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Old 06-06-2014, 11:41 AM   #1
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Question Failing Trail Express Tires ST225/75R15 D

In February 2014, we purchased a new 2013 Coachmen Freedom Express Liberty Edition, 297RLDSLE from a mid-Florida dealership. Our trailer came equipped with 225/75R15 D Trail Express - Power Towing tires.
We had the dealer install a Husky 801-1200# load balancing and anti-sway bar system on our 2008 Yukon XL 1/2 ton SUV. We towed our new rig back to Fort Myers 100 miles. During our trip home we had to stop several times to adjust +++ the sway bar tension because the trailer was still swaying. I discussed this with Husky and they informed us that they recommend a 2nd (left) sway bar on ALL trailers over 24FT. So I purchased and installed a 2nd sway bar from Camping World.
Over the next few weeks we drove the rig back and forth from storage lot and home 5 times (60 miles) and then 4/11/14 we embarked on our 1st camping trip, destination Cleveland, Ohio.
Before we left Fort Myers we checked out the entire trailer including tire pressure and set all tires to 65psi cold. During the drive we were very concerned at the vibration and sway of our rig so we stopped several times to check pressure and inspect the tires. On our 1st day we drove to Lake Park, GA.
The next day the vibration and sway grew much worse. To be truthful we blamed Georgia road quality. We were wrong! With only 653 miles on the new rig we experienced a violent tire failure at 63 MPH on I-475 going around Macon, GA. We then had a 2nd tire fail on the opposite side of the trailer so we replaced all 5 tires.
The Macon TiresPlus store manager said we had experienced severe tire ply separation possibly due to the trailer sitting in one place for so long (14+ months) in the hot Florida sun.
When we returned to I-475 we were amazed how smooth the road really was.
I wish I had known the symptoms of a trailer tire failure prior to this experience. Fortunately, we were not hurt and did not hurt anyone else.
I am wondering if there are any similar experiences with this brand of tire?
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Old 06-06-2014, 12:06 PM   #2
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Darn,I though we might go (24 hrs.) without hearing about (Trail Express Tire Failure)? Run a search at the top on these tires! Youroo!!
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Old 06-06-2014, 12:08 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by david12121 View Post
I am wondering if there are any similar experiences with this brand of tire?
Here's what one of our Trail Express tires looked like last week. We took our 2013 Roo out for the first time two weeks ago. Our tire failure was quite different than yours - I had no idea it was gone. Never felt any difference in the ride. My only clue was some guy who pulled up alongside hanging out his window and waving his hat .

We were only 15 miles from home. Tires were new last year. Fortunately nobody got hurt and nothing got damaged. The paperwork with the trailer said Lionshead Specialty Tire & Wheel warrantied them for 12 months from date of purchase. We were at 13 months - great. Checked second year warranty from FR. Says tires are covered. So, I called the dealer and he said bring it in and bring him the old tire. Not 100% sure what they will cover or what brand I can get for a replacement, but now I'm really thinking I want the other 4 gone. Also getting a TPMS. The tire that failed was on the curb side, which I can't see in the mirror. I had no idea we had a flat. Ours are 205-14's - load range C. I thught about going to LR D's for some safety factor, but doesn't look anybody offers a LR D in a 14. So, not sure what to get for replacements yet, but not wanting to keep the Trail Express - that's for sure after the way the entire tread separated from the sidewall.
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Old 06-06-2014, 12:12 PM   #4
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Kmp- when I bought my Hw277, the very first upgrade was to Khumo 867 d's but the only ones in 14 was 195's. Just a touch difference but it was peace of mind.
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Old 06-06-2014, 12:13 PM   #5
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Here more info......

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...res-24348.html
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Old 06-06-2014, 06:39 PM   #6
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Photos of Failed Trail Express Tires

I wanted to post a couple of photos of my Trail Express failed tires but cannot see how to do it.

Can someone help me with how do you post photos in this forum?

Thanks, David
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Old 06-06-2014, 08:19 PM   #7
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See below and click "Go Advanced", then click paper clip, click "choose file" browse for picture and then upload. Write comment and post.
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2011 Rockwood 8319SS with ProPride 3P hitch/GoodYear Marathons/TST TPMS 507
2019 F350 Ruby Red 6.7l diesel 3.31 axle electronic locker
Yamaha 3000iseb generator:Progressive Ind. EMS-HW30C : Eastern Ontario
Nights Camped: 2014 (18) 2015 (18) 2016 (36) 2017 (32) 2018 (42) 2019 (28) 2020 (35)
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Old 06-06-2014, 08:50 PM   #8
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Today I filed a formal complaint with NHTSA about these tires.
I encourage everyone who has problems with these tires to go online at NHTSA.gov and file a complaint it only took a few minutes.
David
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