Tire Pressure and Temperature

[superdav]

Hello again...

I posed this question in the G Tires thread but thought it would be better to start a new thread.

How do most of you check and/or monitor your tire pressure and measure the temperature? I don't have a monitoring system. I know that would be nice, but what type of gauges do you use if you don't have one? Right now I have a basic Walmart tire gauge for air pressure but nothing to measure the temperature....

[piper guy]

I use a digital infrared thermometer. You can find decent ones on Amazon for $25-35.00 Normal running temp for mine on a warm Summer day is around 110-115 degrees. What you're looking for is all of them pretty equal.

[GA1817]

I got one at Sam's Club for under $20.

[Titan Guy]

I don't have TPMS or a thermometer. While those are nice, after 40 years in the tire business, they are not necessary. I do walk around the trailer each stop and put my hand on the tires. After a while you know if something is too hot.
What is necessary is an accurate tire gauge.
Price does not necessarily reflect accuracy. I have a certified master test station that I set up at rally's and some shows like Quartzsite where you air gauge is nearby or you will be back the next day or 2. I do not set this up at RV shows. 97% of gauges are +/- 5psi @ 100 psi. You just need to figure out if it's 5 low or high. I sell a Dill gauge at these shows that is adjustable so I can make it accurate.
The other thing you need is a load margin for error. If you are at 13,000 lbs or avg 3,250 lbs per tire there is no margin for error on a 235/80R16 E (3420 lbs.) While the G rated (3750 lbs.) gives you a 15% margin for error and the 17.5 LR H gives you a 35% margin for error. Check your personal vehicle and you will find a built in margin of error of 20%-30%.

[superdav]

Thanks for the responses! I checked Harbor Freight....I can get an infrared thermometer and a good gauge there. I should have thought of that sooner. I have been checking with my hand at each stop and kicking the tires....but now I will at least have something to measure...

Once I have them aired up and head out...I assume I just need to check for variations at each stop....is there a threshold for temperature?

[Titan Guy]

No, do not check when hot. Use a metal valve stem and metal valve cap, set your pressure and adjust weekly or monthly. I check monthly or before a long trip. Currently if I add 2-3 psi per month, that is a lot.

[superdav]

Originally Posted by Titan Guy

No, do not check when hot. Use a metal valve stem and metal valve cap, set your pressure and adjust weekly or monthly. I check monthly or before a long trip. Currently if I add 2-3 psi per month, that is a lot.

I had metal valve stems put on this time. So what do you mean don't check when hot? Do you mean the air pressure? I'm talking about the heat of the tire itself.....Every stop on a trip I check the tires to see if they are hot and kick them to make sure they are still inflated well...

[Titan Guy]

Superdav, sorry, I misunderstood.