenly slows down.

    Me: “Something’s up. K is slowing down”
    My partner: “R (his foreman) probably woke up”

    we press on. 5 miles away from our yard, I see a familiar dump truck in my rear view mirror. It’s the superintendent. He edges past us and is the first one to the yard. We pull in to the yard in Fontana at 8:10 am. I hop in my car and am at home by 8:30. My boy (who was 4 at the time) was awake to greet me. I fix up a coffee for me and a chocolate milk for him and we watch Top Gear together. My wife was still sleeping, not expecting me home until the afternoon. Life is good.

    Nowadays, I’m in no rush to get anywhere, having left California life behind. I pretty much stick to the speed limit.
     
  24. Sep 23, 2023 at 10:20 PM
    #54
    Bodie the Dog

    Bodie the Dog Danger Ranger!

    Joined:
    Nov 14, 2019
    Member:
    #11975
    Messages:
    459
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2016 TEP, 1994 SR5
    Shrockworks sliders & rear bumper, Toytec 3/2 lift, ARB diff mod, 8 pod RGB LED's, RCI steel front skids, Big Sky katana rack, Reese roof rack, cool stickers.
    I use abandoned roads, airstrips, and dry lake beds every time I pass them, ha.

    But again, I do try to drive without scaring others. I won't come running up on your rear bumper. I understand that at higher speeds I'm more likely to surprise you. And yes, Grey Dawn is real, so how can I get angry if old people slow me down? I'm not aggro, as some may project, I'm just trying to get to my destination as quickly as possible.

    And regarding the "I" thing: I hope you are using your mirrors, then turnouts and the right lane appropriately. It isn't difficult. "Slow traffic keep right" is the law on some stretches of road, as is "keep right except to pass," and regardless of the law, it's just good defensive driving. I love when people pass me; let them find the cops and deer.

    Oh, and you don't need to wait for exactly five cars to use a turnout. By the time you accumulate that many, it could be quite a few miles before you reach another turnout.

    slowertraffic.jpg
     
    2Toys and runnerjimmy like this.
  25. Sep 23, 2023 at 10:48 PM
    #55
    MountainWanderer

    MountainWanderer New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 31, 2023
    Member:
    #31011
    Messages:
    42
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2023 TRD Off-Road Premium
    Speed limit applies to all lanes of the road!

    I always drive in the right lane except to pass. But when the speed limit is 75 and I'm going 80 in the left lane to pass a slower vehicle or a line of slower traffic, and the dude comes blowing, stickin in behind me expect me to fly or something, I match the speed of the vehicle to my right and let the dude hang back for a little while...
     
    runnerjimmy likes this.
  26. Sep 23, 2023 at 10:49 PM
    #56
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2019
    Member:
    #9314
    Messages:
    13,644
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    James
    S/E Wisconsin
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRDORP, KDSS, MGM
    RSG sliders, Yakima offgrid basket, Pro-Comp wheels, SOS Streamline bumper and skids, Warn VR EVO10S winch + Ultimate Sidewinder, Bilstein 6112 + 5100 + rear lift coils, Rigid Dually SS ditch lights w/Caliraised brackets and OEM style dash switch
    Here's an idea: stay in the right lane if you're going to do the speed limit. ;)
     
  27. Sep 23, 2023 at 10:56 PM
    #57
    MountainWanderer

    MountainWanderer New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 31, 2023
    Member:
    #31011
    Messages:
    42
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2023 TRD Off-Road Premium
     
    BearBio likes this.
  28. Sep 23, 2023 at 11:05 PM
    #58
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2019
    Member:
    #9314
    Messages:
    13,644
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    James
    S/E Wisconsin
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRDORP, KDSS, MGM
    RSG sliders, Yakima offgrid basket, Pro-Comp wheels, SOS Streamline bumper and skids, Warn VR EVO10S winch + Ultimate Sidewinder, Bilstein 6112 + 5100 + rear lift coils, Rigid Dually SS ditch lights w/Caliraised brackets and OEM style dash switch
    You posted that while I was replying to your other post. I have no issue with slower drivers as long as they're not getting in the way.
     
  29. Sep 23, 2023 at 11:13 PM
    #59
    MountainWanderer

    MountainWanderer New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 31, 2023
    Member:
    #31011
    Messages:
    42
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2023 TRD Off-Road Premium
    The point is not: I like to drive slow and you like to drive fast, so as long as we each have our own lane, we are happy!

    The point is: There is a LAW for every road, called the speed limit, and EVERYONE has to abide by it, regardless of personal preference.
     
  30. Sep 23, 2023 at 11:22 PM
    #60
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2019
    Member:
    #9314
    Messages:
    13,644
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    James
    S/E Wisconsin
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRDORP, KDSS, MGM
    RSG sliders, Yakima offgrid basket, Pro-Comp wheels, SOS Streamline bumper and skids, Warn VR EVO10S winch + Ultimate Sidewinder, Bilstein 6112 + 5100 + rear lift coils, Rigid Dually SS ditch lights w/Caliraised brackets and OEM style dash switch
    Wow, that is the wrong way to look at it.

    It's not your job to enforce the speed limit or worry about how fast other drivers are going. Let the maniacs pass and enjoy your ride.
     
    Mickeyblue, bassist and Toy4X4 like this.

Products Discussed in

To Top