Tire Blowout

[RECourser]

We pulled our Cougar 31BHKWE from Salem OR to Santa Cruz CA last month. On the trip home, about 35 miles from home, we had the back tire of the passenger side of the trailer blow. We were able to safely pull over to the side of the freeway. When I went to look at the damage, I found that the back tire had blown and the rim was resting on a piece of rubber. What I found odd was that the trailer had come down on the front tire, pinning it to the ground, and then that tire was dragged along until we got stopped. It seems odd to me that with the back tire gone, the front tire can not support the weight of the trailer. Or rather with the back tire blown, the springs can no longer support the weight of the trailer. We called Les Shwab, a Northwest tire company, who came out and replaced both the tires and we were back on our way again. Has anyone else had a similar issue?

[flybouy]

Two things. First - if the tire failure was from road debris or impact (pot hole) then a likely scenario would be both tires on that side is damaged and will fail. Second - if one tire blows out then the unaffected tire then has 2 times the weight to support. If that tire is of marginal quality or you drive for a long distance with 2 times the weight it will fail.

When towing on longer trips that are more "remote" I have a second old spare that I throw in the bed of the truck. If I loose 2 tires then I can still get to a tire shop.

[bsmith0404]

I wish you had pics. Doesn’t make sense to me how the trailer would be resting on the good tire. I assume you mean the body of the trailer was sitting on/in contact with the top of the tire. Did the shackles flip or something strange happen with the suspension that allowed that to happen? I’ve never seen a shackle flip as a result of a flat tire, but also can’t see any other scenario where the suspension/trailer relationship would allow the trailer to rest on top of a tire.

[RECourser]

Here are the two pictures I took. Sorry it took so long to reply.

[bsmith0404]

Interesting. I’m guessing it has something to do with the new suspension designs. When one side goes down, the other goes up. The newer suspensions have more travel so maybe the rear dropped and the front raised more than the clearance allowed. Obviously all was good once the tires were replaced.

[RECourser]

Originally Posted by bsmith0404

I wish you had pics. Doesn’t make sense to me how the trailer would be resting on the good tire. I assume you mean the body of the trailer was sitting on/in contact with the top of the tire. Did the shackles flip or something strange happen with the suspension that allowed that to happen? I’ve never seen a shackle flip as a result of a flat tire, but also can’t see any other scenario where the suspension/trailer relationship would allow the trailer to rest on top of a tire.

I just posted the two pics I took. Also went out and looked at the shackles and they are not flipped.

[Socaldave]

I would be concerned about the torn DARCO that is hanging down/damaged from the blow out. You will need to address that before you travel in the rain or your floors will get destroyed.

Check out this thread for some background and explanation on why it needs to be addressed. Good luck.
https://www.keystoneforums.com/forum...ad.php?t=51705

[jasin1]

could it possibly be a broken or weak spring? and that might be why the tire blew? the tire might have been hitting the underside of the trailer when you hit bumps on the highway?

[wiredgeorge]

It would be more on point to guess a worn spring if the OP had a signature with year, make and model of his camper. Same for tow vehicle. His questions would have more contextual answers if some information was known. OP - UserCP top left of each page and save your signature. Thanks!

[RECourser]

Originally Posted by wiredgeorge

It would be more on point to guess a worn spring if the OP had a signature with year, make and model of his camper. Same for tow vehicle. His questions would have more contextual answers if some information was known. OP - UserCP top left of each page and save your signature. Thanks!

How's this?

RECourser
2009 Ram 2500 4WD
2020 Keystone Cougar 31BHKWE

[bsmith0404]

Originally Posted by RECourser

How's this?

RECourser
2009 Ram 2500 4WD
2020 Keystone Cougar 31BHKWE

Well that should rule out the weak springs.

[wiredgeorge]

Originally Posted by RECourser

How's this?

RECourser
2009 Ram 2500 4WD
2020 Keystone Cougar 31BHKWE

Great, as noted in the next post, the springs are likely not worn out in a 2020 camper.

[meaz93*]

Bad luck in conjunction with average at best OEM tires.
I had a 29' Springdale bumper pull back in 2010-11 if I remember correctly [emoji848]
It had OEM Chinese brand tires....?
Thing is they looked to be in perfect condition tread, shape, appearance and all.
Than one faithful afternoon towing in heat and altitude I felt a strange vibration through the truck? I was only doing 60-65mph.
Long story short....one tire had the belts seperate inside and thus the back bumper spare tire carrier vibrated the nice never used spare right off the Springdale.
I remember watching the tire in my truck rearview bouncing across the freeway with part of the flimsy metal bracket attached fly over into the weeds?!
Thank goodness their were no vehicles around[emoji1696]
And yes I pulled over and started to get out of the truck to look for the brand new spare....BUT the wife gave me " the look"-lol, as well as it just appeared to disappear![emoji848]> it was gone!
Limped to a garage and found another tire had some weird stretching bulging.
Changed them all out right there and than with a better brand!
With a 2020 trailer it's possible that the wheel bearings gave out on that axle, depending on last time they were greased?
Or....again just a bad tire / luck.