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Old 04-25-2007, 07:51 AM   #1
firetrucker
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Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Gardnerville
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M.O.C. #2165
BLOWN tire on Big Red

Well, we had our first flat on Big Red on our way to Buellton for the rally. It really didn't get flat, though, thanks to the duals, but it did blow out.

We were on the 580 when the tire exploded. I heard the noise, followed by the sound of the remaining tread hitting the underside of the bed. Traffic had thinned out a bit after the evening rush, so I was able to get over to the shoulder fairly easily. No vibration, no loss of control, but there was a sinking feeling of knowing we'd be on the side of the freeway for some time.

I got out to see what the damage was, and found the outer tire on the driver's side loose on the rim, with most of the tread missing. Part of the radial steel belts were exposed and had been what I'd heard hitting the truck. There was no immmediate sign of damage to the truck or trailer, though. Sharon was anxious to try Good Sam's ERS, so she had the card all ready for me when I climbed back in.

After getting most of the information except a call back number to the fellow at ERS, the phone call dropped. Now was I going to get someone different and have to start from the beginning? Nope! We picked up almost where we had stopped, with the call back number almost the first thing I gave him. I tried to impress on him that this was a big truck (I even called it a motor home) with BIG tires. I didn't want someone coming that expected a 16" rim when it was a 22.5" rim.

That done, I climed back into the truck and we watched the sun go down over the next 1 1/2 hours. Finally, the rep called back to say he'd had a great deal of difficulty finding someone who was able to come to help us. He was able to locate a company in Fairfield, over 60 miles away, who gave him a response time of two hours.

Now it was getting dark and a little chilly. I pulled farther off the road, and we settled in to wait for our help. After about an hour and a half, the phone rang, and the driver of the service truck asked exactly where we were located (ERS had already gotten a fix on us and had a GPS reading, even before I could get mine turned on the do the same thing). Two minutes later, he pulled in beside us with his wife and their dog, and, to shorten a long story, less than ten minutes later we were driving west. I didn't even have a chance to watch what he was doing.

He had me drive up on a block under the inside tire, lubed the bead on the blown tire, levered it off, took the tire I'd been carrying on the bed for years, lubed it, put it on the rim with a well-placed kick, seated the bead with a small tank of air, aired it up, shook my hand and left. When I got into the truck, Sharon was sure he couldn't fix it because she'd seen him kicking the tire, and she was quite surprised when I started the truck and drove away.

It all happened so quickly, I didn't even think to pick up the carcass of the old tire, or do a last minute 360 on the rig.

Now we're home from an excellent adventure in Buellton with one less spare tire. We will have new tires on the back before we leave for Shasta in May, though.

Bob
 
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Old 04-25-2007, 01:48 PM   #2
Montana Sky
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Great service is so rare these days when one receives it, it almost shocks the senses. Such a great story! Glad to hear the only thing lost was a few hours of your day. Safe travels as you head to Shasta next month.
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Old 04-25-2007, 04:18 PM   #3
jrgwdenner
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Glad you folks were able to turn a bad incident into a good experience and still stay safe. Have a good time at the next rally.
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Old 04-25-2007, 06:37 PM   #4
Dave e Victoria
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We have also had good luck with Sam's ERS. Actually, I think I pay for three services - Sam's, GM's On-Star and a rider on my USA policy. Seems I use Sam's if it is trailer related. On-Star if it is TV related or the Insurance policy if it is an accident. Not much money for either one but it is a comforting feeling to have someone out there during a difficulty.
Dave
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Old 04-27-2007, 08:25 AM   #5
Merv
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Glad to hear about the Good Sam ERS.
That was the reason I purchased the same service, because they said they would cover the BIG rigs. I always wondered if it was actually true.
Guess I can feel better now, knowing they do. I know I couldnt change the tire on my own and I would hate to see what road service charges for these rigs.

Merv
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Old 04-27-2007, 08:44 AM   #6
simonsrf
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Bob,

I also have the ERS service and they are great, changed from AAA.

Question, why didn't you drive to an off-ramp?

Years ago, I used to drive trucks and having a flat was pretty common, especially since the company typically took the old tractor tires and put them on the pup trailer. Changing an outside tire 10.00 x 22 was a snap as you found out. Block of wood, no jack, 2 inch lift....

Hint. Hint. Sharon.
You know, Santa may drop off a lug wrench in your stocking, might save you some frustrating time sitting on the side of the road.

Glad it all worked out well for you, and looking forward to seeing you in Shasta.
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Old 04-27-2007, 09:42 AM   #7
firetrucker
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That one incident has made us happy that we have ERS. I don't think AAA would deal with the truck at all, even though we keep it for the maps and other services.

I decided to wait it out on the freeway because we had just passed the last exit for about a mile, there was quite a bit of traffic, and we were well off the road. I also figured it would be easier for the repair service to find us. In retrospect, if I'd known it was going to take so long, I probably would have gotten off the road. It would have been easier to do a complete inventory of the rig to check for damage, and we would have been a bit more comfortable with access to the trailer without the traffic going by.

Even though I was able to describe our location pretty accurately, I'm glad I carry gps so that I can pinpoint where we are precisely. Aslo, between the phone, ham radio, and fire radio, I think I could have contacted someone local. Having the gps meant I could tell them our location, even at night, without being familiar with the surroundings.

I'm tire shopping now (and suffering a little sticker shock) so that there'll be no similar delay on our way to Shasta. I know it's going to be a blast. Glas you and Alice will be there, Robbie.

Bob
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