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

[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

[Beastmaster]

It sounds like the tire lost air, then overheated with the sidewall taking the brunt of it.

I've seen it happen on my 2000 BMW's rear tire before. Really nasty.

As for the weight. The tires are not light, and the whole combination is pretty beefy. It's not as heavy as some of the tires I mount all the time (38x15.5Rx16.5 on 2 piece steel rims with beadlocks, which are about 180lbs each), but it's still sizeable. I'd say it about 110 lbs or so

As for tire sizes - there's tons of alternatives. Look for anything in the 35x12.5Rx17 range and you'll find a bunch! ProComp, BFG's, and others make tires in that size.

[ROX]

The tire might have some warranty on it.? Check with your dealership.

As far as changing from the stock tires, I wouldn't unless you're aching to buy different tread. All Hummer tires are big, and heavy. It's the nature of the truck.

Glad she's okay. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[VTSTOMPER]

BFG AT's have never let me down for as long as I have been using them on many trucks.

It could have been a bad tire - sure - or something might have happend to the tire at the lot, or even from a upset hummer hater. I am happy to hear that she was not hurt.

You know what they say:

Every time you drive your car/truck/bike/whatever you should do a pre-drive inspection. Not too many people do for the short trips - I myself am one of those people. I used to for my motorcycles...but I always felt safer in the truck/cars. Plus - who has the time? I guess maybe it is time to take the time...myself included.

[greenhummer]

thanks for the comments guys. Seems that the other thread I started is not going anywhere. I'm looking into possibly getting another set of wheels/tires that I could put on the truck that would be safer for everyday street/highway use. Here is a photo of the offending tire.

Greenhummer.

[VTSTOMPER]

once again - I have NEVER had a problem with BFG.

[H2Finally]

Green, I had that once in my Audi. Even the cop that pulled over and helped shine a light while I changed the tire was surprised to see it. Never happened again. So I agree it's prob just a bad tire/fluke.

[partsguy]

Not only a great Reputation but designed just for the H2.
I agree scary, but a fluke all the same.

[greenhummer]

thanks for the feedback from the Gurus on the board. I noticed that the stock 17" wheels that came with the truck are cast alloy. Forged alloy (more expensive) is always lighter. I noticed that there are some forged alternatives out there.

Parts Guy: any suggestions for forged wheels?

thanks,

Green

[Fastest H-Town Realtor]

Does this topic really need 2 live threads?

[HGW]

No, and why waste $ on forged wheels if you like the stock ones? The weight should nott be the factor for forged.

I only buy forged but that is because the wheel looks great and my WELD Evos are true to 2-3/1000 of an inch. With big tires, I want the better wheel.

Five NASCAR drivers use Welds now because of their perfection---they feel they get better tire wear at 200 MPH.

Am I Weld dealer?--Yes of course.