In June 2006 I purchased a new Peterbilt truck. I ordered the truck to be used on the highways at speeds of 70 MPH. When I ordered the truck Peterbilt engineers ahd to approve all the options and equipment as well as tires for the truck to meet specifications for my needs. When I received the truck I was provided paperwork with all the equipment that was installed on the truck including tires. On the equipment install sheet there was a specific warning about the maximum weight for tires and axles. I orderd a front axle that allowed a maximum weight of 20,000 lbs.
8 months later and at 62,000 I had a front tire blow out while driving at 65 MPH. When the tire blew out I had 16,000 lbs weight on the front axle , 4,000 lbs under the maximum allowable weight. When the tire blew it did over $8,500 damage to my truck. I contacted my dealer and they contacted Peterbilt factory and Peterbilt told me that it was not their resposibility and that I should contact Bridgestone the tire maker. I contacted Bridgestone and they told me they would not do anything because the tire was designed for off road use and that the tire was only rated at 55 MPH maximum speeds. I looked on the tire and there was no waring maked on the tire for MAXIMUM Speed. only information for maximum weight and tire pressure. Bridgeston advised me the warning was in their brocure which was not provided to me by Peterbilt Trucks nor was I advised by Peterbilt trucks when I purcheased the truck. I feel that Peterbilt trucks should not have installed tires rated for only 55MPH and off road use when they approved the truck to be sold for highway speeds upto 70MPH. I have since discovered that tire failures for this type of Bridgestone tire are common. I have since purchased and installed Michelin tires that are rated for the weight capasity and highway speeds that the truck was designed and engineered for.
I feel that Peterbilt Trucks should ahve installed proper tires on the truck when they built it that were and are available to meet the spec's that the truck was built for.