NHTSA Complaint #11482448 — 2020 HIGHLAND RIDGE FW HIGHLANDER

I was towing the trailer from Myrtle Beach, SC to Topping, VA. We had completed 286 miles of the trip and stopped for fuel and a 1 hour break in Stony Creek, VA. Upon stopping for fuel I walked around the trailer and checked the temperature of the tires and checked for any issues that could be seen during an inspection, such as irregular tread wear, punctures, and other damages that could have placed the tire in jeopardy. After 1 hour of rest we completed another 25 miles before the drivers side rear tire separated the tread from the tire and subsequently blew out. Because we were driving at 65 mph, the tread was flung from the trailer into another lane and could have caused damage and potentially an accident at highway speeds if another driver attempted to avoid the separated tread. Luckily the separated tread did not cause damaged but I had to leave it in the middle of the highway due to the volume of traffic and high speeds. This now caused other drivers to swerve and potentially cause an accident from a swerving driver. The tire failure has damaged the body of the RV and is estimated to cost $2500-$3500 to repair. The tire that failed is a Westlake ST 235/80R16 load range E, with a maximum pressure of 80 PSI cold and a speed rating of N. I never exceeded 70mph with the trailer in the entire 2.5 years nor do I continuously tow above speeds of 65mph. The only time speeds of 70mph are reached is to overtake a slower vehicle. Once overtaken the speeds are brought back down to 65mph or lower. I have spoken to other RV owners that complain of "China bombs", tires manufactured in china that blow out or fail for no apparent reason. Tire dealers are also aware that this brand and others that are manufactured in China will fail randomly for know apparent reason.