On a recent 4K mile trip I experienced tire temps of 120 with ambient temps of 95. This with Goodyear G614 tires inflated cold to 105 PSI with a trailer weight of 11,700 lbs. (Total weight of 14,700 lbs.) divided between two axles. Tire temps always run in a max range of 3 psi and 5 degrees of each other. Based on that, I assume my wheel weights are close to each other (no heavy wheels). Do those temps and pressures seem about right? An increase of 15-20 psi over cold?
-- Edited by RonC on Saturday 2nd of July 2016 11:12:48 AM
Rickl said
03:58 AM Jul 2, 2016
I wouldn't worry about tire temps in the 120 range. If all the tires were approximately within a small range you will be ok. The speed at which you were rolling, the type of surface you were traveling on are just a couple of variables to take into consideration.
igotjam said
08:38 AM Jul 2, 2016
Whether the tires are in the sun or not makes a huge difference for mine. Have taken tire temps at every stop for years and 140 is not uncommon. Have Goodyear G614s and travel at 60mph., cold PSI 105-110.
RonC said
11:11 AM Jul 2, 2016
Our speeds were normally 65 mph, with only a rare run up to 70 mph to pass a truck. Used cruise control 95% of the time. Only kicked cruise off in the rolling hills to avoid all the unnecessary shifting the transmission would do. I have the TST 507 flow thru monitoring system with alarms set at 95 PSI low to 125 PSI high and the standard 158 degree high temp. System never squawked, so that was comforting ... at one point one tire did get to 122 degrees, but only for a short time, then it went back to 120. I know you guys have a lot of experience with all this and I'm still learning so thanks for the feedback.
Bill and Linda said
11:49 AM Jul 2, 2016
RonC wrote:
On a recent 4K mile trip I experienced tire temps of 120 with ambient temps of 95. This with Goodyear G614 tires inflated cold to 105 PSI with a trailer weight of 11,700 lbs. (Total weight of 14,700 lbs.) divided between two axles. Tire temps always run in a max range of 3 psi and 5 degrees of each other. Based on that, I assume my wheel weights are close to each other (no heavy wheels). Do those temps and pressures seem about right? An increase of 15-20 psi over cold?
-- Edited by RonC on Saturday 2nd of July 2016 11:12:48 AM
Ron:
Tire temps vary depending on a lot of factors, as much as to the sun shining on them as anything else assuming proper inflation. A suggestion: Assuming your running the tires at the correct pressure for the load, compare the temps of the tires on the same side of the trailer. If they are pretty close, put the heat gun away and relax. You're looking for the tire that's significantly different. Not a absolute number. Comparing gives you a reference as to what's actually "hot." But compare only tires on the same side. One can do this for the truck as well.
I can see 150 degrees on the tires in the sun in the summer while the other side will be 120. "It depends."
The only way to check tire pressure is cold for all practical purposes and per the manufacture's specs. So check them cold and you'll be fine pressure wise.
Now, if one really wants to be really safe - IMO - for trailers with "G" tires - spend the dollars and put on G114 "H" tires. They will last 2-3 times as longer and don't have the blowout and wear issues the "RV" type "G" tires have. ("Ask me how I know this.") I've run both types and I won't run a trailer with "G" tires on it except as a spare tire. However, if you travel very little this additional cost may not be worth it. A choice.
The G114 "H" tires have a speed rating of 75 MPH. Not suggesting one should run 75 MPH. Just commenting the fact these commercial tires are the real deal.
BTW, using the proper inflation from the manufacture's table based on weight, the "H" tires will ride no more "ruff" then the "G" tires.
My opinions
RonC said
09:52 PM Jul 6, 2016
Bill,
While I agree on the H rated tires you've suggested, our rig was OEM equipped with E rated tires which I've upgraded to the Goodyear G 614 tires. The GVW on our rig is 15,000 lbs with3,000 of that being carried on the pin, so only 12,000 left for the trailer wheels to carry. With7,000 lbs axles carrying 6,000 lbs and each corner carrying 3,000 lbs (on tires rated at 3,750 lbs) ... I think I'm in the safe zone. When time passes, I'll upgrade to MorRyde IS and H rated tires .... but until then, I'm pretty sure I'm in good shape. The G 614's are speed rated to 75 MPH.
-- Edited by RonC on Wednesday 6th of July 2016 09:54:30 PM
Rickl said
10:17 PM Jul 6, 2016
Ron the weights you quoted on the pin and the axles, along with the individual wheel position, are these actual weighed results or are they based on doing the math based on the manufactures published info?
If these are based on manufactures published weights I would highly recommend to find a scale to verify your weights as you are normally loaded/traveling. Just my opinion..
