Handy dandy Infra-Red device

[Ozz]

Here is a nice inexpensive accurate little tool from Radio Shack
I have two of them, one in the RV toolbox. Oops, have to resize the picture, be right back....
Here it is:

[H. John Kohl]

Yes, it is great. I use it to check the temperature of the tires and brake drums when doing a rest area stop. I let the truck idle to get the ETG do to the desired 300 or below temperature and do a walk around checking temps. If all are normal great if not then you have an indication something is amiss.
Cheers,

[philbon]

When using the gage, what should the temp be for tires and brakes, and how long should it sit before checking? I check my tires with a gage before the trip.

[Ozz]

I use the 'average' method, if one is above the average of the other two, or four, there may be a problem. One note on that, the two tires, (or 4) in the Sunlight side of the rig will be a higher temperature because...well you know.Also, the tires will pick up around 6# when checked on the road at a rest stop, or fuel. I found that out, don't let that 6# out, or you will be low when cold. (Thanks Lonnie for that info.)
Ozz

[deadeye]

OZZ - That looks like your CELL PHONE....Not

[HughM]

I use the same IR device. After using it on a 3250 miles trip this month I noticed that its so senitive that the tires on the southern side will register approx 6-8 degrees than the temps on the northern side. I checked them at each rest stop and its always the same unless its a cloudy day. No effect on the wheel hubs.
Tires on the sunny side will not register the same as the other side.

[noneck]

Nice...now you got me looking, wondering if this one is bit more handy?

[Ozz]

That is nice, didn't know they came that small.

[Dustytuu]

How much does that cost? And where do I find it?
Would make a nice gift.
Thanks
Dusty

[noneck]

Both Ozz's and the one I show above are found at Radio shack.

[Dennis Korchak]

I got this one from Harbor Freight for $29.00. It has a laser pointer, memory mode, high-low memory mode and continuous monitor mode. Works great. The website is:

Harbor Freight

[[IMGPlease Reduce Size of picture to comply with MOC Pic Policy. Thank you.http://i16.tinypic.com/6k7m4q0.jpg]

[HughM]

Question. If you have the IR attached to your key chain (picture) then how do you use it while the diesel is still running and the turbo is cooling down at the rest stop?
I keep mine in the cubby hole on the dash and its always available.

[noneck]

There's always a smarty pants in the crowd!

[deadeye]

ANSWER: Have two (2) key chains....

[Fordzilla]

Or a remote start with turbo cool down feature built into it. Runs the engine for 7, 15, or 30 minutes while you turn the keys off and lock the doors and walk away. Great after a long pull when it need at least 3-5 minutes to get down to 300. I bought a inferred temp recorder for myself today at Sears. I use to see the race track guys checking there tires and bearings with these to make sure nothing was getting hot. It will come in handy and get used many times.