We own a Brand NEW 2006 37QSL Grand Junction 5th Wheel. Our 1st blow out was less than 3000 miles in Norcross Ga. (I have receipts). With less than 4000 miles, we had our 2nd blow out on an Interstate near Amsterdam NY. Our 3rd blow out, was near Lake Havasu, AZ with less than 8000 miles on the tires. After 3 blow outs on the highway, finally the manger (RIck) at BIg O Tires, found the problem. The Valve Stems were improperly installed. He showed us that 2 washers instead of one was put on the value stem, so when the tires heated up, the 2nd washer would off an on cause the tires to lose air pressure, eventually leading to a blow out. He wrote a letter for us and we took photo's of the tires and the value stems. The problem with the 4 tires - was not the tires, but the incorrect installation of the value stems. We contacted Lion's Head Specialty Tire and Wheel, as Grand Junction and Big O's Tires told us Lion's Head Specialty Tires were responsible for the installation of the value stems. We have dates, DOT Tire numbers, receipts, photo's and all was sent to Lion's Head Specialty Tires along with 4 or 5 conversations.
They refuse to accept any responsiblity. The damage tore out all the 110 wiring, some 12 volt wiring, tore up the fender skirts, damage to the external walls of the rig, our big slide is damaged as well. Plus just about getting killed on the highway changing the 3 tires. Any help or direction of where we can pursue this case, would be greatly appreciated, so no one else will fall prey to this company's poor workmanship and endangering the lives of others, since they will not accept responsiblity, along with the proof that I sent to them. Thank you for any help. Sincerely, Loretta
It's a terrible crime when people don't just do the right thing and step up and admit they made a mistake. the really sad part is they could just turn this over to their insurance company and you'd be made "whole" and feel good about the company and they would take a small hit on their annual premium....
Instead, you'll end up litigating (which you should) and recover your costs, but not your lost travel time. It really is sad!
You story sounds exactly what happened to me. One blowout and 2 flats after I had tires put on and headed to Houston in summer.
Long driving times and the heat were melting my valve stems. The 'third' tow truck guy showed me why. Rubber valve stems. The darn tire store put rubber valve stems on. They were melting from the heat and splitting right in half.
Three types of stems; rubber, plastic and steel/brass. I was told that all trucks must have at least the hard plastic ones.Check you valve stems too.
I just put new tires on my MH last week AND I put on stainless steel valve stems all the way around.
31 ft Four Winds
Chevy Tracker 4x4 Blue Ox We must be willing to get rid of the life we've planned,
so as to have the life that is waiting for us.
You are assuming that the Big O tires are correct and Lion's Head is wrong. That may well be true, but burden is yours to prove it. You will need more than one expert witness.
There contention will be that you are responsible to maintain proper air pressure in the tires. With this in mind as to why the air lose is occurring, would have been a good indication of a problem somewhere. And maybe this lose was pressure related when the tire cooled.
Was the stems installed wrong? I don't follow were the washers were. Should have been rubber to wheel, if metal stems were used.
Show us your pictures.
95 Dodge CC #5 TST plate Flame Red/Silver
not totaly stock
2007 fiver
Tag Ma-haul has been suggested for a name but now The Shoe box
Thanks for you insights. We were so conscience of flat tires, we did check our air pressure each and every time before driving. We did not lose air while sitting. We have metal value stems, so melting (rubber) isn't an issue. We are looking to find the manufacture of the value stem, and so far, no luck, then they could verify that only one washer was to be installed. We've been told by 3 tire places, that the stems come with 2 washers, but one should have been removed before installing. I have photo's on my laptop, (we are still traveling) and I have no idea how to post my photo's so you cans see them. I'll be glad to, what web site do I post them to, and then link you to? Loretta
It sounds like all are suggesting that the PSI got low enough for the tires to blow.
I am puzzled? Hard to understand if indeed there is a slow air leak (period of several thousand miles) when tires hot and no red flag when you have to frequently add air.
HOW FREQUENTLY DID YOU HAVE TO ADD AIR AND HOW MUCH HAD THEY LOST OVER WHAT PERIOD OF TIME?
While the manufacturer may have some liability, it is certainly an owner's responsibility to insure that proper tire pressure is maintained. If I had to add air after every trip (due to whatever), it certainly would be an action item on my list.
Call the people at Borg Tire Supply and they will be happy to recommend what type of valve stem you should use for your vehicle. Before you call them get on their web to see their different products. Do not use any valve extensions !!! Use steel valve stems, the same that trucks use and that should help solve your problems for good.Borg will help you . Good luck.
Latest - now we are getting somewhere. We stopped in an auto parts (NAPA) store that sells the exact value stem - we were given a copy from their service manual that shows 2 grommets are sent with the value stem , but only one is supposed to be used depending on the diameter of the rim holes. We had 2 grommets on our tires, (improperly installed by Lionshead) thus causing the loss of air pressure going down the road. I hope in some way, this helps other's in case this happens to them. We are following up by sending this to the Action Line with Good Sams. Loretta
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They were melting from the heat and splitting right in half.
