Well, boys, I think my original question must have come from a premonition because yesterday, about 35 miles east of El Paso, my right rear blew. Cruise control was set at 60. Glad to report that I came to a gradual stop with with absolutely no loss of control. No, I didn't mean that...I mean, loss of control of the vehicle. Tire pretty much remained in tact too with no damage to the rim. Slid back into Tucson on a wing and a prayer (and a serviceable spare!) and the truck is now down at the tire shop getting shod with a new set of Michelins. $$$.
All things considered, I'm sorta glad it happened the way it did. I can stop wondering what it would be like, and, I have a lot more confidence in my ability to get everything stopped safely.
Now, guess I can move on to worrying about other things - like, what does it feel like to have a blowout on the front with 10 or 12 thousand pounds pushing you. Stay tuned - I'm heading for the coast on Thursday...
Jerry