Average Newell Coach Stopping distance

[BMG Coach]

I'm trying to get some idea on typical stopping distances for an average Newell. I realize this is somewhat dependent on weight, loading, etc. but just a general idea of the distance for a panic stop from 60 mph. Is this shorter for an air brake-equipped rig than one with hydraulic brakes? For instance, an average car can stop in about 120 ft from 60 mph; how far for a Motor Home? (assuming nobody is in front of you!)

Thank you for your time!

[GringoPhil]

A vehicle in motion traveling 55MPH will travel about 80 feet per second. If you remove the reaction and perception times you still get about 360 feet to stop. That said, there are many factors relative to stopping distances. Condition of the roadway, weather, surface material of the roadway, whether your tires lock up or not, can add significantly to the braking distance. The alertness of the driver, the reaction time etc also play a part. A NASCAR/Indy driver will have a significant lesser reaction time, in most instances, than one of us retired old f#$ts. OTOH, they usually drive significantly faster than we do.:thumbup:

[The Newell]

Motorhome Safety & RV Towing Safety

'Your stopping distance is affected by three factors; perception distance, reaction distance, and braking distance. Your RV is longer and larger than most other vehicles on the road and the stopping distance will not be the same as in your car or truck.

Perception Distance is the distance you travel from the time you notice a hazard until your brain registers it. For most people it's about three quarters of a second or about 60 feet at 55 miles per hour.
Reaction Distance is the time it takes to apply the brakes which is another 60 feet.

Braking Distance in a 40 to 50 foot RV at 55 miles per hour takes another 4.5 seconds.
That is a total of 6 seconds and a stopping distance of 500 feet at 55 miles per hour.

At 65 the distance is more than 600 feet! And even longer if you are traveling faster than 65!
If the road is wet, icy or you have poor visibility or inadequate tire treads the distance increases again."

[NewellCrazy]

the best course is to keep it slow and pay attention. It will take you longer to slow or stop a MH than you may think. Stay 3 to 5 lengths behind the vehicle in front of you and look beyond what is directly in front of you. Try to apply the brakes in a pumping motion and try NOT to lock the brakes up. I use the logic that while in traffic I will be low and slow and stay in the far right lane. In no hurry and let others go fast. Don't get the MH over 60 and usually stay at 55. You are driving a house on wheels and WHY do you need to go fast? Simply stated don't be in a hurry. If you have a long drive ahead leave early and plan to take about 10% more time then you think to arrive. If you are early great. Stop and relax.

[Newellin Thunder]

Motorhome Safety & RV Towing Safety

'Your stopping distance is affected by three factors; perception distance, reaction distance, and braking distance. Your RV is longer and larger than most other vehicles on the road and the stopping distance will not be the same as in your car or truck.

Perception Distance is the distance you travel from the time you notice a hazard until your brain registers it. For most people it's about three quarters of a second or about 60 feet at 55 miles per hour.
Reaction Distance is the time it takes to apply the brakes which is another 60 feet.

Braking Distance in a 40 to 50 foot RV at 55 miles per hour takes another 4.5 seconds.
That is a total of 6 seconds and a stopping distance of 500 feet at 55 miles per hour.

At 65 the distance is more than 600 feet! And even longer if you are traveling faster than 65!
If the road is wet, icy or you have poor visibility or inadequate tire treads the distance increases again."


Excellent Advice-- and when driving, always expect the unexpected as eventually it will happen.

Safe travels to all....

[Billy Bussman]

I always drive defensively. I know a Newell will stop on a dime compared to anything else I have driven.

[Chester B. Stone, Jr.]

All of the above advise is very good. I would add that keeping the jake brake engaged my help greatly in a panic stop. On one occasion, I slammed on my brakes and ruined my tag tires. With less weight on the tags, they will lock up before the drive tires and burn a flat spot.