FastEagle wrote:
It’s been my observation that many factors about the use of steel cased tires fitted to the RV trailer axles is impractical.
There are many reasons for my stance on the subject. Chief among them is the safety factor. I often get labeled a tire basher or brand basher when I point out other choices. And I might even exhibit a little hypocrisy on the few occasions where I have recommended steel cased tires as an option of last resort.
The most disturbing facts about steel cased tires when used on trailers is the amount of damage they inflict on the trailer when they do suffer a catastrophic failure. There are numerous threads on other forums where steel cased tires are used as OE and pictures are shown of the damages caused by their failure. Some times the damage is so severe it will rip away any weather protection, floor boards and enter the interior of the trailer destroying anything in it’s circle of destruction including wiring and water/hydraulic hoses.
There is a lot of extra expense with the 16” steel cased tires because of the deferent materials used and the manufacturing time involved. And what you really get is a durable tire with the same load capacity as any other well made tire in it’s same size. What 99.9% of the users wont ever take advantage of is its ability to be retreaded/regroved, a feature paid for.
Like the polyester tires, heat is still the major culprit. When doing a walk around inspection with steel cased tires and small wires are observed or felt on the sidewall your getting very close to the dreaded “zipper rupture”. Very dangerous condition and when it happens at highway speeds very destructive to the vehicle it’s attached to.
FastEagle
FE we all read about G614's failing. However we have not read about a RIB or R250 failing in trailer service, so please post a link to issues with either! Or get over it, once and for all. Or maybe try a set yourself! It is really time for you to put up or ........... Chris
