Smarter Towing Support
Smarter Towing Frequently Asked Questions
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Caravan towing
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Why do my hubs get hot when I brake?
Heat is usually from the brakes, not the bearing. However, prolonged heat from excessive braking can rapidly damage the grease and cause bearing failure.
What causes uneven tyre wear on a caravan?
The most common cause is incorrect axle alignment or poor weight distribution. This puts side-load stress on the bearing.
How often should I service my bearings?
At least once a year, or every big trip. More frequent checks are recommended if you travel off-road or in harsh conditions.
Can I install a bearing and tyre monitoring system myself?
Yes. Wheel Sensei is designed for straightforward DIY installation. They attach to your hubs or valve stems and pair with an app or monitor in the cab. This gives you live temperature and pressure data for peace of mind on long trips.Does Wheel Sensei help with my insurance?
While not a formal requirement, demonstrating proactive maintenance and monitoring can support insurance claims and may even reduce premiums with some insurers. It proves you’re taking steps to mitigate risk. -
Boat towing
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How fast can I drive when towing a boat?
Most states recommend or enforce lower speed limits when towing (commonly around 80–90 km/h or 50–55 mph). Always check local rules, and remember: slower speeds help maintain stability and allow for safer braking.
How do I stop water from getting into the bearings?
Ensure you have properly functioning bearing protectors or robust double-lip seals. Never submerge a hot hub.
How often should I re-grease my boat trailer bearings?
Before and after any long trip, and especially after any deep water immersion, even if you have bearing protectors installed.
Can I use my car’s grease in the boat trailer?
No. Boat trailers require a specialized marine-grade, water-resistant grease to repel moisture.
Why do my tyres wear out so fast?
The most common cause is the tyre being dragged sideways due to misaligned axles
How do I stop trailer sway?
Prevent sway by loading evenly, ensuring proper tongue weight (usually about 10% of the total trailer weight), keeping tyres properly inflated, and driving at moderate speeds. Weight distribution hitches and sway control devices can also help.
What maintenance does a boat trailer need?
Regularly check and grease wheel bearings, inspect tyres for wear or cracking, verify that lights and brakes work, and wash the trailer thoroughly after saltwater use to prevent corrosion.
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Horse towing
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Why do my bearings fail quickly on a float?
Wheel bearings on horse floats fail often due to high, continuous dynamic load and severe vibration (from livestock movement), which puts huge internal stress on the bearing components.
What is the most critical maintenance check?
Check the brake adjustment and condition. Uneven braking on a float causes wheel slip and puts asymmetrical loads on the bearings.
Does the weight distribution of the horse matter?
Yes, significantly. Uneven loading puts excessive, constant weight bias on one side of the float, overloading the bearings on that side.
Should I use a wheel bearing monitoring system?
Highly recommended. Floats often carry precious cargo (livestock), and early detection of overheating is vital for safety and welfare.
Can I install a bearing and tyre monitoring system myself?
Yes. Wheel Sensei is designed for straightforward DIY installation. They attach to your hubs or valve stems and pair with an app or monitor in the cab. This gives you live temperature and pressure data for peace of mind on long trips. -
General trailer towing
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How does an overloaded trailer affect the bearings?
Overloading compresses the load zone, severely reducing the bearing’s design life and leading to rapid, catastrophic failure.
Why is it important to tighten the axle nut correctly?
The torque (tightness) sets the preload. If it’s too tight, the internal friction creates massive heat and immediate failure.
What does a "whining" noise indicate?
A persistent humming or whining noise that increases with speed usually indicates a bearing that is worn out or damaged and requires immediate replacement.
Can I mix different types of grease?
No, mixing grease types can destroy the grease structure, leading to breakdown and rapid bearing failure.
When should I replace the seals?
Always replace the seals whenever the bearings are serviced, replaced, or re-greased to ensure a perfect barrier against contamination.
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Wheel Bearings
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Why are trailer bearings so important?
A bearing is located on each wheel of your trailer and it’s essential for the hub, tyre and wheel to work properly. Bearings allow friction-free movement and rotation of the around the axle, enabling smooth tyre and wheel rotation.
Why are bearing temperatures so important?
Bearing temperatures are critically important because they are the single best indicator of a bearing’s health and imminent failure risk. Monitoring and maintaining the correct temperature range is essential for the reliability and lifespan of your asset.
Why do trailer bearings fail?
