Exploding Tire!

[greenhummer]

Got a call from the spousal unit the other day at work. The left rear tire on the '05 H2 went flat very quickly. She was stuck on the side of the road and needed assistance to change the tire.

So, tire-changer guy shows up and finds the tire (stock wheels and tires with less than 4000 miles since new) with it's sidewall completely ripped up. This was not a tire flat; rather it was a tire failure and caused a dangerous situation. I'll post a pic for the curious - out of town right now.

Wanted to check though: has anybody had stock tires blow out on them? As I said the sidewall was completely ripped up all the way around. I've never seen a tire fail this way - especially one that is basically new.

Tire-guy (specialist) could hardly change the wheel. Apparently it weighs a ton! Sounds like it is a two-man job.

I'm thinking of changing the stock BF Goodrich tires but what are the alternatives without changing the stock size? Don't see anything on Tirerack. Suggestions?

thanks,

Greenhummer '05 H2 SUV