What Are Your Best Tips for Off-Roading in Hot Weather?

[itwelder]

The Bronco actually cools better and drops engine temps with the AC on.
Sounds counterintuitive but it's because it turns on another fan for the condenser or something like that.
Check out your temp gauge next time you're cruising with the AC off, it'll probably be between 210F-230F - once I turn my AC on, it'll work it's way down to 180F and hang around there.

(I'm in a 2021 2.7L, engines and results may vary I don't know the 2.3L that well.)

Well that's just great, I've been sweating this whole time for nothing lol....

I do notice that the fan eventually stops when I shut the AC off, even in 100+ heat, which supports what you mentioned.
I'm going to be in the desert this weekend, I will check out the temps with AC on/off. Appreciate this bit of info!

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[TheKim]

Well that's just great, I've been sweating this whole time for nothing lol....

I do notice that the fan eventually stops when I shut the AC off, even in 100+ heat, which supports what you mentioned.
I'm going to be in the desert this weekend, I will check out the temps with AC on/off. Appreciate this bit of info!

I hope you have a great time, and both you and the Bronco stay cool!

 

[Desmolicious]

Well that's just great, I've been sweating this whole time for nothing lol....

I do notice that the fan eventually stops when I shut the AC off, even in 100+ heat, which supports what you mentioned.
I'm going to be in the desert this weekend, I will check out the temps with AC on/off. Appreciate this bit of info!

that is good to know because I have encountered several uphill stretches of hwy/fwy in California where there are signs saying to turn OFF your AC to prevent the car from overheating.

 

[Area51BS]

Seat covers or towel and a tube of

 

[EasternSierra]

It's basically already been said, but much more water than you think you need. Restock at least daily if potable water is available along the way. Have multiple water containers so if the main one leaks or breaks you'll still be OK. Beer doesn't count because the water intake is just about balanced by the extra urination.

 

[Techun]

The Bronco actually cools better and drops engine temps with the AC on.
Sounds counterintuitive but it's because it turns on another fan for the condenser or something like that.
Check out your temp gauge next time you're cruising with the AC off, it'll probably be between 210F-230F - once I turn my AC on, it'll work it's way down to 180F and hang around there.

(I'm in a 2021 2.7L, engines and results may vary I don't know the 2.3L that well.)

This is often true for cars in good repair and working order. Turning on the AC either keeps the fan fully on, or turns on a second one.

Having the AC on generates more heat in the cooling pack. If the car is actually overheating, turn off the AC and turn on the heat.

 

[Brian_B]

My "opposite day" recommendation is to turn the AC off, but that's so my Bronco won't leave me stranded from overheating.

So, fun fact.

PCM programming will actually run the engine hotter without the A/C on. It has to do with the radiator fan strategy, which is modulated speed control, and the fact that the condensor fan is also cooled by the radiator fans.

When the AC is off, the PCM will only use engine temps to control the fans, down to and including "Stopped". With the A/C on, the PCM has a minimum fan speed that it will maintain for the condenser.

Some have noticed an additional difference between A/C on low (under 1/2 speed) and high (over 1/2 speed) - it may be the PCM has a different minimum fan speed for either, but I haven't noticed myself.

On the trail, watching the oil temps - with A/C off my oil temp will ride around 220°. If I turn the A/C on that drops to around 190-200°

*edit* -- @TheKim beat me to it

 

[Desmolicious]

This has been extremely useful info.

 

[swamp2]

Some people also like to air down before hitting the trail to help reduce stress on the tires in hot weather.

Reducing tire pressures actually increases the (dynamic) stress in the tires causing more heat. Regardless, I've never heard of folks adjusting tire pressure due to outside air temperature.

 

[suparee]

Drink plenty of water ahead of time to help stay hydrated, have a salty meal a day ahead, bring more water than you think you need (2-3 quarts a person), having a big cooler with ice helps, wear light (and light colored, ask HR Giger how black worked in the Saudi desert lol) long sleeved shirts and a wide brimmed hat with sunscreen, turn on the a/c and leave it on even with the windows down. I also like the cooling cloths w/ice water. Maybe put some aloe in the ice in case someone gets overheated or sunburned, that feels good on your face and neck.

Be smart, don't do stupid crap like get hammered the night before and go out already dehydrated. Expect you might be helping others, too. Bring handheld fans and a simple shelter to sit under if you're outside for a while, like during lunch; I have a little blanket I bring to put over the back door and roof if I want some shade.

Bring a change of cloths and dry socks. Sunglasses. The only time I've called for help was at a state park in 106deg temps when the sun bounced off the coliche rocks with little shade and I started seeing things and had trouble walking. Don't be hero. If you feel like you're overheating, take care of yourself and watch for others, especially children and the elderly, but it can happen to anyone.

That's really helpful!

 

[suparee]

Reducing tire pressures actually increases the (dynamic) stress in the tires causing more heat. Regardless, I've never heard of folks adjusting tire pressure due to outside air temperature.

Wait... Was I misled?

 

[swamp2]

Wait... Was I misled?

Apparently.

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