Wheel bearings

[Ricky D]

I have a 30ft. New horizons, 2 slides fifth wheel.Trailer weight 13,500 as it sits now.I have 2 questions; Drivers side of trailer is 500lbs more than other side. I have never lube bearings, the front tire bearing reading 10 to 15 degrees warmer than the other 3. Temp taken with infared gun. When should I begin to worry? How hot is to hot? Should I replace all the bearings or just ones that are to hot?

[RVhauler]

IMO i would not worry about a 10-15 degree difference. However I would worry about never lube bearings tho i have not had any experience with them. I would disassemble the wheel and check the brake assembly (clean and lube pins/adjusters/etc) and retorque bearings to specs. IMO this should be an annual maint item

[mwilliams]

I was having a similar problem with the bearings heating up. What was discovered was that the dust cover on the brakes was not letting the brake return but was "catching" it so that it continued to rub. Once the Dexter Brake people re-shaped the dust guard my problem went away. Of course your problem could be entirely different and it may indeed be the bearings that are heating up.

[87_Fixr]

What temps were you seeing Ricky D? It's not unusual to have a slight temp difference between axles or sides . The grease will not melt until 350 degrees or so. All grease will eventually need replaced- even synthetic. But, of course you don't want to see those kinds of temps. I'd expect to see 100-110 degrees on a normal day, and hotter as the weather increases and travel distance is longer. I think 130 degrees is too hot.
You might have one bearing that's a bit tighter than the other, a brake that's rubbing a little bit, or as you said, more weight on one side of the trailer than the opposite side. As already said, good maint. should never be overlooked.

[Ricky D]

I've been seeing 112-115 on drivers front RV.The other temps running a little over 100.Temps outside 65.I stop every 2 hours and check temps. .I'll be keeping an eye on the drivers side for sure. So you think 130 is getting to hot ?

[87_Fixr]

Yes- it's getting a little hot at that temp. I think 130 is a signal that something needs attention. The grease won't break down at that temp, but the oil in the grease will start to break down at a lower temp, and oxidize. ( Oil will break down at a lower temp than grease.)