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View Poll Results: Note: This poll must be completed in one session.
Has a tire failed on your Airstream in the past 5 years – Yes. 153 50.83%
Has a tire failed on your Airstream in the past 5 years – No. 150 49.83%
Reason for tire failure: Valve stem leak/failure. 6 1.99%
Reason for tire failure: Bubble in sidewall. 18 5.98%
Reason for tire failure: Bubble in tread area. 11 3.65%
Reason for tire failure: Belt/tread slipped, but still relatively intact. 16 5.32%
Reason for tire failure: Tread separated, but still partially attached to tire body. 30 9.97%
Reason for tire failure: Tread completely separated, but tire body still inflated. 12 3.99%
Reason for tire failure: Blowout, sidewall. 18 5.98%
Reason for tire failure: Blowout, with tread separation. 59 19.60%
Reason for tire failure: Other reason(s), not stated above. 19 6.31%
Ambient/outdoor temperature when tire failure occurred or was noticed: Subfreezing to freezing temperatures. Note: Please, select only one “ambient/outdoor temperature”. 1 0.33%
Ambient/outdoor temperature: Freezing to 70-degrees Fahrenheit. 26 8.64%
Ambient/outdoor temperature: 70 to 90-degrees Fahrenheit. 85 28.24%
Ambient/outdoor temperature: 90 to 110-degrees Fahrenheit. 37 12.29%
Ambient/outdoor temperature: 110+ degrees Fahrenheit. 1 0.33%
The tire failed: Before driving. Note: Please, select only one “tire failure time”. 11 3.65%
The tire failed: While driving. 117 38.87%
The tire failed: After driving. 19 6.31%
Number of axles on your Airstream: 1. Note: Please, select only one “number of axles” response. 46 15.28%
Number of axles on your Airstream: 2. 166 55.15%
Number of axles on your Airstream: 3. 11 3.65%
Position of tire that failed: Axle #1 (front or single axle), left side. Note: Please, select all “failed tire positions” that apply. 48 15.95%
Position of tire that failed: Axle #1 (front or single axle), right side. 68 22.59%
Position of tire that failed: Axle #2, left side. 33 10.96%
Position of tire that failed: Axle #2, right side. 42 13.95%
Position of tire that failed: Axle #3, left side. 5 1.66%
Position of tire that failed: Axle #3, right side. 5 1.66%
Did a road hazard, hitch failure or vehicle accident cause or contribute to the tire failure: Yes. 10 3.32%
Did a road hazard, hitch failure or vehicle accident cause or contribute to the tire failure: No. 119 39.53%
Did the tire failure cause or contribute to a vehicle accident: Yes. 0 0%
Did the tire failure cause or contribute to a vehicle accident: No. 139 46.18%
Number of tires that failed during the original incident: 1. Note: Please, select only one “number of tires that failed during original incident” response. 126 41.86%
Number of tires that failed during the original incident: 2. 15 4.98%
Number of tires that failed during the original incident: 3. 6 1.99%
Number of tires that failed during the original incident: 4 or more. 3 1.00%
Number of additional tires that failed within 30 days or 1,000 miles of the original incident: 1. Note: Please, select only one “number of additional tires, within 30 days or 1,000 miles” response. 20 6.64%
Number of additional tires that failed within 30 days or 1,000 miles: 2. 4 1.33%
Number of additional tires that failed within 30 days or 1,000 miles: 3. 1 0.33%
Number of additional tires that failed within 30 days or 1,000 miles: 4 or more. 0 0%
Number of additional tires that failed within 12 months or 12,000 miles of the original incident: 1. Note: Please, select only one “number of additional tires, within 12 months or 12,000 miles” response. 11 3.65%
Number of additional tires that failed within 12 months or 12,000 miles: 2. 4 1.33%
Number of additional tires that failed within 12 months or 12,000 miles: 3. 4 1.33%
