Consider getting an IR heat gun to read the actual temp at the spot the red IR dot measures...that is the best and cheapest way to really know
I check mine before leaving each morning and during each stop of the trip (several spots on all tires, wheels, bearing/hub, radiator, diff cover, etc) during all trips. Even the pavement to get a datum of how much is being conducted to the tires
As for the comment highlighted in red below...out of context...and missing lots of thermal dynamic attributes to the whole picture. So not a complete analysis and decision...like the GAWR of that medium duty is most likely in the tens of thousands of pounds vs our light duty trucks GAWR in the 3K to 4K to 5K to 6K to maybe 10K on very few of the higher class light duty trucks mentioned here
Maybe the OEMs have designed in more margin in the sizing of the gear set, the pumpkin lube capacity, the axle assembly thermal mass (inertia...in drawing it in till it reaches equilibrium, much larger convection surface area, better conduction pathways to other thermal holding/convection areas, etc) and another etc as to what their design margins are for their thermal rejection system. At the end of that thermal rejection food chain is surface area, temp differential between that RMS surface area and the ambient air temp & CFM
Bryan is the only guy here who drives/reports/etc harder than my driving style. Admire his choices in stuff and a model for my noodling for my mods...wish knew of his mods before ordering my Suburban, as wanted a 1 ton, 4x4 full sized Van, but none of the OEMs offered a 4x4 van, nor any of the after market kits looked at instilled confidence in their designs...
Just because a lube, no matter dino or synthetic, is good for an ultimate temp limit spec'd by the OEM, does it mean it is a good idea to run at that max temp...though and in the vast minority on NOT running close to, at or over the OEm ratings/limits/etc on this forum...most other forums to boot...
For the lurkers who PM me on stuff...an example is anyone/human/etc and their 'specification'. We automated a US Steel (which became USX during the installation) high tensile seemless oil drilling pipe in Alabama (circa late 1970 to early 1980) and that 2.1 mile corner to corner 'building' had average ambient temps in the 120*F range. OSHA limited exposure inside that building to 20 minutes with some hours (IIRC 2) rest...or maybe the other way around...senior moment this
Why???
Think duty cycle for inanimate stuff like our TV's...Health basis and longevity of that human...also applies to inanimate stuff like our TVs...
Groover wrote:
I have been considering adding a finned aluminum cover but the price does seem high. The owners manual for my 2016 F150 does recommending changing the oil to synthetic if consistently towing near rated limits. Perhaps that is all that is needed. While I am towing near the rated limit I am mostly doing short, low speed trips and doubt that my axle gets that hot.
Food for thought, I don't think that I have ever seen a class 8 tractor with a finned cover.
