Hot weather towing

Marv,

I'd slow down.

If you have a generator and can run it while towing, start it up 90 minutes before stopping for the day and run the air conditioner.

marpel wrote:
'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

Might want to consider weather forecast to determine route. For the last 2 weeks of July and first 2 weeks of August, the extended forecast for Denver and northern Colorado is for low 90s/mid to upper 80s, so a decent forecast for here. Wyoming is somewhat similar.

Perhaps consider the I-90 to I-25 route as being the flattest all the way through. Probability of keeping truck and trailer cooler (as well as their tires) in a more cruise worthy route.

Good call!!! 7th year running mine on my Boat trailer.

"in fact am in the process of putting brand new ones on the trailer (Goodyear Endurance)"

As the others noted, tire pressures are correct.

Check engine coolant. Top it off. The reservoir probably has high/low lines to mark the acceptable levels. May want to make sure the coolant level is in the top half.

If you have a transmission temperature gauge, keep an eye on it. Shouldn't be a problem, but the temp could creep up on long climbs.

Thanks all for the replies.

Yes, the truck is rated for 14500lbs, so am less worried about the weight of the trailer. Just wondering about the excessive heat and whether that changes anything, especially going up steep grades and hours of driving a day.

And I am a bit OCD when it comes to tires (vehicle and trailer), in fact am in the process of putting brand new ones on the trailer (Goodyear Endurance), so they can't be in any better shape than that. Good suggestion about regular inspection.

Marv

Bare minimum that truck should be rated for 12 to 15k lbs trailer... 6k should be a dawdle.

As others have said, check your tire pressure and follow the manufacturer pressure recommendations. Also a good idea to stop and feel the tires and hubs an hour or so into the day to make sure they aren't overheating...of course I do that anyway regardless of the temperature.

Cummins12V98 wrote:
If you have any issues I highly suggest trading in that truck!!!

exactly!!

We've towed our almost 10K lb trailer all over including at times with temps near 100 and high temps over pretty long passes. Not an issue with today's trucks. Was 30 or 40 years ago with marginal cooling systems on trucks along with marginal power.

Also we haven't had any tire issues in these conditions either on the truck or trailer.

My biggest concern would be cooling the rv down once you get there.

If you have any issues I highly suggest trading in that truck!!!

As long as you have good tires, I would not worry about it. We used to make annual trips from DFW area to Colorado every July towing our 35' 5er behind our F350, traveling from about 7-8 am, reaching Texas panhandle mid afternoon, and usually stopping in stopping somewhere in New Mexico late in the day. Around 10 hours or more depending on where we stopped. Mid day temps across north TX and the TX panhandle were usually 100+ and as high as 106. Truck temperature never went above the normal temp range. Even stopped on a remote section of I-40 for 45 minutes one time due to highway closed for an accident. Michelin tires on both the truck and 5er and tire temps were never overly high as shown on both my TPMS and an infrared thermometer. Relax and enjoy the trip.