Bearing failures generally stem from excessive heat, primarily due to insufficient lubrication or incorrect installation. For example, towing an excessive load can create high downward pressure, leading to significant friction on the wheels.
What are some of the main causes of bearing failure?
Some of the top causes of bearing failure are:
Inadequate Lubrication: Insufficient, excessive, or incorrect lubricant, leading to extreme friction and heat.
Contamination: Entry of foreign particles (dirt, salt water, metal) that cause abrasive wear and corrosion.
Improper Mounting: Incorrect installation or fit, causing misalignment, concentrated stress, and internal damage.
Excessive Load or Fatigue: Applying loads beyond the bearing’s design capacity.
Improper tyre pressure/wear: Underinflation creates excessive tyre heat that transfers to the hub and bearing. Uneven wear causes the wheel to track improperly, putting uneven, non-designed loads on the bearings.
How often should I service my bearings?
At least once a year, or every big trip. More frequent checks are recommended if you travel off-road or in harsh conditions.
Can I install a bearing and tyre monitoring system myself?
Yes. Wheel Sensei is designed for straightforward DIY installation. They attach to your hubs or valve stems and pair with an app or monitor in the cab. This gives you live temperature and pressure data for peace of mind on long trips. -
Wheel Sensei Product Information
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Can I purchase a mixed sized packs available?
Custom packs are available to cater for every combination of dust cap and hub sizes.
Click here to contact us with your requirements.
Will Wheel Sensei impact the way my wheels function?
Wheel Sensei is a direct fit on for the wheel dust cap or hub and will not impact your wheel performance.
No wheel modifications are needed to use Wheel Sensei.
Is Wheel Sensei water and dust proof?
The Wheel Sensei units are 100% water and dust proof. They are Australian designed and tested to IP67 and IP 68.
Can I purchase a single Wheel Sensei Unit?
Yes, individual units can be purchased on request.
Contact us here to order.
If a single unit is damaged, will the others continue to operate?
If a single unit is damaged the other Wheel Senseis will continue to operate as per normal.
You can order single replacement units by contacting us here.
What is the battery life of Wheel Sensei?
The Wheel Sensei units have a lifespan of approximately eight (8) years, based on an average of 720 driving hours each year.
Are the the batteries replaceable?
The Wheel Sensei do not have a replaceable battery.
Pressure Sensors have a replaceable battery option.
What is a TPMS?
A Tyre Pressure Monitoring System also known as TPMS, is designed to help drivers and towers stay informed about their tyres in real time. It continuously tracks both tyre pressure and temperature, sending alerts when something changes – long before it becomes a problem.
Does Wheel Sensei monitor tyre pressure?
Yes we have now enabled tyre pressure monitoring into the new Smarter Towing App. You can upgrade your Wheel Sensei bundle to include tyre pressure monitoring.
Why do my hubs get hot when I brake?
Heat is usually from the brakes, not the bearing. However, prolonged heat from excessive braking can rapidly damage the grease and cause bearing failure.
What causes uneven tyre wear on a caravan?
The most common cause is incorrect axle alignment or poor weight distribution. This puts side-load stress on the bearing.
How often should I service my bearings?
At least once a year, or every big trip. More frequent checks are recommended if you travel off-road or in harsh conditions.
Can I install a bearing and tyre monitoring system myself?
Does Wheel Sensei help with my insurance?
How fast can I drive when towing a boat?
Most states recommend or enforce lower speed limits when towing (commonly around 80–90 km/h or 50–55 mph). Always check local rules, and remember: slower speeds help maintain stability and allow for safer braking.
How do I stop water from getting into the bearings?
Ensure you have properly functioning bearing protectors or robust double-lip seals. Never submerge a hot hub.
How often should I re-grease my boat trailer bearings?
Before and after any long trip, and especially after any deep water immersion, even if you have bearing protectors installed.
Can I use my car’s grease in the boat trailer?
No. Boat trailers require a specialized marine-grade, water-resistant grease to repel moisture.
Why do my tyres wear out so fast?
The most common cause is the tyre being dragged sideways due to misaligned axles
How do I stop trailer sway?
Prevent sway by loading evenly, ensuring proper tongue weight (usually about 10% of the total trailer weight), keeping tyres properly inflated, and driving at moderate speeds. Weight distribution hitches and sway control devices can also help.
What maintenance does a boat trailer need?
Regularly check and grease wheel bearings, inspect tyres for wear or cracking, verify that lights and brakes work, and wash the trailer thoroughly after saltwater use to prevent corrosion.