Number of additional tires that failed within 12 months or 12,000 miles: 4 or more. 2 0.66%
Type of tire that failed: ST. Note: Please, select only one “type of tire that failed” response. 119 39.53%
Type of tire that failed: LT. 5 1.66%
Type of tire that failed: Other/unknown. 8 2.66%
Tire size of failed tire: 215/75. Note: Please, select only one “tire size”. 13 4.32%
Tire size: 225/75. 117 38.87%
Tire size: 235/75. 16 5.32%
Tire size: Other. 4 1.33%
Wheel size of failed tire: 14 inch. Note: Please, select only one “wheel size”. 17 5.65%
Wheel size: 15 inch. 142 47.18%
Wheel size: 16 inch. 9 2.99%
Wheel size: Other. 0 0%
Load range of tire that failed: C. Note: Please, select only one “load range”. 16 5.32%
Load range: D. 94 31.23%
Load range: E. 35 11.63%
Load range: Other. 3 1.00%
Normal tire pressure for tire that failed: 36 psi or less. Note: Please, select only one “normal tire pressure” response. 0 0%
Normal tire pressure: 36-44 psi. 4 1.33%
Normal tire pressure: 50 psi. 26 8.64%
Normal tire pressure: 55-60 psi. 25 8.31%
Normal tire pressure: 65 psi. 93 30.90%
Normal tire pressure: 72 psi. 6 1.99%
Normal tire pressure: 80 psi. 16 5.32%
Normal tire pressure: 80+ psi. 1 0.33%
Tire was inflated to “normal tire pressure” above, at time of failure. 119 39.53%
Tire was inflated to a lower pressure. 6 1.99%
Tire was inflated to a higher pressure. 1 0.33%
Tire pressure was unknown at time of failure. 5 1.66%
Manufacturer of failed tire: BG Goodrich. Note: Please, select only one “manufacturer of failed tire” response. 6 1.99%
Manufacturer of failed tire: Carlisle. 21 6.98%
Manufacturer of failed tire: Goodyear Marathon. 105 34.88%
Manufacturer of failed tire: Goodyear (other than Marathon). 0 0%
Manufacturer of failed tire: Greenball. 2 0.66%
Manufacturer of failed tire: Maxxis. 5 1.66%
Manufacturer of failed tire: Michelin. 3 1.00%
Manufacturer of failed tire: Towmax. 8 2.66%
Manufacturer of failed tire: Other. 15 4.98%
Manufacturing country of failed tire: Canada. Note: Please, select only one “manufacturing country” response. 11 3.65%
Manufacturing country: China. 56 18.60%
Manufacturing country: Europe. 0 0%
Manufacturing country: Mexico. 1 0.33%
Manufacturing country: Other Far Eastern Countries (e.g., Japan, Taiwan, Korea, Malaysia, etc.). 3 1.00%
Manufacturing country: USA. 14 4.65%
Manufacturing country: Other/unknown. 52 17.28%
Tire age at failure: Less than 1 year. Note: Please, select only one “tire age” response. 11 3.65%
Tire age: 1-2 years. 29 9.63%
Tire age: 2-3 years. 41 13.62%
Tire age: 3-4 years. 43 14.29%
Tire age: 4-5 years. 14 4.65%
Tire age: 5-6 years. 11 3.65%
Tire age: 6-7 years. 10 3.32%
Tire age: More than 7 years. 8 2.66%
Tire age: Unknown. 1 0.33%
Tire mileage at failure: Less than 1,000 miles. Note: Please, select only one “tire mileage” response. 2 0.66%
Tire mileage: 1,000-5,000 miles. 42 13.95%
Tire mileage: 5,000-10,000 miles. 59 19.60%
Tire mileage: 10,000-15,000 miles. 24 7.97%
Tire mileage: 15,000-20,000 miles. 2 0.66%
Tire mileage: More than 20,000 miles. 13 4.32%
Tire mileage: Unknown. 20 6.64%
Was the failed tire balanced by the tire installer: Yes. 108 35.88%
Was the failed tire balanced by the tire installer: No (or unknown). 32 10.63%
Did the tire that failed use a dynamic balancing device (Centramatic or similar): Yes. 27 8.97%
Did the tire that failed use a dynamic balancing device: No. 84 27.91%
Parking surface for failed tire during extended storage (longer than 30 days): Concrete. Note: Please, select only one “parking surface” response. 47 15.61%
Parking surface: Asphalt. 25 8.31%
Parking surface: Gravel or dirt. 60 19.93%
Parking surface: Wood. 8 2.66%
Parking surface: Synthetic material (rubber, plastic, etc.). 1 0.33%
Parking surface: Other. 9 2.99%
