Within this forum, is a continual banter about the poor quality of OEM tires being installed on new trailers. Many blowouts have occurred, when using a few brands of low quality new tires. I'm not yet aware of any fatalities that have occurred as a result of this equipment, but many monetary losses have been incurred by many owners. With my own personal experience with tire manufacturers, nothing will be done by them, until a situation becomes grave enough to effect a resolution. This undoubtedly will involve one or more mortalities, with the high liability values and many resulting dollars spent in litigation. Bent fenders and interrupted trips, are just not enough to dissuade manufacturers from their cost cutting motives. Something serious will have to happen, that will take significant profits from their pocket books, before corporate directives are changed. You can and should file a complaint with NHTSA about your tire problems. If enough people complain and a pattern develops about these tires being problematic, the issues can then be documented and researched. Possibly then, their poor construction and safety issues will be addressed. Until then, trailer manufacturers will continue to specify their usage, because of the monetary advantages they offer.
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/index.cfm
This site also allows you to research any recalls, or any previously posted defects, of the various tire manufacturers' products. It is also monitored by attorneys, who need background information for clients with similar problems.
Only by complaining directly to the trailer manufacturers and their dealers, can you emphasize your displeasure, at being placed at risk because of the low quality, originally installed equipment. You also have the option to specify other tires at the time of purchase, refusing to accept the standard junk equipment.
People have to speak up and make a statement, that this affront to their safety is not acceptable. While this forum is a good place to learn where to channel your grievances, it will have little effect on corporations trying to save money.
The individual presidents of each culpable company, should be addressed directly with your thoughts. The dealers who routinely sell this inferior equipment, should also be appraised of your reluctance to spend good money in their place of business, for items that will endanger your lives or those of your most precious cargo.
If enough grievances are made, and they impact the right people, this situation can be addressed. It all boils down on how much you are prepared to endure, and what you are willing to do to effect a change.
BOL Gard |