Need your opinion on this

[Foldbak]

I found what looks like a small nail stuck in my tire. I pulled it out and it's holding air. It penetrated the tread and just slightly passed the tread. Would you be concerned? The tires are in excellent condition

[artfuldodger]

When it's a safety issue it's of course your call but if it were me I would remove the nail, check the tire pressure, then check it again the next day and the day after that. If there is any difference then a new tire would be my call.

[mlh]

I wouldn’t be a bit concerned. If it only went through the thread you have two steel and the inner part of the tire past that, no worries.
Lynwood

[BB_TX]

I have pulled small nails and screws out of tires a number of times over the years that did not penetrate deep enough to cause an air leak. Those tires eventually wore out without ever experiencing any problem.

[seasure1]

I sold tires, repaired tires, and you have NOTHING to worry about!

[Mikendebbie]

Tony - you get two stars and an “At-a-boy” on your permanent record for EVEN finding the nail!

[DutchmenSport]

On my previous Outback travel trailer, a tire went flat in my drive way. I REALLY did not want to purchase new tires, as mine were still, almost brand new and installed (like a month) previous).

I talked to my neighbor (we live in farm country) about the tire and he looked at it. He said it was no problem. They have flats all the time on their BIG RIG tractors and combines and they simply plug the tires. We're talking tires that cost $5,000 each. (big suckers).

He said he could fix the tire and I'd not even have to take the tire off the trailer. He got his tire plug kit and plugged the tire. I was skeptical, but tire held air until we sold the trailer years later with thousands and thousands of miles.

What's more interesting? The "plug" kit he used was one of those simple tire plug kits purchased from Wall Mart or any automotive parts store.

When I was 15 years old, I worked at my Uncle's gas station. My uncle taught me how to plug tires (this was before the day of "steal belted"), but tubeless tires were just becoming the new standard for tires. If a tire was too bad off to hold air, we'd put a tube inside the tire and everyone was happy.

Now... automobile tire shops will NOT do that today. In fact, they won't plug tires either any more. Noooooo..... they want you to buy new tires. That's more money for them.

Where am I going with all of this? Simple. Follow artfuldodger advise above. But.... if you have your own air compressor, then it would not hurt to pick up a tire plug kit and keep it with you in the camper, in your box of "stuff" for camper repair. If the tires looses air, try plugging first before purchasing a new tire.

Once the tire runs a few miles, the little rubber that sticks out on the outside of the tire will rub off and the plug will never be seen. If you tell no one, no one will ever know it was plugged.

If you do plug it (because it lost air), and it still looses air AFTER you've plugged it .... then yes ..... get a new tire then.

[Daryles]

Pull the nail and keep an eye on the tire pressure. IF it leaks slowly, buy "Green Slime" and put it in the tire. It will seal the leak.
You can also use a tire plug kit. I've used them MANY times successfully.
Buy a TPMS. I recommend EEZTIRE.

[Playhouse]

We were off-roading last week out near Quartzite and I found a rat trap in my tire during a break. I pulled it out and saw bubbles when I poured water on it and had to plug it on the trail.

I’ve seen plenty of punctures on the trails, but this is the first rat trap.

[Jake101]

If it were me, I would take my plug kit and plug where the nail was, that is if it is losing air. I not losing air, run with it. I like the plugs better than something you put in the tire to seal it. Some of those sealants puddle and now your tire is off balance by a lot.

[Derby6]

Your fine if it’s holding air. I too have plugged tires with above mentioned kit and wen5 many many miles. I was told recently that they are a temporary fix until you can get to a tire shop for proper repair. (Inside patch w/ plug). But worked for meee.

I’d advise against slime and fix a flat. Would likely repair small hole like that but wreaks havoc inside of rim and might get an extra charge to clean it from tire shop next time you get tires or worst case ruin rims via rust or corrosion.

[JABURKHOLDER]

Originally Posted by Derby6

I’d advise against slime and fix a flat. Would likely repair small hole like that but wreaks havoc inside of rim and might get an extra charge to clean it from tire shop next time you get tires or worst case ruin rims via rust or corrosion.

Additionally, that slime will rotate around in the tire throwing off the balance.
And if you really want to tick off a tire tech, that slime will come shooting out of the tire when they remove the valve core.

[Skw774]

no concern

[Jay & Bobbie]

Spray the area with soapy water. No bubbles, no leak. Keep on trucking.
I probably would buy a plug kit ( I have one in the tool box).

[Foldbak]

Thanks guys. Holding air so off we go! The tires get replaced this year anyway.

[BB_TX]

You should be good.

I didn’t want to say it, but since some others did, I confess to using those cheap tire repair kits from Walmart or auto parts store to plug nail holes in tires several times. Intended it to be temporary but never got around to having them “properly” repaired. Never had one fail.

[Derby6]

Zoom zoom. Safe travels.