Should I replace this tire?

[wayfun]

I have a new Laredo trailer that has only been towed about 300 miles. The two times I've towed it since I brought it home I noticed that one tire had lost about 20 psi since I last checked them. This week I pulled that wheel and took it to the tire store to be checked. We found a 1 inch brad in the center of the tread. The brad was similar to what what is used to assemble the cabinetry. The tire store plugged the tire and said it was good to go. Should I trust that tire or replace it?

Dennis

[hankpage]

Radial tires should be patched from the inside. Plugging actually causes more damage and can cause a tread separation in the future. I am no expert but I would not trust that tire. JMHO , Hank

[Javi]

I'd most likely make it the spare...

[chuckster57]

If you bought the trailer new, the Tire should be replaced under warranty.

[JRTJH]

Since it's a "new trailer" you should have a spare tire (probably on a steel wheel) that's the same make and date of manufacture. I'd suggest that you take the spare tire, have it swapped onto your aluminum wheel and run the undamaged tire. Have the repaired tire mounted on the steel wheel to keep as your spare.

While you're doing this, don't forget to have all 4 of your "on the ground tires" balanced.

Good Luck,

[CWtheMan]

Here is what the RMA says about tire repairs.

http://www.rma.org/wp-content/upload...ir_handout.pdf

IMO that also applies to ST tires unless otherwise specified in the specific tire warranty.

CW

[outwest]

I agree with hank, should be patched from the inside. The one time I tried using a plugged tire (on a car, when was youth) the plug leaked and then came out. Ever since I have refused to accept a plug as a means of repair.

@CW - A plug and patch in combination? Interesting info, thanks.

[hankpage]

Similar to what CW posted this is what Michelin says about their tires.

If your tire becomes damaged, it may be repaired if it meets the following criteria:
1. The tire has not been driven on when flat
2. The damage is only on the tread section of your tire (sidewall damage ruins a tire immediately) and/or
3.The puncture is no greater than ¼"

Patch, Yes. Plug, No.

The proper way to have a tire repaired is to patch the tire from the inside and fill the puncture hole. Do not have your tire plugged. Ever. Plug repairs do not involve taking the tire off the wheel for a proper inspection. A plug is simply inserted into the punctured area, making it unreliable. Insist on a full inspection and have your dealer demount and internally as well as externally inspect the tire, patch and fill the repair on the inside of the tire.

When I asked a Michelin tech about this he said that a plug can allow air to get between the tread and the casing leading to tread separation and that the rasp used to prepare the hole or the tool used to install the plug can cause more damage then the original puncture and actually cut some of the cords.

[Bob Landry]

Most reputable tire places will not plug a tire. I would have that tire properly repaired and then rotate it into service as a spare.
All of the tire that come on your Keystaone trailer are China bombs waiting to go. I would seriously think about replacing them with a set of Maxxis 10 ply tires.

[wayfun]

Thanks for the advice. I rotate the tire into the spare position.

Dennis