Cost of roadside assistance, towing, etc. due to tire failure: $0 Note: Please, include costs reimbursed by insurance. However, do not include tires, wheels, etc. Also, please select only one “cost of roadside assistance...” response. 83 27.57%
Cost of roadside assistance, towing, etc.: Up to $100. 20 6.64%
Cost of roadside assistance, towing, etc.: $100 - $500. 17 5.65%
Cost of roadside assistance, towing, etc.: $500 - $1,000. 1 0.33%
Cost of roadside assistance, towing, etc.: $1,000 - $5000. 2 0.66%
Cost of roadside assistance, towing, etc.: More than $5,000. 0 0%
Cost of replacement tire, wheel, shipping, ext warranty, mount/balance, etc. due to tire failure: $0 Note: Please include cost reimbursed by insurance. Also, please select only one “cost of replacement tire, wheel, etc.” response. 14 4.65%
Cost of replacement tire, wheel, shipping, etc.: Up to $250. 91 30.23%
Cost of replacement tire, wheel, shipping, etc.: $250 - $500. 16 5.32%
Cost of replacement tire, wheel, shipping, etc.: $500 - $1,000. 9 2.99%
Cost of replacement tire, wheel, shipping, etc.: $1,000 - $2,000. 5 1.66%
Cost of replacement tire, wheel, shipping, etc.: $2,000-$3,000. 1 0.33%
Cost of replacement tire, wheel, shipping, etc.: More than $3,000. 1 0.33%
Additional damage to your Airstream, if any: None. 85 28.24%
Additional damage to your Airstream: Minor cosmetic damage, not repaired. 22 7.31%
Additional damage to your Airstream: Functional damage to other tires, wheels, suspension parts, etc., repaired/replaced. 8 2.66%
Additional damage to your Airstream: Functional damage affecting safety, including brake lines/parts, electrical wiring, propane lines, etc., repaired/replaced. 6 1.99%
Additional damage to your Airstream: Major damage to exterior or interior of Airstream, including body panels, rock guards, hot water heater, refrigerator, etc. 21 6.98%
Additional damage: Damage to tow or other vehicles. 0 0%
Additional damage: Personal injury, property or other damage not usually associated with tire failure. 0 0%
Cost of additional damage to Airstream: $0 (no damage). Note: Please, select only one “cost of additional damage to Airstream” response. 64 21.26%
Cost of additional damage to Airstream: Up to $100 (estimate, if not repaired). 9 2.99%
Cost of additional damage to Airstream: $100 - $500 (estimate, if not repaired). 9 2.99%
Cost of additional damage to Airstream: $500 - $1,000 (estimate, if not repaired). 8 2.66%
Cost of additional damage to Airstream: $1,000 - $5000 (estimate, if not repaired). 15 4.98%
Cost of additional damage to Airstream: $5000 - $10,000 (estimate, if not repaired). 2 0.66%
Cost of additional damage to Airstream: More than $10,000 (estimate, if not repaired). 1 0.33%
Cost of personal injury, property, tow vehicle or other damage associated with tire failure: $0 (no other damage). Note: Please, select only one “cost of other damage” response. 72 23.92%
Cost of other damage: Up to $100. 2 0.66%
Cost of other damage: $100 - $500. 0 0%
Cost of other damage: $500 - $1,000. 0 0%
Cost of other damage: $1,000 - $5000. 0 0%
Cost of other damage: $5000 - $10,000. 0 0%
Cost of other damage: More than $10,000. 0 0%
Did your tow vehicle also experience TIRE damage in conjunction with the tire failure on your Airstream: Yes. 1 0.33%
Did your tow vehicle also experience TIRE damage in conjunction with the tire failure on your Airstream: No. 137 45.51%
My Airstream is towed on: Interstate and multilane highways. 186 61.79%
My Airstream is towed on: State and other improved two-lane highways, with shoulders. 168 55.81%
My Airstream is towed on: Mostly paved and well-maintained lesser-used "backroads". 91 30.23%
My Airstream is towed on: Poorly/minimally maintained backroads and offroad. 27 8.97%
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 301. You may not vote on this poll

