Posted 2018-03-12 10:43 AM (#171395) Subject: Multiple Tire Blowouts
Member
Posts: 11
Location: Texas
On a 2014 Lakota Charger gn LQ, that I have owned for 6 months I have had 2 tires blow out within 6 weeks. A third tire was very hot to touch after I got home from replacing yesterday's blowout. I will replace that tire tomorrow. I believe this is the last of the original tires. The other 3 tires were not hot. I have taken a 3 or 4 long trips with the trailer with no issues until this happened 12 miles from my home. I would appreciate any informed input, whether it is likely the age of the tires or if I may have a brake or brake controller issue. Since its difficult to take the trailer to a one stop shop, does anyone have a clue as to the cause(s)? I don't want to get far from home if I have a mechanical issue.
Posted 2018-03-12 4:20 PM (#171399 - in reply to #171395) Subject: RE: Multiple Tire Blowouts
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 448
Location: Los Angeles, Ca.
Usual cause is crummy tires (China) or underinflation. Lots of different opinions on the subject but I always run mine at max psi indicated on sidewall. Hot tires usually indicates underinflation (or possibly overloaded)
Posted 2018-03-12 8:39 PM (#171401 - in reply to #171395) Subject: RE: Multiple Tire Blowouts
Expert
Posts: 3853
Location: Vermont
Check the age of the tires...Near the bead of the tire, you will find the letters DOT, and a 4 digit #. The first 2 digits are the week, the tire was made, last 2 are the year. IE: 2012= 20th week of 2012 Check the tire pressure, first...if correct, according to the max cold pressure as set on the side of your tire...
Posted 2018-03-13 7:54 AM (#171402 - in reply to #171395) Subject: RE: Multiple Tire Blowouts
Expert
Posts: 5870
Location: western PA
All the above responses are valid. The age of the tires, the quality of them by the manufacturers, tire pressures and over loading, can all result in tire failures. Heat and impact are often the main reason for blow out failures. Usually underinflation is the cause. Over the years there have been many threads on this site, that deal with the inflation pressures commonly used when pulling trailers. The majority of the respondants stated they use the max inflation rates marked on the tires' side walls by the individual? manufacturers. Over inflation is usually seen as tire wear on the center of the tread. Underinflation will be seen on both sidewalls' transition to the tread.. A tire guage or sensor set up used before any trip is well worth your time.
Posted 2018-03-13 8:53 AM (#171404 - in reply to #171402) Subject: RE: Multiple Tire Blowouts
Expert
Posts: 3802
Location: Rocky Mount N.C.
Check the self adjusting brakes, if equipped.... I had to stand on the brakes a while back, then about ten miles down the road a 1 year old 18ply Michelin blew out. Brakes had adjustted themselves up too tight and were dragging on this one right rear wheel. This caused everything to start to heat up until the tire blew out. Got to get these self adjusting brakes off of my trailer. I DO NOT NEED THEIR HELP...!!! Lippert axles suck...!!
Posted 2018-03-14 12:15 PM (#171408 - in reply to #171405) Subject: RE: Multiple Tire Blowouts
Member
Posts: 11
Location: Texas
Just in case anyone is interested in the "rest of the story" - After replacing 3 tires and the brakes were still squealing, I found that the brake seals had broken and fluid had saturated the pads and rotors (and I forgot what else they said). New brake job on all 4 wheels today on my 4 year old trailer!
Posted 2018-03-15 8:37 AM (#171413 - in reply to #171395) Subject: RE: Multiple Tire Blowouts
Expert
Posts: 5870
Location: western PA
While on your trips and during a rest stop, or at the end of the trip, It's a simple matter to walk around your trailer and place your hand on each wheel cover, to determine how hot it is. Any brake that is draging will increase the wheels' temperature and become readily apparent. It takes less tha a minute to accomplish. It can also be an indication that a mechanical problem may exist, such as a wheel bearing being too tight or failing.
Posted 2018-03-28 3:23 PM (#171464 - in reply to #171395) Subject: RE: Multiple Tire Blowouts
Regular
Posts: 51
When we travel I have always taught my daughters to get out after we stop and put their hand on all 4 tires and feel if one is hotter than the rest. If so then you need to start looking for the cause.
Posted 2018-04-08 1:39 PM (#171501 - in reply to #171399) Subject: RE: Multiple Tire Blowouts
Member
Posts: 6
Location: mooresville
Hi we bought a new livingquarters trailer from Lakota 4 horse with 9 foot 8 foot wide. had a tire blow with only 3 horses in the back.tires were 4 months old they had 80 lbs as i am a maintenance freek. Did not run over anything it was our 2nd trip and right rear tire blew.Took out fender and one drop down winwows.the tire comp said improper air pressure.the tires were made by towmax. the tires had 62 or 65 max speed.When tire went we were going 61 in Joplin mo.All kinds of horror stories online. We stopped and had Discount tire put all new tires on trailer.Have not had any problems with these tires.I beileve these tires are junk and should not be used. Good luck
Posted 2018-04-09 3:21 PM (#171502 - in reply to #171395) Subject: RE: Multiple Tire Blowouts
Member
Posts: 47
Location: Hookerton, NC
I know several people who bought new Lakota trailers and they had blowouts the first year. Makes you wonder about the quality of the tire they are putting on?
Posted 2018-04-10 6:00 AM (#171504 - in reply to #171395) Subject: RE: Multiple Tire Blowouts
Regular
Posts: 88
Location: Washington
I'm replacing mine this week with either Bridgestone Duravis 250 or Michelin XPS Ribs. The trailer (Lakota) is 2 years old and I haven't been comfortable going this long on the factory tires. The ones that came on the trailer are affectionately referred to as "China Bombs" in some circles. There are several other good options for less money but a few hundred bucks more is worth the investment to me.