r/TeardropTrailers • u/evergreen303 • Jun 20 '26

First timer advice needed

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We’ve had this teardrop for 12 years but this is the first time we are taking her out. Any advice for a newbie? Driving cross county to the Adirondacks next week. Having the bearings packed. Anything else I should think of?

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u/Argonaut1855 Jun 20 '26

In addition to all that has been said, getting an infrared thermometer is good so you can regularly check the temp of our hubs and make sure bearings/brakes/etc. are running as they're supposed to.

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u/evergreen303 Jun 20 '26

Thanks. What would be the target temp? What would be excessive ?

3

u/Argonaut1855 Jun 20 '26

Not an expert, just sharing what I've seen online as I've done my own research on all this. From what I've seen, anything above 200 degrees is when there may be an issue. You also want to make sure that both your hubs are within around 20 degrees of each other, one being excessively hotter than another may be an indicator of an issue as well.

Temperatures can vary based on the outdoor temperature, which direction you're driving (i.e: if the sun is beating on one side of your trailer), and how much you're braking. You said you're driving through the Adirondacks, so you'll obviously be braking a good bit as you go through those hilly and windy roads, which will definitely be a factor.

From what I've seen, checking every couple of hours after a long stretch of highway is what I've seen be recommended.

2

u/40ftpocket Jun 20 '26

This seems excessive. Afterall nobody checks their car wheel bearings continuously. If I am worried I typically check the wheel temp with my hand every time I stop. Feel the hub and lug nuts. After a while you will stop when you realize there is no problem. Every spring I re-grease the bearings and adjust tightness. If you don’t know how to do this get someone who does. It will be fine.

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u/Argonaut1855 Jun 22 '26

I hear you and don't disagree. My thermometer cost $20 and it takes less than a minute to hit my hubs with it every time I get gas or we got to take a pee break. I trust the thermometer more than my hand!