95 Sub Power sluggish - catalytic converter extremely hot

I towed my travel trailer about 200 miles on vacation, in the past it only use 3/4 tank of gas. This time it used more than a tank (42gal+). Additionally, when I tried to climb the hill, even with the gas pedal press to the floor, it would not go beyond 50 mile an hour. Also, the catalytic converter is extremely hot through the floor board. I suspected the transmission would not shift to 3rd gear. However, when I drove it without the camper, I seem to shift to all gear. I want to travel back home safe. Any comment would be appreciated.

Sounds like you might need a tune-up. A missfire will cause all of that.

Most muffler shops can test for a plugged cat, if there's one close by. From your post I would put the cat high up on the list of things to check.

Thanks for the replies - I took it to an independent shop yesterday and his specialties are catalytic and automobile repair. He suspected 1st was the tune-up or catalytic issue. However, when he asked me to put on the brake and put the gear in reverse and slowly rev up the engine to 2000 rpm to rule out the engine mis-fire. The test was determined that the engine is running fine. Regarding the catalytic plugged, he said that he can not determine, since it is running fine without the trailer and if it plugged regardless of the load, I will loose power within 10-15 mins due to catalytic expansion. One theory he speculate, perhaps the trailer brake may be dragging. But if that is the case, the wheel may axels may be burn after I already towed a 200 miles. I 'm looking at it and it is looking fine. I'm in the camping resort 'til Saturday. So I may take a couple of plugs out just to see if the tune-up is the issue... Hate it when it happen when you on vacation and away from your tools. Additional ideas would be appreciated.

I would replace plugs and wires just to be on the safe side.

Is there any possibility the transmission is on the way out, which caused all these issue? Since I have approx. 80K+ on this 3rd rebuilt tranny?

Maybe if it is slipping but you should feel that.

Thanks Taillight - I made it home this afternoon minus the camper. The catalytic converter is very not, even without the camper. I drove at about 2K rpm for more than 200 miles and at some hills, it seems sluggish. I'll check the plugs tomorrow.

A quick cat test is with a vacuum gauge.
Check vacuum at idle and at 2K rpm.
If vacuum drops under idle vacuum at 2K you are looking at exhaust blockage.
If Idle vacuum is under 17-18 you may have engine running problems.
MT