How fast with a canopy?

[roadhawk]

The NH I'll be picking up is about 650 miles away and on the ROPS it has a fiberglass canopy. Will that hold up OK on the trailer at highway speeds or will it break, or act like a sail, or?

If I put it down will "down" be far enough to get it out of the wind or will it be acting like a big speed brake?

Do I just need to take it all the way off and figure out a way to put it on the trailer safely, or is it collapsible enough to fit into my Suburban (NH TC40D)?

 

[kthompson]

I have Kubota fiberglass canopies and have trailered them about 55 mph for a few miles, but 650 miles? I would take mine off. If you met a big rig running at 70 and you were also running there that could be a big shock wave hitting it.
Can you not place in between the front wheels and rear wheels on the trailer it is on and strap it down?

Just as I was about to hit submit, remembered they hauled my CUT with the canopy on it about 80 miles to me. No interstate so legally 60 was max speed limit.

 

[roadhawk]

Can you not place in between the front wheels and rear wheels on the trailer it is on and strap it down?

I haven't seen it yet so that might be the answer.


I didn't consider the suction then poof of a big rig zooming by. Good point.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I tow my tractor all the time. When I first got it I pull the tractor on forwards. I now back it on because the weight is better distributed on the trailer and I noted the canopy rides much better. So my simple answer is just back the tractor on and you should have no problems.

Chris

 

[buck12]

I pull my tractor with canopy at highway speeds with no problems.

 

[Builder]

If you want to be sure the canopy won't blow off and you can't back the tractor on, just throw a rope over it and tie the rope ends down to the tractor as an insurance policy.

I know how you feel, I hate driving with a heavy load and being unsure it's properly secured.

 

[nickel plate]

If you want to be sure the canopy won't blow off and you can't back the tractor on, just throw a rope over it and tie the rope ends down to the tractor as an insurance policy.

I know how you feel, I hate driving with a heavy load and being unsure it's properly secured.

I do exactly as you have advised but with a flimsy old Cushman golf cart lid. Works great.

 

[Hematite]

I just took my T2310, same as TC40DA, with canopy for a 3 hour ride at speeds up to 65mph and there is no problem. When up, the canopy cuts the wind with its leading edge. I also had some concerns originally, but you will have no problem at all.

 

[KB9UDE]

When I had my JD 5203 utility tractor I would throw a ratchet strap over the canopy for safety.

 

[roadhawk]

Thanks for all the replies. I'm feeling better about it now.
For those of you that put the "just in case" straps on it, did the bouncing/rubbing cause any damage to the fiberglass?