Why do my bearings fail quickly on a float?
Wheel bearings on horse floats fail often due to high, continuous dynamic load and severe vibration (from livestock movement), which puts huge internal stress on the bearing components.
What is the most critical maintenance check?
Check the brake adjustment and condition. Uneven braking on a float causes wheel slip and puts asymmetrical loads on the bearings.
Does the weight distribution of the horse matter?
Yes, significantly. Uneven loading puts excessive, constant weight bias on one side of the float, overloading the bearings on that side.
Should I use a wheel bearing monitoring system?
Highly recommended. Floats often carry precious cargo (livestock), and early detection of overheating is vital for safety and welfare.
Can I install a bearing and tyre monitoring system myself?
How does an overloaded trailer affect the bearings?
Overloading compresses the load zone, severely reducing the bearing’s design life and leading to rapid, catastrophic failure.
Why is it important to tighten the axle nut correctly?
The torque (tightness) sets the preload. If it’s too tight, the internal friction creates massive heat and immediate failure.
What does a "whining" noise indicate?
A persistent humming or whining noise that increases with speed usually indicates a bearing that is worn out or damaged and requires immediate replacement.
Can I mix different types of grease?
No, mixing grease types can destroy the grease structure, leading to breakdown and rapid bearing failure.
When should I replace the seals?
Always replace the seals whenever the bearings are serviced, replaced, or re-greased to ensure a perfect barrier against contamination.
Why are trailer bearings so important?
A bearing is located on each wheel of your trailer and it’s essential for the hub, tyre and wheel to work properly. Bearings allow friction-free movement and rotation of the around the axle, enabling smooth tyre and wheel rotation.
Why are bearing temperatures so important?
Bearing temperatures are critically important because they are the single best indicator of a bearing’s health and imminent failure risk. Monitoring and maintaining the correct temperature range is essential for the reliability and lifespan of your asset.
Why do trailer bearings fail?
Bearing failures generally stem from excessive heat, primarily due to insufficient lubrication or incorrect installation. For example, towing an excessive load can create high downward pressure, leading to significant friction on the wheels.
What are some of the main causes of bearing failure?
Some of the top causes of bearing failure are:
Inadequate Lubrication: Insufficient, excessive, or incorrect lubricant, leading to extreme friction and heat.
Contamination: Entry of foreign particles (dirt, salt water, metal) that cause abrasive wear and corrosion.
Improper Mounting: Incorrect installation or fit, causing misalignment, concentrated stress, and internal damage.
Excessive Load or Fatigue: Applying loads beyond the bearing’s design capacity.
Improper tyre pressure/wear: Underinflation creates excessive tyre heat that transfers to the hub and bearing. Uneven wear causes the wheel to track improperly, putting uneven, non-designed loads on the bearings.
How often should I service my bearings?
At least once a year, or every big trip. More frequent checks are recommended if you travel off-road or in harsh conditions.
Can I install a bearing and tyre monitoring system myself?
Can I purchase a mixed sized packs available?
Custom packs are available to cater for every combination of dust cap and hub sizes.
Click here to contact us with your requirements.
Will Wheel Sensei impact the way my wheels function?
Wheel Sensei is a direct fit on for the wheel dust cap or hub and will not impact your wheel performance.
No wheel modifications are needed to use Wheel Sensei.
Is Wheel Sensei water and dust proof?
The Wheel Sensei units are 100% water and dust proof. They are Australian designed and tested to IP67 and IP 68.
Can I purchase a single Wheel Sensei Unit?
Yes, individual units can be purchased on request.
Contact us here to order.
If a single unit is damaged, will the others continue to operate?
If a single unit is damaged the other Wheel Senseis will continue to operate as per normal.
You can order single replacement units by contacting us here.
What is the battery life of Wheel Sensei?
The Wheel Sensei units have a lifespan of approximately eight (8) years, based on an average of 720 driving hours each year.
Are the the batteries replaceable?
The Wheel Sensei do not have a replaceable battery.
Pressure Sensors have a replaceable battery option.
What is a TPMS?
A Tyre Pressure Monitoring System also known as TPMS, is designed to help drivers and towers stay informed about their tyres in real time. It continuously tracks both tyre pressure and temperature, sending alerts when something changes – long before it becomes a problem.
Does Wheel Sensei monitor tyre pressure?
Yes we have now enabled tyre pressure monitoring into the new Smarter Towing App. You can upgrade your Wheel Sensei bundle to include tyre pressure monitoring.