Check your Tires! Often!

[stevemorris]

in the middle of 5000km trip, I was backing into a campsite, dw as my spotter.
she notices a bump on one of our trailer tires. broken belt and peeling tread was what we found, on two tires
I always run my hand over each tire at fuel stops, so tire damage was very recent(300 km maybe)
we didn't feel a thing in the truck but one tire had a huge bulge, the other one the tread was just starting to peel.
4 new tires later, we're back on the road

moral of the story, CHECK your tires, often!

[OleManOleCan]

dodge guy wrote:
I Always try and do a walk around at every fuel stop and when setting up the trailer after driving. Found a slipped belt because I do that. Just a quick minute can save you the aggravation of changing a tire on the side of the highway and the possibility of excessive damage to the trailer.

A serious 'Walk Around' before you leave home, again at fuel stops.
Again when you arrive at your camp site, Again when you leave to come home.
(Beats waiting for road service)

[kellem]

I replace trailer tires every 5 years and luckily have never had a flat or tire issue in 25 yrs.....inflate to max psi also.

[BobsYourUncle]

The new set of ST's I bought are clearly stamped Made in USA.
At least I have a fighting chance now!!
Told the tire shop to throw the Made in China junk in the garbage where they belong....

[Huntindog]

azdryheat wrote:
Do you check your truck's tires as often as your trailer tires? Trailer tires, as most of us know, are garbage. In my case I don't use trailer tires on my trailer. instead, I use Michelin XPS RIBs, which are truck tires and, specifically, not made in CHINA. In five years there have been no tire issues on my trailer.

This^^^^^

I started using Michelin XPS RIBS in 2006.
Now, 13 years later and well over 100,000 miles, I have ZERO tire issues to report. I no longer give my tires a second thought.
I use my time at fuel stops using the restroom and grabbing a snack.

If you still use STs... Better check them after going around the block. It is part of an ST tire owners responsibility.:B

[Old-Biscuit]

Morning of travel day I check/adjust trailer AND truck tires

2 hours later....first rest stop/potty break I visually check all of them again AND take temp readings on trailer/truck tires (between the threads), take temp readings on trailer hubs and truck discs using an Infrared Gun

Then after setting up at destination I again do a visual again

Repeat next travel day

[azdryheat]

Do you check your truck's tires as often as your trailer tires? Trailer tires, as most of us know, are garbage. In my case I don't use trailer tires on my trailer. instead, I use Michelin XPS RIBs, which are truck tires and, specifically, not made in CHINA. In five years there have been no tire issues on my trailer.

[spoon059]

Good advice! Glad you found it before it exploded in the middle of the road and caused damage and worse trouble!

[BobsYourUncle]

Steve, I sure hear ya on that one!!

Just before a 3 week trip I was under my TT adjusting the brakes when I noticed, on the inside, severe cracking and the tread scuffed off in a place I couldn't see it from the outside.

Same as you, off they come, 4 new tires!

There is a certain peace of mind rolling down the highway at 60MPH, pulling 34 feet of trailer behind you, knowing the tires are in perfect condition!

But I still check them every stop, and in the mirrors as I drive. Going to get a TPMS as soon as I can too.

[DutchmenSport]

Always do! Check the truck tires all the time too.

Had a leaky tire, drivers side-front, on the truck. When I had an oil change done, I even had "them" check the tire, it was such an unpredictable leak. One day is with at 80 psi, the next it would be down to 40. Then it would stay at 80 for a week, and then drop over night again. They couldn't find anything wrong with the tire.

I finally took it back and said, there is definitely something going on. Check the valve stem too! They did... it was the valve stem. They replaced it $12.50.

So, while checking your tires, don't forget the valve stem also. If a tire starts dropping in pressure, splash some soapy water on the valve stem, watch for bubbles.

[Lynnmor]

The brand and age of the failing tires might help others.

[dodge_guy]

I Always try and do a walk around at every fuel stop and when setting up the trailer after driving. Found a slipped belt because I do that. Just a quick minute can save you the aggravation of changing a tire on the side of the highway and the possibility of excessive damage to the trailer.

[ZINGERLITE]

Can anyone not hear "Check your tires" in Mario andretti's voice?