Tire blowout on 2021 tab 320S - here's what happened.

Chopin

Just for everyone's information. A few days ago we had our first tire blowout on our 2021 Tab 320S. These were the original tires (Trailer King) - 5 years old and with probably 10,000 miles on them. I inspect and check them regularly and there were no signs of anything amiss before this trip. I also check the pressure before every trip and it was set to the recommended 50psi. Were were also going 60mph on the interstate (I never exceed this speed). The weather was HOT.

Some notes:
(1) We heard a pop, but apart from some roughness, the trailer (towed by a Subaru Outback) remained absolutely stable. Luckily we were near an exit and were able to get off immediately and pull into to a gas station.
(2) Luckily the tire blew out in such a way that it cause no damage to the trailer.
(3) We called Coach-Net roadside assistance and they were helpful, but while they were finding a service person, we managed to replace the tire ourselves. A friendly passerby who happened to be a mechanic had a bottle jack that was better than mine. The issue with the Tab 320 is that a lot of jacks, even retracted, appear to be too tall to fit under the frame when the tire is flat. I have ordered a very short double-ram bottle jack that I'm hoping will be right, to carry in future.
(4) When we got home we replaced both tires with higher-rated tires. I will also replace the spare.

Luckily it all went pretty smoothly. Somethings I keep in mind:
- Never speed. You're on vacation, don't be in a rush. Don't exceed 60mph when towing and never exceed your tire's speed rating. Most tire store websites have good resources explaining the basics and how to understand the codes written on your tires. Also some good videos out there.
- Know and respect your tire specs. Educate yourself. Check pressure EVERY TIME you go out. I have always done this.
- Replace your tires EVERY FIVE YEARs, even if they look good. Tires deteriorate and they are not expensive enough that you want to risk major damage or worse, serious injury, from a blowout. 
- Make sure you have good road side service and/or learn how to change a tire and make sure you carry the right tools.

I'd feared this eventuality, but we were lucky it wasn't so bad. I will feel even more prepared next time and learn whatever lessons I can.

Be safe everyone!

AnOldUR

Chopin said:

The issue with the Tab 320 is that a lot of jacks, even retracted, appear to be too tall to fit under the frame when the tire is flat.

Rolling the flat tire up onto your leveling blocks can give you enough room to fit the jack underneath. 

Chopin

Yes good advice, and this was the one occasion I had forgotten to bring the leveling blocks! But luckily it will worked out.

qhumberd

Glad you all are OK!. I just changed by 7 year old tires on my 400 and I'm glad I did.