Adding an odometer, cheap.

[mike-s]

I wanted to keep track of miles traveled. I could do it with a log, but then would have to remember every time. There are "hubometers," but they're made for semi-trailers and the tire sizes they use, and quite expensive.

So, I got a bike computer (Sigma BC506) off eBay for <$10 and mounted the sensor to the brake backing plate, and a rare earth magnet on the wheel hub. That lets the sensor be a bit farther away, and sense better at the higher speeds. I used Shoe-Goo to hold stuff on, which is pretty stiff and strong when it hardens. The magnet just clears the lip of the backing plate.



The wire just follows the wires for the electric brakes, and I mounted the computer (it's waterproof) underneath. I only check it occasionally, which involves sticking my head underneath and pressing a button on the bike computer.



The one "gotcha" is that when setup according to directions, it will keep total distance in kilometers, even when set to show MPH. The way around that is to set it up as if the tire size is 1/1.61 (the ratio of km to miles) its actual size. That works out to be ~1375 mm circumference for my tires. Then it will totalize miles. even though it says kilos. If set to display speed in kph, it will actually show mph. (it can give trip average speed, distance, etc., but that's not something I expect to use)

The battery is supposed to last 2-3 years, and this unit allows you to set the totalized distance, so you can check it then reset it when changing the battery.

It seems to work fine so far, but for my first trip with it I didn't know about it recording km, so the distance was high by 1.6x.

[Passin_Thru]

We pull ours from Va to Ok and Va-FL, VA-Tx, VA to Co and go about 13000 mi/yr so I don't bother keeping track anymore. Your mileage may vary.

[Muddydogs]

I keep track for the bearing pack, never would have thought I already had 6000 miles on my last bearing pack. Its also nice to know how many nights I stayed in the unit each year. Do you remember when you changed your genny oil or looked at the battery water? I have enough things rattling around in my brain to remember some of these things so I write them down.

[CavemanCharlie]

Neat idea. I like your creative spirit.

I'm just a weekend camper but, my question is, why do you need to know ? I mean, it's not like you have to change the oil. I understand that there are maintenance needs that are required every so many miles but, they are not that specific.

If it is just something that you like to keep track of then that's great. I sometimes keep track of things just for fun.

[allen8106]

hbillsmith wrote:
I use the old log method but a little teched up. It's in an Excel spreadsheet that I update using Google Maps. Google let's you key a route with multiple stops and shows you the miles between each. Even if I forget to update every trip, we always remember where we went. An odometer is a better method but you could use the Google method to get started.

My exact method.

[Lynnmor]

For those that worry about balance, have you ever checked the balance of your brake drums? Didn't think so. Many are waaaayyy out.

[bpounds]

You get points for creative thinking.

I keep a log of every mile and every gallon of fuel on my truck, in a spreadsheet. Use the same spreadsheet to record replacement part numbers, repair costs, what brand of fuel, etc. So when I log that, I also log estimated miles in a trailer spreadsheet, and also include where we camped, nights camped, site numbers, and also repairs and part numbers. Since my entries are done at the same time as the truck, I don't forget.

Even though I do all that, and it is interesting, there are zero trailer maintenance items based on mileage.

[Teamfour]

mikeh449 wrote:
my truck records trailer miles hen connected

Same here in my 2016 F250 as well as my old 2011 F150.

[GordonThree]

My 13 Ram has the same feature, with the factory brake controller. It has a provision for tracking two different trailers. I'll have to make a mental note to record the mileage when I trade in the truck on something newer.

[Muddydogs]

Rbertalotto wrote:

my truck records trailer miles hen connected

Now THAT'S neat! What kind of truck? Is it a separate odometer for the trailer?

My 2014 Dodge Ram has this feature. Its just like a third trip odometer that is tied into the trailer light plug so when you plug in the trailer it starts counting. Mine only seams to work when I tow a trailer with brakes so some how its tied into that?

I still just keep a log of approximate miles towed, nights stayed, MPG and a short description of anything exciting that happened or who went with us. I also keep maintenance info in the book so I have a reference to check when I can't remember when I last checked the battery water.

[RCMAN46]

For those of us that do not have the trailer ordometer feature on our tucks (Did not know about feature until now ) This should work.

If balance is really a concern it may be solved with two magnets (they are cheap and usually come 2-4 per package anyway.

My bike has a wireless system. I plan to give a wireless try. That way the display unit can be inside the trailer.

[Rbertalotto]

my truck records trailer miles hen connected

Now THAT'S neat! What kind of truck? Is it a separate odometer for the trailer?

[mikeh449]

my truck records trailer miles hen connected

[Rbertalotto]

I use these bicycle meters on all kinds of thing. I even used one to measure RPMs on a lathe! They work great and I have them on a few motorcycles and they have been working well for over ten years.

I'm going to put on on the trailer but put the monitor inside.....Thanks for the idea!

[rbpru]

Clever and if it doesn't work, you are only out a few bucks. Fortunately my F-150 has a TT odometer but my previous TV did not. Keeping track of TT mileage was a pain.