Blowout/Tire Separation

Axeman · 10-12-2020, 08:44 PM

On our way to Colorado last month for a 2 ½ week camping trip we experienced our first blowout. It wasn’t worst case scenario, but close. I-40 just west of Amarillo, semi traffic extremely heavy rolling by at 75 mph, temp in the mid-30s, raining and 25+ mph wind. We couldn’t make it to an exit and it was muddy, wet and miserable on the side of the road. If the blowout had been the street side, I would have considered it worst case. Fortunately, it was on the curbside.

I was aware that blowouts are fairly common on TTs and thought I was prepared. I check the pressure frequently. We were equipped with a TPMS, portable compressor/inflator, bottle jack, decent lug wrench, tarp, etc. and had done a dry run of retrieving the spare, jacking up the trailer, and removing the fender skirt. Unfortunately, I stopped short of actually removing the tire during the dry run. When we had the blowout, I found that 2 of the lug nuts were overtightened and couldn’t be removed. After an hour of effort, I contacted roadside assistance (which I should have done in the first place, but incorrectly thought I could handle it quicker). Another 90 minutes and they arrived and got the tire changed with the assistance of a pneumatic impact wrench.

The issue was caused by the center of the tread separating from the tire (1st photo). The tires were stock from the factory (GlobalTrax), about 2 years old. As you’d expect, the TPMS didn’t alert us until the tire failed as there wasn’t a significant loss of pressure prior to that. However, it did make us aware that the “noise” we heard was a serious tire issue and we needed to get off the road. Otherwise, we likely would have trashed the rim. The separated tread damaged the underside of the trailer immediately behind the tire (see the tread imbedded through the TM skin in 2nd photo), caused some damage to the side of the trailer (3rd photo), took out the fender skirt and trim on the bottom edge of the TM body.

Obviously, not a great start to our trip. Discount Tire in Amarillo only had one brand of the correct size (Hartland), which was not want I wanted, but calls to other shops didn’t turn up anything better. It was getting late, so we went with it so we could be on our way in the morning. It turned out to be a great trip with a really ugly start.

Current activities include:

Shopping for a new set of tires (leaning towards Maxxis, but possibly GY Endurance). Thinking of purchasing 2 and using the Hartland as the spare. Any opinions on that approach?

Preparing to install the new factory plumbing guard and fender skirt that arrived from TM over the weekend.

Considering whether to make a trip to the factory for repairs and some minor warranty work or trust the work to a new TM dealer much closer to home. Anyone have any experience with repairs at the factory?

Considering installing diamond plate on the underside of the TM directly behind the curbside tire after the skin is repaired.

Thanks,
Todd

FlyboyTR · 10-20-2020, 01:41 PM

Axeman,

Sorry to hear about the incident and the damage caused. It is amazing how much force a piece of tire can have while spinning. Crazy stuff. I personally would have no issue in keeping the new tire for a spare. I know nothing about that brand...but am a big believer/user of the Goodyear Endurance.

I also run a TPMS on my trailer...scary to think about the tire coming apart with no advance warning of temp increase or pressure drop.

In the end...glad you got it worked out and enjoyed the rest of your trip!

**Larryjb** · 10-20-2020, 01:55 PM

I second the Goodyear Endurance. I think many of have switched over as we needed new tires.

Shane826 · 10-20-2020, 03:47 PM

Sorry to hear about your blowout. But if you go with Goodyear tires, go to www.goodyear.com to order them and use promo code VKR25. It will get you 25% off a set of 4 with mounting and balancing and free shipping to a local installer. I know your TM only has 3 tires including the spare but this gets you an extra spare tire at no additional cost in case you have another issue.

Axeman · 10-21-2020, 10:08 AM

Thanks to all for the feedback, I appreciate it.

With regards to the factory plumbing guard, unfortunately I've found that it doesn't fit the plumbing configuration on our 2019 2720QD. We're scheduled to visit the factory next week to get the blowout damage repaired and some warranty work done. I've asked them to see if they have any ideas to get the guard to fit while we're there. If the blowout had been on the street side, the damage to the plumbing would have been significant.

Thanks again.

**Bill** · 10-21-2020, 01:10 PM

Please be sure to post what you find. I am poised to buy one of the guards for my 2020 TM.

Bill

MrGallegos · 10-27-2021, 07:05 AM

Hello all,

I am new to TT ownership, (I purchased a used TM 2003 2720 with GY tires, but I do not know what specific style of tire model; I will pick it up on Saturday) and I would like to confirm that blowouts are primarily due to over psi and going faster than the manufactures recommendations?

If going at or below the recommended tire speed, would temps rise enough to increase psi to the blowout point?

**Bill** · 10-27-2021, 07:38 AM

Tire failures seem to be overwhelmingly due to under-pressure. At low pressure, the tire flexes more as it rolls, and flexing causes heat, which causes failure.

On your 2003 TM, you most likely have 14-inch tires, probably something like ST205-75R14. The "ST" prefix means "Special Trailer", and ST tires are "rated" at 65 mph. I've never seen a real explanation of what "rated" means, or why ST tires are rated at 65 mph, even from the tire experts. Bottom line, though, you probably shouldn't exceed 65 or so for long periods.

These tires are adequate, but don't have a lot of load-bearing margin. So you need to be conscious of weight as you pack. A lot of folks have changed to 15-inch tires to increase the margin. The central important point is to air up your 14-inch tires to 50 psi before you drive in the morning (this is referred to as "cold inflation" pressure), and then don't change it. Pressure will increase as you drive, and that is accounted for in the tire design. Do not let air out of the tires! This will result in under-pressure, and failure.

As long as you air up to 50 psi cold, and not more, over-pressure is not a problem.

Hope this helps

Bill

MrGallegos · 10-27-2021, 07:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill

Tire failures seem to be overwhelmingly due to under-pressure. ...

These tires are adequate, but don't have a lot of load-bearing margin. So you need to be conscious of weight as you pack. A lot of folks have changed to 15-inch tires to increase the margin. ....

Hope this helps

Bill

Yes, that helps, thank you. What is all involved to change to 15 in. tires, is it just a tire change or a bigger job, such as change in axel, brakes, etc.?

The TT is at the dealer and now would be a good time to have them do any installs and major modifications.

**rickst29** · 10-27-2021, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrGallegos

Yes, that helps, thank you. What is all involved to change to 15 in. tires, is it just a tire change or a bigger job, such as change in axel, brakes, etc.?

The TT is at the dealer and now would be a good time to have them do any installs and major modifications.

Unfortunately, the change to 15" wheels/tires also requires that the "lift kit" be installed, so that the tire tread does not contact the wheel well during bumps. Installing the lift kit is pretty easy, but the part must be ordered from the factory.

Goodyear, IIRC, also offers their tire in a "Load Range D" 65 PSI version for 14" rims, that's another alternative to consider. But you might want to upgrade those rims anyway (even if staying at 14"), for better load capacity than the OEM rims provided.

And new rims might look better, too