Community Forums

RV Vagabond · 06-06-2016, 12:29 AM

1) If you get a blowout or find you have a flat tire next to a good dual, is it ok to drive it to a tire store?

2) Is it common for RV'rs to keep spare tires in a storage bay, so they can change a flat themselves?

Possum · 06-06-2016, 12:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RV Vagabond

1) If you get a blowout or find you have a flat tire next to a good dual, is it ok to drive it to a tire store?

On our last trip about a week ago I noticed a funny swaying while negotiating a mountain road on our way out camping. I pulled over at a rest area and I had a tire delaminating and slowly losing air. We were miles from any cell service so I drove (at a reduced speed) about 30 miles to cell reception. The only tire shop that I could contact did not have the tire size we needed but came to our aid and followed us to where we were going to make sure we arrived relatively safely. I ended up driving about 60 miles overall on the three remaining tires. They ordered the tires (a pair) I needed and brought them out to the campground to install them when they arrived.

Quote:

Originally Posted by RV Vagabond

2) Is it common for RV'rs to keep spare tires in a storage bay, so they can change a flat themselves?

We just keep a spare rim in the bay as the tire size we need barely fits in the storage locker.

Hope this helps.

mrt_1111 · 06-06-2016, 01:13 AM

I would not. Tires cost to much and one tire will not carry the weight of two. I have a spare tire, tools to change it, air compressor and coach net. But I of course would do what is necessary to get it fix. I also have a toad. Driving on three rear tires would be my last choice.

Tha_Rooster · 06-06-2016, 08:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RV Vagabond

1) If you get a blowout or find you have a flat tire next to a good dual, is it ok to drive it to a tire store?

2) Is it common for RV'rs to keep spare tires in a storage bay, so they can change a flat themselves?

As a last resort it would be my luck the blowout tire would rip a air line or tear up something else. My tires are to big to carry I've had 1 blow out and 1 I pulled over before it blew .

Ray,IN · 06-06-2016, 08:30 AM

Under the circumstances you had, I would do the same thing, slowly drive to where I found cell service, then buy 2 tires to replace the bad one and the one that was severely overloaded while getting to where I needed to be.
I'm 74 with health issues, I purchased emergency road service because I can't even begin to change a 22" tire, so I don't carry a spare.
Even if one decides to carry a spare tire, it must be replaced every 10 years even if never ran on the MH. That's an expense I'd rather save for the very infrequent time I'll have a flat.

timetogo · 06-06-2016, 03:51 PM

Depends on weight and speed. I drove many MT trucks with one flat dual to the shop. Loaded is a different story. Slow and not far. Check the heat buildup on the tire with air often.

Road service is best case.

asuperheat · 06-06-2016, 05:20 PM

1) Not without risking the second tire and possible damage.

2) Not typical on larger RV's with 22" tires. Roadside service if needed typically.

Mr_D · 06-06-2016, 05:30 PM

We have two different size tires and they are both huge and heavy. 365/70 and 315/80 22.5's. Just no way to carry even one of them. CoachNet and credit card. But in my years of having my own RV's I've NEVER had a blowout, that's 48 years so far. Can't say the same for my father as they special ordered a '58 KenCraft TT and it blew out tires all the time. Finally went to very heavy duty tires from a mobile home.
As to the OP's, 2nd question: NO you can't drive on just one tire of a dual setup. One tire won't support the load, that's why they had to go to two.

slickest1 · 06-06-2016, 09:18 PM

I have driven loaded trucks with one flat on a dual. The key is to slow down and stop once in a while and see if it is heating up. On a very hot day it is not a good idea but you can usually drive a ways to get to a safe spot. I have had good sucess and I have also had the other tire blow as well. Like I said sometimes you just need to get it to a safe place to change it.

I carry a mounted spare and can change it if I have to. Even if you can't change it yourself it can save you time and money if you have one for the emergency service provider to change. The question is do you want to give up some of your storage space.
There has been alot of debate about this on this forum with all the pros and cons.

Mr_D · 06-06-2016, 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slickest1

I have driven loaded trucks with one flat on a dual. The key is to slow down and stop once in a while and see if it is heating up. On a very hot day it is not a good idea but you can usually drive a ways to get to a safe spot. I have had good sucess and I have also had the other tire blow as well. Like I said sometimes you just need to get it to a safe place to change it.

Did you then have the one tire that was way overloaded broken down and inspected for broken cords? That's what is required by at least Michelin.

MaverickBBD · 06-08-2016, 01:06 PM

If the remaining dual survives the sudden load shift, I would not press it any further than absolutely necessary. Plus a good inspection for any underside damage. Especially if it is on the propane tank side of the coach.

My owner's manual is very specific when it says do not attempt to change a tire yourself. Besides being heavy they need more torque then I want to carry to put back on. I am pretty sure I could use jacks to get the wheel off the ground I wouldn't want to use them to get to an inner dual especially.

It is just wishful thinking that I have any room to carry a spare tire. It is bad enough that wife does not like sharing linen closet with vacuum sealed spare drive belts. Might consider a means to secure on the roof or rear if I had a specific need ie. a trip to Alaska etc. But then do you carry two for a full dual change out?