Just realized I never posted this.

First let me say everyone is safe and I didn't roll the rig. This was last summer/fall, driving back from my friend's cabin. I was on a winding paved desert road, going up and down rolling hills at about 65 MPH. Tires were inflated to 40 PSI.

Without warning, I heard pretty much a shotgun blast and my rig tried to jump sideways. I steered into the skid, and managed to coast to a stop. I let the dog run around while I changed the tire on the side of the road. Checked the pressure on my other tires, and proceeded slowly home, not knowing if the other tires were also compromised. I used it as an excuse to buy the BFGs I'd been wanting.

I don't blame the tire, it was 7 years old with only 10k miles on it. I don't know how the previous owner treated the tires, perhaps it dry rotted at some point. Or perhaps they were too old and brittle for the occasional aired-down use I subjected them too. Either way, I'm glad I made it out unscathed.

If anyone cares, the tire was sold by Big O, and the rep told me they were manufactured by Cooper. But in tire terms, that tread pattern and overall design is probably ancient history by now. I personally am a bit squeamish about Cooper after that experience, but like I said the tire was probably due for replacement anyway. I just hadn't replaced it because the tread was so good.

I know, this thread is worthless without pics, so here you go:

 

I have seen information about terrible crashes due to blowouts caused from using older tires. Especially the unused spares that so many of us haul around. Mine is the origial Michelin and my Disco was mfg in mid 96 so that tire is at least 16 years old. It is definitely cracked from age and exposure alone and has never been used.

I saw one article about a teenager dying because his "new" Disco had been outfitted with spares all around and he had a terrible crash. Any tire can fail if it is not in good condition.

Glad to hear there were no injuries in your case.

 

I am just thankful it happened on one of the few flat, straight parts of the road. I'm also glad I was already aware of the many rollovers on that road due to misjudging blind corners or accidentally putting a tire on the soft shoulder, so I was keeping my speed in check. I personally know two people who have rolled on that road, I'm glad I didn't become #3.

Those familiar with the area, I am referring to Red Road. I was on my way back from the booming metropolis of Kilgore.

 

red road kilgore - Google Maps

Some of my favorite terrain out there - dozens of craters, lava tubes, ice caves, buttes, sand dunes, even a few oases. I've explored that desert for three years now and still find new stuff every time I go back.

 

As long as the spare tire is covered and inspected every 6 months for cracks and proper pressure it will be fine to use as a spare.

 

Fortunately, I had already replaced the spare with a full-sized spare, I didn't like the idea of limping along with mismatched tire sizes. I was more concerned that I'd have another blowout on one of the other old tires and have no spare, hence driving slower in a slightly irrational attempt to prevent that.

 

I understand and agree completely.
My comment was geared more towards anyone else who is worried about their spare tire's life.

 

Oh gotcha. I can't imagine getting stranded in that desert, so I travel with tools, water, spare parts, emergency shelter, food, etc. etc. I've always made it back safely but this was a close scrape.

 

That's what you were talking about...wow.

Okay, so what would be a good way of keep a spare fresh if exposed to the elements? My plan is to use the plastic disk to cover the wheel and that's it. I guess I should cover it huh....

 

My way is I have a matching fifth rim (bought on eBay but you may be able to find one at a local junkyard), five matching tires, and I run a 5-tire rotation. So they will all wear out at the same time.