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05-09-2006, 03:59 PM
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#1
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Montana Master
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Livermore
Posts: 5,148
M.O.C. #1920
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Infrared Thermometer
During the Great Lakes Rally last year, one of the presenters showed a digital infrared thermometer for checking tire temperature. Elevated tire temperature is a way to diagnose a problem with a tire before it blows. I had found a less expensive, but not near as nice, model at Radio Shack. It worked fine for the short time that I had it until someone broke the window out of my truck and helped themselves to that and numerous other items. I just found a good deal through Amazon.com for a Mastercool #52224. Besides tires, you can use it to sense temperature of air coming from the A/C, engine temp, heat loss from the Montana, etc. Cost was about $50. This one will measue up to 932 deg F and is switchable to Celsius with the flip of a switch for our Canadian friends.
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Ron and Terrie Ames - MOC #1920/KF0NTA
2021Montana 3230CK Super Solar Legacy Package
2021 Ram 3500 Laramie Longhorn, BIM Charging
4x4, SRW, LB, Crew Cab, Pullrite 3900 Hitch
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05-10-2006, 05:58 AM
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#2
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Benson
Posts: 3,121
M.O.C. #1658
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This raises the question (What is excessive or elevated tire pressure?) I asked Goodyear that once and couldn't get an answer. I a temp gun and use it to compare tires to see if one is running hotter and also check wheel bearings. On hot days I have seen tread temps around 120 and don't think that's excessive but just don't know.
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05-10-2006, 03:25 PM
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#3
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Marinette
Posts: 238
M.O.C. #735
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bought a really good one for about $30.00 at Sears. Works Great.
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05-12-2006, 06:45 PM
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#4
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Montana Master
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Santa Fe Springs
Posts: 4,189
M.O.C. #639
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COSTCO $30.00 or 40.00 good deal
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Pulling a 2004, 2980 RL an oldie but goodie.
Tow vehicle is a 2009 RED RAM 3500 DRW.
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05-13-2006, 05:25 AM
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#5
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Fort Myers
Posts: 5,933
M.O.C. #4282
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Rich bought one at Radio Shack, can't remember what he paid...
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05-13-2006, 09:19 AM
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#6
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Haldimand County
Posts: 2,413
M.O.C. #122
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For Canadians, Efston Science carries about a dozen different models, some quite expensive, but this one is only CAN$30 http://www.escience.ca/genSci/RENDER...075/10107.html
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05-13-2006, 03:49 PM
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#7
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Seasoned Camper
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Richmond
Posts: 64
M.O.C. #3903
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I don't know what is excessive either. I just check to see if all 4 trailer temps are the same (or close), the front TV tires are the same, and my dual wheels are the same. If one is significantly higher, you may have a problem developing, and catching it now is a very good thing. I don't worry about a 5 degree diff, but a big diff would be reason to investigate.
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05-14-2006, 01:28 AM
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#8
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Hudson
Posts: 480
M.O.C. #2446
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Hey Guys,
Don't forget that this item can also be used to check the braking action.
I borrow one from work when I need to. It would be nice to have one on board all the time though.
After you hook up and tow for a short distance. Using the trailer brakes normally. I can pull over and shoot the beam through the steel rim slots and hit the brake drum. There may be temperature variations and this tells me which of the 4 brakes (8 shoes total 2/wheel) are not making the same contact with the drum.
I don't have specific numbers. Just looking for some balance between all 4 brake drums.
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Chris Donna and Oliver the rescue Dog.
Old 3255RL It is a weekend warrior and less than 15K miles. Mostly sits at the house. Home is where the heart is.
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05-15-2006, 03:28 PM
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#9
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Montana Master
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Livermore
Posts: 5,148
M.O.C. #1920
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There are several main differences that determine price range such as maximum temperature, laser/no laser, outside switch for celsius vs farenheit and spot size for a given distance. For tires, several hundred degrees will be adequate. For someone that wants to check radiator/engine temps, it will be necessary to have higher readings. I had the radio shack one, and it was stolen. The cost was about $49.99 as I recall. I would be interested to know if anyone has used one and actually found a bad tire.
__________________
Ron and Terrie Ames - MOC #1920/KF0NTA
2021Montana 3230CK Super Solar Legacy Package
2021 Ram 3500 Laramie Longhorn, BIM Charging
4x4, SRW, LB, Crew Cab, Pullrite 3900 Hitch
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05-15-2006, 04:43 PM
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#10
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Machesney Park
Posts: 534
M.O.C. #798
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05-19-2006, 04:29 PM
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#11
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Montana Master
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Livermore
Posts: 5,148
M.O.C. #1920
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Looks like a nice one. I almost ordered the Raytek except for they are a competitor of mine in other products (no money to the competition) and the one I got also had a hard case for storage.
__________________
Ron and Terrie Ames - MOC #1920/KF0NTA
2021Montana 3230CK Super Solar Legacy Package
2021 Ram 3500 Laramie Longhorn, BIM Charging
4x4, SRW, LB, Crew Cab, Pullrite 3900 Hitch
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