Towing on a hot day

In short, a qualified "maybe."

As a matter of general principle, yes. But at the same time, a properly maintained rig with very good cooling capacity, no.

I see a difference of about 10-12 degrees towing in 70 degrees VS 90 degrees engine temperatures. From 195 to 205-207.....Up big hills I can see 212-215

I have a BD Diesel built transmission and I see zero change in transmission temp under any conditions.

If your vehicle is in good condition and you have never had a heat issue then you likely will have no problem. I have towed for hours continuously in temps up to 108 across the TX panhandle and NM and the temp gauge never got higher than it does on 80-90 degree days.

Like someone said above, let the truck dictate the speeds and such. I think you should be ok. In my opinion the weak link, as usual, are the trailer tires. Best advice I can offer is relax, enjoy the ride but don’t push it.
Hope you have a great trip!

colliehauler wrote:
The only thing I worry about is trailer tire failure in that kind of heat. The asphalt will probably be around 130 add that to the heat generated by the tires. If the tires are marginal it could be a issue. In extremely hot weather I've gone so far as traveling during the night. Easier on the equipment and more pleasant for the passengers. Roads are usually less crowded as well.

I'm with you. Every blow out I have had on a TT has been in REALLY HOT conditions. Seems heat is hard on ST tires.

falconbrother wrote:
I have never overheated. Temps are always in the normal range. I need to go up Black Mountain on Wednesday. I plan to run about 45 MPH up the mountain at about 3000 RPMs. Should be fine. My Suburban is an older one but very well maintained. I just replaced all the belts. Transmission serviced about 4 months ago. Fresh oil change. Hoses look good. Tires in good shape. Rear end rebuilt about 16 months ago. Fresh brakes. Just adjusted those GM parking brakes, lubed.. It's in as good of shape as I know how to make it. Since this is the first time we have climbed the mountain with it I'm a bit nervous. The 5.3 Burb isn't the strongest. I will have to keep the RPMs up. My brother tows up Black Mountain all the time with his Tundra and says there's nothing to it. His trailer is a shade lighter and he has the iforce 5.7 liter. I'm 5800 dry and my tanks will be empty. My tow weight limit is 7200. I have the tow package and I added additional transmission cooling which seems to work really well.

You TV sounds to be ready and willing. I’ve done Black Mountain and the Saluda Grade as well as 11000+ feet in the Rockies. Pulling near 7500 lb TT with a 6.2l 1/2 ton. Slower s is better up and down grade.

One thing I've noticed towing in the AZ summers is my temp gauge never moves. I guess it pays to have a healthy and strong TV.

97 is on the warm side but I give no worry until about 110+.
Speed down and rpm up and go have some fun.
I worry more about how long it will take to cool the trailer after arrival.

azdryheat wrote:
One thing I've noticed towing in the AZ summers is my temp gauge never moves. I guess it pays to have a healthy and strong TV.

Hahaha, exactly.
I laugh every time I see a thread about how much TV do you need ? and someone always says “ you don’t need a dually diesel blah blah blah”.

But it sure works great! :B

My trailer tires are the original for a 2017 model Dutchman Coleman. They are the Radial trailer tires. I have a spare as well. I do need to remember to switch out my jack though.. I have a 12 ton bottle jack on board from my motorhome days but, I don't need that much. I'll switch it out for the 2.5 ton trolly jack that I use to adjust brakes on the trailer.