Wheel well modification

[B_and_D]

The tires were old. I kind of suspected that they were the original tires, and I feel dumb for not having checked into their age and replacing them already. I know about the 3 or 4 number date code, but every time I looked for one on the tires I couldn't find it. The tire installer said that they were 8 years old (and from what I understand that is too old for trailer tires). They had very little wear on them and looked like they were in good shape.

DH says they were Firestones. The trailer was not overloaded, tanks were empty except for the propane, heavy stuff always goes in the truck.

I was driving under 60 mph, felt some minor bumping from the rear, and immediately pulled over, braking lightly. We got out fast enough to watch the tire deflate. No problems handling the trailer as the tire didn't deflate until we stopped! The outer tread was completely separated from the rest of the tire.

We sure felt safer driving the rest of the way home on our new tires!