Tire ordeal and damage repair almost done

[akf15e]

I am happy to report that my ongoing ordeal with tire failures and damage to my 3400 is almost over (for now!). I just wanted to thank those who made inputs and suggestions to me. For those interested in the story:

We bought our rig in March 2009. In 2010, after noticing sidewall bubbles on 2 tires, I replaced all 4 Marathons with BFG Commercial TA tires. Unfortunately, I bought 4 from right in the middle of a lot that would eventually be recalled. In the interim, the shop that sold the tires closed and I never received recall notification of the potential for tread separation. Had I been a more frequent MOC poster/lurker, some of you would have saved me the pain that followed (lesson learned the hard way!)

On Labor Day 2013 the first BFG let loose on Interstate 40, causing $2200 in damage. Progressive was awesome in quickly covering the damages (less my $250 ded)and letting me pick the body shop of my choice, who did a fantastic repair. Meanwhile, I took the tire remnant to the local Michelin/BFG dealer, who said the tire was in such poor condition that here was no way they could send it in for analysis, so I couldn't claim anything. He also had no knowledge of a recall at that time either. I spent the $200 for a new tire out of pocket.

The weekend before our annual Thanksgiving trip, I picked up Monty from the shop, pulled out onto the highway and within 5 minutes...boom! A tire on the other side tossed its tread. I am not making this up - right out of the body shop and I have another $1000 in damages. Light bulb goes off! Something is up with my tires!

So I turn to where else? This forum of of course! I got my question answered within minutes, including a link to the recall website and was off and running. So as of yesterday, Michelin had agreed to pay for the new repairs, plus the $200 I paid out of pocket for a new tire, and of course new tires for the rig. I am still out my $250 deductible, but since that was an insurance claim, Progressive has to pursue reimbursement for their part from Michelin. I have provided them all the paperwork and info and they are pursuing it now.

So I should have my Monty back in a few weeks and ready for all of the waiting lists of things to do (fix the black tank t-handle, fix leak at outside shower, fix slide/l. gear rocker switch electrical issue, replace TV antenna crank, etc, etc). We missed winter camping, which we always enjoy, but given the harsh temps this year, it's no big deal.

A couple of anecdotal/IMO things to offer to the great tire debate:
My first thoughts were "these LT tires are NOT the way to go". Well, the Marathons HAD to come off for the bubbles. In addition, I had a Marathon failure on my previous rig which did significant damage, so I had zero faith in those tires. Plus, the obvious bad luck of choosing 4 tires from a recalled batch must be considered. But 2 comments (absolutely anecdotal I realize) from 2 professionals I dealt with made me realize I am better off with the LTs (or 614s or similar). The local tire dealer, in business for decades, told me he had NEVER seen a BFG Comm TA come apart like that and he had seen them overloaded, under-inflated, over-inflated, unevenly worn, unbalanced, and even dry rotting. He said a road hazard is the only way to kill one, and then only maybe. And the RV repair guy, also in business for years and years told me that the OEM ST tires (he wouldn't/couldn't specify a brand) keep him in business repairing body damage! 'Nuff said...I will be confident once again with what is under the rig behind me (though probably stealing lots of glances in the mirror for a while.

Again, thanks to those who offered advice or PM'd me info. Much appreciated!