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Best Way I Found to Monitor My Tires
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Author:  jvalich [ Thu Jun 15, 2006 10:40 pm ]
Post subject:  Best Way I Found to Monitor My Tires
We do a lot of trailering and my load is quite large.
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With 6 tires I have a tendency to be a bit anal about them. What I've done is purchased a IR thermometer from Radio Shack some time back (about $30). I use the Ir Therm to keep a check on the tires and hubs when I trailer. Everytime we stop, I talk the trailer and shoot the temps of my hubs and the sidewall of each tire.

I know what my trailer tires run when properly inflated, I know what temp my hubs run when properly lubbed. I also know what my hubs with brakes run (it's all of them now with the new trailer) when they are functioning properly and not binding.

It's easy for me to spot a tire that is a little low because it's out of the norm and warmer than the others, especially the one on the other side of the axle. The same holds true of my hubs. I see a hub running warmer than it's brothers, it gets checked. The last time, one did I had a outer bearing begining to fail. Several of the rollers were severely pitted and I'm sure within a couple of more trips would have left me stranded.

It's just a technique I've found to be very helpful in preventing me from doing trailer repairs and fix a flats on the roadside.
Author:  230 Mike [ Fri Jun 16, 2006 12:37 am ]
Post subject: 
I do the same thing. I keep a note in my Palm Pilot so I can compare current readings to what they've been in the past under summer and fall conditions, etc.
Author:  scottwood2 [ Sun Jun 18, 2006 6:45 am ]
Post subject: 
Good tip but how do you tell the differance between an increase in hub temp from a bearing vs more brakeing or harder brakeing causing the increase in temp?
Author:  jvalich [ Sun Jun 18, 2006 6:38 pm ]
Post subject: 
The hub opposite should be in the same temp range. If one is significantly higher than the other I make note and investigate. Plus, with two or more axles with brakes, they should all be similar with perhaps the lead axle being the warmest.
Author:  230 Mike [ Sun Jun 18, 2006 6:42 pm ]
Post subject: 
Yeah you're really checking to be sure both hubs on each axle are about the same. Often I find that when I check them, one side has been in direct sun for a long period of time while the other side has been in the shade of the boat & fender, which accounts for at least a 10 degree difference. Otherwise mine are normally within 2-5 degrees of each other (on the same axle) so it wouldn't take much change for me to notice it.

I also have a complete spare hub, with bearings & seal already installed, which I take along on long trips. Of course, there's always the risk that a hub problem could destroy the spindle before the problem was detected.
Author:  scottwood2 [ Wed Jun 21, 2006 8:42 am ]
Post subject: 
I like the idea of the spare hub.

Are you guys running disc or drum brakes?

I have always checked my temps with my arm and fingers. I lean my arm against the tire while I touch the hub with my fingers. Rear axle on mine is the braking axle and is always warmer. Works but I like the IR readout idea better, may have to pick one up.

Thx
Author:  ifourwinns [ Wed Jun 21, 2006 9:27 am ]
Post subject: 
i bought this one from radio shack for $49 plus batttery cost....
now my son can check his ice cream temp too.
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Author:  DaleG [ Tue Jul 12, 2011 9:06 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Best Way I Found to Monitor My Tires
I do the same thing with an IR gun. I also use it to monitor exhaust riser temps over time. The difference is I am probably not as anal about it as you are John ---- (your words not mine -- LOL)

I will be towing 14 hours each way in two weeks -- so I do need to find out where that IR gun is carefully stored -- well stashed away maybe -- hidden ??--- ok, LOST in my garage.
Author:  Cincy Aquaholic [ Tue Jul 12, 2011 9:20 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Best Way I Found to Monitor My Tires
juhizends wrote:
This is really nice idea share over here. The hub adverse should be in the aforementioned acting range. If one is decidedly college than the added I accomplish agenda and investigate. Plus, with two or added axles with brakes, they should all be agnate with conceivably the advance arbor getting the warmest.


Huh? Interesting dialect.

I use an IR temp gun from harbor freight as well plus the touch test. I have brakes on all 6 wheels. They have never got past the the warm to the touch feel. If they get hot I'll know there's a problem unless others are the same and I had recent hard long brake. I try and stop at least once midway on a 4 hour trip and check right away.
Author:  Cap'n Morgan [ Tue Jul 12, 2011 9:39 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Best Way I Found to Monitor My Tires
There are 3 or 4 spammers that have slipped through, as well as a new member from Miami (alledgedly) that have been dragging up 2 to 5 year old threads lately. Most people have not even noticed it. A good topic nonetheless, that is if you have a trailer.....
Author:  pet575 [ Tue Jul 12, 2011 10:17 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Best Way I Found to Monitor My Tires
juhizends wrote:
This is really nice idea share over here. The hub adverse should be in the aforementioned acting range. If one is decidedly college than the added I accomplish agenda and investigate. Plus, with two or added axles with brakes, they should all be agnate with conceivably the advance arbor getting the warmest.


This^^^^
Author:  LouC [ Tue Jul 12, 2011 10:52 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Best Way I Found to Monitor My Tires
Ditto on the it gun....just picked one up....I found that the hottest part of the engine was the part of the manifold where the thermometer housing bolts...about 155...the top of the housing...110-120....risers....115 at idle.....135 after running on plane. I have not checked hubs or brakes yet...but will the next time I trailer.....
Author:  Cap'n Morgan [ Tue Jul 12, 2011 11:09 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Best Way I Found to Monitor My Tires
Cap'n Morgan wrote:
Most people have not even noticed it.


:roll:
Author:  aguyindallas [ Tue Jul 12, 2011 11:12 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Best Way I Found to Monitor My Tires
Cap'n Morgan wrote:
Cap'n Morgan wrote:
Most people have not even noticed it.


:roll:



Ugh...I have...
Author:  230 Mike [ Tue Jul 12, 2011 1:56 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Best Way I Found to Monitor My Tires
Cap'n Morgan wrote:
Most people have not even noticed it.


Did you say something?

:mrgreen:
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