Flat Tire Question

[bsleep]

We have a Jayfeather Ultra Light 221 with 13" tires (duel axle). Planning a trip through Independance Pass Colorado this summer and wondering if anyone has ever had to run on one tire in spot where you could not safely make a tire change.

If so how far did you go? Experiences appreciated.

[norty1]

I would not go any farther than you have to go to get in a safe location. I had to pull almost a qtr. mile once to get clearance on an interstate with a bridge railing.

The excess load on the remaining tire could damage or shorten it's life.

[BuddyRay]

I think the bigger issue is what it can do to the wheel well - especially if the tire has "Blown" and it coming apart. The wheel wells in most RV's are thin plastic at best. Last time I blew a tire on the express way - I got off as quickly as I could stop the rig and it still tore up the entire wheel well and part of the cabinet behind it.

BUT - I've also seen a few cases where a big rig has slammed into someone stopped on the road without getting completely off. I'd rather have an insurance claim to fix a wheel well than get in that kind of altercation.

Just put the flashers on, slow down, and get to a safe spot.

[rabalin]

Had friends who lost there TT when they tried to make it 2 miles to a rest area with a blow tire. they had not shut off propane and the tire cut the line and they burnt the TT to the ground. Lost it all. Pull off just as quick as you can.

[bsleep]

ouch, wouldn't think the propane line would be that close to the wheel wells.

[RAurand]

Here is what happened to my wheel well when the rear passenger tire blew:
Both of these photos are looking at the tire from the cabinet below the sink. Towels, utensils, etc were scattered all along the road.
Insurance company totaled the trailer because of the extensive damage to the floor. This happened at 60 MPH.


I now have a Tire Minder TPMS and will not leave home without it.

[dalebra]

Originally Posted by RAurand

I now have a Tire Minder TPMS and will not leave home without it.

X2

I had the same experience. $4500 worth of damage.

[Bassdogs]

Pull over as far as possible and slow to a crawl. You are unlikely to tear anything up at 5mph. Then pull off as soon as you can get at least a few feet from the roadway. Put out safety triangles or something to warn oncoming traffic, set it out about 100' behind the RV.

When I blew a tire on my tandem axle boat trailer, that wheel was not even in contact with the pavement. Sometimes when they blow at highway speeds, they pretty much destroy themselves in just a few seconds. In any regard, stopping next to a guard rail where you are unable to move away from the drive lane is never a good idea.

[RAurand]

Originally Posted by dalebra

X2

I had the same experience. $4500 worth of damage.

That is about what my damage was ($5000.00 I think). I paid $6000 for the trailer so that is why the insurance company totaled it.

[Jagiven]

Tire separation causes a lot of damage. A plan flat is not so bad, unless your driving on it until ithe separates.

If you need to pull ahead go slow. Driving on a flat for any extended time will both damage a repairable tire and destroy the rim. If it's flat, best to fix it right away.

I have had to pull over in a bad spot on an major interchange two years ago, because my brother had a flat, and did not have the correct tools. I circled back, pulled in behind him. Grabbed my spare heavy duty flasher, put it in the 7pin plug and lite up all my marker lights (flashing). I was very noticeable and everyone moved over.

[Seann45]

I had 2 blow outs last year.. drove a short way on both.. on the shoulder at 10 mph with the 4 way flashers going... the real trick is to keep your speed way down..