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  1. #1
    Site Sponsor
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    Another Westlake Story

    So, I'm cheap, don't be like me! I've read many of the threads about proactively replacing the westlakes “china bomb” and I though, "nah - Give it a few years, check 'em regularly." I do check the pressure and give them a quick look for cracks and bulging each time I pull the trailer out of storage and hit the road. Some good that did! We have had the trailer for about 3 years, maybe 15K miles. Not sure how long a trailer tire should last, but that seems like it’s not enough.

    Long and short of it, my cheap self is now purchasing 5 new tires (including the spare), repairing damage to the undercarriage and the plastic trim around the wheel wells! I’m lucky the brakes the the nearby propane line were intact.

    I was driving up I-80 in CA, and the rear passenger tire in the trailer blew going 65-70 mph. Fortunately was able to quickly and safely get to the side. The tire delaminated but did not deflate, it still had 72 psi. I have not changed a tire in 20 years. Thanks to GD for the reminder on how much I dislike changing tires on the side of the freeway.

    I’m getting Towstar from Les Schwab tomorrow. Any opinions on those?

    Any good DIY tips on how to replace the damaged undercarriage?
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails fabric damage.jpg   delaminated tire.jpg  

  2. #2
    Long Hauler
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    What size and load rating were these tires? What was the speed rating? Just trying to find out whether the 16" G-rated tires are as prone to damage as the smaller
    and lower rated Westlakes.
    Howard and Peggy
    2019 Momentum 351M, and 2018 RAM Cummins dually 6-speed.
    His: 1999 Honda Interceptor
    Hers: 2013 Spyder ST-S

  3. #3
    Site Sponsor NB Canada's Avatar
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    What was the temp before it happened?


    2021 Imagine 2400 BH
    2018 GMC Sierra 4x4 crew
    2021 Imagine 2400 BH
    2018 GMC Sierra 4x4 Crew 1840lb payload

  4. #4
    Seasoned Camper
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    You were lucky considering. If it had blown much more damage probably

    Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

  5. #5
    Site Sponsor
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    I'm cheap, no tpms...

  6. #6
    Site Sponsor
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    Load Range E, speed rating L

  7. #7
    Rolling Along OurNewEra's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by RvReno View Post
    So, I'm cheap, don't be like me! I've read many of the threads about proactively replacing the westlakes “china bomb” and I though, "nah - Give it a few years, check 'em regularly." I do check the pressure and give them a quick look for cracks and bulging each time I pull the trailer out of storage and hit the road. Some good that did! We have had the trailer for about 3 years, maybe 15K miles. Not sure how long a trailer tire should last, but that seems like it’s not enough.

    Long and short of it, my cheap self is now purchasing 5 new tires (including the spare), repairing damage to the undercarriage and the plastic trim around the wheel wells! I’m lucky the brakes the the nearby propane line were intact.

    I was driving up I-80 in CA, and the rear passenger tire in the trailer blew going 65-70 mph. Fortunately was able to quickly and safely get to the side. The tire delaminated but did not deflate, it still had 72 psi. I have not changed a tire in 20 years. Thanks to GD for the reminder on how much I dislike changing tires on the side of the freeway.

    I’m getting Towstar from Les Schwab tomorrow. Any opinions on those?

    Any good DIY tips on how to replace the damaged undercarriage?
    You haven't said what trailer you have. On the Tow Star. I would be sure they have at least a load range E and check the speed rating. Tow Star sounds more like a cargo or landscape trailer tire.
    Mike & Lisa
    Central Florida
    2021 Imagine 2970RL
    1996 Chevy K3500 Crew SRW 7.4L Gas

  8. #8
    Long Hauler
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    Quote Originally Posted by RvReno View Post
    Load Range E, speed rating L
    Thank you.
    Howard and Peggy
    2019 Momentum 351M, and 2018 RAM Cummins dually 6-speed.
    His: 1999 Honda Interceptor
    Hers: 2013 Spyder ST-S

  9. #9
    Site Sponsor
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    Quote Originally Posted by RvReno View Post
    Load Range E, speed rating L
    Sorry to hear about your troubles. If I may ask, what trailer (make and model) where these on? Do you know what the weight was on your tire/axles?

    Thank you
    Chris
    Chris & Karen
    Fort Collins, CO
    2017 F-350 SRW 6.7 Lariat Value CC LB 4x4
    2018 Solitude 310GK - Sold 7/2023

  10. #10
    Site Sponsor NB Canada's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by RvReno View Post
    I'm cheap, no tpms...
    Could be a wheel issue then

    When was the last time the axle was serviced?


    2021 Imagine 2400 BH
    2018 GMC Sierra 4x4 crew
    2021 Imagine 2400 BH
    2018 GMC Sierra 4x4 Crew 1840lb payload

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