Trailer Brake Drum Temps

[Retire 2022]

Hello everyone. When towing our Montana 3811ms we check the temps of our trailer brake drums at every stop and they usually run between 128 and 140 degrees; depending on tow speed and amount of brake use. Once in a while after being on the brakes a bit longer before shutting down for fuel, eats, etc. they may be as high as 142-145 degrees. Is this in the SAFE and acceptable range? What temps do your brake drums run?

[dieselguy]

Mine usually read around 180 on a hot day checked at a rest stop right after braking off the interstate. I have seen 200+ once after stopping to eat when I was in stop and go traffic for quite a long distance across KCMO. I think around 225 is where paint on brake drums blister and around 300 is when you start smelling the hot brake resin like I've smelled at truck stops.

[mlh]

The temps you see are going to depend on a lot of factors, how the breaks are adjusted, how much you have been using them just before checking, the temperature of the day are a few.
Lynwood