Forum Discussion

marpel's avatar
marpel
Explorer
Jul 19, 2023

Hot weather towing

'22 GMC Sierra 2500HD, 6000lb trailer.

Will be heading to Denver Co from Vancouver BC in a week or so.

Have towed this route a number of times in the past, mostly in spring or fall, so the temperatures were less than current. Usually have done the Interstates through Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, then either I80 or down to I70 from Salt Lake City, but have done I90 east then south down I25 as well. Regardless, mountain ascents are encountered (although I70 is significant).

Appears this heat is affecting every state in the south/southwest. Due to schedule, we will be travelling about 8-10 hours a day both ways, and only early morning/late night is not feasible.

For those pulling in this heat, any issues encountered or any suggested changes to routine?

Marv
  • I have zero science to back this up, so feel free to treat it as the ramblings of a superstitious native...

    I always check/fill my tires the night before a trip.

    One time we had two blowouts as we towed though a hot desert (100°+). I attribute this to filling the tires "cold" the night before when it was probably in the 60s and then the tires expanding when the daytime heat got into the 100s.

    So now I factor this in when I know the next day's drive is going to be a hot one. I'll back off 5° below my usual target PSI to give some wiggle room for expansion.

    Now excuse me while I go toss another virgin into the volcano.
  • Worst case slow down a bit and downshift to keep the rpm up some.
    My older, smaller truck pulls a larger trailer in worse conditions.
    The real issue is to have utility power at the destination to cool the trailer.
    +1 to check your trailer tires daily.
  • I wouldn’t worry about your truck but the trailers tires may cause a problem.

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