Tire Blew Today on the Highway

[Mongoose9400]

We were heading home from Gulf Shores, AL to Texas Today and I blew a tire on the highway at 65-70 mph.

Anyone have an idea why this blew based on the pictures of the aftermath? Maybe someone can help tell what the failure mode was by how it looks?

Also, what’s the best route to getting it repaired? Insurance claim? Extended Warranty? Something Other?

I did triage repairs on the side of the road to get going. I didn’t want to wait all day for roadside, although we called into insurance roadside just in case I couldn’t get her done.

[QCMan]

Made in china?

[MN Roger]

Looks like a Keystone Fuzion. I had the exact same tire blowout on me. Same damage to the RV as well. It’s always difficult to tell what went wrong unless you see a puncture or cut. All you can do is look over the other tires for wear; checking, crowning or fatigue due to age, tread depth, etc. I replaced all five of my 16” tires with truck tires. They’re rated for high speed as trailer rated tire are only rated for 64/65mph. Good luck.

[rhagfo]

What brand tire and how old?

[Mongoose9400]

Originally Posted by rhagfo

What brand tire and how old?

Trailer King and last I checked the date code, I’m thinking about 3-4 years, if I recall correctly. I knew they were getting to the age folks like to replace them. I know they are “china bombs” and was planning to replace them after this trip anyways. I did get some good mileage out of them so far, like 15k miles.

I’ve always been diligent with keeping them aired to 100 psi cold, max per the tire. Doubtful it’s overloaded, trailer has 5k pound cargo capacity and my last scale was around 10k on the trailer axels. 2-3k under GVWR.

I was just curious if this is a typical China bomb failure, or maybe it developed a leak in transit and the sidewall failed, or maybe it took a hit to hard on a bridge joint/pothole, etc.

Again, just curious what the tire experts would think caused it.

[Bill-2020]

Originally Posted by Mongoose9400

Trailer King and last I checked the date code, I’m thinking about 3-4 years, if I recall correctly. I knew they were getting to the age folks like to replace them. I know they are “china bombs” and was planning to replace them after this trip anyways. I did get some good mileage out of them so far, like 15k miles.

I’ve always been diligent with keeping them aired to 100 psi cold, max per the tire. Doubtful it’s overloaded, trailer has 5k pound cargo capacity and my last scale was around 10k on the trailer axels. 2-3k under GVWR.

I was just curious if this is a typical China bomb failure, or maybe it developed a leak in transit and the sidewall failed, or maybe it took a hit to hard on a bridge joint/pothole, etc.

Again, just curious what the tire experts would think caused it.

Time for a TPMS system. Glad you're ok.

[JRTJH]

It looks like, from the first photo you posted that the blown tire is a Trailer King, 225 80R16. Your RV is a 2018, so the trailer may have been produced as early as March 2017, which means the tires could be as old as "late 2016/early 2017"... If you post the manufacturer's date code, located on the tire as a 4 digit number "branded in an oval", we would "know for sure how old the tire really is.

Using "worst case" that tire could be nearly 4 years old. It is also a "brand with a TERRIBLE reputation and is commonly referred to as "China Bombs"....

You are one of many who have experienced a blowout with TK tires...

As a "precautionary consideration" you might replace the other tire on that same side. When your tire blew, the "other tire on that side" was carrying "all the trailer weight" and was "critically overloaded"... It may have made it home, but it's only a matter of time before it "gives up the ghost"... It would be a "shame" to have your trailer repaired, have the blown tire replaced and to have that remaining tire "blow on the way home from the repair shop" causing the same damage again !!!!!

It's time to upgrade tires on all 5 wheels and go with something other than China Bombs.....

[Canonman]

Good to know you realize you're towing on borrowed time. Looks like tread separation to me. May have been caused by low pressure and hot temps combining to create the failure. the tire experts on this forum will likely have a more detailed response to your question.
A new set of quality tires all round would be in order. Also I'd highly recommend adding a TPMS so if there is a tire pressure or temperature issue in the future you'll have sufficient warning to safely get off the road, hopefully before any catastrophic failure or damage occurs.
As for covering the damage, that will fall to the insurance company. Extended warranty will be worthless for this issue.

[NH_Bulldog]

It is hard to diagnose from a picture, but it looks like the tread cords failed as opposed to the sidewalls. It is a factor of age and construction with a bit of road hazard thrown in for good measure. My friend was on a trip last year and he lost 3 out of 4 tires within 100 miles. All were about 3-4 years old, under the rated weight and were aired to required pressure.

[travelin texans]

Definitely an insurance claim!
Also time for 5 new tires, yes replace the spare at the same time, it's the same age/brand as the rest. With a toy hauler I'd recommend Sailun G rated at the minimum & if you're independently wealthy the GY 614s G rated.

[Mongoose9400]

Looking at my picture the date code is “2617”, so about 3 years old.

