THE PORTAL HUB - Pinzgauers, Haflingers, Volvo 303s and more!

Newbie Question,

I am not sure of the accuracy of my VDO tach (seems to jump around alot at highway speed even though MPH and engine sound does not change). My 712 is currently running a set of new Telstar/Laramie Trailcutter Radial R/Ts in LT255/85R16 (33.1x10/16) or about 1" taller than stock(?). On a recent trip, my GPS had me comfortably cruising at 54/55 mph at what I can best guage the Tach at 4000+ rpm.

Since there is a 4500 rpm warning light, it is obvious that I dont want to get into that RPM region. Being new to Pinzgauers, it seemed pretty loud at 55 mph, I am not sure if I am being overly cautious, but can I expect to be able to drive the truck 60 mph or 65? Also, I have read about the long treks that many take in their vehicles. Can I assume that whatever speed 55, 60, 60 that that the truck is capable of doing semi comfortably is not going to hurt the vehicle on extended highway trips such as an 8 hr day?

I would like to hear how others use their trucks on the highway (have to get to the trails somehow) and what speed is considered safe for the drivetrain. Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

Speed demon!...the most I've pushed my Pinz is 45. I get scared of it exploding or something beyond that speed.

CentAr712 wrote:Speed demon!...the most I've pushed my Pinz is 45. I get scared of it exploding or something beyond that speed.

Never thought of myself as a speed demon, just trying keep me and the Pinz safe grom being run over on these Florida roads...... and I dont even mean highways that have a 70 mph speed limit that most tend to "cruise" at 75 and 80 mph.

Thanks for the feedback. I get up to N Little Rock ince or twice a year..... nice riding aread in AR.

Send me a PM next time your going to be in the area, I can show you around town and talk Pinz stuff.

I usually cruise at 50. Faster down hill and slower up. When I had the 255 85 R16 tires 50 was around 3200 RPM
now that I have smaller tires, closer to the original size (245 75 R16) 50 is about 3500 RPM. The engine sounds like it
is really working.
I find that no matter how fast one goes someone always wants to go faster. I stay on the right and let them go by. When I
am going uphill I use a flashing light on the back. In the mountains the pullouts are my home ports. Seem to spend lots
of time letting the string of other vehicles go by. I know this thing is not meant to go fast. When I had the 404 Mog fast was
a thing not to be imagined, the pinz is faster. Its like heaven.

edit: the rear strobe http://s400.photobucket.com/albums/pp88 ... C01511.jpg

I agree with krick3tt - 50 is my cruising speed also with occasional bursts to 55 as conditions warrant. I figure why take a chance on damaging the drivetrain and causing more work/money/downtime just to get there a little faster.

Flashing yellow light(s) on the rear sounds like a good idea from a number of members. I just got a set of 24V leds and plan to install them soon.

Have fun and be safe!

50 seems to be a comfortable speed in it. I assume extended periods of travel at 50 is not an issue in regards to longevity of the drivetrain?
Thanks gor the comments.

I’m ok with a 60 mph cruse speed in my 710k (mind you your 712 would normally have a lower speed transmission) however I’m happier on roads that I can keep it down to 45 – 50 mph.

I seldom push it much beyond an indicated 90 KPH. If I need to get somewhere faster, I take one of our "real" cars!

I have driven my 712 (with stock engine, tranny, and Maloyas!) almost from coast to coast at 58-62 mph (when possible). This doesn't mean that you should, only that I have done it and not had any problems. I don't know that I'd want to go much faster than that for the sake of the RPMs. It probably also depends on the state of the driveshaft; ones that are close to a good balance will make you feel more comfortable at the higher speeds, unbalanced ones give me the willies at the higher speeds.

Jimm391730 wrote:I have driven my 712 (with stock engine, tranny, and Maloyas!) almost from coast to coast at 58-62 mph (when possible). This doesn't mean that you should, only that I have done it and not had any problems. I don't know that I'd want to go much faster than that for the sake of the RPMs. It probably also depends on the state of the driveshaft; ones that are close to a good balance will make you feel more comfortable at the higher speeds, unbalanced ones give me the willies at the higher speeds.

Jim, Thanks. I feel better knowing that I am not hurting the drivetrain while trying to avoid getting run over. 55 to 60 is very respectable for a vehicle of this type (IMHO) . BTW, I like your roof rack on your cab. Is that something you fabbed?

It's a different subject (upon which folks have already posted comments) but I recent acquired a BIG magnetic battery powered flashing light that I throw on the back when driving on a highway at night.

Between the extensive use of reflective tape on the rear of the Pinz and this big a$$ flashing light, there's (hopefully) little chance that I'm gong to get run over by overtaking traffic.

I improved the visibility of my Pinz at night by the trucklite led tailights and 3M conspicuity tape . Works very well!

As my truck is white, I found some silver highly commercial grade reflective that's nearly invisible during the day but really lights up at light.

The big ass shackle cracks me up!

BTW, I like your roof rack on your cab. Is that something you fabbed?

Andre Swanson (Fat Fabrications) built it for me. This truck is unusual in that it came from the Swiss with a fiberglass hardtop, and mounting for the spare on top. The rack takes the hard points from the spare mount as part of the structure.