Community Forums

tealstar · 09-27-2014, 02:41 PM

Hi,

I'm researching sidewall splits or blow outs for these tires when they are at 10k miles, less than 4 years old. I haven't had the blow out, yet, but have 2 damaged tires due to air pressure safety checks.

A free air pressure safety check caused the air valve inner spring to not totally close resulting in a slow leak on the inside passenger dual over ~4 weeks of driving & parking. This condition is reversible & can be prevented. I discovered the inner tire was flat when I brought the coach into a tire shop to inspect why the outer tire suddenly developed a 4" split in the sidewall radiating from the hubcab/wheel--over ~200 miles.

The inside tire was coming off the rim, about 3-4" of tread ripped loose, not punctured...and they said it was all cosmetic (presumably because it was their free air pressure check that caused it) and safe to drive but they will not put that in writing.

I am trying to figure out what anyone knows as I wait here until Monday, not going on the road, to call Michelin.

The tire shop has offered to send these tires to a place that will revulcanize the ripped tread and do a "cushion gum" technique to repair the split. That will strand me 7 days.

Your opinions gratefully requested.

GaryKD · 09-27-2014, 03:14 PM

Hi tealstar,
Buy new tires. Based on the information provided I would not trust the tires or the dealer. If you belong to FMCA, a new Michelin tire costs $378.52 Go to http://www.fmca.com/images/stories/p...lin_prices.pdf and check it out. Contact FMCA for details.

Sorry for the expensive recommendation, but this is what I would do.

Annierufus · 09-27-2014, 03:24 PM

If it were me, I would get in the motorhome with the split tire and drive to another tire shop

Joe 1998 Itasca Sunflyer Ford 460

tealstar · 09-27-2014, 03:28 PM

Can't afford it, Gary. I'm stuck.

I have a call into one of those TV stations that help people solve problems. They will be here tomorrow.

The 2 rear dual tires are right next to my propane tank. I have to stick up my dukes, and fight, again, darn it!

Do guys have this many problems? Or do 'ya walk in with a visible side arm? The company has 199 complaints on The Rip Off Report.com and a class action by their employees against management.

GaryKD · 09-27-2014, 03:37 PM

Hi tealstar,
Now that you have posted the pictures, I stand by my recommendation. Who pays is another question. I can not answer that question. For your family's safety, you have no choice.

Nobody knows what is going on inside the tire. After 8 years and about 88K miles, a thumping developed in a front tire. Had both tires dismounted and inspected by a Michelin dealer. Neither he or I could find a problem anywhere on the tire. I purchased new front tires and the thumping went away.

My last recommendation is to have Santa bring you a TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System). It would have saved you from this situation. With a TPMS installed you would be negotiating a new Schrader valve for the valve stem.

ChasA · 09-27-2014, 04:28 PM

A sticking valve stem is hardly the fault of someone checking air pressure. If you had checked your tire pressure daily as you're supposed to that damage would have been prevented. That's a nice coach, towing a nice car. I ain't buying the can't afford two new tires.

tealstar · 09-27-2014, 11:07 PM

Chas: What??? Check pressure daily? What Michelin guide are you quoting that from?
The air pressure never deviated from 110# for almost 3 years!
The kid showed me how the stem can stick off center and slowly leak. I watched him do it in the water tub and then fix it.

tealstar · 09-27-2014, 11:10 PM

I've spent half of the last 6 years in 5 major abdominal surgeries and 54 chemo & radiations unable to work. I'm cleaned out of money, esp for new tires, regardless of what few toys are left.

tealstar · 09-27-2014, 11:14 PM

The coach is 10 years old, the car is 16 years old, the bike is 5 years old...it looks good cuz I take care of things.

Arch Hoagland · 09-28-2014, 12:38 AM

I had an inside dual blow out a couple years ago and that was about $12,000 to repair the damage.

I wouldn't drive on those tires for anything. Period.

Tom N · 09-28-2014, 07:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tealstar

The air pressure never deviated from 110# for almost 3 years!

110#s!?

IMHO, you're way over inflated and your tire damage may have been caused by impact damage.

Michelin says, "Overinflation, on the other hand, will reduce the tire’s contact area with the road, which reduces traction, braking ability, and handling. A tire that’s overinflated for the weight it’s carrying is more prone to a harsh ride, uneven tire wear, and impact damage."

tealstar · 09-28-2014, 05:31 PM

TomN: 110# is the fill requirement for these tires. That's what the tire dealer & mfg recommend.

What document are you getting your information from please?

tealstar · 09-28-2014, 05:42 PM

Thanks for posting your feedback Arch.
I'm not going to name the tire dealer, who is well known, until I contact the heirs---who are all women.

The guys running the place say this is "cosmetic" which means safe.
So, I say to the CS Director, " safe" & "cosmetic" are 2 different denotations; put in writing the tires are "safe" to drive on with the same "performance guarantee" the late founder built his success on.
Nope. Won't say safe.

I have completely lost all faith and trust in American businesses, particularly in the RV industry. I wish seeing America in this thing was never a dream, because what American businesses do to destroy Americans, is as bad, or worse as those overseas who hate America.

I'm stuck, can't get to the job I was headed to, and money flying out the window for parking.

Alan_Hepburn · 09-28-2014, 10:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tealstar

TomN: 110# is the fill requirement for these tires. That's what the tire dealer & mfg recommend.

What document are you getting your information from please?

Actually, the manufacturer recommends 110 lbs on order for the tire to safely carry it's maximum load of 4675 lbs in a single configuration or 4410 lbs in a dual configuration. So, if your motorhome tips the scales at 26,990 lbs then you need 110 lbs in the tires. But if your motorhome weighs less you can safely run lower pressures. For your reading pleasure you can peruse the load and inflation table that Michelin publishes here: Michelin North America RV Load & Inflation Tables