Nail in a dual, what's the best option?

benmack1

benmack1

Well-Known Member
Joined
Oct 13, 2010
Location
USA
Probably should have put this in the tire section but I wanted to get some quick answers.

I have 9800 miles on the tires. Ram 3500 DRW. I have a nail in the drivers side outer dual. From previous trucks (lighter duty), I assume it's patchable but I am not sure if that's a good idea on a heavier tire.

What's the best plan?

1) Patch it and run it. I don't know much about this, will the fawker let loose when I have it loaded and hit a stone or anything in the road?

2) Swap the spare onto the dual rim and put the patches tire as a spare. The concern here is I would have a new tire next to one with 10K on it. These are LT235/80R17 General Ameritracs. Not sure how much wear and difference 10K makes

3) Same as above, just put a new tire on and don't dick with patches. Same concern, new rubber running paired as a dual with 10K rubber.

Other ideas?

I'm a worry wart, tire conditions on a road vehicle make me nuts. Thanks
 
I would certainly patch it! I don't like plugs. If it worries you, or, if you hadn't planned on rotating the spare, then Now is the time, to use that new spare. Stow the patched tire in the spare holder.
I can't see 10k making any noticeable difference. They will even out anyway, over the next 10k.
 
I'd plug it and run it (assuming its in the tread, not the sidewall).
 
If you are worried about, go to the nearest place that works on big truck tires and get it patched. I've had numerous tires patched hauling 80000 lbs. If it was mine and just a nail hole, I'd put a plug in it.
 
plug it....

(If in the tread of course.)

I'd be broke if I bought a tire everytime I got a nail, rod stub, or something.
 
yep, right dead center in the tread face (not sidewall). Nail still sitting there staring me down:kaioken:
 
Plug it. /end
 
I've never seen a plugged tire fail .... other than a slow leak.
Done properly, that won't happen.

And I have even done the biggest no-no's when plugging ... multiple plugs in one hole, plug a sidewall.
Even done both at once, multiple plugs in a sidewall .... that tire ran with no problem for 2 years. ( wore them out)
DISCLAIMER: don't do either one of those ............


Plug it.

Matt
 
Discout tire to the rescue. Was the only place open on a Saturday afternoon. They patched it and said it should be fine. We'll see. Turns out they don't charge for fixing tires. These are OEM tires on the truck from the dealer, didn't buy from discount. They said it's their policy they fix flats irregardless whether you bought from them or not. They will be at the top of my list in the future when I need some tires with that kind of business model. You don't see that kind of thing much anymore. Balanced it as well when done. i was planning for at least $30 or even $50. :burnout:
 
benmack1 said:
Discout tire to the rescue. Was the only place open on a Saturday afternoon. They patched it and said it should be fine. We'll see. Turns out they don't charge for fixing tires. These are OEM tires on the truck from the dealer, didn't buy from discount. They said it's their policy they fix flats irregardless whether you bought from them or not. They will be at the top of my list in the future when I need some tires with that kind of business model. You don't see that kind of thing much anymore. Balanced it as well when done. i was planning for at least $30 or even $50. :burnout:
Click to expand...
Wife pulled into discount tire with a flat she had run too many miles on, it was toast. They tried to sell her a tire but she explained that was my job, so they GAVE her a used Michelin that was better that the other 3 and said have a safe day. I sold that car with those tires, but have bought the last 2 new sets from them for this reason.

Looks like their business model just landed another new customer.
 
What I hate about plugs, is the fact your making the hole Bigger, to get the plug in. Add to that, that your breaking more cord [steel belt] making that big hole. Then over time, water finds its way in, & starts rusting more belt. The original hole can do the same, but it's a smaller hole. Most of you will never experience a blow-out, caused by a plug. It's quicker,& cheaper. Personally, I just don't like adding damage to my tire. I'll get the patch, or some call vulcanize.
 
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