it was one of those oh crud moments (Tire recall see p.5)

btggraphix wrote:
Wow Buzz - glad you made it to a stop and handled things well....and everyone was all right. Great shot of the fam.

Surprising to me in some ways to hear it happening to a 19.5, but of course it can happen to any tire.

The only time I ever had a blowout was on an older van but it was on such choppy frozen snow/hard-pack in the UP of Michigan....that I didn't even notice it at first. Was going relatively slowly because of the conditions so no huge danger. But going 65 on the highway would s*ck. Makes me glad to have the two extra tires out back.

As far as the airline goes, it might be worth putting in a T-valve right close to the bag, with an alternate inlet valve. That way if you lose the line somewhere you MIGHT be able to bypass the portion of line that is damaged. I have that setup, primarily because if I lose an airline, I really can't even drive my truck (and could have a VERY hard time getting it down to a full-stop.) I have an emergency plan somewhat figured out that would involve a giant block of wood between the axle and the frame to 'limp' somewhere to get it fixed....but I sure hope I don't ever have to do that. I plan on buying a spare bag for the kit in case I lose a bag. But wow, a blowout at speed ripping my air line out would be a catastrophe. At least the bag is way at the back and not next to the tire.

broncobran68 wrote:

Next time put the E rated tire on the front and you won't have to limp. Although, you'd still want to buy a new tire as soon as possible.

Depending on circumstances, I'd rather limp down the highway than have to change TWO tires on the side of the highway. I'd at least put it on and then get to somewhere safer to work on it.

Man, good job Buzz, glad you're all safe and sound.

Profile says 16 inch tires

Wow Buzz - glad you made it to a stop and handled things well....and everyone was all right. Great shot of the fam.

Surprising to me in some ways to hear it happening to a 19.5, but of course it can happen to any tire.

The only time I ever had a blowout was on an older van but it was on such choppy frozen snow/hard-pack in the UP of Michigan....that I didn't even notice it at first. Was going relatively slowly because of the conditions so no huge danger. But going 65 on the highway would s*ck. Makes me glad to have the two extra tires out back.

As far as the airline goes, it might be worth putting in a T-valve right close to the bag, with an alternate inlet valve. That way if you lose the line somewhere you MIGHT be able to bypass the portion of line that is damaged. I have that setup, primarily because if I lose an airline, I really can't even drive my truck (and could have a VERY hard time getting it down to a full-stop.) I have an emergency plan somewhat figured out that would involve a giant block of wood between the axle and the frame to 'limp' somewhere to get it fixed....but I sure hope I don't ever have to do that. I plan on buying a spare bag for the kit in case I lose a bag. But wow, a blowout at speed ripping my air line out would be a catastrophe. At least the bag is way at the back and not next to the tire.

broncobran68 wrote:

Next time put the E rated tire on the front and you won't have to limp. Although, you'd still want to buy a new tire as soon as possible.

Depending on circumstances, I'd rather limp down the highway than have to change TWO tires on the side of the highway. I'd at least put it on and then get to somewhere safer to work on it.

Man, good job Buzz, glad you're all safe and sound.

It's likely the tire started loosing air, overheated, then went kablooie. That tends to create tires that look like that.

Mark

Nothing like a real training class to give you preparation for an emergency. That's great to hear you didn't panic and maintained composure. I've taken the CHP's course on skid control for my job at the electric company and it's been some very valuable education, learning how to handle hydroplaning. Wish now they would have thrown in high speed blowout in a course for me too.

If I were to guess, I'd say you picked up a nail or other puncture that slowly lost air and heated the tire until it blew, never knowing what hit you.

Your situation is exactly why my wife won't drive our rig; she could pilot the thing with no problem up and until an emergency. I only can hope I'll react like you did. Mentally preparing is a big part.

years of emergency vehicle operations, defensive driving classes and 3 go arounds in the emergency vehical operations course while working for the fire dept had me well prepped to handle the stituation. I was quite relaxed though the whole event.

tires were at 80psi I checked them before heading out. They have been on the Truck less than 3 years and probably around 30k. I was doing 65, there was no indication of anything amiss. If I hit something I never saw it.

:E:S:E

Buzz, glad you're ok , that's scary stuff. I had the same thing happen to two brand new trailer tires that I forgot to top off with the correct air pressure . The tire shop told me they heated up and shredded.
You have reminded me to pay closer attention to that.
Thank you and have a safe holiday season.
Happy holidays and stay safe to everyone.

B n D

GREAT job maintaining control of your vehicle and not having it be worse then it was. Scary looking! I hope you were able to change your pants without embarrassment... Don't wish that on anyone! Again, GREAT job on keeping the situation contained so no one was hurt.

Happy to hear you were able to maintain control and no one was injured.

I had this happen about 10 years ago with just about the same results - no loss of control, damaged line to the air bag, $5,000 of damage to the truck and an absolutely shredded tire. The term "tread separation" is far too subtle, because these high pressure tires pretty much explode when they fail (at least at freeway speed).

Based on my research after the incident, it sounds like there is no way to detect when a seemingly road worthy tire will fail. I'd be curious to know what others have learned and if there are any new high-tech ways to detect a potential failure before it occurs.

ajcal225 wrote:
Had the same thing happen on the way to Miller Motor Sports in Utah this last summer. I thought we were going to die..



Took out the tail pipe and truck bed. Spare was only a load range E tire (under rated for the camper, particularly with a 22 foot car hauler behind it).

Limped it into the next town, found a 24 hour gas station with a 24 hour tire store, and 19.5" load range G tires in stock (..wow).



Glad you walked away from it OK. I know that terror.. (and i wasn't even driving at the time)

Next time put the E rated tire on the front and you won't have to limp. Although, you'd still want to buy a new tire as soon as possible.