Thanks for the tire recommendations. I’ll be figuring out the insurance claim and replacing all 5 tires before it’s taken out again.

[CWtheMan]

According to your trailer's specs the OE tires are/were ST235/80R16 LRF. Maximum inflation for that size tire is 95 PSI. Should your vehicle certification label recommend something higher, you should inform Keystone so they can initiate a recall on that certification label and pay for the tires and all damages caused by the failure.

It's nearly a normal condition for large fivers to have a single tire overloaded, especially on a toy hauler. Without individual weights from some scales, you just don't know. Your failure is very reminiscent of a classic tread separation caused by tire overload or under inflation.

My recommendation would be to use the same designated size (ST235/80R16) as replacements and step-up to an all steel LRG.

[Mongoose9400]

Originally Posted by CWtheMan

According to your trailer's specs the OE tires are/were ST235/80R16 LRF. Maximum inflation for that size tire is 95 PSI. Should your vehicle certification label recommend something higher, you should inform Keystone so they can initiate a recall on that certification label and pay for the tires and all damages caused by the failure.

It's nearly a normal condition for large fivers to have a single tire overloaded, especially on a toy hauler. Without individual weights from some scales, you just don't know. Your failure is very reminiscent of a classic tread separation caused by tire overload or under inflation.

My recommendation would be to use the same designated size (ST235/80R16) as replacements and step-up to an all steel LRG.

Tire itself says max cold PSI is 100 PSI along with the tire label sticker on the trailer.

Where is the best place to look for replacement tires? I’m not finding a lot of good options for 235/80r16 on places like discount.com, tirerack.com, etc.

I see more tire options listed for 235/85r16? Could I run these?

[notanlines]

Russ was on to this from the beginning. It was a Trailer King and by RV standards it was just old. They are trash tires, period. Just as was suggested, ALL your tires need to be changed including the spare. I also recommend the Sailuns.

[CWtheMan]

Originally Posted by Mongoose9400

Tire itself says max cold PSI is 100 PSI along with the tire label sticker on the trailer.

OK, my guess. Trailer King has mistakenly used an old tire inflation chart for Bias Ply tires. Bias ply tires will have a designated size like this ST235/80B16. For a LRF their maximum inflation pressure is 100 PSI.

Let's look at this (as if) from a retailers stand point. To replace a LRF radial tire, the maximum inflation pressure is 95 PSI. Your certification label says 100. What's the retailer going to do? They cannot inflate a 95 PSI tire to 100 PSI.

If it were me, I'd do some serious homework on those tires with 100 PSI on them, if they are also described as being radial tires (ST235/80R16.

[Laredo250RL]

Originally Posted by Mongoose9400

Tire itself says max cold PSI is 100 PSI along with the tire label sticker on the trailer.

Where is the best place to look for replacement tires? I’m not finding a lot of good options for 235/80r16 on places like discount.com, tirerack.com, etc.

I see more tire options listed for 235/85r16? Could I run these?

I have changed from ST235/80R16 to LT235/85R16. The 85's are taller, meaning larger around, which reduced the clearance between tires and in the wheel well. Something to consider if you do make that change. ST is the trailer service tire. LT is the light truck tire. Other forums have discussions on the pluses and minuses of ST vs. LT.

[Mongoose9400]

Tire itself says load range F radial tire. Along with the tire label on the trailer matching the information.

I’m sure it’s a classic china bomb scenario.

How do I determine if I can safely upgrade and run 235/85r16 tires?

[notanlines]

" It seems to be very hypothetical to say something about a tire such as "China Bomb" and follow it up with; "Sailun's are a great tire"
Yes, and hypocritical also! That's why I didn't use the term "China bombs."
I believe the main point we have tried to make for years is that Trailer Kings are garbage tires. Some owners are not believers. Good on 'em, and we're waiting for their tear-filled stories in days to come.

[CWtheMan]

Originally Posted by Mongoose9400

I’m sure it’s a classic china bomb scenario.

Until you can prove it was a China problem it's a classic tread separation; probable cause, over loaded oar under inflated or both.

How do I determine if I can safely upgrade and run 235/85r16 tires?

First, ask Keystone.

There are zero LT235/85R16 of any load range, qualified as replacements for your LRF tires.

Obviously the best replacement is any ST235/80R16 LRF or LRG with a maximum load capacity equal to or greater than your OE tires.

Again, standard LRF tires all have a maximum PSI rating of 95 PSI. What you will have to watch if using like sized replacement tires is the load index number. Most like yours should have a load index of 127. Other brands at 95 PSI will have a load index of 126 which does not qualify to replace a 127.

[Mongoose9400]

http://www.gosailun.com/MRT/Tire/S637T

It appears the Sailun S637T ST235/80R16 is a good contender and I think I am leaning towards them based on the advice of the forum.

Insurance claim is filed and appointment set to get it in for repair. Next, to get some new tires order.