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Topic: Desert Driving (Read 159 times) previous topic - next topic
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Desert Driving
Driving my 06 30IB from San Diego to Phoenix in a few days, towing my CRV.  I’ve never driven my rig in summer weather so am a bit nevous.  Afternoon temps will be in the low 90’s so I plan to drive in the morning and keep my speed under 60.  Other than that, can you give me advice for warm weather driving?
Thanks so much in advance, truly appreciate this group.
'O6 IB Anniversary Model
Sue, My Copilot
Carlie, our canine princess
Re: Desert Driving
Reply #1 –
Start as early as you can to be ahead of the heat 😊🥵
Daughter of the first Lazy Bones
Hitting the road on my own and with a friend 🚐 while reporting back to the Lazy Bones at home 🛋

2 Lazy Bones - Home
Re: Desert Driving
Reply #2 –
Cooling isn't as much of a problem in the 2000 era e450's as it was in earlier engines.  The conditions you describe are well within the range of normal temperatures for a well maintained vehicle.

 For summer driving in the Southeast US, I make sure my tires are in great shape and I keep my brake fluid fresh (no more than 2-3 years old) if I'm headed to the mountains. 

If you have never checked / changed the coolant and transmission fluid, that would be a good idea too. 

I have a scanguage on the dash that shows engine coolant temp and transmission fluid temp.  Even in the summer, they stay under 200 unless I'm climbing hills or just sitting in traffic on a really hot day.

Rich





2003 MB
Re: Desert Driving
Reply #3 –
Jules, your rig can handle temperatures well above 100.  (Ask me how I know.)  I tow.  I do what Rich suggested.  The two things I have to add are,
1) If you are climbing a long grade, you may want to turn off the AC for the uphill pull.
2) Rich uses a Scangauge to monitor engine temps.  I use an UltraGauge.  Each gives a digital engine fluid temperature reading.  That helps us keep track of, and control over, our rig's engine temps.

Ken F in NM
'08 MB
Re: Desert Driving
Reply #4 –
Modern vehicles generally don’t need to turn off the AC while driving up hills or in 100+ degrees.

Thankfully Phoenix is only in the 90s this week.

Of course I know of a few nice ice cream places in Arizona if you intended Dessert Driving.
Dave

2017 TK