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cullivoe's avatar
cullivoe
Explorer
Aug 05, 2014

Blowing tires

Our trailer has blown 3 tires in the past year. All on the same wheel, the right side front axle tire (it has two axles). The first time this tire blew, the whole tread came off, and chewed up the wheel well of the trailer :(. We figured it was old tires because they were the original tires that came with the trailer, and were 5 years old. We bought ALL new tires for the trailer in March of this year, Goodyear Marathon, same as what was on the trailer. With just 1500 miles on the new tire, the same wheel blew again, right side front, but didn't chew up the wheel well. Another new tire, and 500 miles later, this 3rd tire, blew again, tread coming off, and chewing up the wheel well in the process :M. During this whole ordeal, tire pressures were always checked pre-trip, and psi was inflated at manufactures 50 psi. Tow speed was kept at 65 or lower. We keep very little in the trailer, and haul equipment, luggage, etc in the truck. Does anyone have any idea why this is happening always with the same wheel :h? I hope I've given enough detail here. If not, let me know.

40 Replies

  • My guess from a far,, brake dragging, it doesn't take much to turn that drum red hot.
  • We have never checked the temps of the tires during the trip. We checked the bearings the first time the tire went down, so not that.
  • downtheroad wrote:
    Tom/Barb wrote:
    Have you ever stopped and checked the temps of the tire and wheel during a trip?

    I'd have the axel alignment checked too, does the that tire wear faster?

    500 miles on a tire, there is something really wrong. brake dragging ?

    I agree...also you might have a bad bearing in that wheel that is causing the wheel/tire to heat up excessively.
    a bad bearing, will heat, but when they do, it is a short distance to total failure.
  • B.O. Plenty wrote:
    RV dealers don't have the equipment/expertise to that. B.O.

    It only requires a accurate measurement of the distance from the hitch to the center of the axel on each side of the trailer.

    a simple comparison of the distance will tell you if you have a problem.
  • Tom/Barb wrote:
    Have you ever stopped and checked the temps of the tire and wheel during a trip?

    I'd have the axel alignment checked too, does the that tire wear faster?

    500 miles on a tire, there is something really wrong. brake dragging ?

    I agree...also you might have a bad bearing in that wheel that is causing the wheel/tire to heat up excessively.
  • I've ran GY Marathons on my last two trailers and so far have had zero problems. I put 10,000 on the 1st set on our TT and now have over 6000 on the 2nd set on the 5'er. If the same tire is blowing then you have axle problems. The chances of a 3 tires blowing on the same wheel because the tires are bad is slim to none. My guess is no matter what brand tire you used on that wheel it will still blow. Maybe you have a brake dragging, bad axle or bad bearing causing extra stress on that tire. I'd take it to one of the big rig wheel alignment places and have things checked out.
  • Have you ever stopped and checked the temps of the tire and wheel during a trip?

    I'd have the axel alignment checked too, does the that tire wear faster?

    500 miles on a tire, there is something really wrong. brake dragging ?
  • It's because they're Goodyear Marathons among other things. They don't have a very good reputation. Try a set of Maxxis tires instead, they seem to workout better. Also check and make sure your tires are inflated to the maximum pressure as stated on the sidewall. Look at the tires and see if the tread is wearing evenly. Often people hit curbs when turning and the right front tire is the one that gets hurt. Be careful not to do that. If the tire starts to wear unevenly bring the trailer to a big truck/trailer alignment shop and get it aligned. RV dealers don't have the equipment/expertise to that. Precision Frame and Alignment in Elk River, MN,is a GREAT place to have that done. RV dealers will only sell you a new axle at a much greater cost. Good luck.

    B.O.