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Some comments on DOT date code. re "oval" Tire mfg use different methods of changing the aluminum"plug" in their molds for the "date code". Not all use an oval plug. Some have used stamped steel strip or "tin" so it can have a different appearance. Some things that is true about all DOT...

Load capacity is a fundamental part of physics. Air pressure and volume (tire size) support the load. The formula for ST tires is based on an assumption of 65 mph max. There is no magic in the letters "ST" and if you look at the load capacity of LT tires (higher speed) what was the trade-off...

You might want to review the topic of Interply Shear on TT application. I cover this in my RV Tire Safety blog. Basically you should run the inflation on the side of the tires associated with the max load. You shoulsalso ensure the measured scale weight is no more than 90% (85% max is better)...

Have you confirmed your TPMS is working properly? What is the Low-pressure warning level? If you unscrew the sensor you should get a warning within a few seconds. If not you need to contact the TPMS company/dealer and ask them about the problem.

Yes, I know tires can "age-out" before they wear-out". I am asking the question to try and learn if others know this and if some do, what are the numbers. IMO 95-99% of RVs will age out their tires BUT I am having a problem with a supposed"expert" who does not appear to know much about RVs but...

Was wondering if folks here had ever heard about tires aging out before they wear out. tried doing a couple searces but got no "hits".

Any chance you have actual scale readings for each tire? Have you been running 95 psi cold? Do you have a TPMS? Have you filed complaints with NHTSA for each failure?

"Blowout" is such a generic term. Any chance you have pictures? Have you filed a complaint with NHTSA yet?

Wondering about the experiences folks have had when they purchase a new 5h wheel. It would help my study if you could reply to these questions: 1. Did you ask/request the tires be changed? 2. If yes, did you change brand or size or both? 3. About how much were you charged? 4. If you asked...

There is no official margin of safety in the common sense. DOT regulations only have minimum performance requirements. Some tires exceed them by 10% and others may only exceed the standards by 0.5% No way to know by how much any individual tire exceeds the requirements. LT tires have different...

OK the consensus of two tire engineers and a person who reads Federal Regulations as a hobby is that the subject tires are in fact LT type tires but the tire company is limiting their use to trailer applications only. IMO the fact that ST tires are limited to Trailer Use ONlY is at least in...

The tire is clearly an LT235/85R16 I find no reference to a LR-G in that size in my 2015 TRA standards book. Now there could be a letter to DOT from Sailun for that Load Range I also do not know what DOT standard allows a tire to be marked "For Trailer Use Only" I do note the tires are...

Just because a tire is round and black does not make it "equivalent" to another round and black tire. Mounting issues can usually be traced to improper method. See previous posts on front/back side of wheel, use of proper tire lube not dish soap and training.

Almost. ST tires are not allowed on "passenger vehicles". I can find no prohibition about ST tires on steering axles. ST tires have a different load formula than LT which is also differnet than P type, just as the regulatory tests are different. Tire "strength" is established by a "Plunger...

Yes that PDF is a scan from the US Tire & Rim Association 2016 yearbook. This chart would be used by almost all tire companies. - - - Updated - - - Can you capture pictures showing the tire size and the Load information. Also the full DOT serial (including the date code ) Tires are suppose...

Saw this post on the Heartland RV that appears to be falling apart. Is this normal?

Wheel dragging o the road. Indicates to me the driver didn't know he had a flat. This means he didn't have a TPMS. Is this contributary negligance?

Anyone with a tire failure, wheel failure or leak should 1. capture a picture 2. capture the DOT serial of the tire ( you should have that number recorded for all your tires anyway incase the number is destroif when the tire failed. and the ID numbers stamped/molded on the wheel 3. file a...

Ok I was thinking external sidewall damage. Yes it can take some close (even microscopic) examination and time ti find the evidence some times.

Not sure what tire company you worked for but "fudge factor" isn't a standard for design or Quality Control. We use established statistical analysis when asessing test results. Tires do not have to pas our company minimums "plus a bit". Ever wonder why trailers have more tire failures and...

