But just meeting the DOT standards does not mean that there will be no tire failures. Users of tires do have some responsibilities, which include proper loading, proper inflation and proper use or application for the tires.
Data collected by the DOT, and by companies that weigh tires in RV application, establishes that a majority (over half) of tires in use are overloaded or underinflated. It is our responsibility as RV owners to ensure our tires are properly cared for. We also have a responsibility to report failures to DOT, as that is the only way DOT can learn that there is a batch of tires in use that do not meet the certification requirements.
NHTSA Tire Complaint Form
Making a report is free but does require a minimum of information from us, the user, if we want the DOT to start an investigation. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has a form here that needs to be completed and submitted. You must include the complete DOT serial, including the date code, on the failed tire. The VIN of the RV is also needed. A picture or two of the failed tire will also be helpful.
The DOT does not need a long story about your travels. However, including the printout of the truck scale weight measurement and letting them know the PSI reading from your tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) will help make your case. This shows the advantage of having pictures of the DOT information for each of your tires as sometimes a puncture and run-flat will destroy the DOT serial. No serial means no investigation.
DOT can’t investigate with just one report
DOT cannot start an investigation with only a single report, so this needs to be an effort on the part of all RV owners. Also, while posting on some internet forum may make you feel better, the DOT does not read internet posts. You need to complete and send the electronic form to the DOT.
You will want to keep the sales records and photographs of the failed tire if you want to make a claim with the tire dealer for compensation, if there is ever a recall. Simply saying “I had one of the failed tires” is not sufficient.
I have personally been involved in a couple of recall investigations. I even had a recall initiated based on an investigation I did and reported, so I know how the system works. If there is just a single complaint, the DOT is not going to initiate an investigation. So, we all need to do our part.
Roger Marble
Check out my Blog www.RVTireSafety.Net
Read more from Roger Marble on RVtravel.com.
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I just swapped my old 5 year old tires for a new set. The previous tires have increased in price by more than 50%. I went with a less expensive but highly rated tire. I read about how this or that brand are junk tires from folks who have had a blow out. No one ever reports on how they cared for their tires, the inflation, their loads, conditions of travel…just they had a blow out and therefore that tire is junk. I’d like to know more. Word of mouth “junk” is not helpful.
Thank you, Roger! 🙂 So far, so good after 67,000 miles, 2 RVs, and 3 sets of tires. Should I have a problem, then I’ll search for this article on RV Travel’s website and complete a form. Thanks again and safe travels! 🙂