If a tire blows.....

[drsolo]

I recently bought a used 1996 double axel 3500 lb TT that is fabulous except for the tires. It looks like they have cracks in the sidewalls. I will have them professionally inspected before I start on my one way trip taking the trailer from Wisconsin to my Florida campsite where it will stay for the next few years. It doesnt have a spare, but I will get one in case.

What I need to know is if the tires are "iffy" what happens if one of them blows while I am driving 60 mph? Would the trailer begin swinging wildly or what?

[drsolo]

Campfire Time wrote:
I certainly understand the reluctance to buy new tires for something that is going to stay parked somewhere. You're in Milwaukee, give Forest Tire a call

They got used tires. I think that would be an excellent workaround since I wont be moving the trailer for maybe 3+ years and I have been told what Florida sun does to tires. The cracks on these tires are dry rot given the nearly pristine condition inside my nused trailer and the tread is great, but it probably was stored inside somewhere and not used very often.

[Campfire_Time]

I certainly understand the reluctance to buy new tires for something that is going to stay parked somewhere. You're in Milwaukee, give Forest Tire a call and ask what they can do for you with new trailer tires. They are an excellent tire shop, one of the best in SE WI.

Another good option might be to check and see if Farm and Fleet or Mills Fleet Farm has your size already mounted on rims.

[Abbydaddy72]

#1 Iffy tires = get new tires. Don't even think about it.

#2 Not all blowouts ruin your trailer. I had a blowout on the interstate and was able to drive to the nearest exit and find a parking lot. I didn't lose control and it didn't damage the wheel well. I know that might be rare and I'm a bit lucky, but just because it wasn't a catastrophe doesn't make me want to push my luck with tires.

#3 Check the condition of your spare.

[the_bear_II]

Don't even think about a trip like that with iffy tires.

A blowout could endanger you and other drivers near you. Majority of blowouts on RVs are due to:
Overloading
Improper Inflation
Tire Age
Tire Condition (cracks, worn tread, unusual wear...etc)
Road Hazards

I've read where a blowout has caused the trailer and tow vehicle to rollover. Others have had significant damage to the trailer from tread impacting the bottom and sides of the trailer while trying to slowdown and stop. One RV'er caused damage to the vehicle behind when a piece of the blown tire impacted and broke through the windshield, luckily no one was hurt.

[aftermath]

With a double axle trailer you most likely will not experience catastrophic sway or an out of control situation. But..and as Homer Simpson would say... "and it is a big but", a blowout at speed can and often does result in lots of damage to your trailer.

Tires are a key part when it comes to safety and are often overlooked. Tires that are cracked should be replaced. Good idea to have a professional look at them but my guess is that they will want to sell you some replacements. Get second and third opinions and you will probably hear the same story. This is a great example of "better to be safe than sorry".

[Old-Biscuit]

" It looks like they have cracks in the sidewalls."


Don't need no professional inspection.
Buy new tires.

Otherwise............tire blows out thread slinging around rips out wheel well area, plumbing lines, wiring and instead of cost of new tire you now have $1500 damage to trailer plus new tire.

[2oldman]

drsolo wrote:
What I need to know is if the tires are "iffy" what happens if one of them blows while I am driving 60 mph? Would the trailer begin swinging wildly or what?

Nah.. it would just wiggle a little bit.. no problem.

Are you serious??!!! ANY blowout is dangerous. I hope this "professional inspection" advises replacing them.

[Artum_Snowbird]

Have a look at this simple search for blown tire.

Blown tire

then see how you think about it.