Flat On the Bottom

**mjlaupp** · 01-06-2011, 03:28 PM

Went out to my 3326 that has been sitting since mid November and found the driver side rear tire flat. I had scheduled the TM into the dealer for their 13 point checkup and was getting it closed up and ready to go. The tire held pressure at 50# after I aired it up so I towed it to the dealer. All 5 tires will now be replaced by the dealer & tire shop.

I feel lucky that this happened while it was sitting in storage next to the house. I had abused the tires last fall and was planning to replace them before the first trip this spring. Abuse: 3 each major potholes @ 40mph, 1 each 2" x 2" x 15' iron box beam @ 67 mph on the freeway (lucky this did not bounce up and do worse), 2 each 2x4? boards @ 55 mph, and the curb side rear tire sidewall run up onto an RV patio corner (major scuffing but no apparent cuts or bubbles). I know the tires got to be at least 4 - 5 years old. I did not check the dates since the events had already convinced me that replacement was prudent.

**Bill** · 01-06-2011, 05:07 PM

Mike -

If they are only flat on the bottom, you can't expect the company to give you more than about 20% of the replacement cost under warranty.

Bill

scrubjaysnest · 01-06-2011, 05:11 PM

Thats not abuse, its just normal highway surface these days

01-07-2011, 02:28 AM

I heard a rumor that GM was going to come out with square tires. That way vehicles and trailerswould not roll away on a hill.

Ford, with their better idea, is developing a triangular shaped tire. Not only does it have the same capability as the GM tire, but it also has 25 percent fewer bounces per revolution.

Sorry for being off topic, I just could not resist.

countrygirl · 01-07-2011, 06:59 AM

ROFL! Good one Pop!

**mjlaupp** · 02-28-2011, 05:02 PM

Add a new brand to the tire test. Got my TM back from the dealer with Chinese mfg. tires installed. Yes, I was aware of the tires to be used an gave my ok prior to purchase. 5 each - Hi Run BCT JK42 ST215/75R14 BW C (6 ply), DOT date: 2210. So far, so good. No blow out on the 10 mile trip home and they are still round on the bottom after 3 weeks.

**mjlaupp** · 02-28-2011, 05:17 PM

I was looking over the 13 Point Check Up List from Carter's Campers and this jumped out:

1) tires,wheel, brakes (breakaway) and grease: Rear roadside tire needs to be replaced. Steel belts are broken.

I'm not sure how the inspector came to this conclusion unless it was from feedback from Ray's Tire Shop. However these are service people with many years experience in the RV service industry.

edit: The flat tire was a Goodyear Marathon.

scrubjaysnest · 03-01-2011, 04:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mjlaupp

......................snip.................. DOT date: 2210............

I hope that is a typo

**mjlaupp** · 03-01-2011, 07:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scrubjaysnest

I hope that is a typo

Not a typo. 22nd week of 2010 or 1st week in June of 2010

03-01-2011, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mjlaupp

Rear roadside tire needs to be replaced. Steel belts are broken.

I'm not sure how the inspector came to this conclusion unless it was from feedback from Ray's Tire Shop. However these are service people with many years experience in the RV service industry.

edit: The flat tire was a Goodyear Marathon.

If the tire is separated, it's usually not hard to see or feel with your hands. Wouldn't necessarily have to be in the tire biz to find it.