Complaint 1786690

Complaint Summary

TIRES:TREAD/BELT

Owner Narrative

Trailer King tire was on a dual axle RV trailer (back left tire). Tire pressure of all 4 tires was monitored by Tire Minder product. Tire had correct pressure (65PSI) and no warning by monitoring device was given due to low pressure or impending failure. Tire had catastrophic failure with only beads and tread remaining. Failure destroyed Tire Minder device. Tire was sent to an inspector for Unicorn Tire Co(manufacturer). Inspection of tire was done at the residence of the inspector (this was not noted to me by manufacturer) and analysis said tire was over/under pressurized or overloaded. Absolutely false! I asked manufacturer for a list of the tests run on the tire, but was refused. I asked the manufacturer for the name of inspector, but was refused. I asked manufacturer for qualifications/certifications of inspector, but was refused. Tire was returned to me after I paid return shipping costs. The tire was being driven on interstate hwy at 65mph when failure happened. Passing motorists advised me of tire failure. The tire beads were still on the wheel rim and worn down from pavement contact. Tire failure could have caused damage to other motorists vehicles or safety and could have caused trailer to lose control. Manufacturer's inspector says "bluing" (excessive heat) indicated that the tire was over/under inflated or too heavily weighted. Advised manufacturer that bluing could have occurred due to tire remains being in contact with pavement at 65mph, but manufacturer said that was taken into account. Tire Minders monitor both temperature and pressure of tire.....no warning given for either prior to failure. Tire remains are still in my possession and available for inspection. Tire size is 205 75R 14D (trailer use only). Tire brand is Trailer King RST. DOT: 1AD B2TRT1 Manufacturer date code: 4319

Owner-submitted narrative on file with NHTSA. Complaint narratives are self-reported and have not been verified.