Glad I took 2 spares

I keep forgetting to mention my adventure this past weekend.  We drove to Ocean City, MD for a Girl Scout campout, and ended up with a blowout on the way down.  Wouldn't have known but someone flagged us over.  I started changing it on a side road and within a few minutes a local cop showed up.  Apparently an accident occurred just behind us and they thought we were somehow involved.  Nothing came off of the tire so I don't think there was any relationship, unless we hit some debris which took out the tire and got kicked up in the air.  I can only hope not.  Took longer than it should have to get it done since I had to jack it up a few times getting blocks set right, but I had all the tools and my girls helped.  Yes, I checked all of the tire pressures and lug nut torque before we left, I do every time.

Yes, it was good that you took 2 spares! Please pass along the brand of the crummy tires, as it would be good info. I know that you keep a close eye on your tires, as do I so, I'm blaming the tires.

In regards to the LEO, I would not take it personal. Being stopped on the side of the road/highway is NOT safe, even when you have flashing lights on top of your car! (lots of video on You Tube) Typically, when I was in that position, I would ask the party(s) something to the effect - if they had things under control and would they be OK if I left and continued with my patrol (did they need any assistance from me - have dispatch call a wrecker, AAA, etc.). You may have been busy struggling with the tire so, he asked the others. In my neck of the woods, assisting disabled motorists was neither required or forbidden (just a "goodwill" thing, as long as they were not in the traveled portion of the roadway - a hazard) so, there was no SOP.

Just did some armchair shopping and spoke with my local Discount Tire store.  They suggested a Lauffen tire made by Han Kook.  A 6 ply 235/78R15 MS, will cost $328. for three tires installed.  Before I purchase them I would ask if anyone had any experience with these tires, or could recommend another brand.  I have always preferred Michelin, however for a light duty trailer, three tires would run over $400.  Seemed a little extreme.  Any other suggestions, recommendations, etc.  Safe Travels.

Hi Camper Bob,
Interesting that the Michelin products sell for a higher price than the Laufenn products. Not a surprise to me. Seriously, does it make sense that and entry level product offered as a budget tire by a multinational maker of tires is a fair comparison, dollar for dollar, with a high end, technically advanced, premium tire brand? I see the comparison of the acquisition cost, ($328 vs $400), as a bargain if you can get Michelins for only $72 more. To me, it's a $72 decision, not a $400 decision.

For the life a trailer tire experiences, and the importance of each tire on a two wheel trailer, it would seem the premium product is the better choice. Not all tires are created equal. They are not all just round,black, and rubbery. Stop for a moment and ask yourself, "what is the best tool for the job?" The Discount tire people are among the best in the business, but if I had one of their guys tell me the Laufenn tire is a better tire for all the things a trailer wants, I'd call him on it. Simply not valid thinking.

Please don't take offense at my thoughts. I have a passion for tires, and like a lot of older guys, I don't lack an opinion. What I seem to lack is the ability to keep it to myself!

fwunder - HA!