Are you prepared for the cost of tire failure? When buying new tires for your RV, one thing to consider is road hazard tire insurance. That is especially true for ST-type tires you put on a trailer or fifth wheel.
If you have a failure, it could be blamed on some impact or cut which would not be covered by any manufacturing warranty. But with road hazard insurance any failure would be covered. Even something unusual, as seen here.
Road hazard tire insurance is worthwhile in all RV applications
Not all brands and not all dealers offer this insurance for RV applications. But when I recently got new tires for my Class C, the Firestone store offered road hazard insurance. I said yes, as I wanted 100% coverage and some assurance that I would not have any expense related to tire failure. No, my tires are not ST-type. But my advice to consider road hazard insurance applies to all types of tires when used in RV applications.
All I have to do is keep track of the sales receipt and I’m good to go if there ever is a tire problem. The receipt has the full DOT serial along with the notation that I purchased the insurance. So that makes keeping the invoice information doubly important as I do not have to go crawling around under my RV trying to read the DOT identification number aka “tire serial”.
Speaking of keeping important papers, I keep copies of papers like car insurance, registration, truck scale weights, roadside assistance insurance, and tire invoices, etc., on my phone in a folder that is backed up “in the cloud” so the information can’t get lost.
Have a tire question? Ask Roger on his new RV Tires Forum here. It’s hosted by RVtravel.com and moderated by Roger. He’ll be happy to help you.
Read more from Roger Marble on his blog at RVtiresafety.net or on RVtravel.com.
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Why use “ST” rated tires, other than price?
ST tires are designed to take the shear force applied to the sidewalls when turning, especially on multi axle trailers.
You have to make sure the non ST tires will be covered when using them on your TT. LT tires are not designed for TT’s, so there may be an exclusion clause.
I’ve been purchasing tire hazard insurance for close to 50 years. I think I used it once local to the tire shop. Even if it is a reimbursement policy it has made our travels easier enough times to justify the cost for peace of mind. You don’t have to hunt for the best deal when travelling. Just know that most policies are prorated based on treadwear.
I carried hazard ins several years ago had a TPMS
When I had a blow out, by the time I got stopped the tire was shredded. The ins claimed it was low tire pressure without even seeing the tire and refused to pay. I’ve been without haz ins ever since (14 yr.) and never had another flat
“When you come to a fork in the road, take it”
Maybe not a good idea after all…🙃