Is Everything Running at the Right Temperature ?

[Cate&Rob]

Something every RV should have . . .
This tool was referenced by gordofuchs in a brake discussion, but many may not realize how inexpensive and accurate the current generation of laser thermometers have become. This is a "must have" in my RV toolbox.

There are many uses . . .

For tires and brakes, when we stop a highway rest area, I scan each RV tire across the tread and then each brake drum. Takes less than a minute and you know for sure whether anything is running hotter than average.

It is a great first check on any system you think might not be operating correctly or might not be calibrated correctly. AC outlet temp, fridge and freezer temps, oven temp, hot water temp, thermostat calibration . . . and so on.

I have used many of these over the years, including some professional very expensive ones. This one is as accurate and easy to use as any . . . and cost $35.

Rob

 

[John612]

Thanks Rob, I've heard good things about those and will be buying one.
Which brand so you recommend?
I check my tires and brakes evrytime we stop as well and the other day after a long gradual pull downhill, I noticed my left front brake was hot while the other three were cool.
Took it to the dealer and was told that is normal.
Doesn't sound right to me, what about you?

Thanks
John

 

[Cate&Rob]

Hi John,

As far as brand of laser thermometer, it looks like this latest generation is carried by many retailers with the same functionality, but packaged in their own tool shape. I don't have a recommendation for one over another.

As for one brake running hotter than the other three . . . I can't think of a scenario where this would be "normal". In fact, this is the kind of problem that the laser thermometer is good at finding. After reasonably heavy braking, I have noticed that the front axle drums are warmer than the rear axle. This may be normal due to weight transfer forward under braking. Would be interested to hear from others on this. Tire and brake temps are nearly identical on both sides of the same axle.

Rob

 

[luckeyd1]

Thanks Rob, I've heard good things about those and will be buying one.
Which brand so you recommend?
I check my tires and brakes evrytime we stop as well and the other day after a long gradual pull downhill, I noticed my left front brake was hot while the other three were cool.
Took it to the dealer and was told that is normal.
Doesn't sound right to me, what about you?

Thanks
John

Not normal. Most likely the brake in question is out of adjustment, or the other 3 are. Can you lock up all four tires with the brake controller?

 

[John612]

Yes rig locks up but not sure if all 4 tires are locking up, what's the best way to discern that?

Thanks
John

 

[luckeyd1]

Yes rig locks up but not sure if all 4 tires are locking up, what's the best way to discern that?

Thanks
John

The only way to know for sure is to have someone stand outside while you lock them up. You will have to do this a few times to determine if all are locking. Don't have to be going fast, 10-15 MPH is plenty of speed.

 

[John612]

Thanks Don, I'll give that a try.

 

[Steve and Lynne]

Be careful you don't dump stuff out of the upper rear cabinets doing this lockup testing! Don't ask how I know!

 

[John612]

Good advice thanks!