Blowout

[Tireman9]

Originally Posted by MoDodge

Yes. Everyone that has a dual rear vehicle should install a air pressure balancing system such as the Crossfire or Catseye. You won't believe how much better your truck will handle and your tires will wear much more evenly.

I have some problem believing that having tires in dual position with 2 or 3 psi different inflation can significantly affect handling. If your vehicle is that sensitive how do you manage to stay on the road when your fronts are that different or greater?


Do you use a digital pressure gauge and set all your tires to +/- 0.5 psi? When I was racing even I didn't shoot for closer than +/- 1 psi.

[hohenwald48]

Originally Posted by Tireman9

Have you checked your TPMS and familiarize yourself with the flashing light and buzzer? KNowing what it sounds like might lower the confusion level. Are there buzzers or bells that go off in your RV that do not suggest immediate action?

Naw, I just blindly ignore all warning buzzers and bells and continue merrily on my way down the road. Sometimes I even speed up when one goes off just to see what will happen.

[MoDodge]

Originally Posted by Tireman9

I have some problem believing that having tires in dual position with 2 or 3 psi different inflation can significantly affect handling. If your vehicle is that sensitive how do you manage to stay on the road when your fronts are that different or greater?


Do you use a digital pressure gauge and set all your tires to +/- 0.5 psi? When I was racing even I didn't shoot for closer than +/- 1 psi.

You are missing the point. The reason for keeping the tires balanced air pressure wise is that as you are driving down a highway the crown of the road plus your own trucks load position is constantly changing the friction force on the tires. The valve in the system keeps the air pressure the same in each tire according to load demands. My system has 3 schrader valves. One for each TPMS sensor and one for the main air inlet, which fills both tires simultaneously. In addition the system will not allow the other tire to go flat if one has a problem. Mine also has a visual color indicator on the main valve that shows over/under/and proper PSI inflation.

[hohenwald48]

Originally Posted by MoDodge

You are missing the point. The reason for keeping the tires balanced air pressure wise is that as you are driving down a highway the crown of the road plus your own trucks load position is constantly changing the friction force on the tires. The valve in the system keeps the air pressure the same in each tire according to load demands. My system has 3 schrader valves. One for each TPMS sensor and one for the main air inlet, which fills both tires simultaneously. In addition the system will not allow the other tire to go flat if one has a problem. Mine also has a visual color indicator on the main valve that shows over/under/and proper PSI inflation.

3 extra valves and a bunch of screw on connectors sounds like a lot of unnecessary failure points to me. If a few pounds difference between a set of duals was something critical we'd be reading about a bunch more problems than we are. I'd be surprised if even one half of 1% of RVs with duals have a Crossfire type system installed.

[Marshalone]

My service shop says keep my 5r level. If the front of the RV is raised, all of the load is on the rear most axle and that 'encourages' overloading and blowout. Other than that, keep tires in good shape, inflated to the correct pressure and don't go down the highway at 70-75 mph....my top speed is 60-65. Just my two cents worth.

[MoDodge]

Originally Posted by hohenwald48

3 extra valves and a bunch of screw on connectors sounds like a lot of unnecessary failure points to me. If a few pounds difference between a set of duals was something critical we'd be reading about a bunch more problems than we are. I'd be surprised if even one half of 1% of RVs with duals have a Crossfire type system installed.

You are probably right about the RVers, however, most big truck fleet owners that know about tires all use them. I was simply trying to give you some additional knowledge about how to be more safe and increase tire life. I have driven professionally for 40 years so I'm applying my knowledge to my HDT truck and TT. I also have Centramatic wheel balancers on all truck and trailer wheels, which also help smooth out the ride. I thought that the purpose of this forum was to pass on knowledge to others that want to learn more about a particular subject so it's up to you if you want to learn or not. Happy Tire Trails.

[Spdracr39]

Really guys, 5 pages of tire bashing because someone posts a wreck that may or may not have been caused by a blowout? What is it about tires that sets off the self protection mode in people? You would think they were talking smack about their wife and kids or something. Take care of whatever tires you have, Sometimes things happen regardless of how careful you are and most times things don't happen even if your are sloppy in your maintenance. Be prepared and enjoy your RV instead of fretting over somebody else's.

[J2Jake]

I have had two inside left duals blow. Two different coachs. Heard one not the second. TPMS alerted us on the second. Had recently had tires rotated from front to rear. Glad I did. Also tires were installed four years ago. Don't know date code.

[60sumtin]

Originally Posted by spdracr39

Really guys, 5 pages of tire bashing because someone posts a wreck that may or may not have been caused by a blowout? What is it about tires that sets off the self protection mode in people? You would think they were talking smack about their wife and kids or something. Take care of whatever tires you have, Sometimes things happen regardless of how careful you are and most times things don't happen even if your are sloppy in your maintenance. Be prepared and enjoy your RV instead of fretting over somebody else's.

Well said.

[Tireman9]

Originally Posted by Roy1

Another question how come tire shops are allowed to sell newly recapped tires that are on 8 year old tires?

Retread radial truck tires receive complete inspection by traiinedpeople before the retread process. They are only used on drive or trailer position on HD truck application.


Retreads not allowed on front position. A failure on an RV does lots more damage $$$$ than on a trailer.

[ThePowells]

Tireman, Pulling containers, had more than 1 replacement 10.00-20 sling a cap of blow before the tire even got warm. One slung off before I had hit 5th gear. Ran many a mile after the cap had slung off. BNSF wasn't really worried about the quality of replacement caps.