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Old 05-01-2011, 05:27 PM   #1
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Airstream Tire Failure Poll

Airstream Tire Failure Poll

The following questions and answers are directed towards tire failures on your Airstream travel trailer. However, a couple of items near the end of the poll are directed to tire failures on your tow vehicle.

Also, please note that some questions are presented multiple times with different responses, as a work-around to the poll-response limitations of this site. Therefore, unless otherwise directed, any responses that are not applicable for your specific tire failure incident should be left blank.

There are 149 questions, many of which require only one response to a group of several items; so this poll is not as long as it first appears. However, there are several questions regarding repair estimates. Therefore, you may wish to review the entire list, gather your information and return to this thread when you have sufficient time to complete the entire poll in one session.

Thanks, in advance, for your participation.
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Old 05-01-2011, 07:49 PM   #2
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After having filled out the poll myself, I realized that I am unable to add the information from a second (unrelated) tire failure that occurred during the last five years. Does anyone know if it is possible to "vote" twice? If so, how is this done?
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Old 05-03-2011, 04:09 AM   #3
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I'm still running my original 2005 Marathons that were made in Canada. I'm very careful about keeping them at 65 psi and haven't had a single tire issue in over 50,000 miles.

I clipped a curb and my front curbside vertical alignment is off so that tire (only that tire) is wearing hard on the outside edge. I have an Alumapalooza service appointment next month to fix the alignment and replace the tires.

The Canadian Marathons have been so good to me that I'm really hesitant to change them, but the time has come. Only time will tell how well the Chinese Marathons hold up, but I'm hopeful.
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Old 05-03-2011, 05:26 AM   #4
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This info might be interesting, but be careful about making general conclusions based on an internet survey. They are notoriously inaccurate as you do not get a truly representative sample. I can see someone claiming "xx% of all tire failures are brand A and brand B has never had a failure" based on this survey, which probably isn't true.

Then there's this math problem. At the moment 9 people have responded to the brand of tire question. The results say of the 9 responses, 8 or 47.06% were Marathons, 1 or 5.58% were "other". Should be 88.9% and 11.1%. There may be others, I just noticed that one.
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Old 05-03-2011, 07:26 AM   #5
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Thanks for putting in all the work to create the poll. Phoenix, did you do it? It looks to be so.

No survey is perfect, but the information should be somewhat informative.

Gene
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Old 05-03-2011, 02:35 PM   #6
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Some of the questions were repetitive, with different answers, because I was concerned that "no response" might be interpreted as a NO answer. So, the same question was presented twice to make sure everyone had a chance to pick YES or NO, and readers wouldn't be guessing what people really intended. However, the polling module isn't very flexible and WYSIWYG. If the math is wrong, there isn't much we can do about it, except maybe word the question differently next time.

Right after I hit ENTER, I found a couple of questions that I wish I had worded differently, but there is no changing things now. I'm sure that there are other questions that probably should have been included, but I just listed the ones I have been curious about the last couple of years. There have been a lot of anecdotal comments in other threads, but no firm numbers that one could tally. So, this was an attempt to see whether there are more than just the obvious trends.

Already, I can see a need for a follow-up poll for people that switched to a different brand after the first tire problems, and I'm sure everyone is really interested in that info. After all, this poll is already skewed to Marathon failures, not just because they have had problems, but because I think almost all newer Airstreams came with them as OEM equipment. So, if anyone had a blowout, it was going to be a Marathon. I know that I switched to Maxxis and had one of two fail for a slipped tread, but there is no way to indicate that on this poll. Therefore Maxxis looks like it has had no problems. I know I recall a couple of people that reported in other threads that they had Maxxis tires fail. I will try to work on another follow-up poll this weekend.

Also, I am surprised a the number of people who have NOT had tire failures. We definitely want to know what brand, psi, etc. you guys are using; because I'm sure we would all like to be a member of that club instead of the one with blowouts on the side of the road. That sounds like another poll, too.

Perhaps, I should wait to accumulate input on what should go in these polls, since we don't get a second chance to edit the questions after the poll is posted. Please feel free to add any questions you'd like to include in your response. Also, if anyone is up to creating the new polls, please feel free to do so.

As an aside, I am surprised that there have been no other tire brands selected and that the majority of tire failures have been in relatively cool or mild weather. Also, it's obvious that the squeaky wheel gets the grease, as the people with tire failures dominate the comments on tires. I guess a thread about "why I love my tires" or "my tires never fail" would be pretty boring reading.

