Infrared Thermometer

[VTR]

I am thinking of getting one of these to check trailer hubs/axle heat, as someone recommended.

What kinda of readings am I looking at if I am having a problem with overheating?

Is a hand to feel tamps on the hub not good enough?

I am told using one can really avert a problem before it happens.

Thoughts

[lanerd]

With all due respect Turtle, I am in agreement with Scott. If one hub is hotter than the others, then that hub has a problem....brakes, bearing....something. The actual temps are probably irrelevant, but a significant difference between them definitely signifies a problem.

Ron

[Turtle_n_Peeps]

VTR wrote:


I am told using one can really avert a problem before it happens.

Thoughts

IMHO you were told wrong.

I have gunned thousands of tires at the track when we race. I will tell you right now that the chances of gunning a hub at just the right time before the bearings smoke are slim to none if not impossible. Brakes will add so much heat to the hubs that the temps will be all over the board.

IOW's you are wasting you time.

If it makes you feel good, go for it; but that's all it will do.

[wcjeep]

I have found the sun side of the vehicle to be about 10deg warmer.

[coolbreeze01]

I have an Infrared, but still use my hand on tires and hubs because its faster.

[ScottG]

You will find one that is a lot hotter than the others so it's mostly a relative temperature thing.
When I had an issue with a brake dragging, the hubs were all at about 110 and the bad one was at 165~175.

[chateausport]

I would pick up an inexpensive one from an auto shop,40.00$ should get you one good enough for what you need. I work in a calibration lab and the difference now days between an expensive fluke and a cheap one is not more than a few degrees accuracy.