Blow Out Damage repair question

[zebsbro]

We had the Dreaded blow out this weekend, original marathon 15" tires with approximately 15,000 logged miles on tires, we were on I 24 going 55MPH, on one hand the rig (2017 FC20FB F150 Crew) handled the situation better than I expected, no flailing around etc we pulled over immediately and at first it didn't look that bad, then I saw the rip in the side. so the question is with this kind of damage what are our options, we live in Nashville so Jackson Center is a long trip to do twice (drop off - pick up) but is there a trustworthy place closer to get it fixed?

[ROBERT CROSS]

Jackson Center Repair Facility, Colonial Airstream NJ. Panel replacement it's not something that you want to trust to just any dealership.

POI Trailer tires should be inspected often and replaced at 5-7 years. Closer attention on a single axle.
The mileage alone would have been a reason on your trailer.
We use the Goodyear Endurance ST on our Classic.

Bob
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[Hans627]

Welcome to the forum. And so sorry to hear about the blowout. Everyone should get rid of GY Marathon tires immediately. They are dangerous!

With that said, when I needed body work done, I took our GT to JC. It may be a long trip but is worth it.

And you should check with your insurance company as they may cover the damage.

[turk123]

Many here would say you are very close to Jackson Center. Just plan on going there. You will get the best service.

Right now Jackson center is making appointments for January. When you arrive you will be staying in the Terraport (Airstream's campground). You can stay there while the repairs are done. No need to come home. Find out how many days it will take to have the panel replaced. I am thinking 2-3 days. Try to make the appointment for Monday. Service does not work over the weekends. If you arrive Friday, you will be staying two extra days.

If you don't want to stay in the trailer, there is a person on Facebook who is renting their apartment for $50/night.

[gypsydad]

Been there from TX...your only in TN...not that far to JC...we are going again for rear panel body damage in October for a week. Wish I was only in TN...long trip for us. Your GY Marathons (made in China- Marabombs) should have been replaced years ago...most of us with 15" wheels, are using the GY Endurance now...made in USA. Many threads on this topic...Good luck!

[Silvr_Bullet]

Most do not experience a true blow out, it usually is a puncture or the tire becomes compromised someway and the tire loses all its air, TPMS can give you some early indication of air escaping providing some small measure of a problem, especially on a single axle trailer.

[Bill M.]

Wow. That looks bad. I live in Knoxville. We have made the treck to Jackson Center twice for repair work. One day each way for the drop-off and the pickup. I think Jackson Center is where your trailer needs to go.

[Gotta_Travel]

It looks like you had a TPMS (Tire Minder?) on the valve stem. Was it functioning? Did it throw a warning? I don’t know if they offer protection through their product or hopefully, there’s insurance.

In any case, I agree with previous posts that I wouldn’t leave this work to anyone. I’d take it to the factory or a factory approved center. Good luck.

[Silvr_Bullet]

Originally Posted by Gotta_Travel

It looks like you had a TPMS (Tire Minder?) on the valve stem. Was it functioning? Did it throw a warning? I don’t know if they offer protection through their product or hopefully, there’s insurance.

In any case, I agree with previous posts that I wouldn’t leave this work to anyone. I’d take it to the factory or a factory approved center. Good luck.

Good catch! The information you asked about would be valuable to us especially the brand TireMinder.

[labellafiore]

JC is excellent, however, P and S Trailer Service in Helena, OH is an authorized Airstream repair and customization shop. We recently had body damage that required a new lower skin and rocker panel along the curbside. The work they did was gorgeous and only took a couple of weeks. They will also let you stay in your trailer on-site ( like at Jackson Center) while they are not working on it. They will give you a date and are busy, however, probably sooner than JC.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by zebsbro

We had the Dreaded blow out this weekend, original marathon 15" tires with approximately 15,000 logged miles on tires, we were on I 24 going 55MPH, on one hand the rig (2017 FC20FB F150 Crew) handled the situation better than I expected, no flailing around etc we pulled over immediately and at first it didn't look that bad, then I saw the rip in the side. so the question is with this kind of damage what are our options, we live in Nashville so Jackson Center is a long trip to do twice (drop off - pick up) but is there a trustworthy place closer to get it fixed?

Should have mentioned....INSPECT THAT WHEEL VERY CAREFULLY!!!!!

Bob
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[Fungus]

Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS

Should have mentioned....INSPECT THAT WHEEL VERY CAREFULLY!!!!!

Bob
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It seems that if the wheel/rim hit the pavement at all, prudence would dictate a new wheel. Damage might to difficult to detect.

And if the OP ever had a hankering to move to 16-inch wheels, now would be the time.

[heslinhotel]

If you are looking to repair with buck rivets go to JC if you don't mind olympic rivets ( they tend to leak and are not as strong) Out of Doors Mart in Colfax NC (they are right off I-40) does quality repair work.

Steve

[AgBullet]

Had similar damage on a GYM blowout. Jackson Center...you won't be disappointed.

[uncle_bob]

Hi

Backing up a bit ....

15K miles and 5 years is *not* a lot on a set of tires. I agree that watching things is a good thing to do. It does suggest that these are not the best of the best tires.

How much damage is there? Is the trailer safe to tow with a new wheel and tire? I think some careful examination is in order before it goes very far at all.

Distance wise, JC is as close as ( or closer than) any of the options. They also have access to various bits and pieces that just might be needed as part of the repair.

Regardless of deductible, this is a "talk to the insurance guy" level of damage. How much of it will be covered depends a lot on your policy.

Bob

[banderabob]

This won’t necessarily help you, but there may be an Airstream trained technician in your area who has gone out on their own. We found one in New Braunfels, TX who did some sheet metal replacement for us. Parts still come from JC, but if they carry a good reputation, no sense in not using them!

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by uncle_bob

Hi

Backing up a bit ....

15K miles and 5 years is *not* a lot on a set of tires.
Bob

Subjective ...It just might be for a tire that's stationary more than it rolls, has two axles mounted close together, and is most likely outdoors and can be wet for long periods.

My subjective observations are different.

Bob
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[uncle_bob]

Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS

Subjective ...It just might be for a tire that's stationary more than it rolls, has two axles mounted close together, and is most likely outdoors and can be wet for long periods.

My subjective observations are different.

Bob
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Hi

"Two axles mounted close together" probably can be ruled out in this case.

Bob

[guskmg]

Take good photos and send them to Jackson Center and the Service Center will give you a good estimate. Then you will also have a bargaining chip with all the other bidders and your insurance company. I have had the same experience as you, but all they had to replace was the plastic wheel well liner, the banana wrap behind the wheel, and the trim piece. The cost was $1,000 in 2012 money. As far as using olympic rivets go I have had vertical and horizontal damage to skin sections and never had one loosen or pop. On the later Airstreams the factory simply puts your serial number into their cutting and drilling table and out comes a new piece made exactly for your trailer. If the trailer was assembled using tape and sealant (not vulkem) They drill or pry off the heads with an air chisel. The older trailers were assembled with vulkem, then the old aluminum is trimmed away from the fastening structure and the new sheets riveted with Olympics as above.
guskmg

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by uncle_bob

Hi

"Two axles mounted close together" probably can be ruled out in this case.

Bob

Subjectively,(my new fav werd), maybe I should have left out wet and stationary also for all the desert & non moving AS's.
BTW...that is why the verb 'has' was used.
Yes, I am a bit of a pit nicker as you are I believe.
Mods...please delete said post, grammar police infraction.

Bob
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