What temperature indicates a failing trailer bearing?

[MrMoose]

So, folks who have done long hauls have mentioned that it's a good idea to bring an IR Thermometer to monitor the hub temperatures on the trailer in order to tell if your bearings are failing.
I'm planning on doing this for my Bimini tow, but I have no idea what kind of temperature (or temperature differential) is indicative of a problem with the hub/bearings.
Help!

 

[Andy S]

I don't have an IR thermometer, I use the old method of touch. I feel the center of the hubs, you will definitely know by touch if one of the hub is having an issue. Besides bearings going bad, a hot to the touch hub could indication the brakes are dragging on the hub.

 

[robert843]

I don't have an IR thermometer, I use the old method of touch. I feel the center of the hubs, you will definitely know by touch if one of the hub is having an issue. Besides bearings going bad, a hot to the touch hub could indication the brakes are dragging on the hub.

I just went through this issue. I had just had new tires put on for a 150 mile tow up to my lake house in Columbia SC left the shop took the boat to storage and just by chance I decided to feel the hubs and both my brake hubs were to hot to touch even. Now its not uncommon for the brake hubs and bearings to be warmer then the two not on the break but these where a sign I had an issue. My break system had to be replaced as they were rough and riding the rotor causing excessive heat. I had them replace bearings and hubs while they were doing that as well. IF there is an issue they will be very hot but once again just so no one freaks out it is common for the ones on the break tires to be hotter then the non break.

 

[Bill D]

I've been monitoring my hubs on short trips this season since I am making a couple long tows this year. Since I didn't know what was good or bad, I've mainly been looking for an oddball to alarm me.

I usually see the axle without the brakes around 90-100 and the axle with the brakes around 130.

Edit: This is El Cheapo IR Thermometer I bought.
http://www.amazon.com/Etekcity-Lase...&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00

 

[itsdgm]

I seem to remember seeing numbers similar to @Bill D when I use my IR thermometer on our several hundred mile tow through temps over 100 deg.

Probably about a 20 degree difference between the braking and non braking axles. But like somebody already stated, just look for one that is hotter than the one on the same axle. If it's extremely hot and on a braking hub, it's more than likely a sticky caliper which can boil the grease and spew out the bearing buddy.

FWIW: part of my pre season trailer maintenance is to tow the boat for about 3-5 miles. Then I return home and use my "Trailer Aid" to lift one wheel off the ground and check the bearings to see if they rotate smoothly. While its in the air I also check the brakes to see if they're hanging up. A few seasons ago, I found a sticky caliper that would've been ugly if I didn't check.

 

[Murf'n'surf]

Don't forget the spare hub. Even if you can't change it on the side of the road, you can find a shop that can. Beats waiting for parts to be overnighted.

 

[buckbuck]

I see temps about the same as @Bill D . I had a caliper drag on me once. You will be able to tell by the smoke billowing in your mirror.

 

[Andy S]

Don't forget the spare hub. Even if you can't change it on the side of the road, you can find a shop that can. Beats waiting for parts to be overnighted.

He has that covered, https://jetboaters.net/threads/on-the-road-hub-replacement-kit-for-shorelandr-trailer.9595/

 

[bronze_10]

Ahh... u guys and your fancy ther mo meters... in my day it was different... we checked them like men! 2nd and 3rd degree burns on your hands and u have a problem.... 1st degree burns, heat blisters and no burning at all... u were good to go! And that was barefoot.... in the snow..... uphill both ways!

 

[McMark]

I have brakes on both axles and do long hauls twice a year. On a hot summer day and 10 hrs of driving mine run around 115F. My number to start worrying is 140F. I have 7000 miles on my 2015 trailer.

 

[Bruce]

I also am a toucher. I touch them when I stop for gas. I will know I have a problem if I get burned!

 

[Murf'n'surf]

I also am a toucher. I touch them when I stop for gas. I will know I have a problem if I get burned!

Not touching this post with a ten foot pole. Omg.......resist the urge!!!

 

[MrMoose]

I've been monitoring my hubs on short trips this season since I am making a couple long tows this year. Since I didn't know what was good or bad, I've mainly been looking for an oddball to alarm me.

I usually see the axle without the brakes around 90-100 and the axle with the brakes around 130.

Edit: This is El Cheapo IR Thermometer I bought.
http://www.amazon.com/Etekcity-Lase...&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00

Thanks for the data @Bill D. Now I don't have to bring @Andy S with me to feel the hubs when I tow long distances.

 

[veedubtek]

You really don't even have to touch. You'll feel the heat radiating if you have a problem.