One tire should not be worn that much more than the other unless maybe it is defective or something else is going on like maybe (I hate to say it) you have a bent axle.

Please explain this more. If the tires are as Furpod says, the same ...?

Why do you recommend E-rated tires. It would seem that's over-kill for an r-pod (?)

Since I'm cheap and keep my vehicles pretty much forever unless someone hits me, I just leave the tires where they are. I have found on my fwd passenger vehicles that the rears last somewhere between 1.5 and 2x as long as the fronts. I end up buying two tires at a time rather than 4. I like that for the same reason I keep my cars forever. 

On a drive axle you probably want to change both sides at once to minimize differential wear and to allow the vehicle's ABS to work optimally. I don't think it matters on a trailer axle as long as the tread depth is adequate on both tires. For that matter if you have 15 inch wheels but run a 14 inch spare on an rPod axle until a new tire can be bought I don't think that matters much either, but I'd be interested in other's thoughts on that one. 

As for the R-pod, I'm not sure if rotation would be needed. For one thing, the wheels are not driven. nor do they steer. They also are more inclined to die from old age than from wear, so an inspection (by me) before and after each tow, and you should be able to determine if something is not quite right.

R-poding is an adventure ! 

FYI, the one thing I did learn was 6 national parks, 4687 miles, 5 states, was way too much to cram into 2.5 weeks. Every 2 days we were onto the next place. Don't get me wrong...awesome time with my 12 year old, next time we will park it and "relax" more ! 

Happy camping

Blowing 2 tires is unusual, of course, and very unfortunate.

I still don't understand - Which tire had the cord showing?

 Were you able to check the tire pressure before they blew?

Originally posted by Ephi82 My IPod is a little over a year old, I’d say it’s gone about 4,000 miles.   On my trip today, a primary tire disintegrated, and the spare did the same an hour after putting it on.  I’m not a happy customer!

What model RPod? What tires and how old were they? Were they Load Range C or D? What was the tire pressure? How old were they?

Age matters. Tires can look almost new and still be dangerous if they are several years old. The rubber deteriorates over time even if not many miles are put on them. What was the DOT date on the tires that blew out?

Speed matters. If you were towing above 65 MPH, you were going too fast. The stock LR C tires are not meant for high-speed travel.

Inflation matters. If they were underinflated, that could lead to heat build-up and tire failure.

The RPod model matters as well. We have an RP179. The original tires were LR C and marginal at best. I switched to LR D tires for an extra margin of safety. I also limit my speed to 60 mph or lower and very rarely exceed that, mostly on downhill runs.

Where you travel and the roads can also have an impact on tire life. If you are in areas of extreme heat, that could also be adding stress t the tires so that when coupled with some road hazards such as potholes, could contribute to tire failure.

I understand your frustration with the situation. I hope you get repairs done quickly and can get back to camping which should hopefully help you feel better.

One flat, bad luck.  

Two tires exploding, knocking the fender off, that’s defective products

However, Florida would not be in the area for HRE models.

We have over 30,000 miles on our RPod. A number of those were on the load range C 14" tires that came with the 'Pod. I switched for Carlisle 14" LRD tires and have replaced one that was wearing excessively with cupping. Since that, the brakes on that side and the bearings have been replaced. I was having camber issues (tires wearing on the inside edge), so the axle was replaced last year. I keep a close watch on the tires to make sure they are not getting too hot, loosing air, picking up nails, or showing abnormal wear. So far, we have avoided blowouts.

I hope you get good replacement tires. I've been happy with the Carlisles. Please take the time to file a report with the NHTSA. If tires are blowing out, it will help to pinpoint which types and brands and may help get them recalled and off the road.

I didn’t screw around, I bought 2x Goodyear’s, $120 each.  If I have some down time, and I will, I will get a third. 

I love my Grand Cherokee Hemi, with full factory tow package and an added brake controller.  It handled the blow outs effortlessly, I had to cross two lanes of traffic to pull over.  Rock solid.  The trailer hardly wagged. 

I’m going to contact Forrest River.  Two tires disintegrating on a one year old camper is not normal.  I did everything by the book.  The fender and light got destroyed, ripped right off, and I’m out $240 for the tires and a night hotel stay.  

I’ve not dealt with them yet.  How’s there customer service? 

Have you contacted Forest River yet ? Any luck ?

WOW, I lost the left tire on the road on Monday, September 2nd. Either the tire blew out and took out the left fender or the fender took out the tire. The 3" black water valve was taken out as well. That's been reordered through Amazon, but I'm wondering if the self tapping screws used to insert the fender on to my rpod 171 are appropriate to hold the fenders on for long trips.

I'm looking at different tires in the future rather than the Ridgway ST205/75R14's that came with the unit. 6PR Load range EC Speed rating "L" 75 MPH max. 

Goodyear endurance?

We purchased Goodyear Endurance in the load range D and I think they are 215/75r14. we have had them for about 1 1/2 years and had no problems.  they are noticeably stiffer and heavier than our previous tires.  I check the air every day when traveling and they do not leak. I think the ride seems much smoother .

Vann