I know the pressure will increase as the tire is driven and heats up, but what is considered a temp that is too high? I just added a tire pressure monitor system to my TT which also monitors the tire temp. On the first trip with the system, the temps got to 101/102 for a while. We are headed to TX in a couple of weeks and I want to know what temp to really be on the look out for.
I have not been able to find much info on the web, but did find this:
Below is a quote form the Bridgestone Commerical Truck web site
"While this is not set in stone: A very general rule of thumb is that a properly inflated/loaded tire, when up to operating temperature - one hour or more of operation - will typically run about 60 degrees F hotter than the ambient temperature. Anything above 200 degrees F could lead to tire degradation and you need to investigate for a problem.
Best regards, Tire Doctor"
What do you find is a "average" temp
Thanks in advance for any info.
Chuck Roder & Family
'07 Surveyor SV-235RS
'03 Chevy TrailBlazer EXT LT V8 High Springs, FL.
I just towed our 21' toyhauler across the Mojave Desert on Hwy 395 between Cajon Pass and Ridgecrest in early June. Checked the temps on the tires with a point-and-shoot temp gage at a gas stop at the 395/58 junction - all were between 100f and 105f, and it was about 90f air temp that day.
I have seen the tires on my fifth wheel, as measured by my hand held infra red temp gage, reach the 150 and 160 degree range on days when the air temps were in the high ninties.
'05' F-250 Power Stroke
'00' 30' Cameo Fifth Wheel
You say your tires were at 101/102. But what was the ambient temp? If tire usually run 60% over it, and it was 80%. Your tires were running unusually cool. Only 21% over ambient.
Sometimes we get too many toys, and they cause us to worry about stuff we shouldn't.
I have driven at freeway speed while loaded in Phoenix when it was 125 degrees out and the tires did not explode. Every day the military drives vehicles of all types in Iraq in temps higher than Phoenix and Death Valley. I don't think tire temp is something anyone needs to waste time thinking about, unless you happen to be pointing a cutting torch at them. There isn't anything you can do about the temperature of your tires anyways. You're going to drive, the tires are going to roll, they are going to reach whatever temperature they reach, and you will continue on your way to your destination. Why worry about it?
Not long ago we had a flat on the trailer (curb side/ front tire). I never felt the trailer pulling any different. I was alerted by a passing car that we had a problem. I have no idea how long we drove with the rear curb side tire taking all the weight on that side of the trailer. On the next trip, we were about an hour out and made a pit stop. I did my walk around and found the rear curb side tire to be very Hot to the touch. I changed the tire and went on. At the campground I found the tire that was hot now had a large bubble on the side. I am guessing it was damaged by running over loaded when the other tire went flat.
I am not trying to be overly concerned with the tire temp, I just want to try and avoid problems if possible. I guess the best course of action is to be aware if the temp in one tire is very far off from the temp in all the other tires.
I would keep an eye on the air pressure and the condition of the tires and not worry about the temperature.
You can get a Raytek infrared temp gun to keep with you if you will feel better knowing what the temps are. Check Tool Depot, Tool Mart, Tool Source, or maybe Northern Tools.
Some tire pressure monitors report temp. Maybe someome will chime in with your answer. Unfortunately each rig weighs different amounts and carries different speeds and has different tires running different pressures. So you'd have to get the tire companies to open their test data, and they ain't gonna do that!
I'd check them as the guy above does.
when I stop I always take a shot at my brake drums and tires to check for changes. My tires are usually 20 degrees above ambient, my brakes are usually 150. My TT weighs 5900 and the tires are absolutely at their max capacity so I watch them carefully.
05 F150 FX4 Supercrew, 5.4, 3.73 LS, Jordan Ultima 2020 Brake Controller,
04 TrailCruiser 30QBSS, Battery Disconnect,
Dual Cam HP, Ultra Fab Power Tongue Jack, Bal Lockarm Stabilizers
In my opinion you are on the right track, being concerned about tire heat. I check mine when I stop at rest stops along the way. Checking the tire temps may let you know when something bad is about to happen. Such as a tire getting ready to blow or a bearing getting to hot. That said I do not get too concerned if all the tires are about the same temp, only if one is a lot higher then the rest.
Trailer safe.
Dave
Dave Julie Puff the magic cat Max the quiet one Roxie Dog Rescued
2006 Ram 3500 White Laramie H package Quad Cab,CTD,DRW LWB, 2X4,4.10 gears,limited slip,Jake Brake,48RE. Line-X, Reese 18K Signature Hitch. 2006 Heartland/Golden Gate.
After buying a pocket IR thermometer last summer we made a trip from Corpus Christi to Houston. The temps were at or near 100F ambient. The TV tires were around 125F and the TT tires were 120F or so; Michelins and Yokohama's, respectively. This was after departing a secondary road (US-59) moving at our usual 62 mph; it was around 4 o'clock.
This was the highest temps I've seen. Other days the tires were not that much higher than ambient; around 15F higher when near 80F.
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