Flat Tire General Observation Check Air Pressures

[montedtrotter1]

Returning to GA from a trip to West Texas (without the trailer due to time constraints) I noticed in a two day period on I20, three travel trailers and one Motor Home RV with blown or flat tires. The RV had made it to an exit ramp but the TT's were on the interstate and cars were blowing by at 70 MPH. These issues happened in LA and MS and the outside temperatures were in the low 90's. At first I did not think much about when one guy had issues then I saw another and then another! Holy Cow! i check my tires before each trip but now after seeing this I will check before each trip regardless of how far I am going!  I have no ideal if heat or low pressure or something else caused the problems but seeing three pull behind travel trailers with tire problems got my attention.
Check those tire pressures folks! My radial Maxxis tires say inflate to 50lbs on the sidewalls.

[gbpack]

Last summer we were on the road in the Midwest (Interstate highways) and also saw all sorts of blowouts on trailers. We didn't have our 21BHS yet, but were already planning on getting it at that time. Because of what we saw that day, and because of all the different posts on this forum about how to proceed with trailer tires, we are checking our tires all of the time (before and during the trip). I also check the tightness of the lug nuts with a torque wrench before every trip. Other than that, I guess the only other thing we can do is to buy good tires and then not run them for too many miles.

[drdave]

 Just listened to a podcast (RV family travel atlas) where they interviewed a RV tech.  In addition to all the tire pressure/lugnut stuff  He suggested replacing tires every 5 years regardless of tread or how good they looked and absolutely positively keep them covered as much as possible to prevent UV ray damage.    I've heard much complaining about "cheap chinese tires" over the years.  I don't know of any 15" or under RV tires still made in the states...even the smaller size goodyears are made overseas.    Apparently Maxxis are one of the best brands,but have no personal experience with them.  

[pinstriper]

This is why the dual axle 14's and 16's were sooooooooo sweet.

[jtelles3993]

We're getting ready to go across the USA and back for the second time on the same set of tires. I've thought about replacing them but the tread is like new. I feel confident enough with 2 axles to give it a go.. so we're off Aug 1!

[davidb]

I started researching new tires for my 6x15 after a little over three years and 12000 miles, they still had good tread but had a few small spots I was concerned about since we were going from Louisiana to Colorado and back.

After checking out numerous RV sites about tires I learned that the Maxxis tires had the best ratings of all the tires out there, but there were no Maxxis dealers nearby.

I also learned that trailer tires are not mileage dependent, in other words they have a life expectancy of 3-5 years, I'm sure folks go well beyond that but I try to avoid being on the side of a highway changing tires.

Speaking with an employee of Lionshead Tire and Wheel, who happens to supply the tires for almost every RV manufacturer said the original Westlake tires are very good for our application which is using them on lightweight trailers. If you notice the numerous RV's on the side of the road with blown tires are usually very heavy fifth wheel trailers or toy haulers that are probably right at the tires load limit before adding all their gear.

I ordered a set of the original Westlakes from Trailer Tires and Wheels in Edon OH which included free shipping, they also carry the original Sumec aluminum mag wheels with or without the tire installed for an extremely great price. I kept the used tires for a utility trailer that never leaves town.

I always check my pressures for 50psi and those digital wireless remote tire pressure monitors would be really nice to keep an eye on the tires.
Do a walkaround and check the tires each day before travel, you may catch a slow leaker before it comes apart.

David
Lafayette Louisiana