To OP question of...(safe is below 175f)?
1) OP... I had tire temps of over 200 (208 to be exact). Very hot day (2nd hottest of last summer) and my tires are about maxed out load wise (run almost max gvw all the time). But all tire were within 10% of each other(temp wise). And found out when I got home and looked up tire temps and what the average should be. Not unusual for temps that high. And each tire has it's own temp range due to road, tread, load, outside temps, etc.
2) Also good time when checking tire temps to look at tires for bulges, shinners (nail or bolt heads in tread) Check audible leaks, being your right at the tire? Valve stem still centered? See any new shinny metal at lug nuts? (equals loose lug nut)
3) (pit stops-rest areas, truck stops) Also good time to check out if any low lifes are making their way over to you to beg or put you in any type of danger. Or if somebody just needs a battery jump to get going again.
4) (Pit stops-rest areas)Also good idea to see if you have cell coverage or not prior to stopping or atleast know where you are if case you need to make a call, you can tell somebody where exactly where you are.
OH man you have to get a temp gun...so much fun. Check tires and dutch oven temps and see if your trans temp gauge is actually right and be able to show wife it is not to cold. "Look Honey, just right 72 degrees" And if in trailer, check bearing temps.
Almost forgot handy for laser tag with cat. And somebody last weak said they found a way to check the level of propane in tank using a temp gun. (I tried it but not so much luck for me)
My $20.00 temp gun on sale from Harbor Freight has served me well.
(Just had to put my 2 cents in..my latest play toy)
