2020 Gulf Stream Vista Cruiser problems

Filed Jun 9, 2024 · Tires · PA

Subject: Kenda/Loadstar Radial Tire ST205/75R14D on 17' Gulf Stream Vista Camper Mode of failure: Sidewall bulged out over 2" with size of softball/4". Safety risk: At the time I noticed the left side trailer tire bulge, I was traveling at 60mph on a limited access highway towing trailer with a Ford F-150. With insufficient berm to pull off the highway, in an effort to reduce the possibility of a high-speed blowout, of a tire inflated to 50 to 75 psi, I slowed to 50mph and then 40 mph as the bulge clearly grew in diameter. Where possible I stayed halfway off the right lane but was many times forced completely onto the right lane. Thankfully, most of the time light traffic made for smooth mergers into the left lane but on 2 occasions there were near accidents during the 3 to 4 miles before I was able to pull into the median between the north and south 2 lane highways. AAA did not show up within the nearly 2 hours we sat there waiting/and then me changing the tire(I'm [XXX]). The bulge was within 12" of my head so that was a safety risk of a magnitude I tried not to think about. When I reported the problem the next day to Kenda, the 1st thing their agent said was; "let all the air out right now". I had traveled over 400 miles with it in an enclosed truck bed hard cover. Reproduced/Confirmed Problem: No but I have the tire and that can easily be done but not safely if standing close to the bulge. Inspected: Not yet. We are still traveling but I intend to do that upon my return home. Warnings: No. I noticed it because of a "Whitewall" painted on the tire by either Kenda or Gulf Stream. Normally not visible while driving, very eye-catching when bulged out 2+ inches with each rotation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)