Tire repair

[happycampers]

Just looking for everyones opinion on repairing a tire. Today, I pulled the wheels on one side to repack my bearings--which is another story in itself (lesson learned: Sunday is not a good day to do bearings. If you need races pressed, no shops are open today.) Anyway, one tire has a screw embedded in one of the grooves (hasn't leaked 1lb). It could have been there for a day or for a year. the last time I pulled the wheels was last year to do the bearings. If it was my car or truck, I would just plug it myself. But since its a trailer, I am very paranoid about the china bombs. Aside from replacing the tire, if I brought it in to a tire shop and had it patched from the inside; would that be better? No difference? Whats everybodies thoughts???
Thanks!

[happycampers]

Here is a better look at it.

[Hunter11]

Matt, maybe it is just the way it looks in the picture but to me it looks like that tire is wearing more on one side than the other.

I would think you could have the tire patched and be okay.

[happycampers]

Keith, I noticed that too and I have been keeping an eye on that this summer. But I'm not sure if 5 tires are in the budget till next spring. I want to upgrade to LTs then. We aren't going too far with it this year, just a few more trips and the longest may be 200 miles from home at the most.

[Pnr]

I know lots of people don't like tire plugs, but I have never had a plug let me down.
I have used them in trucks, pickups, cars, quads , golf carts and farm machinery. I care them anytime I travel.

[albertr]

Are those the original tires? How many miles do you estimate on them? I have the same 5th wheel and most likely the same brand.....Al

[cwit]

I would plug it. I like plugs over patches. You may be lucky and the screw didn't go through.

[happycampers]

thanks for all the input.
I don't know for sure, but I would estimate around 12k miles

[Chuck N. Wined]

I know it would worry me a little but I would go the plug route. Never had one on a camper but have had several on car tires and never a problem.
Lonnie

[Dayle1]

First fifth wheel I owned had a tire that would loose pressure very slowly. This went on for quite some time til I found a nail in it. Had it plugged at a tire shop and never had another problem with it. Go ahead and plug the tire, then just pay attention to the pressure, would be great if you had a TPMS.

[socoguy]

Originally Posted by Hunter11

Matt, maybe it is just the way it looks in the picture but to me it looks like that tire is wearing more on one side than the other.

I would think you could have the tire patched and be okay.

That would be my only reservation, I had the same thought about the picture. It appears the bottom half of the tire is slightly more worn. I hesitated to comment since photos are deceiving.
If that is not the case I thing a plug is fine. It is in the recess and you will probably change tire well before it is comparimised.

[albertr]

12,000 miles is a lot. I got about 3,000 on mine (bought last Aug.) and 1 needs to be replaced. Tire is out of round and scalloping. All were manufactured in May 2010 and the sat on the for almost 2 years. I am getting very concerned. I do have a TPMS which helps somewhat.

[happycampers]

I don't have a TPMS, but the TST system is on my wishlist. I watch them closely. I check the pressure everytime I hitch up and usually check the temps (by hand) every pit stop along the way. They don't get too hot, and if they do I have a IR thermometer and can monitor the exact temps if needed. We usually do alot of travelling (east coast/northern ontario/US etc) but this year has been a very busy year for us and we haven't gone too far from home for too long.
I plugged it tonight, and will fill it back up tomorrow when I put my bearings back together. I will watch closely for the remainder of the season. Next spring I will look into a new set of rubbers and see whats going on with the axles.
Thanks for everyone's input.

[socoguy]

Thats a good plan. I think the TPMS is a good expenditure. They are a great tool and also give you some peace of mind. Go Well.