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Archive for April 25th, 2006
Inflation Systems Used on Off-Road Trailers
Posted by Tim on April 25, 2006
I manage military semi trailers, 22-1/2 ton, flatbeds and single drop decks that operate off road as much as 70% of their mission requirements, this includes areas where there are no roads, tracks or even ruts. Is a tire inflation system a good idea under such conditions where it is subject to hazards which can damage it and increase the maintenance burden?
If you are asking about inflations systems that allow you to reduce inflations pressures for off-road, low speed conditions and maintain proper inflation in all conditions, the answer is YES. As a tire guy, I like anything that helps you keep the right amount of air in a tire. Nothing is more important from a tire maintenance standpoint.
Damage Tire Not Replaced
Posted by Tim on April 25, 2006
During pre trip inspection I noted a portion of tread approx 3″ in diameter that appeared to have been cut out.. hacked out with a dull knife approx.half the depth of the tread and in the middle area side to side.I figured I had hit some road debris but didn’t consider it to be dangerous.. no vibration noted… front right tire 255/70R22.5 on a Volvo VNL42T610 running bobtail on a trip from St.Louis to Wilmington,NC.. I learned better later between Nashville and Knoxville when it exploded at 63mph (my optimal cruising speed) taking out my stainless steel bumper,braces, and several other things.. as well as mine and my wife’s nerves.. any idea what the problem was… of coarse I will never assume anything again when it comes to tires on this truck.. when any doubt .. replace.. No injury, so all was well…
Your question brings up a good point. Sometimes serious tire damage is not visable. It may have been that you did hit an object in the road that damaged the tread but, did not look serious to you. If you would have gone to the trouble to have the tire inspected on the inside, you might have found that there were broken cords or cables in the casing from the impact. In a similar way, a tire that has been run underinflated may have damage that is evident by looking at the inside but is not visible on the outside. Take more care the next time.