I can't wait to see the trends as more members complete the poll questions.
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Old 05-04-2011, 04:41 PM   #7
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This is a real comprehensive survey. The results show the Goodyear Marathons have a lot of failures. I think this failure rate may be distorted due to the original tires installed by Airstream are Goodyear Marathons. Therefore there will be more failures for this brand of tires because of the numbers of tires on the road are greater.

I replaced the original Canadian Goodyear Marathons on my Airstream with USA made Goodyear Marathons last August and have had no problems so far after about 3000 miles. I debated going with Michelins and 16" wheels, but decided to go with the Marathons when I discovered they were again being made in the USA.

Thanks for the survey and instant results.

Dennis
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Old 05-04-2011, 04:58 PM   #8
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I completed the survey, but I did not see any questions regarding tires that went through their life expectancy without problems. I'll bet more people are satisfied with their tires than are not.
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Old 05-04-2011, 06:34 PM   #9
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Wow!

The survey research unit where I work is not going to believe me when I tell them about this.
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Old 05-04-2011, 08:16 PM   #10
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Over half of the respondents have reported no problems, what kind of tires do they have?
I've had no issues with my GYM's.

Lyle
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Old 05-04-2011, 10:55 PM   #11
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Phoenix, nice comprehensive survey.
My failed tired were 7.00 x 15 bias ply tires made in China...DynaTrac tires....JUNK.
Tread separations caused the affected tires to "hop" and this caused the tread to "dish out" in places...and was caught at a fueling stop just North side of Salt Lake City on the way back from Yellowstone.
I check tires in a walk around at EVERY fill up....usually about 200 miles.
Replacements obtained were at Discount Tire in Roy UT, Carlisle 225x75-15's ST...Load Range E's inflated to 80 psi.
They still seemed perfect when arriving back in Texas 945 miles later.
The manager at the Discount Tire recommended the change to the Load Range E's as a D was pretty much maxed out on carrying capacity on the 31ft trailer. He said he runs this same tire on his 30 ft 5th wheel and has had no problems....so I went with it.
Should I wear these for several years, and not be forced to buy a set of tires while on the road, I am going to upgrade to 16 inch wheels and LT Michelin Rib tires.
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Old 05-07-2011, 11:33 AM   #12
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Link to NEW Airstream Tire Poll for Travel Trailers with NO Tire Failures:

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f438...res-77069.html

The questions in the new "NO Tire Failures" poll are specifically directed towards those that responded NO to the question, “Has a tire failed on your Airstream in the past 5 years".

If your Airstream had a tire failure in the previous 5 years, please DO NOT participate in that poll. Instead, enter your responses in either the Airstream Tire Failure Poll (in this thread) and/or the new "subsequent tire failure" poll (in work; not yet available), if you have not already done so:

Note: For the purposes of the NEW Airstream Tire Poll for Travel Trailers with NO Tire Failures, flats, blowouts and other tire problems caused by a spike strip, arrow/knife/bullet and other miscellaneous puncture, defective or bent rim or other "accidental cause", which are not specifically attributable to tire design or manufacturing defect are NOT considered a "tire failure".

Thanks, in advance, for your participation.
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Old 05-07-2011, 08:35 PM   #13
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Open comment and question to tire poll participants:

I was going to create a follow-up poll for those who had a second tire failure incident AFTER replacing the tires represented in the poll that appears with this thread. However, I am more curious about others' experiences with non-Marathon tires, in addition to those with LT tires on 16-in wheels, since we have extracted about all we can regarding Marathons. In the interest of collecting data that is useful to others, instead of just satisfying my own curiousity, I would appreciate your opinions on whether non-Marathon tires and LT tires on 16-inch wheels should be focus of the last tire poll.

I anxiously awaiting your input...

Thanks,
Phoenix
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Old 05-08-2011, 10:24 AM   #14
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Can you combine in one poll? It seems you may have exhausted this issue, however, since the 2nd poll is not getting much action. That is not to say it is not a worthy effort and I remain interested in the results.

The percentages have stayed about the same in this poll from when there were 20 respondents (when I discovered the thread) to the 66 at present. Mostly it seems like confirmation of what I already understood—under inflation appears to result in more tire failures, most failures are Marathons or other ST tires. Failure can occur anytime from new to old tires and few to many miles. The early failures (1,000 to 5,000 miles—about 1/3 of them) may indicate that one production line of Marathons was really badly run and that may account for the early failures. Were the early failures from one country?

