Summer travel

[homebrew]

I will be doing a summer road trip here in a few weeks. I am traveling from WA to SoCal and then from SoCal to Reno and back through eastern WA. While in SoCal I am picking up a Pop up trailer. The trailer is about 2700#s dry. Its going to be a long trip in the middle of summer. Wanted to ask for tips/tricks to make the trip. The heat is a concern, and I want to maximize my MPGs. Im currently running 45PSI on all corners.

 

[14hemiexpress]

My biggest concern would be the tires on the pop up. Make sure they are in good shape and bring a spare and a way to change it. A side from that just load up and go like any other road trip. Your not going to get good mpg my guess is 10-12 I would suggest tow/haul but that's going to hurt your mpg more But your already lifted bigger tires and going to have 3000lbs behind you. I don't think temps will be bad I just pulled 4500lbs it was about 90 out and I didn't take it easy up hills kept a steady 70 and highest Trans was 150 oil 234 and coolent 204 you shouldn't have any issues.

 

[CC12RamLove]

^ what he said. If you know the trailer is in good shape you will be fine. A spare tire is a great idea. As for the heat. Don't give it a thought. Was just in Arizona 110 degrees pulling a bout with the AC cracked on high. Temps ran fine.

 

[Upthewazzu]

Heat shouldn't be an issue in a modern rig. I just pulled my ~5000lb trailer from Spokane to Pullman in E-WA with zero issues. The Palouse is extremely hilly.

 

[cableguy_hd]

tow/haul keeps my tranny temps lower while towing. mpg probably 10 ish.

 

[PippinAin'tEasy]

Ditto the trailer tires. Run all of the rubber at the most (cold) allowable. I'd be surprised if you see less than 12 mpg unless you've got led in the bed and/or foot. Be safe on the run, congrats on the new toy.

Edit: Just saw that yer lifted with big shoes. Nothing gonna save those mpg's now except one helluva tailwind. Other'n that just keep it under the posted so's John Law doesn't tack on any extra vacation expenditures.

 

[homebrew]

I keep the cruise control set at 60 on long trips. I'm not in a rush to get anywhere especially during a 3000 mile road trip. Thinking I may take the light bar off the roof as well. I seem to get better mileage with the canned tunes on my tuner, I haven't tried the hemi fever tune on summer blend fuel yet may experiment with that before I leave

 

[mtofell]

Pop-ups tow super easy due to the low profile. Wind resistance of full size TTs/5th wheels is a HUGE factor. In case you haven't got the message so far.... check the tires on the pop-up I bought a used pop-up once and never knew enough to check the tires (it was a LONG time ago). Lost both tires within a few miles of one another and got stranded. Also, with the miles it sounds like you'll be putting on it, it would probably be a good idea to have the bearings checked/packed.

 

[Neumie]

I stuck to 67 mph on the interstate with my popup last summer. Averaged 15.5 mpg. Friend did 75-80 with his and got 10 mpg.

Plus--those trailer tires are small diameter. I would just take it easy without being a moving roadblock--you're on vacation right?

 

[clh1220]

Since your truck sits up make sure you have the trailer leveled, not noise high and tail low.