Hot Weather Tips? June 23, 2017, 03:15:52 pm I live in Las Cruces, New Mexico and the temperature here is going to be a high of 111 degrees. I'm trying to get to Bend, Oregon to cooler climates (and a ukulele festival), but driving in extreme temperatures has me more than a little nervous. I'm planning on leaving on Tuesday (high of 99 degrees here), and like to only do no more than 200 miles per day. I'm planning to take this route. Google MapsSince I don't know how far I'll be traveling each day, it might be difficult to hook up to electricity and run my air conditioner. I have Reflextix in all of my windows in back of the cab, but it's still going to be really hot. It really "freaks me out" to drive the part of the journey on I-15 through Salt Lake City. The traffic is always intense and there's always construction with concrete barricades. I'm thinking if I try to do it early on a Sunday morning it will be the best time. Any suggestions for an alternate route?I appreciate any "tips and tricks" for staying cool in my Lazy Daze in really hot weather.
Re: Hot Weather Tips? Reply #1 – June 23, 2017, 03:41:20 pm Hi Desert DivaWe live in Texas where it's hot most of time. When we stop for a rest or to eat, we turn on the generator and the coach AC. Even though it may seem like a quick stop, the coach heats up quickly and having the coach AC on keeps things nice and cool until we are ready to drive again. Be sure to turn off the AC first, then the generator.And yes, traveling early in the morning it is much cooler and then we try to get off the road for the night about 2:00-3:00 pm. That avoids the hottest time of day and makes it a more enjoyable trip. Plug in, pull the shades, and relax. Get to bed early and get up early. Sunday mornings are typically the best time to get through congested cities and most of the nutty drivers are at home asleep.Did you all see that video of the road rage wreck yesterday from California, I think.Wow! Things are getting crazier and crazier. Travel early and miss the nuts.Oh..in our old SOB which was much larger, we would run the generator and coach AC while we drove. It was the only way to keep that unit cool. Our 24 TK has not needed that so far, but it is an option.Safe travels! You will be fine, take your time-Corky
Re: Hot Weather Tips? Reply #2 – June 23, 2017, 04:22:49 pm Quote from: corkydeltadog - June 23, 2017, 03:41:20 pmDid you all see that video of the road rage wreck yesterday from California, I think.Wow! Things are getting crazier and crazier. Travel early and miss the nuts.For those that missed it. This was at 5:45 AM during the commute so traveling early isn't necessarily the answer. Avoiding the commute is much safer, though!It can be scary out there folks so drive safely!Apparent Road-Rage Crash in Santa Clarita Captured on Cellphone Video | KTLA
Re: Hot Weather Tips? Reply #3 – June 23, 2017, 05:31:42 pm CherylYou seem to have covered the bases quite well.I'm personally a 'Roadside Rest' kind of driver, I rarely miss one. If you have the ability to identify one you can pace your driving to coincide with where you want to stop for the night. Some will allow overnigh and others only a limited time. You didn't say if you have a generator but they sure come in handy even for a short break. I've even used mine while under way... just keep an eye on the gas gauge and drive on the top half of your tank.In my younger days I'd drive at night to avoid the heat and the traffic. Those days are long gone. Enjoy your trip (as best you can) and especially the destination. Bend is one of my favorite places. 1 Likes
Re: Hot Weather Tips? Reply #4 – June 23, 2017, 06:29:48 pm Cheryl,When I head toward busy cities such as Las Vegas on my way to Zion and this year Yellowstone (we live in the Los Angeles area) I time my drive to pass through places such as these after Rush Hour or Morning commute time. I drive our 27' RB at 60 mph but always average 45 mph by the time we've stopped for fuel and rest stops. With that in mind, I leave home by 3am and time my Las Vegas pass through for 10:30. There is still traffic but it's doable more so than early morning or evening traffic hours. As for rest stops toward Utah, I have been disappointed many times by their closures the last year or so. Maybe they'll be more accommodating for summer travelers.Like others, I am not apposed to running the generator while we drive to run the roof AC and to help keep the chill on for the fridge (no propane on during my travel time...). An open cab window and a spray bottle with water can help cool things down a little. All-in-all I prefer to travel early morning or later in the evenings to beat both traffic and heat.Safe travels,Kent
Re: Hot Weather Tips? Reply #5 – June 23, 2017, 06:45:25 pm Open the rear vent just a little while driving. That will pull coach AC through the rest of the RV. The bathroom will get a little hot because the air will not move welll through that area.
