Saw too many blown tires!

[JandC]

Left in the truck on Thursday and drove from Florida to Illinois and back again by Monday. Had to pick up a load of my tools (the move has started).

During the 2600 miles round trip I observed probably 3 or 4 cars with flat tires and at least 8 or 10 RV's with flat tires, most of which where fivers.

When you consider how many more cars are out there on the road as compared to RV's, "Houston we have a problem".

[1retired06]

weight, inadequate tires, and speed.

[DQDick]

Add heat to that mix. Out here in AZ they're having record heat in some places. Drove I-8 Sunday in 100 degree temps and saw a number of tire situations by the side of the road.

[dfb]

We had a kz ultra. It came with new goodyear marathon load Randell d tires. These were American made. I put new load range e tires on when the d tires were due to need replacements. All new tires were made in China. I had 4 blow outs. Goodyear lost a customer.we have also seen many rvs on the side of the road. This is a public safety issue.

[JandC]

quote:Originally posted by 1retired06

weight, inadequate tires, and speed.

I think it is all the above plus an unsuspecting public. Someone buys a new FW and it has tires that are rated for the weight of the unit. Probably in most cases if the new owners pulled that unit down the road at 55 - 60mph without adding any weight those tires would hold up. But what happens is that we load anywhere from 1,000 to 3,000 pounds of our "stuff" in the FW and truck and away we go.

Manufacturers should be required to install tires that are rated at the unit's empty weight plus 3,000 - 4,000 pounds.

[DQDick]

Let's don't forget what happens to the tires before someone even buys the unit. After many trips to Goshen for the National Rally I've had a chance to see quite a few things done to tires by the haulers. i've seen them dragged over curbs at rest stops and truck stops (you'd think someone who hauls for a living could do better) and been passed by new Monty's flying thru the night at 80-90mph more times than I can count. Add that to the dealers moving them around on crowded lots with fork lifts and you have a lot of opportunity for tire damage before the rig is even sold. Tire damage is cumulative so anything that happened before the customer got their hands on it can and will come back to haunt them.

[richfaa]

We run at 62/65 MPH and rv's of all types and sizes fly by us.

[mlh]

When you build a camper and put 65 MPH rated tires on it and send it out on interstates with 75 MPH speed limits guess what is going to happen? That is why I put LT tires in my camper.
Lynwood

[Art-n-Marge]

We forget one of the worst causes of lack of checking tire inflation. I can't tell you how many times I've had to point out low tires on others' vehicles including my own kids. This checking must be done after the car has been sitting for a while (like overnight). If you've driven any considerable distance, then check at the service station after you've driven say, more than a few miles, then check, you will get a "warmed up reading". Tires must be checked when cold (not driven on) and maybe some consideration for the ambient temps (winter readings can read lower psi than actual).

There is a little bit of science to it all and living in southern Cal doesn't make much difference in my case weatherwise, but for everyone else it could take some figgering out. Nevertheless, it's something that must be done at least weekly and you know that doesn't happen enough as evidenced by all the cars and trailers you saw.

[gkidsdlite]

I think that the biggest reason for what you saw is because of lack of maintenance! People buy a car and just drive them, never check oil, tires etc as long as it will start and go that is all they care about! Ask your mechanics about cars that have to be towed in about how many things they find wrong with the cars that need attention or could have been prevented with regular checks!JMHO

[dfb]

I have tow' d since 1992. On our sixth fiver. Never have I seen such an issue with tires, never. We have had zero blow outs until the Chinese made tires. We drive under 60. We tow without water or heavy items. Like I said, we have a public safety issue. One tire blow?,ok..but not four!.

[rohrmann]

We were going about 60 heading west on I40 in California today and was passed twice by a maybe 20 foot TT. He had to be doing 80. Never did see him stopped with issues, but did see a motorhome with a failed left rear inner dual. I didn't stop, figured he was going to need professional help. Last week on a round trip from Odessa to Abilene, saw three rigs with tire issues, one FW SOB with major damage on the road side. The feds really need to get involved. There is noise about the higher speed limits, those over 75 mph, where big rigs are going over 75 and their tires are only rated 75 mph, and are seeing quite a few blowouts.

[mhs4771]

As for checking tires. Friends just left Florida heading back North this week. When asked if they checked the tire pressure, answer "Nope, have never checked tire pressure". Now this is on a MH that they have had for about 4 years and have never checked the pressure. So you talk about lack of care, there is a prime example.

[Golferdave]

Hey Guys: Speed LIMIT in California is 55 MPH. In my opinion it should be that everywhere. There is always someone going faster than you and why are they in such a hurry. Love my Montana 3800RE.

[jlb27537]

quote:Originally posted by Golferdave

Hey Guys: Speed LIMIT in California is 55 MPH. In my opinion it should be that everywhere. There is always someone going faster than you and why are they in such a hurry. Love my Montana 3800RE.

Dave, My truck does not tow well @ 55. I refuse to enter California.

I usually drive 65 or so. If on roads that conditions allow I will creep toward 70. Depends on wind direction.

I am not in a hurry, just don't like having to run in 5th gear cause some politician knows what is better for me.

Jim

[rohrmann]

If I held it to 55, it will stay in fourth gear. Have to get it to 58 just to get it into fifth, and still being passed by everyone on the road. Out of California, we can get it to sixth gear by getting a bit over 65, and most of the time, still being passed by everyone including the 18 wheelers.