Infrared thermometer.

[Bigdomino]

Do any of you use one to check the trailer tires and brakes when traveling?

Thanks.

Steve

[ifallsguy]

I check at every rest, lunch and fuel stops Also looking at adding TPMS to monitor tire pressure and temps. As for an infrared reader, I've used Craftsman (the late Sears) and Harbor Freight. The latter work fine and inexpensive.

[01tundra]

Yep, that's how I found out that on one side the brakes were way out of adjustment. I check the hub temps every time we stop during our trips.

This is the thermometer that I bought -

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[sennister]

Yes I do but a quick hand check works as well. It is more looking for consistent temps rather than a certain temp. If a bearing is failing it isn't very likely that all 4 wheels would fail at the same time so one wheel will be noticeably hotter than the others.

[rockaw]

Also use one, I keep it in the cab, when I stop I do a "look around" the RV, take the infrared thingy, hit the tires, rims and hubs. A friend of mine had one tire overheating and he caught it before it blew.

As with Ifallsguy I'm also thinking about a TPMS for the tire pressure.

[Screwby]

Yup, every time we stop. Used to do touch method but an extremely hot wheel (ouch) and ability to walk around and play with new toy changed that.

[sennister]

Originally Posted by Screwby

Yup, every time we stop. Used to do touch method but an extremely hot wheel (ouch) and ability to walk around and play with new toy changed that.

Yeah I wouldn't just slap my hand on it. First hover above the hub and wheel. If it doesn't seem really hot then touch with a quick tap. Then touch.

[Screwby]

Originally Posted by sennister

Yeah I wouldn't just slap my hand on it. First hover above the hub and wheel. If it doesn't seem really hot then touch with a quick tap. Then touch.

Live and learn, I was just slapping them and got to 3rd wheel and #%?!....brake dragging apparently

[TxTwoSome]

I use one i bought at Harbor Freight to check tires and hubs at every stop.

Good way to possibly catch a problem before it becomes major.

[Jagiven]

I have one in the door of my truck. I tend to only use it now on longer trips. When I use it I also check the truck brake temperatures too.

[ifallsguy]

Originally Posted by Jagiven

I have one in the door of my truck. I tend to only use it now on longer trips. When I use it I also check the truck brake temperatures too.

Good point. Using the IR reader, I caught a hanging caliper in my '07. Lucky it was a two days before I took delivery of my '16 F-150. The caliper released after it cooled and I was able to drive it to the dealer. I did tell them about it and was told don't worry, it was going to auction and would be checked out.

Has other uses, like checking air flow from ducts (RV and house) leaks around windows, and can even be used to locate a water leak (temp difference near leak behind the wall).

[kevcarr59]

Back when I was driving big truck, I had a load going to our warehouse the north side of Ft. Worth. Pulled inside the warehouse, rolled tarps, and noticed something on the front trailer tandem. It looked "bright", for some reason, HOLY CRAP!!! The plastic center cap had cracked and broke, and all the oil had run out. The spindle was glowing cherry red. When I got closer, you could feel the heat coming off of it. You couldn't even get close to that hub cap.

Luckily, I didn't lose the whole front tandem, which could have been deadly. I doubt it would have lasted 5 or 10 more miles. Had to have a tire man come out and pull the 2 tires, then chain up the front axle, so I could get back to our yard.