Question on tires - we are traveling

[Joesplace]

We have been traveling for 3 days and I have been taking temperature reading on both TM Marathon tires every stop. Both tires are new in July and have 500 miles on them but the tire on plumbing side is running 20 degrees higher than the other. It's only 12 degrees outside but one tire is 55 degrees and the other is 34 degrees.

It seems to be a large difference between the two, should I be concerned? Is this normal?

I'm using an infrared thermometer and checking at 3 points on the tire plus bearing casing. Both bearings are both running the same temp but the tires are different.

Any advice would help . . .

[hillbillyhotel]

joe
just my thought, that is the heavier side of tm , fridge, bathroom, hot water heater ect,
mine seems to run a little warmer on same side also, and your temps do not seem out of line, jmo.

[Joesplace]

I guess 20 degrees difference is not out of line for this setup. Wish it were balanced better, at least it would make me feel better.

I check psi prior to leaving in the morning and it's staying at 50 for the past three mornings.

[ShrimpBurrito]

To me, the fact that the hub temps are the same eliminates bearing or brake issues, limiting the issue to the tire.

Much to some people's surprise, including my own at first, sun shining on the tire can have a significantly effect the tire temperature, and/or the temperature of the sensor. Are you riding with the higher temp tire in the sun? That could easily explain the differential. Try running with the lower temp tire in the sun first thing, and then take temp readings.

Dave

[Joesplace]

Dave - didn't think of that but higher temp side has been in the shade since we left this morning. Nice try though

[oldstick]

I agree, sounds like no problem since the two bearings are the same temp and both tires are the same PSI each morning. I might would try running the left side cold PSI up a little to maybe 60+ due to the weight. Or both sides to 60 for that matter would not hurt.

[Padgett]

That small a difference in cold weather could be a slightly dragging brake. I'd jack up and spin to see if free or check the brake drum rim temperature from the back.

[Bill]

Originally Posted by ShrimpBurrito

Much to some people's surprise, including my own at first, sun shining on the tire can have a significantly effect the tire temperature, and/or the temperature of the sensor. Are you riding with the higher temp tire in the sun? That could easily explain the differential.
Dave

I agree 100%. The sunnyside tire is always warmer than the shadyside tire. Never been a problem.

On the other hand, if the shadyside tire is warmer, I think the increased-pressure test is in order. Are you running 14 inch tires? They will be more sensitive to loading. And are both tires the same age (according to the sidewall marking), and from the same brand and country of manufacture (also on the sidewall)? Tire manufacturers have been making a lot of changes in those areas in the last few years.

And finally, the temps you are reporting - 34 and 55 - are truly COLD. Although I have an infrared thermometer, I really trust the touch test more. Do the tires feel anywhere near WARM? When the sidewall temp gets to the point where it is almost painful to my fingers, I start worrying. Anything cooler - warm but not hot - is A-OK.

Bill

[tentcamper]

It would be interesting the next time you pull the tires to grease the bearings. To rotated the tires and see if the higher temp followed the tire?

[TrailManorMan]

My street side runs about 10-15 degrees higher than curb side, I presume this is due to added weight.
I use the same method as you. Only travel in warmer climates so no experience in cold. My temps often range in the 120 to 140 degree area, that is after running speed limits with outside temps in the 80-90 range. Sometimes I check the temp on the roads and could fry eggs !