Don Parrish
AZ
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Joined: 12/15/2008
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When the somewhat older American Tradition passed us, NB I-17 between Cordes Junction and Verde Valley driving our toad, I had no reason to think of the condition or age of the tires. The DW and I both commented as to his speed however as we were going 66-67 (75 speed limit) and the coach eased right on around us. After passing us and an eighteen wheeler and back in the right lane, there was the explosion. At the moment we were in the left lane and safely back as the debris and the truck came into our lane. Although our view was partially blocked by the truck, it was clear the coach made an immediate swerve to the right (right front tire was it). The driver did a grreat job of holding on and bringing the coach to a stop without getting too far out of the lane and side-swiping the guard rail.
I did stop and walk back to where they came to rest on the shoulder and away from the traffic to see if they were okay...yes, but shaken a bit I would say. He indicated he had emergency assistance and I left them but not without congratulating him on a nice bit of driving.
Lessons: The explosion was incredibly loud...inside the coach that would be enough for a heart attack much less have the senses left to drive through it to a safe stop.
And the usual lessons: Tire condition, possible age, tire pressures and all the rest we should know, but do we do it.
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crickeydog
Marietta, Ga.
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Joined: 01/29/2004
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Don Parrish wrote:And the usual lessons: Tire condition, possible age, tire pressures and all the rest we should know, but do we do it. And excessive speed.
I like to think I do. Glad they didn't take themselves out and someone else with them. Thanks for sharing.
Happy camping!!! See y'all down the road!!!
USAF RETIRED. "EITHER LEAD, FOLLOW, OR GET OUTTA THE WAY"!
PULL DOGS:
2006 GMC 3500 CC DRW D/A LBZ 4X4 SLT "THE SILVER FOX"
2000 DODGE 3500 QUAD CAB DRW CTD LARAMIE "THE ROAD LOCOMOTIVE"
2004 HOLIDAY RAMBLER PRES. 30 SCD 5'ER
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Daveinet
il
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Joined: 10/29/2003
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crickeydog wrote:And excessive speed Since when is traveling the speed limit considered excessive?
Dave
The Flying Fortress
FMCA F298817
'83 Revcon Prince 31' FWD
502 w/Howell/GM 16197427 ECM/Edelbrock MPFI,Thorley's & Magnaflows,
4L85E 4 speed, KoniFSD,
6% grade = wanna drag?
MISC photos
Revconeers Forum
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pkunk
Questa, NM
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Joined: 12/28/2007
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Daveinet wrote:crickeydog wrote:And excessive speed Since when is traveling the speed limit considered excessive?
Just for the old tires. (& maybe the excessively old folks)
1999 Coachman Mirada 34 ft.V10-F53 chassis
12ft.LR slide-2 gp31 AGM 12V @220AH
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HeyBC
on the road
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Joined: 06/19/2002
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"Since when is traveling the speed limit considered excessive?"
When it is faster than the speed rating of your tires.
Bruce & Nena
On the Road
2004 DSDP 4025
followed by a little Silver Wrangler
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crasster
Dallas
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Joined: 07/06/2007
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No doubt about it, driving is one of the most dangerous things we do. You never know what may happen out there so always be alert.
4 whopping cylinders on Toyota RV's. Talk about great getting good MPG. Also I have a very light foot on the pedal. I followed some MPG advice on Livingpress.com and I now get 22 MPG! Not bad for a home on wheels.
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becker
Conroe, Texas
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Joined: 05/19/2008
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I have never had a blowout but I must admit, I am a little paranoid when it comes to that situation. To counter that event (should it ever happen)I have devised kind of a training procedure.
Right above the entry door in my 2008 Dynasty is a storage compartment. It's about 15 inches wide and about 18 inches tall. It houses data concerning certain functions of the coach. The door is spring loaded and swings open from the bottom and the springs hold it open until you want to close it. One of the last things I do before pulling out to get on the road is check all the functions housed in this compartment.
My training is this: I leave the door open purposely. When I get underway the coach shakes, twists, and does all the things a coach does while going down the road. As time passes (anywhere between 5 minutes to an hour) this door will slam shut..... and I do mean "slam". It sounds like a shotgun blast.
This surprises and startles me and is my que to go through my "blowout" procedure. I immediately floor the accelator, tighten my grip on the steering wheel, and maintain the center of the lane I'm in. When I feel like I have full control of my coach, I simulate getting to the side of the road. Since I don't know when the door will slam shut, it comes as a big surprise.... just like a blowout. I have been doing this so long it has become almost a instinctive and natural procedure.
Just thought I would comment....
2008 Monaco Dynasty, 42ft, 4 slides, 425hp clean air Cummins diesel
2008 Honda CR-V EXL w/M&G Braking System
Roadmaster Blackhawk 2 All Terrain Towing System
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vance
USA
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Joined: 01/19/2003
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You hit the nail on the head HeyBC. Most people don't have a clue as to what speed their tires are rated.
vance
2007 Coachman Encore
330 HP Mercedes
Honda CRV toad
"If you see our children, PLEASE don't tell them where we are"
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jetboat4
wausau
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Great idea Becker!
1999 Fleetwood Southwind 35S F-53 V-10 Triton with Banks
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wny_pat
Western NYS
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Joined: 08/11/2007
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Last I knew 75 mph was the maximum speed rating for most large RV and truck tires. Consistently increasing your speed from 55 MPH to 65 MPH can decrease the tread life of your tires up to 15%. And when speed is increased from 55 MPH to 65 MPH, you can expect a fuel economy loss of one mile per gallon or 15%. Increasing your speed also means your braking distances are longer, it can reduce handling ability and decrease tire load-carrying capabilities according to Goodyear.
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