RonC said
07:38 AM Jul 7, 2016
I can see how those nice round numbers could lead you to believe that I was using published numbers instead of actual ones. I will confess that I did a little rounding, but the weights are based on my most recent weigh in on a CAT scale. The actual weights were Trailer 11,740 (that's the two axles together) Drive Axle with trailer 6820 and Drive Axle without trailer 3880 ... so pin weight is 2940. Pin Weight plus Axle Weight is 14,680 .. sometimes I carry a little more of less fresh water, so the rounding thing helps me paint a picture that is "close" but not exact. That's why I said GVW of 15,000 Pin Weight of 3,000 and 12,000 on the axles ... close but not exact.
RonC said
07:53 AM Jul 7, 2016
Bill,
I read your "signature" and noticed that you have a seriously nice truck ... I'm envious!
Bill and Linda said
01:23 PM Jul 8, 2016
RonC wrote:
Bill,
I read your "signature" and noticed that you have a seriously nice truck ... I'm envious!
Ron:
Thanks for the compliment. I'm sure Tom, at Classy Chassis, would be happy to build one for you. I know of 6 units Classy has built for RV-Dreams members. Four were delivered this year I know of. Seems the RAM 5500HD has become quite popular for those wanting heavy towing capability. A true Class 5 MDT in a "pickup" wrapper. Love the ride, capability, etc. Very pleased with the truck and up-fit from Classy. This is our second Classy build.
On a recent 4K mile trip I experienced tire temps of 120 with ambient temps of 95. This with Goodyear G614 tires inflated cold to 105 PSI with a trailer weight of 11,700 lbs. (Total weight of 14,700 lbs.) divided between two axles. Tire temps always run in a max range of 3 psi and 5 degrees of each other. Based on that, I assume my wheel weights are close to each other (no heavy wheels). Do those temps and pressures seem about right? An increase of 15-20 psi over cold?
-- Edited by RonC on Saturday 2nd of July 2016 11:12:48 AM
Ron:
Tire temps vary depending on a lot of factors, as much as to the sun shining on them as anything else assuming proper inflation. A suggestion: Assuming your running the tires at the correct pressure for the load, compare the temps of the tires on the same side of the trailer. If they are pretty close, put the heat gun away and relax. You're looking for the tire that's significantly different. Not a absolute number. Comparing gives you a reference as to what's actually "hot." But compare only tires on the same side. One can do this for the truck as well.
I can see 150 degrees on the tires in the sun in the summer while the other side will be 120. "It depends."
The only way to check tire pressure is cold for all practical purposes and per the manufacture's specs. So check them cold and you'll be fine pressure wise.
Now, if one really wants to be really safe - IMO - for trailers with "G" tires - spend the dollars and put on G114 "H" tires. They will last 2-3 times as longer and don't have the blowout and wear issues the "RV" type "G" tires have. ("Ask me how I know this.") I've run both types and I won't run a trailer with "G" tires on it except as a spare tire. However, if you travel very little this additional cost may not be worth it. A choice.
The G114 "H" tires have a speed rating of 75 MPH. Not suggesting one should run 75 MPH. Just commenting the fact these commercial tires are the real deal.
BTW, using the proper inflation from the manufacture's table based on weight, the "H" tires will ride no more "ruff" then the "G" tires.
My opinions
Bill,
While I agree on the H rated tires you've suggested, our rig was OEM equipped with E rated tires which I've upgraded to the Goodyear G 614 tires. The GVW on our rig is 15,000 lbs with3,000 of that being carried on the pin, so only 12,000 left for the trailer wheels to carry. With7,000 lbs axles carrying 6,000 lbs and each corner carrying 3,000 lbs (on tires rated at 3,750 lbs) ... I think I'm in the safe zone. When time passes, I'll upgrade to MorRyde IS and H rated tires .... but until then, I'm pretty sure I'm in good shape. The G 614's are speed rated to 75 MPH.
-- Edited by RonC on Wednesday 6th of July 2016 09:54:30 PM
If these are based on manufactures published weights I would highly recommend to find a scale to verify your weights as you are normally loaded/traveling. Just my opinion..
I can see how those nice round numbers could lead you to believe that I was using published numbers instead of actual ones. I will confess that I did a little rounding, but the weights are based on my most recent weigh in on a CAT scale. The actual weights were Trailer 11,740 (that's the two axles together) Drive Axle with trailer 6820 and Drive Axle without trailer 3880 ... so pin weight is 2940. Pin Weight plus Axle Weight is 14,680 .. sometimes I carry a little more of less fresh water, so the rounding thing helps me paint a picture that is "close" but not exact. That's why I said GVW of 15,000 Pin Weight of 3,000 and 12,000 on the axles ... close but not exact.
I read your "signature" and noticed that you have a seriously nice truck ... I'm envious!
Ron:
Thanks for the compliment. I'm sure Tom, at Classy Chassis, would be happy to build one for you. I know of 6 units Classy has built for RV-Dreams members. Four were delivered this year I know of. Seems the RAM 5500HD has become quite popular for those wanting heavy towing capability. A true Class 5 MDT in a "pickup" wrapper. Love the ride, capability, etc. Very pleased with the truck and up-fit from Classy. This is our second Classy build.