Tire Plugs?

[Dirkpitt]

Do you guys carry a tire plug kit just in case?

[Tyler2you]

I do, but would only use it as a last resort. I've plugged 4-5 passenger car/SUV tires over the past 10 years or so and had Firestone/Discount Tire tell me they weren't repairable due to the plug on at least 3 of those.

Best approach is to always swap on the spare and get the damaged tire somewhere for repair vs. doing more damage by opening up the hole to install a patch.

ETA: Or call AAA if you don't have a spare . . .

[uncle_bob]

Hi

Yes, and an air compressor that will deliver a lot of air.

Do I count on it working? Not so much. They are not a "works 100% of the time" sort of thing.

If you have a "modern" Interstate that came out after they dropped the spare tire .... the only fall back if the plug doesn't work is AAA or (uggg .... ) Coach Net.

Bob

[brick1]

I keep a plug kit, but only as a last resort. Spare tire or AAA RV Plus first.

[Bill M.]

No. I did try to plug a tire once and was very unsuccessful. I do not carry a compressor either.

[uraljohn]

I always carry a high quality tire plug kit. Knowing how to plug a tire has saved me many times over the past 45 years of driving. I also always carry a high quality manual tire pump. A good one will set you back around $100.00.

After using a plug I always take the effected tire to a shop for a proper inside patch. I have never had a case of the tire not being repairable due to using a plug. I have had some not repairable due to the hole being to close to the sidewall for safe repair.

I have almost 2 million miles driving Class 8 tractor trailers and actually used a plug on a couple of truck tires in an emergency situation. That got me down the road where I could get a proper repair. I always carried a 50' air hose that attached to the tractor to air up the tires. Putting a plug into a semi tire is tough work but it got me off the highway to a safe repair.

[gypsydad]

Traveling on a dirt/gravel road from a campground above Augusta, in MT last summer; picked up a nail somehow on my TV. What do you do; no cell service, 20 miles from nearest town, and no other traffic to help? Plug the tire, fill with compressor, and continue home. Fortunately for me, my son was following us and he had a plug kit and a small portable compressor. I had a larger compressor with a tank, but no plug kit. Could have been a really long day without that plug kit.

Now, imagine same scenario without anyone there to help and no cell service on a back road!

When I got home, I ditched the larger tank compressor for a smaller but very powerful VIAIR 300P Portable Compressor; (Amazon) and I bought the plug kit also. Insurance; like a generator...you only need it when you need it...but then, your glad you have it!

[Peter417]

I always carry tire plugs for the truck and bikes. They work great. I have never had one fail.

[kittmaster]

Our TV picked up something in the truck stop area, without the plug, it would have been a tow to the garage and AS left at truck stop....(no thanks!)...all because I left the TV tire lug protection key at home because of a mix up I subtly missed.

Tire plugs were invented for a reason and if done right can get you out of a jam. At that point, you should have the tire properly vulcanized interior patched with patch/plug that will last the remaining life of the tire. If the hole is too close to the edge, then you'll have to replace the tire.

I recall my early years with my firebird...the rear tire was plugged and I put over 50k miles on the tire....no issues...if done right, will stand up, would I want it permanent on my AS....no, of course not, the point is, they do stand up in a pinch and should be on hand to get you out of a sticky spot.....especially when traveling.

[Tyler2you]

As long as you view the plug as a short term fix, it's a good way to get out of a jam.

The problem can come in when you plug the tire and then leave it there for the remaining life of the tire. It can allow air pressure from inside the tire to migrate into the plies and potentially cause the tire to fail.

[Dirkpitt]

I keep plug kits in all my cars/SUV’s and have used them successfully many times. Just didn’t know with higher pressure RV tire. Thanks to all.

[Titus]

My MY of Sprinter came with a compressor. Used it once at a campground when a new air-thru-valve-cap leaked. Found out how much of a nuisance it was to try to repack the hose into the compressor storage compartment, so I installed a quick-disconnect to allow the hose to be stored separately.

Bought a plug kit before our trip to AK a few years back but, fortunately, have not had to use it.