By Roger Marble
Some RVers notice the inner dual tire on one side seems to run hotter than the outer dual or the inner on the other side of their coach.
IMO it is the radiant heat from your exhaust system that causes your tire to always run hotter. Remember that the “aging rate” of tires doubles with each increase of 18 degrees. This means you are potentially cutting the life in half.
I suggest you look under your coach. You do not need to wrap your exhaust, which can cause problems and may shorten the life of your exhaust system. A simple metal shield can protect the tires from the IR heat.
Here is what GM installed on my C4500 for my Class-C — a piece of sheet metal with a bottom lip to provide some stiffness and to prevent cuts. Some galvanized 16 to 20 gage steel can do the job.
A home heating shop that does ductwork can cut and bend a piece for a reasonable price. My shields were welded (1″ every foot or so) and show no signs of failing after 17,000 miles. You could also drill and use some heavy metal screws, too.
Read more from Roger Marble on his blog at RVtiresafety.net or on RVtravel.com.
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Thank you, Roger! This is something worth exploring.
My Spartan bodied Ford E350 chassis has a heat shield bolted directly above the exhaust to the crossmembers to keep the floor from heating up as well. It does its job very well!
Might want to check with the manufacturer before drilling or welding your frame, even a small tack weld. It’s usually recommended to not do either. Look for existing holes and fabricate your shield to use those instead, just to be safe.
Exactly Dan! My GM manual says to never drill a hole in the factory frame or chassis metal as it may weaken the structure. I don’t recall anything about a weld however – but word to the wise. As you said – use existing factory holes. Good advice.
I haven’t noticed much temperature difference on my TPMS from the left outside dual vs the right side. The 454 exhaust tail pipe is just forward of the tire on the right side. I have wondered, not only about the temperature, but also the effects of the exhaust itself on the tire. However, it doesn’t seem to change the appearance of the tire. The slip-stream air probably keeps it mixed and far enough away.