While I understand the concern for the tire dimensions, that is NOT the most important specification. Number one is to ensure any replacement tire is capable of supporting the load you are placing on your tires plus a margin. The best thing to do, is to first confirm your actual tire loading...

Interesting comment on TPMS reading. have you ever done a test of the TPMS system & sensors you are running? i.e. Unscrew one sensor and check how long it takes for the monitor (in the TV) to sound off. I would think it should be in the 1 to 3-second range. Then screw sensor back on and see...

Size? Position? Is the condition seen in pictures on all tires or just one? Est miles?

Wondering what the general thoughts are on how old is too old for using a tire on our trailers? Do you have a hard and fast rule or do you wait till the tread wears out before you replace the treiler tires? Thanks for your time.

Excellent. Looks like you pay attention to details.

Heartland Gateway is a serious 5th wheel RV. Am wondering about real life scale weights for the different models. Company website shows dry weight range of 11,450 to 14,248 but all 5 models show 15,500 GVWR. While I am concerned about side to side weight balance and individual tire loading...

NHTSA doesn't care if you are 1st owner or not when they order a part recall.

Yes it is industry standard to talk about "cold" ( ambient temperature) inflation pressures as it is well known that tire temperature and pressure will increase by 10 to 25% - - - Updated - - - Here is the quick link https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/VehicleComplaint/ - - - Updated - - -...

Glad you got free replacement as you should. are they paying for mounting & balancing? Did you file complaint with NHTSA?

If your TPMS showed a sudden pressure drop of 10 psi why didn't you have it checked out? In multi-axle application, the tires should always be running at least the tire sidewall pressure to keep the Interply Shear forces lower which will lower the tendency for a belt separation.

All tire & wheel failures should be reported to NHTSA. They can order a recall if the tires or wheels are found defective. Probably get free replacements too.

Why are owners still having wheel failures? I am surprised that NHTSA hasn't ordered a recall what will all the reports of wheel failures you have been reporting. With the air loss to, I hope you are getting new tires too as the wheel failure that results in air loss means some or all are...

Good for you for running TPMS. You may have dodged the bullet on tire damage. Even if you do not have the old wheels people should still file complaint with NHTSA. The VIN is what is needed as this would be considered part of the "vehicle"

I notice that noone is mentioning having the tires inspected or even replaced. Depending on how much air was lost and how long it was driven on when underinflated IMO a few will probably see shorter tire life and may not connect the operation when under-inflated i.e. not at the pressure molded...

Anyone with a rim failure should be filing a complaint with NHTSA. It appears that these rim failures are being handled by a "silent recall" i.e. Nothing is done till someone has a failure and complains to the wheel supplier. In the mean time tires are being damaged by being run when underinflated.

I would still file complaint with NHTSA. Wheels would be more a part of the vehicle while tires are a special catigory. The VIN of the RV would help NHTSA ask the RV mfg the appropriate questions. IMO if info on every wheel failure had been sent to NHTSA there is a good possibility there would...

\ RE NHTSA being more proactive. Congress simply doesn't give them the budget that would be needed for DOT to test a tire from every batch. Even tire companies do not test a sample from every batch. They do order recalls such as THIS one. BUT they need people to ID questionable tires which the...

In my RV tire blog I extensively cover proper tire maintenance but many seem to prefer posting info on their tire failures on RV forums. However here is a summary. Tires fail from two basic causes. Low air pressure and/or Long term degradation of the rubber usually from excess heat. Low...

Few items missing from this thread. Info on the actual measure load on the tires. Comment on failure to confirm 80 psi, as the tire placard instructs at start of each travel day (TPMS could save the effort by using the "Reset" button available on some TPMS) No one mentioned that they had filed...

It's one thing to have the tire load rating but another to know the actual load on the tire/wheel. Many cast aluminum wheels with have indicators of date of mfg. I would help to know that to see if we are looking at a batch issue. Pictures on any numbers on the wheel would be of interest to...