Re: Rear tire valves - what does everyone do to make it easy to chec
Reply #34 –
Yahoo Message Number: 69047
I have a similar tire routine as Jack. We are not full timing, so I do my check manual check before each trip.
-Check and set all PSI's based upon my four corner weight, with a pad of 5 PSI on top.
-I have 3 different tire guages, all three have different readings. I took my larger tire guage in and did a test. 100psi is 102-103psi on that guage. Not a large enough difference to make a difference, but I do factor this when setting my cold PSI settings.
-I also checked my Smart Tire readings, after this setting, and I have a 4 psi reading difference, on average (some variations).
-At the start of each day driving, and every stop, and end of each day. I walk and check the visual appearence of each tire, and toad tire too.
-I have a tire temp reading gun. And two or three times a trip, usually while just pulling off the road for fueling, I read each tire temp. (Fronts run warmer then outside duals, inside duals run warmer then outside duals (with a slight higher reading on the inside driver side, my heaviest axle weight), tag's run between the fronts and outside duals on the temp readings.
-While on a trip, at the start of each day, as I'm slowly easing out of the place we were in. I check the Smart Tire readings. I do try to factor for cold temps, hot temps and altitude - using a judgement call, to determine if I want to stop and dual a manual check. Mostly looking for the odd ball temp being off more then it should be from the balance, based upon my normal settings.
-The Tag's are the one exception, as they do not have Smart Tire readings. Until I decide what unit I'll install for the Tag's and Toad tires. (May abandon the Smart Tire, as at 2004 age, they will stop sending sometime soon. And go with a full 12 wheel new system.) I manually check the Tag's at while staying over at a site for multiple days. I do not check it daily, while just going from place to place. With exception of the visual and temp readings.
I feel until I get full 12 tire monitoring, we are at some risk, so remain alert and do my visual walk arounds a noted.
Everyone does this differently. Some people I know never check, just have their repair shop check/set things when they take it in. The thing I think was noted here recently, whenever in for any kind of work, I always have to specify "Do not check or set tire PSI", as I run things my way. They always set it to the coaches/cars label settings. I don't want that, and consider it a PITA when someone does it without being aware of my 'no psi setting' request.
I tell my family and friends this about tires:
"No matter how good your brakes, or suspensio, or skillful a driver you are. The small little 'patches' of rubber on pavement, is what controls how safe you are. Always buy the best quality tire you can for the application. On cars, go AA, and sacrafice tire wear ratings, for extra safety." (In semi dry San Diego, I still always by the best quality All Weather tire I can find for the application. I specifically look for ratings on Anti Hydro Plaining (SP?).
Many of my friends do not care, and get the least expensive tire they can find for the application. One gent I know very well, I will not drive with due to how he does not take care of his car/tires/brakes etc. - I always drive, or meet him. Good friend, and I worry for him - but it is his choice.
Long post (again:)!), and not intended to be a soap box comment at all. I take tire, car, rig safety very seriously.
Best to all,
Smitty
04 Allure 31017