When should I replace trailer tires?

A couple other don'ts for the Dmax- don't use an aftermarket air filter, don't use an aftermarket fuel filter. Simular story it is no fun when the truck don't run.

Originally written by retento on 2012-07-27 1:36 PM

Well, I went out a couple weeks ago and found me a used 2011 GMC 3500 Duramax/Allison dually extend cab 4x4... That's when it all started...

Bought a new to me 2011 GMC 3500 SLT Duramax/Allison with 6300 miles on it... Was heading to Murfreesboro Tn. last Thursday morning for a week of showing at the World Versatility show, Working Plantation Show and the WHOA International Pleasure Horse Show. Made it from Rocky Mount, N.C. to just about 300 yards past the Mocksville exit on I-40... Engine went to reduced power, made it to the next exit where hwy 64 crosses. Got up with USRider, took about two hours to get a rollback and a dually out to where we were from Statesville. J&J wrecker service towed us to town!!. They loaded the truck on the rollback, hooked the 6 horse 4 Star to their Dodge dually and headed to Black GMC in Statesville. My driver cut across this jagged curb, (as I was hollaring, watch out for that curb) looked like a crosscut saw blade, tire looked OK from the outside, but they are 7 years old and who knows what damage was done inside, didn't care at the time, was just glad to be off I-40. Black GMC jumped on my truck as soon as the dropped it. J&J took my trailer, horses, and wife over to their shop, parked trailer in shade best they could, pulled out a cord so Jen could run 42" fan on horses... Outside temp was 97 degrees. I stayed with the truck, it had set 6 different codes. Mechanic got them all cleared road tested it several times, down loaded new software upgrades, etc. About 3 PM he says it's ready to go.... I ask him would he trust it to make it through the mountains that night, he looked down at the floor and said well, I guess it would..... I say, this ain't no guessing game, is it is, or is it ain't fixed? After more discussion, I decided to head back home 200 miles rather than chance it 400 more toward middle Tn. Got hitched up at J&J, told him not to get lost, I may need you again.... Started back east got so far as the rest area just east of hwy 601 and BOOOOOOOOOM! That right front trailer tire let go, eased over in the emergency lane, could see the blue rest area sign ahead. Pulled in the rest area, found a shady spot, broke out the wood blocks, 4 way wrench and went to work. I left the truck running so our little old dog wouldn't melt while we were changing the tire... ( NC DOT rescue gas/tire/jumper cable guy showed up as I was tightning the last 2 lugs)... Anyway, got all the tools loaded, jumped in the truck and the first thing I seen was "REDUCED ENGINE POWER" flashing on the DIC AGAIN!!!...... Just had enough power to move out of the driveway. Called J&J, he sent the rollback to carry truck back to Black GMC, brought his dually to pull us back to Rocky Mount. Horses were on the trailer for 15 hours with no ill effects. They (the Mechanic, General Motors D-Max tech and who knows who else) finally figured out what the problem was with the truck... Plastic duct work between turbo and innercooler was cracked/quarter turn latch was broken. Looks like it was broken during truck build. Under heavy load engine was loosing boost, not burning as clean as it should and was unable to clean exhaust filter when in Regen mode thus knocking back the engine power.... I pick the truck up yesterday, got 19.7 mpg coming back home running 70 mph in 99 degree heat. Best I had gotten before fail was 16.7. New G614 trailer tires will be here Monday, so we'll load up and hit the road heavy and fast.... Jennifer will follow me in the old 2001 3500 496 gasser just in case it go's haywire again..... I'm not sure the old truck even has a check engine light, I've never seen it come on...!!!

Can't say enough for Black Buick GMC in Statesville, N.C. They went so far as to reimburse us for that afternoon's Rollback bill and the bill for towing our trailer, horses Jennifer and myself 200 miles back home. (USRIder cover the morning tow bill. I didn't buy this truck from Black GMC, but you best believe next time I do buy, they will get a shot at it... All work was covered under warranty, truck had been washed and cleaned inside and out and the fuel tank was full when I picked it up... NO CHARGE to me.

Worse part of the whole deal was we missed the horse shows... Horses weren't fit to travel or show even had we got there a couple days late. We were so worn out and disgusted by the time we got home that night, that it was three days before I went up the the hwy to pick up any mail.... Did not want to get near any hot asphalt.... Broke down, 97 degrees, on the interstate, with an new truck all while burning up in a wheelchair.... I had had enough. But all's good now, specially when I get them 5 new G614's on the 4 Star!!!

If you got USRider and you are in the Statesville, N.C. area then J&J towing is who you want. They have the people and equipment to get you off the road and to some good help and or bring the whole load all the way back home!! Ask for Scott!!