[flybouy]

"Originally Posted by Tireman9 View Post
Sidewall split and the sharp bent rim is evidence of hitting something. When did you last do a "Free Spin" inspection as I cover in my RV Tire Safety blog?"

Couple of things about this statement that are disturbing to me and it's not the "self promotion of your blog".

First is ASSUMING the failure is the operators fault. A post mortem of a tire failure based on rim damage is concerning. I'm not a "self proclaimed expert" but how can one differentiate how and when rim damage occurs?

A tire blow out is typically a very violent occurrence that can result not only the rim striking the road surface suddenly but also can end up with dramatic sway that can end up with the tire running on the shoulder or dropping off and back onto the road surface which may be at several inches of elevation difference with aggressive edges. This all typically happens at highway speed. The blowout often does serious damage to the trailer itself tearing loose iron gas pipes, sections of flooring, sidewall, etc.

So without witnessing the event or even seeing the road surface you determined that it was the owners "fault". This seems all to familiar whenever there's a tire failure it's never that the tire isn't the issue. I think we all understand the importance of proper air inflation and maintenance but to jump to the conclusion that it's the drivers fault is wrong.

I often see the defense of the tire industry laid at the feet of recalls. I don't think most trailer tire failures go much past the landfill or reported past the owner's insurance company.

The second issue is the the "free spin inspection". That in my opinion is a diagnostic procedure not a maintenance issue. I have done this when I've had a steering issue such as pulling to one side, or hearing a thumping noise. Then I'll look at the tread looking for defects that would indicate a belt shift for example. Typically if this happens I'll head to the tire shop and have them do it as not only is it easier on a lift but if that's the issue then obviously I'm going to need their devices.

When was the last time you jacked up each corner of your truck or car to perform a "free spin test"? The fact that you asked this question points to the tires being "inherently problematic". When you compare the fairly frequent failure of a few brands of trailer tires than I think the issue goes beyond "operator error". If you extrapolate the percentages out to passenger vehicles Firestone and FMC ended a nearly century old relationship and millions were spent in and out of the courtroom.

As with most issues this goes deeper than what surfaces in the media (news or social) and I believe we should strive not to "point blame" without a reasonable amount of knowledge.

JMHO