Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks: Tire and Axle Maintenance

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Tire and Axle Maintenance

Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10238
Printed Date: 30 Jun 2025 at 5:48am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Tire and Axle Maintenance

Posted By: 2P$InAPod
Subject: Tire and Axle Maintenance
Date Posted: 26 Jun 2017 at 12:35pm

Hi,
We have a 2015 Rpod, which we got new back in April 2015. We have been towing it to campgrounds 1 to 2 hours away from home every other weekend during the last 2 summers. This week for the July 4th long weekend we will be towing the RPod to Acadia Nation Park with our 2017 Traverse. It will be a 5.5 hours drive from home to the campground. Before we head out for our first long drive camping trip, is there any maintenance on the tires or axle we should do?

The only thing I have done so far on the Rpod tires is inflate them when needed. I have not done anything with the axle.

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David and Kris
2015 RPod 179
2002 Honda Odyssey LX

Replies:

Posted By: Happy Tripping
Date Posted: 26 Jun 2017 at 1:36pm

There are more expert people to comment on this but the 4th is coming fast.

Have you had the wheel bearings greased??

That I believe should be done annually if the trailer is used much, and you need an infrared thermometer to monitor the bearings' temperature, especially if you can't get the bearings greased before leaving.

I hope you have a small compressor to inflate your tires to proper pressure.

Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 26 Jun 2017 at 4:44pm

At a minimum, you should remove tires and grease axle bearings thru zerk in the axle center. Jack up on the riser not the axle.

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Mike Carter
2015 178
" I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."

Posted By: ArenaBlanca
Date Posted: 26 Jun 2017 at 6:13pm

The 2017 manual for the Lippert axles recommends every 12,000 miles or every 12 months whichever comes first. Also check tire pressures and lug nuts every week. The most important thing to ensure tire life and safety is proper tire pressures.

Harbor Freight is your friend!!

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Enjoy Life!!

Posted By: GLBCamper
Date Posted: 26 Jun 2017 at 11:52pm

Originally posted by Happy Tripping

What Temp should the bearing run? Where is the best place to point the gun?

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Old: 2014 177 HRE
2015 Tacoma V6 4x4 Double Cab
New: 2016 EVO ATS 200rd
2016 F150 4x4 Sport

Posted By: Tars Tarkas
Date Posted: 27 Jun 2017 at 7:44am

Originally posted by GLBCamper

What Temp should the bearing run? Where is the best place to point the gun?

A lot depends on ambient temps. 100 to 120 or so for me usually, Fool around with the gun and find the hottest point near the center. What you really want to look out for is one hub that's a lot hotter than the other. 50 degrees hotter. They will vary a little normally depending on which side the sun is on.

You don't need a temp gun. You can just feel the hubs. If they feel a little warm that's good. If they're hot, not.

TT

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2010 176
FJ Cruiser

Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 27 Jun 2017 at 7:52am

+1 - last trip to ERU, mine ran from 103-112, temps were in mid 80s, speed 63 mph. Infared sensor with red dot on the hub. I also check tire heat - to ensure they are similar on both sides, a low pressure tire runs hotter.

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Mike Carter
2015 178
" I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."

Posted By: 2P$InAPod
Date Posted: 27 Jun 2017 at 8:52am

I've not had the wheel bearings greased...will have to do that before the trip.

Also, any recommendation on a infrared thermometer.

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David and Kris
2015 RPod 179
2002 Honda Odyssey LX

Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 27 Jun 2017 at 10:11am

I have a FLUKE 59, around 40 bucks, I like FLUKE>

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Mike Carter
2015 178
" I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."

Posted By: E&JOlson
Date Posted: 27 Jun 2017 at 3:53pm

Posted By: E&JOlson
Date Posted: 27 Jun 2017 at 3:55pm

Should tires be rotated on the trailer?
What is the best way to jack up the trailer to rotate/change tires?

Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 27 Jun 2017 at 4:04pm

They are not balanced from factory. They should be balanced and rotation is OK. Jack by risers not by axle.

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Mike Carter
2015 178
" I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."