Traveling in High Temps

[Excel]

I just wanted opinions on traveling in really high temperatures...I have a Rally to attend in Colorado & must go via Barstow, Needles CA, & Kingman AZ....The temps are going to be in the triple digets 115 up......I don't do well in the heat, however my air condition works now & of course the cab air works...I'm kinda worried about the truck overheating though...It never has in the past....Just really concerned if this trip is something maybe I should cancel because of the high temps...However, as I've never driven in such heat...would just like opinions please...Thanks in advance...(Have to say, so far it's been Murphy's Law for me....if something could go wrong ... it did...& to fix it always cost many $$$ So maybe my stress is the reason for the doubt now...)

[Forestgal]

Do you think you might be able to travel early in the day (3-4 a.m.) and then quit early in the afternoon & stop at your RV park to wait out the heat?

I traveled through Nevada & Utah this time last year & had 2 days of hot, hard driving. My Explorer did well pulling the trailer, but I was always mindful to get myself over any big hills in the cool of the day. I didn't mind starting before dawn & quitting when it was 110* out, knowing that I'd have hook-ups to cool the trailer down.

Another thing you might want to watch is your fridge. Sometimes when it's grossly hot outside your fridge needs to be turned up a bit. I know that there's some sort of way to compensate for the extreme heat ... just don't know what it is.

Safe travels. You'll do and be just fine.

Laura

[mtngal]

I'm with Laura. I always travel early in day
to cross the desert. My rig is smaller than most
though. Now you've got me curious about
how the disel pushers handle the heat.
Good and timely question!

[Acadianmom]

If you can take your time, maybe you can start early and stop about noon. Having said that, it takes dynamite to get me going early. To keep the air conditioning in the cab you can put a curtain behind the front seats. If you need to see out the back you could use a clear shower curtain. It has been my experience that running the coach air conditioning doesn't cool the cab that much unless you run a fan blowing it into the cab. Be sure your fan belt or belts are in good shape. My DH always wanted to leave on a trip at 2 in the morning but I don't like to drive in the dark. If I'm going to have trouble I want things open. I try not to travel on a holiday for the same reason. I have never traveled in 115 degree heat. I went to Dallas one year when it was about 110.

Martha

[Excel]

Laura...You're a saint...thanks for your post. I'm not normally a real early riser...usually 6 AM or so..but could very well try a earlier rising just to move on through the worst areas for high temps...I'm gonna go pack my frig right now & just go for it. Maybe I just needed someone to say 'do it'....but of course using common sense makes that a good choice...and you gave me that bit of info that I just didn't think of.
Hate to admit it but the stress level has been over the top...between all the problems with the repair shop, finances, Good Sam, bill paying & my tenant.....I just feel battered.... I actually hung up on my bank, on Coach Net & Good Sam yesterday....just couldn't take the horrible service & then this guy says to me....well, if you're going to be rude....when I asked him to please hurry up (he'd put me on hold for 4 min. before even trying to help me...& all I wanted to do was sign up & give them my money...) There is so little real customer service anymore. Yet when I called the factory about my BF....they were right there to help...Anyhow I'm just babbling...gotta fill up the frig etc. Thanks Laura....and by the way...I don't have a diesel engine...just a regular 450 Triton V10 Ford gas engine.........

[longdog2]

Please--you aren't an early riser????? 6AM--what do you call that?? Anything earlier than 6AM cannot be called morning. Texas summers are HOT so the temps you mentioned are normal. If we quit traveling over 100 degrees, we wouldn't be able to travel. Take it easy, stop before you get too exhausted and plan those hills for early or late to hit the somewhat cooler times. Watch your engine temp. Park in the shade when you stop whenever possible. Have fun.

[avalen]

have your hoses checked too to make sure they arent old and mushy, and coolant is good in the radiator. We drive in 115 degree temps all the
time down here in the desert and overheating is always my concern but checking those things can save some headaches and keep you safer.

[Bethers]

I go with traveling early (or late) and not driving during the worst of the heat. Also, they don't recommend using the air in cars and trucks when it's really hot and you could overheat - but you CAN run your generator and use your air in the back. One of the other reasons rv's are a great way to travel. And then just use your dash air if needed here and there when it's really hot.

[Getupngo]

Everyone else gave the best advice.

I always operate the "house air" -- using the generator -- while I travel in the heat. It actually consumes less gas to run the generator going down the road than using the dash air. Before I had a dash fan installed, I used a little clip-on 12V fan and it really helped to just keep the air moving.

Good luck.

[Excel]

You gals are great....thanks for all the tips...I will keep all of them in mind...'Member when I said Murphys Law...? Well, Daughter's poodle is not doing well...daughter unemployed & has no money (living here free of course)...have no idea what Vet bills are, but I told her to take Missy in & gave her my credit card....$200.00 tops....I'm afraid that ain't gonna buy much...Told God He better be lookin' down on me with positive thoughts cause I'm running out of $$$ fast & I haven't even gotten out of town..................................

[Excel]

We lost our little poodle today. I was on my way & turned around & came home when Kathy called me & said Missy has cancer & there's nothing they can do. So much for the Vet who said yesterday that she had a cold...Have no words to describe our grief.....

[Irmi]

(((Excel))) I am so sorry. My heart breaks for you.

[Bethers]

I'm so very sorry. Hugs to both of you. Many, many hugs - and I know they aren't enough, but hope they can help.

[AlmostThere]

I'm so sorry. Sending hugs.

[kdmac]

Driving in high temps is extremely hard on your engine and transmission. Even if your guage is telling you it is not overheating it is getting much hotter than it is designed to. I would definately drive in the cool mornings keeping an awareness that deer and other critters are still active and to keep an eye out for them.

Keeping in-coming air through the radiator while driving 45 -60 mph is an important part of the cooling mechanism for the engine; so avoid idling or driving around at slow speeds for prolonged periods of time as that will greatly increase the heat in the engine.

If forced to be in city traffic, stopped at lights it is suggested to rev the engine a bit to keep the fan turning as opposed to idling. (I read that on RV-Net, haven't done it as I would do all I could to avoid that situation in the first place)