Catastrophic Tire Failure...

[Barry]

Just when you think that you know it all, God has a million ways to humble you. Here is the lesson I learned last week: On our trip to Colo. about 150 miles from our destination the right rear tire on the 5er turned loose the ENTIRE tread. The tire remained fully inflated at 80 psi but the entire tread was gone. When the tread exited, the result was about $600-$800 damage. I was furious. We continued on to our destination on the steel cords with the tire still holding air! HERE IS THE LESSON LEARNED: When you have a massive tire failure on an RV, the tire that failed almost always damages the tire that is next to it. On our return trip home, the tire that was in front of the tire that failed also threw the entire tread within 30 miles of where the first tire failed. Therefore, be it known, when you have a tire fail, the tire that was or is next to the failed tire will most likely fail. It is not a question of "IF", but a question of "when and where". From now on, when I have a massive tire failure, both tires will be replaced. I hate tire problems... ... ... ... ... .

 

[gsmith1]

On my 5er I found the right rear could not hold air above 20 psi. I was going to replace the tires this spring, but did it this past saturday. We looked at the right rear and found it was starting to separate. I replace all tires, to include the spare. The spare had never been on the road, but I do not want to take chances.



I've been told that trailer tires ought to be replaced at least every 5 years, regardless of tread depth. I am a firm believer in this policy. Its cheaper than repairing unit damage AND still having to buy tires as well.



I do keep mine covered when parked, treated with 303 quarterly and parked on gravel. I've been told that cement or brick will suck out the chemicals from the rubber. Wood should be ok to park it on too.

 

[B.G. Smith]

Tire failure

Get ready for two more. I had a set start going in April, one threw the tread at Hillsboro, the next one in San Augustine and the third one in Jasper, all within four months. I had already filed a claim with the tire mfg. on the second tire, called them and they replaced the fourth before it went. The tires had about 15 or 20,000 miles and were about three years old. PS: Save the old tires and the tire co. will pay for the trailer damage. bg.

 

[Forrest]

I'd sure like to get a giga ply tire in 15" for the 5'er.



I'm jealous with the 16" folks getting the killer ply Michelins. :{

 

[Matt42]

Originally posted by Barry

Just when you think that you know it all, God has a million ways to humble you. Here is the -snip- hat was in front of the tire that failed also threw the entire tread within 30 miles of where the first tire failed. Therefore, be it known, when you have a tire fail, the tire that was or is next to the failed tire will most likely fail. It is not a question of "IF", but a question of "when and where". From now on, when I have a massive tire failure, both tires will be replaced. I hate tire problems... ... ... ... ... .

What brand were they? And how old? TIA.

 

[GLASMITHS]

Barry: Did your ins cover the damage? I had a blowout in Houston in June, Progressive paid me $978. for damage. Then my RV dealer fixed it for free



Matt: Incase you are keeping score - it was a Goodyear G159, LR G, about 31/2 years old, 35K, 50% thread left. The tread peeled and THEN IT BLEW Hot about 130 psi. You don't miss them!

 

[Matt42]

Thanks. Is the Goodyear G159 the model with the steel ply sidewall?

 

[GLASMITHS]

Goodyear G159

Yes. They are Load Range G, 14 ply rated. The big deal is the sidwall. If you have 7K axles this is the only tire available, in 16".



I usually pay $225. for one installed and balanced. However, the last one from the RV dealer for $195. including new rim from factory. This guy is good. Likes repeat customers. EastTex RV, Kirbyville, TXOo.

 

[Matt42]

Does Michelin make an XPS in that size? I use the XPS tires on an equipment trailer, but in 9. 50R16. 5. Not to say that they would be better, but different.

 

[GLASMITHS]

I really hate to be tied to one specific tire for obvious reasons; and the fact that NO ONE stocks these tires. So right now I have two spares (new).



I have searched for hours trying to find one that would fit, and also have the weight carrying capacity (3750#). If I went to a 16. 5 that would mean new rims also, and they have to be special heavy duty. The rims on the truck are not heavy enough!! So for the time being, and with 6 new tires----------Also there is a height problem that would come into play with the 16. 5 rims.

 

[Matt42]

16. 5 wheels are pretty uncommon any more. Michelin does make the XPS in a few 16 inch sizes, but I don't know if any of them would be correct for you.



I wish they made the XPS Traction in LT245/75R16E.

 

[Blakers]

And if you have a blowout with 16. 5" the tire may not even stay on the rim as they have not bead locks.



Blake

 

[Barry]

The tires in question are Generals Ameri 550s. 215/85/R16s load range E. I have filed a claim with Continental who is the parent company of General Tire. They are sending 2 UPS return lables for me to send the tires to them for autopsy. Takes 3 to 5 weeks for the verdict. Will keep everyone informed.

 

[Matt42]

I had a set of General Ameri tires *start* to separate last September 10, in Melrose MT. They were in LT245/75R16E. One started to bulge in the tread ares, the other started to separate at the bead. We replaced them with Michelin LTX traction, and so far so good.

 

[Fuzz]

Me Too

I have been away from a computer and am a little behind on the posts.

We lost two General Ameri 550's on our trailer also.

Left campsite in WY. got about 15miles around 8AM (still cool).

I had checked pressure in tires that morning,before we left.



Went to next stop. . spent a couple of days then headed home. Got about 125miles into trip. . threw a tread on other side. .

UPS'd tires to Continental. . waiting for reply. . $800 est. damage to trailer.

Continental did authorize 3 new tires,as I didn't want any more

Ameri 550's. Had to get their tire,or ups the old ones back to them.

I put on Ameritrac 550. . hopefully better tire. . Cost $14. 00 per tire.

I am coming up on the 5th week,since they have received the two tires. I called and they said should hear next week.