Good point.
I always stop and check with the palm of my hand when travelling if any wheels are running hot.
Will invest in one of those temperature gauges, they sound a REAL good idea.
I keep one of those laser thermometers in the door pocket. I usually have all the wheels checked by the time my partner gathers her stuff and gets out. Tyres as well.
Touching the hubs is just as easy but using the temperature gun takes the guesswork out of any inconsistencies. There is also a tiny risk of burning your hand in the touch method. I know if I approached and could smell the heat I would still be tempted to feel just how hot.
-- Edited by Are We Lost on Wednesday 4th of September 2024 10:40:40 AM
Probably a thought for a spec for a new van rather than an upgrade - a guess would put that
at something like $5000 + - would be worth it in the long run, but I don't see too many opting
to make a change on an existing van. but many think little of spending $4000 + to upgrade to
Lithium.
I wonder what the manufacturers think of incorporating this into the build of a specced van?
They have enough trouble building a white refrigerator now!!
I wonder what the manufacturers think of incorporating this into the build of a specced van?
If that is what customers insist on, that is what they will build or go out of business.
While the customers accept the crap that is offered, that is what they will get.
I see no reason why a set of disc brakes and an electric over hydraulic actuator should cost more than $1000 compared with the crap now supplied. Disc brakes are 10 a penny these days. The crappy brakes currently supplied are unique to the van industry.
On top of that (and agreeing with your point) I've had a (Chinese made, Australian built) Spitfire trailer for my (6m) boat for the past 12 months. Apart from being very impressed with the trailer (with a few minor caveats) I would like to suggest trailer and caravan manufacturers look into the bearing system they use. Spitfire call it their "Fastflush" system, I believe it is a type of hub which uses Zerk type bearing lubrication.
Each time you want to check the bearing has ample grease you simply take out the rubber plug and use the exposed grease nipple to pump a few mils of grease. It goes through the rear bearing and pushes out through the front bearing, ensuring the whole hub is greased. You can check for any moisture coming out and, if found (I haven't had this happen yet), simply keep greasing until all of the old grease is pushed out and the new grease appears. You have just repacked your bearings! Apparently the system is popular on many industrial and agricultural heavy trailers.
So far I've done over 12000kms this year and put the boat in at numerous places. Giving the bearings a quick pump of grease after every few outings and fully replacing the grease (via the nipples) at 5000km &10000kms the bearings have never shown any sign of lateral movement, never shown sign of water ingress and consistently show a temperature of 35 -40 degrees when checked (regularly) with the infra-red temperature gun.
I'm a convert, does anyone know more about these type of bearings? Coupled with the disc brakes I find it is easily the best system I have used after owning numerous trailers.
Cheers, Mark
-- Edited by Silkwood on Sunday 29th of September 2024 08:59:38 AM
-- Edited by Silkwood on Sunday 29th of September 2024 09:00:35 AM
Used bearing buddies for years on boat trailers. They give a "cap" of grease to aid in keeping water out, but they can also retain water against the outer bearing if ingress is effected. They don't really do much more for the bearing. Useful but they need attention. A problem is (one I've been guilty of), if you add grease to the level of full extension of the cap it gives you the idea you are maintaining the bearings. This can stop you from keeping a good eye on condition, as everything is covered up.
Still, a good addition to standard bearings, particularly for boat trailers. Just need to keep up other maintenance.
