Winnebago Minnie tire blowout problems

Filed Mar 5, 2014 · Tires · VA

2003 winnebago minnie rv. Consumer writes in regards to multiple michelin tire failures. *smd the consumer stated the sidewalls were showing cracks. Al 4 tires, were replaced. However, 4 months later, the consumer experienced a tire blow out on the left rear inside tire, which caused considerable damage to 2 lower basement compartments, cables, electrical hook-ups, etc. The affected tire was subject to recall. The damaged tire, was replaced with an almost new spare tire. Approximately ten hours later, a second blow out occurred. The roadside service replaced the inside left rear tire, but also the outside left rear tire, which undetected at the time, had been damaged by the earlier blow out and was losing air. Contributing to the blow out of the inside tire. The tires were eventually replaced with good year tires. Michelin concluded the tires were fine and declined the consumers request for reimbursement. However, a few weeks later, the consumer received a recall notice.

Filed Apr 20, 2006 · Tires · 15,250 miles · MS

2000 winnebago minnie model 31c class c motor home utilizing a 2000 ford e450 chassis. Tire inflation pressures are religiously checked prior to each use of the motor home. On april 17, 2006 while driving (north on us98 at mile marker 17 in mobile, alabama) at 50 MPH the right rear inboard tire (firestone lt225-75 r 16 load range e) suffered an explosive failure followed by tread separation. The failure was not preceded by a detectable vibration but appeared to be instantaneous. The tread bent the exhaust into the remaining tire and stripped the fender and rock shield protecting the lpg storage tank. It bent the lpg plumbing coming from the lp tank, but did not breach the plumbing or cause a leak. The vehicle remained controllable and was driven for another mile until it could be exited from the highway. The tire only had 15250 miles on it and as I said was as always inflated to the mfg's specifications prior to each use of the motor home. It appeared that the internal sidewall radial plies had failed at the edge of the steel belts. This forced the outside sidewall plies to carry the pressure loads as well as the steel belt centrifugal retaining loads thus eventually causing a carcass failure and resulting de-lamination of the tread/steel belt bonds. It appears (as evidenced by oxidation) that the failure may have been predicted by a crack located on a radial axis in the sidewall. I believe radial (spoke type) cracks may be an indicator that a section of the internal radial plies is no longer in tension (in other words internally cut). One other tire on the vehicle has this same crack. The entire set of six tires is being replaced with new tires.

Filed Sep 28, 2004 · Tires · 20,170 miles · IL

Right rear inner duller tire experienced a tread separation while driving 60 MPH with two adults and two children in a winnebago minnie 2000 recreational vehicle. While driving consumer was able to hear and feel the tread flapping against the body of the vehicle before pulling over. The tire remained inflated during the separation. Firestone, steeltex rs4, original equipment, tire size 225/75r16, e load range and the dot # vdilixd379. The tire was available for the federal safety agency analysis. Firestone was notified. *ak

Filed Apr 13, 2004 · Tires · 40,300 miles · IN

Complete tread separation, I-55 about 3 miles south of exit to blytheville ar. Speed 70 MPH, temp 55. Winnebago 27 ft minnie rv, ford chasis. Orig equip tire approx 40,300 mi. Left rear inner dual. Tire did not immediately deflate. Drove on to exit and changed to spare. This is third tire of this series dot vd1l1xd 349 to separate tread on this vehicle. See odi number 10036700 and odi number 10036694 (incidents occurring july 19 and 20 of 2003).this tire is not suitable for use on this type vehicle, regardless of what ford, firestone, or the federal safety agency says. These steeltex tires need to be taken off the road. Damage to vehicle was slight, mud flap lost and mud flap retainer ruined. Will contact firestone separately.

Filed Aug 27, 2003 · Tires · 33,300 miles · IN

Complete tread separation. I90, livingston, mt, interstate highway, speed 70 MPH. Temp 100. Vehicle winnebago 27 ft rv, ford chasis. Orig equip tire, approx 33,300 mi. Right rear inner dual. Tire did not deflate. This is the second tire of this series to separate the tread on this vehicle. Property damage was neglibible, but confidence damage was great. Is there a problem with firestone steel tex r4s tires? I have four more on my rv and I no longer feel confident with them? Can you advise??

Filed Aug 16, 2003 · Tires · 33,000 miles · IN

Complete tread separation. Highway 2 near creston, wa. 2 lane hwy, speed approx 60 MPH. Temp 102. Vehicle winnebago 27 ft rv, ford chassis. Orig equip tire, approx 33,000 mi. Right front tire. Pressure checked frequently and was correct. Tire did not deflate. Property damage neglibible. *ak the consumer wants to know why are the tires still on the road? The problems are with the steeltex r4s separating the tread. The consumer feels they should be recalled.

Filed Aug 12, 2003 · Tires · CA

Consumer states right rear tire tread separated while traveling 55 MPH.

Filed Aug 12, 2003 · Tires · CA

Consumer states rear inside left tire tread separated while traveling 55 MPH.

Filed Aug 8, 2003 · Tires · 25,763 miles · VA

While driving, the rear passenger side tire blew out.

Filed Jul 14, 2003 · Tires · NJ

While driving at 60 MPH passenger and driver side rear duel inner tires had tread separation and deflated.