Forum Discussion

mbrower's avatar
mbrower
Explorer
May 27, 2017

tire and wheel temperatures

I just returned from Myrtle beach and had something strange happen on the way back. I normally travel at night when the temperatures and traffic are lighter but this trip, I left in the afternoon. The door side tire temperature was running about 10 degrees hotter that the curb side tires, which is normal and I always thought it was due to the crown of the road placing more weight on those two tires. Never concerned me.

This trip I was in a lot of traffic with a lot of red lights and stop and go driving. Tires on the door side was about 20 degrees hotter than the curb side and then the front door side tire started rising significantly, 40 degrees within about 20 minutes of driving. We were about to get on the interstate so I decided to stop for fuel and grab a quick bite.

The front door side wheel was extremely hot and much hotter than the other wheels when comparing by feel.

everything was pointing to a dragging brake or wheel bearing. I decided to let everything cool off and jack the wheel up to make some quick checks. To my surprise, everything checked out fine.

I decided to continue and if temperature rises again to pull over and do a much thorough inspection. The rest of the trip home the front tire never got more than 2 degrees different than the rear tire. about 5 hours of traveling.

The only thing I can think of, is the exhaust from the truck was hotter than normal from the traffic and was blowing back on the tire and wheel making it hot.

just wondering what some of your thoughts are?
  • ken_burke's avatar
    ken_burke
    Explorer
    May 30, 2017
    Dayle1 wrote:
    More likely the exhaust in spite of other comments. I have internal sensors on my trailer so they are insensitive to sun and wind effects. And in spite of the distance the ones behind the exhaust are always hotter with the front trailer tire hotter than the rear. But it also depends on which side your exhaust is at, mine is curb side, or with dual exhaust depends on wind direction. When I searched this issue I found one owner that had melted plastic trim at the lower corner of the fiver when towing during a regen cycle. I don't think a 10 degree diff really matters, worst case maybe rotate tires side to side.


    Wow. That explanes a lot. Thanks!! My right front trailer tire is always hotter than the other tires. The pressure is also higher. I never thought about the hot exhaust (from ford diesel) as being the problem. I am now sure that it is true. If I had a brain in my head I would have figured it out! When you stand aft of the exhaust it is really hot. During the regen process the exhaust gases get up to 1200 deg F. Once I had a left front trailer blow out.
    There must be some way to cool the tire. Put in a vent scoop?
    At least it is another thing to think about.
    ken
  • JIMNLIN's avatar
    JIMNLIN
    Explorer III
    May 27, 2017
    Dragging/incorrectly adjusted brake shoe/pad with that wheel with all the extra braking events.
  • mbrower's avatar
    mbrower
    Explorer
    May 27, 2017
    Cummins12V98 wrote:
    "The door side tire temperature was running about 10 degrees hotter that the curb side"

    I thought the door side and curb side were one in the same???


    I think you're right LOL! I wrote that early this morning.

    My exhaust blows straight out the back and it has melted my sewer hose 5X5 storage box (fence post). When I replaced it, I installed a deflector on it to try and route some of the exhaust around it but its starting to melt again. I know the exhaust is very hot while towing. I think I'm going to have an exhaust shop modify the outlet so it blows more out the side.
  • GoPackGo's avatar
    GoPackGo
    Explorer
    May 27, 2017
    One thing I noticed when I was pulling across Arizona was that the tires on the side that face the sun will get significantly warmer on a hot day. I realize this does not explain why one tire was hotter then the others, but may apply to what you experienced in your first paragraph.
  • Cummins12V98's avatar
    Cummins12V98
    Explorer III
    May 27, 2017
    "The door side tire temperature was running about 10 degrees hotter that the curb side"

    I thought the door side and curb side were one in the same???
  • Dayle1's avatar
    Dayle1
    Explorer II
    May 27, 2017
    More likely the exhaust in spite of other comments. I have internal sensors on my trailer so they are insensitive to sun and wind effects. And in spite of the distance the ones behind the exhaust are always hotter with the front trailer tire hotter than the rear. But it also depends on which side your exhaust is at, mine is curb side, or with dual exhaust depends on wind direction. When I searched this issue I found one owner that had melted plastic trim at the lower corner of the fiver when towing during a regen cycle. I don't think a 10 degree diff really matters, worst case maybe rotate tires side to side.
  • lawrosa's avatar
    lawrosa
    Explorer
    May 27, 2017
    I personally dont think the exhaust that far away would raise the temp of your tire.

    I would say the brake hung up since you where in stop and go traffic..

About Fifth Wheel Group

19,006 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 29, 2025