Travel Trailer Tire Failure, 29ft Cougar

I know the tire issue has likely been hashed over many times. Just wanted to share my experience to support the people who recommend changing tires every 6 yrs or so. To hopefully save fellow RV friends from costly damage and being stranded. I have a 29ft 2012 Cougar travel trailer (6500lbs dry). Last summer I noticed a bulging or broken belt in one of the tires. I could see it in the mirror when driving and feel a pulsation when braking, that's how bad it was. I checked the rest of the tires and found 3 of the 4 had belt issues. Note:I jack each tire yearly for brake and bearing maintenace, no tire issues noted before. The one good tire was replaced by previous owner after puncture damage. I assumed it was ok and bought 3 new tires. Installed Goodyear Endurance made in USA. Original tires were Trail Rider ST that are made in china. Now on first trip this summer the 4th tire, also had a major belt failure. Installed spare for trip home and it also showed signs of tread separation when we got home. Therefore, 2 more Goodyear Endurance tires installed. I am very mechanically inclinded and grew up in a truck driver family and i am 20 yr plus expereinced maintenace technician in Nuclear power plant. I always checked tire pressure before every trip, There is no alignment issue with trailer alxes, failed tires actually had 80% or better tread remaining. Tires were always protected from sun. And i never mashed tires into curbs etc.. Only abuse is from the normal road pot holes etc.. And i don`t drive at excessive speeds. Anyway, in Summary: All tires had the belts fail with in a year of each other. with over 80% tread left and no signs of cracking or deterioration. I dont have the manufacture date as tires have been trashed. But trailer was built in 2011 and i had looked previously but did not put exact date to memory. So i know tires were 8-10yrs old. I have 2 conclusions why tires went bad, #1 is age with a non main stream manufacturer from China. And #2, loading. Original tires were load range D (approx 2100lbs at 65psi), New tires from Goodyear in my size are only offered in Load Range E (approx 2500lbs at 80psi)

I recommend to anyone with trailer tires that have reached that 6-7yr mark, it hurts, but change your tires for new. Cost me $1000 Canadian for 5 tires, 225/75R15. At a minmun, But a jack under the axle, give the tire a spin and make sure the tread face run flat and true. If the tire comes apart on the road, the tire and rim are one thing, but the wheel well and side shirting damage to trailer is also costly. Also in my trailer the slide mechanism and wiring loom etc. are all there as well. The resulting damage could be very costly.

Cheers, Tim