Failures occur on any tire about equally (position doesn't count) and most between 70˚ and 90˚, probably the most frequent temps during RV season—and perhaps 100+ temps don't matter that much. Most failures are tread separation or have it as one cause of two.

The sample is still pretty small, but any increase in knowledge is useful. It still is possible the most failures occur with Marathons because they have been the OEM tire, although lately there is an option for Michelins. There could be a statistical adjustment for that, but I don't have a clue how to do that.

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Old 05-08-2011, 12:03 PM   #15
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One thing in this poll that jumped out at me was that most failures were at 65 psi. Fewer failed when pressure was lower. I am assuming most of these tires are load range D, maybe maximum pressure is not the best way to go?
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Old 05-08-2011, 03:03 PM   #16
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It's true that the most failures (28) are at 65 lbs, but that only indicates that is the most common pressure as it is the recommended pressure for D tires. But there are 10 failures below 65 and only 2 above. And pressure need not be the root cause of tire failure, but can be a contributing cause.

Since some people have C and E tires, even 65 could be under inflation, but the poll does not give us that answer.

The root cause can be lousy tires which fail either on their own, or even sooner with other contributing causes, one of which would probably be under inflation.

Gene
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Old 05-10-2011, 09:16 AM   #17
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Pheonix,

For the purpose of your survey, does normal pressure mean at the max cold pressure marked on the tire or just whatever pressure is normally used by that individual?
I have looked at a few manufacturer's inflation charts and I do not see any pressure that is indicated as "normal" or recommended. They only give a range of pressures and loads at those pressures.

Gene,

My thought was maybe a softer slightly under inflated tire might be less damaged if it has some give upon impact.

Alan
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Old 05-10-2011, 11:02 AM   #18
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Alan, a slightly under inflated tire is a bit more likely to blow or suffer tread separation. I doubt the relative and perhaps insignificant softness of an under inflated tire will reduce damage. An unmounted tire is not "soft" either. It would take substantial over inflation to make a tire rock hard as there is significant safety margins built into them.

The nominal recommendations for the 15" OEM D tires on many recent Airstreams is a generalization for a fully loaded trailer. An empty trailer would have a "normal" pressure somewhat less, but I doubt that accomplishes anything. A higher pressure may wear the tire slightly more in the center, but who tows an empty trailer very often? Different models may have slightly different "normals".

Gene
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Old 05-11-2011, 02:25 PM   #19
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In this poll, "normal pressure" referred to whatever PSI was normally run. So, the other questions regarding whether the tires that failed were at "normal pressure" or a higher or lower pressure were only referring to whether the tire pressure was higher or lower than that to which the tire was "normally" inflated.

Regarding underinflation, softer tires flex more and generate heat. In the desert southwest, underinflation is one of the major causes of tread separation and blowouts. (Remember the Ford Explorer tire problems from several years ago?)
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Old 05-11-2011, 06:23 PM   #20
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Carlisle load range E

I recently completed the poll. I replaced my orginial marathons with Carlisle load range e. I had two of them fail without damage to the trailer. Third tire threw the tread and did thousands of dollars worth of damage to my trailer.
While having the tire replaced at Discount Tire and having a claim filed against Carlisle I also pulled the fourth tire which looked really weird bulging all around the middle of the tire and brought it to Discount. Where I was told that this tire was ready to separate. I also had a pressure monitor system in place when all of this happened but had no warning soon enough to avoid the failure. The tire that did all of the damage had severed the sensor from the tire stem and was still deflating when I walked back to see the damage.
Carlisle ran me thru the hoops, pictures, estimates the whole nine yards. Than returned with "The tire was out of the two year warranty" and it showed signs of wear from axle problem. I do not know where they saw the "signs" as all the tread was gone. (Discount had sent the tire to them)
Bottom line they were not interested in my problems.
I had included in the package of info I sent them all the other failures where Discount had replaced the damaged tires. ( I had bought the tire failure replacement warranty that Discount offers)
I had all the tires at 75 or 80 pounds of pressure and monitored this also.
Bottom line, I will never buy another Carlisle product.
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