Re: Hot Weather Tips? Reply #6 – June 23, 2017, 07:15:44 pm Quote from: desertdivanm - June 23, 2017, 03:15:52 pmI live in Las Cruces, New Mexico and the temperature here is going to be a high of 111 degrees. I'm trying to get to Bend, Oregon to cooler climates (and a ukulele festival), but driving in extreme temperatures has me more than a little nervous. I'm planning on leaving on Tuesday (high of 99 degrees here), and like to only do no more than 200 miles per day. I'm planning to take this route. Google MapsSince I don't know how far I'll be traveling each day, it might be difficult to hook up to electricity and run my air conditioner. I have Reflextix in all of my windows in back of the cab, but it's still going to be really hot. It really "freaks me out" to drive the part of the journey on I-15 through Salt Lake City. The traffic is always intense and there's always construction with concrete barricades. I'm thinking if I try to do it early on a Sunday morning it will be the best time. Any suggestions for an alternate route?I appreciate any "tips and tricks" for staying cool in my Lazy Daze in really hot weather.Cheryl, I came up with this alternate route which adds a little over a hundred miles but avoids Salt Lake City. Instead, you would have to go through the metropolis of Ely, Nevada, (population 4,221). You would be going right past Great Basin National Park, cool camping at 8,000 ft. elevation. It also mostly avoids the interstates (yah!).Google Maps 1 Likes
Re: Hot Weather Tips? Reply #7 – June 23, 2017, 08:07:05 pm Quote from: HiLola - June 23, 2017, 07:15:44 pmCheryl, I came up with this alternate route which adds a little over a hundred miles but avoids Salt Lake City. Instead, you would have to go through the metropolis of Ely, Nevada, (population 4,221). You would be going right past Great Basin National Park, cool camping at 8,000 ft. elevation. It also mostly avoids the interstates (yah!).Fully recommend spending the night at Great Basin and visit the caves while you are at it.Two summers ago, we camped at the top, in late August, and it cooled down to 30 degrees overnight, while the daytime temps were over a 100, down below. Just what we needed after hot, daylong drive.Ely is interesting too, if you like operational steam strains. This route shouldn't have a lot of traffic.Larry
Re: Hot Weather Tips? Reply #8 – June 23, 2017, 08:43:36 pm Cheryl, you've gotten some good suggestions. Greg's idea of going through Ely, NV is a good one. However, stay on Hwy 93 through Ely and Wells and on to Jackpot, NV, right on the NV/ID border. This is good road, not too much traffic. Jackpot is a good stopping place for the night. Cactus Jack's has a nice RV park. Stay on 93 to Twin Falls, ID and take I-84 west to a bit north of Nampa, ID to Ontario, ID where you can catch Hwy 20 to Bend. There will be plenty of opportunities for stopping along I-84. It's hot all over the west, but once you are further north, you will find both higher elevations and cooler temps, particularly in evening. Once in NV, I remind visitors that there can be many miles between towns so, yes, be sure you drive on the top half of your tank. (If you decide to go through SLC, I'd suggest being up and on the road by first light. It will be cooler and less traffic.) Safe travels and enjoy the journey.Juli Minden, NV 1 Likes
Re: Hot Weather Tips? Reply #9 – June 23, 2017, 09:57:45 pm Concur with driving off the top of the tank. While the map may show a town, there may not actually be one there!
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