Bald Tire - 250 miles

[bigbob7777]

Here is a weird one on me. We left Houston 8/7 and drove 250 miles to San Antonio. Before we left, I checked all tires and inflations - tread excellent and 80 lbs on the dot.

When we were setting up, we noticed that one tire (left rear) was nearly completely bald. It had maybe 1/8 inch tread left, fairly uniformly around the tire. I was astonished. Good luck that I didn't plan on a longer drive.

When I had the tire changed, the wheel spun freely, so I know the brakes weren't locked. The tires are only 2 years old with about 15k miles total.

Anyone have any idea what would cause this? I did have another tire blowout about 1000 miles ago. Don't know why. Checked the other tires and the 2 that are still original are "crowned" - worn about 1/4 more on each side of the tire and perfect tread in the middle. Has me stumped. Both sides of the rv are the same.

bob

[Ozz]

bob, do you remember any tight turns or pot holes? Maybe the axle bent, causing scuffing of that tire. My old Keystone Sprinter TT had a bent axle, scuffed one tire bald. All others were fine. Measure from tire to tire center, and an X right front to left rear.
Good luck.
Ozz

[noneck]

Hi Bob, That is troubling. The 2 tires you describe with outsides scuffed off and center like new is classic under inflation, yet you state they were checked and at 80psi. I don't know what to say...that case is not a bent axle. Other tire may be as Ozz describes and needs further inspection of the axles etc.

[bigbob7777]

I will be taking in the 5th to an axle man on monday. He will align, straighten axles (cold - no heat) if necessary, check bearings etc. This has me stumped. I just hope it's not too expensive.

Everyone keeps asking me if I hit a pothole. Who hasn't? Not any maneaters though.

I'll keep ya'll posted.
bob

[bigbob7777]

Update:

The tires were separating. The wheels were way out of alignment and the bearings needed repacking. Had this done. Drove back to Houston (250 miles) with new tires, new repacks and alignment and tires seem fine.
Cross your fingers.

bob

[Fire5er]

What year and model is your Montana?

[bigbob7777]

2005, 3500rl.

[Firefighter Ret.]

Hey Bob,
I have replaced five new tires that came on my Montana. In 15 months and less than 6000 miles I had one blow out and a bubble appeared on another. After much checking, it turns out they were Mission Tires made in China. Keystone was no help and the USA distributor would not return my phone calls.
I am out $600.00 but I feel fortunate that I did not have blow out that damaged my Montana.