New guy and my first experience towing the travel trailer ****** DID SOME SEARCHING AND ALL SEEMS NORMAL****

[Rooster 2141]

Hello all,
I've been lurking around gathering the knowledge to put my combo together for a while. We finally loaded up and went from Denton TX to Port Aransas to camp on the beach. (about a 380 mile strip each way).

We survived and had a great time. Had some challenges though. Camper loaded is about 4800-5000 lbs.
Ambient temp on the way down was 107 degrees. The truck had a hard time managing coolant temperatures.
The temp varied quite a bit based on the terrain it ran between 220 and high 230s for the majority of the trip but got as high as 251 a couple of times.
Trans temp was fine it hung around 206-210. Oil stayed between 220-230 hit 250 once or twice.
I am not comfortable at all with the coolant temps.
I removed the hood insulation and the hood vents on the way down which did not do much while driving but it did cool down faster when stopping for gas.

On the way home the ambient temp was 95. I took the winch off the front bumper hoping for more airflow. Trans and oils temps were the same. Coolant temp still ran as high as the upper 230s.
Jeep is a 2021 Rubicon,3.6 auto, 2.5 lift in the front 3/4 in the back. 5.13 gears on 37 Toyo AT.

It seems to me that I need to find a way to evacuate air out of the engine compartment better. I would welcome any suggestions.

Side note: the hitch was adjusted better than shown in the pic before we left.

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[Snake Eyes]

That is odd. We took our Imagine AIM which is about 4700 pounds 400 miles in 100 - 107 degree weather both directions including up a gourge etc and none of my temps ever went out of normal and the coolant stayed right on the nose in the normal range. I have a stock 2022 Sport S Max Tow with no modifications. No lifts, 4.10 on stock size tires. So bone stock.

 

[Deleted member 52902]

I would expect Snake Eyes, stock Sport to be a more efficient on the road tow vehicle. I would have imagined as he has stated; his engine/powertrain will not run as hot. His tires/wheels alone, will cut through the air far better. They are also located within the wheel wells which I think the factory has to do but, in any case, his tires will not present as much drag. Then there is the lifted height difference. That will also increase drag with the increased volume of turbulent air can exhibit greater force to the axles and other parts of the suspension with increased exposure from a body & frame lifted higher. If the forward plastic air dam has been removed, the drag will be further increased. Besides the incremental increase in drag without this piece, I wonder if it also limits the out-flow of hot engine bay air? I mean does the air that passes under the JEEP, also pull out the engine heat better with the dam in place, or worse if that shield is removed?

Just pie in the sky dribble from me. I do have some years of professional experience with major manufacturers vehicle performance and emissions testing operations in the 1980's but I am in no way, qualified to provide the answer here. But, pretty sure the lift exposure along with the larger tires are at least a part of why you are experiencing higher operating temperatures. Of course, the obvious things like tire air pressure, as well as engine and transmission stock tune, stock equipment such as the air box, engine oil specified by the manufacturer, weight & weight distribution, will provide the best overall street operation and efficiency.

Not saying you have to change anything. Just have to know while you have some compromise, you also have a whole bunch of benefits that won't be available to a stock JEEP.

 

[Rooster 2141]

I would expect Snake Eyes, stock Sport to be a more efficient on the road tow vehicle. I would have imagined as he has stated; his engine/powertrain will not run as hot. His tires/wheels alone, will cut through the air far better. They are also located within the wheel wells which I think the factory has to do but, in any case, his tires will not present as much drag. Then there is the lifted height difference. That will also increase drag with the increased volume of turbulent air can exhibit greater force to the axles and other parts of the suspension with increased exposure from a body & frame lifted higher. If the forward plastic air dam has been removed, the drag will be further increased. Besides the incremental increase in drag without this piece, I wonder if it also limits the out-flow of hot engine bay air? I mean does the air that passes under the JEEP, also pull out the engine heat better with the dam in place, or worse if that shield is removed?

Just pie in the sky dribble from me. I do have some years of professional experience with major manufacturers vehicle performance and emissions testing operations in the 1980's but I am in no way, qualified to provide the answer here. But, pretty sure the lift exposure along with the larger tires are at least a part of why you are experiencing higher operating temperatures. Of course, the obvious things like tire air pressure, as well as engine and transmission stock tune, stock equipment such as the air box, engine oil specified by the manufacturer, weight & weight distribution, will provide the best overall street operation and efficiency.

Not saying you have to change anything. Just have to know while you have some compromise, you also have a whole bunch of benefits that won't be available to a stock JEEP.

Thanks for your input. The lift / tire set up was to be able to pull the travel trailer on loose beach sand. It was an absolute HOSS. Went a couple of miles down the beach in loose sand with no issue at all in 4H.
Tires are load range E and had them at 25psi. I agree on your compromise point. Might try a skid plate under the front bumper to restore the underbody airflow back to what is was before.

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