Ever blown a steer tire at speed?

Well, until carriers don't speed limit trucks and the government also isn't interested in speed limiting trucks, the only reasonable solution to the steer blow out and proper handling is to also NOT RUN ON THE LIMITER. There is nothing that says you have to bump the speed limiter all the time, each and every hour of the day. Back when I was a company driver, whenever the powers that be wanted to limit the truck to 65, I ran around 62. Only once did anyone say anything. My reply is that if they want me to run faster than 62, then bump the speed limiter up. Either that or shut up. Never heard another word.

It is true, though, the steer tire blowout and handling it properly is a strong case against speed limiters. But then, billy bob big rigger would not be able to control his speed and probably do as much damage or injury in a steer tire blow anyway. So, I guess it is a wash.

I have had 3 steer tire blowouts. One in Alaska. One in Texas. And one right on the Oklahoma/Missouri line. I saw this video back in the 80's. I took a lot from it and applied it to each of the times I blew a steer. Those techniques are solid and they work! Watch the video, rehearse it in your mind daily, and be ready. A steer can be just another problem that is easily handled without having your rear end pucker up so bad that you couldn't slide a greased BB into it.

 

Well stated, Cowpie. Now that I'm driving a truck governed at 63 it is tempting to run hard against the CC to make my deliveries, but setting it back to 60 is really the safest way to have control.

The safest and most efficient driving I recently had was in a truck governed at 75. I could set CC at 62 for best MPG and have plenty in reserve for passing or emergency maneuvers. It also had the added benefit of being able to take advantage of downhill runs on rolling terrain for maximum fuel efficiency. While I understand mega carriers not wanting to give drivers that amount of leeway, it sure does limit fuel efficiency when you can't run past 67 on a downhill to get momentum for the next climb.

 

Good luck telling a driver not to run 62. When that's all he can go.

 

I haven't yet but just a few days ago a truck in front of me did and pieces of the tire began flying everywhere. He was able to maneuver to the shoulder without an issue.

 

I came across this video. Not for the faint of heart. Notice how quickly the driver loses control and gets pulled into and over the guard rail.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFFhzo6WEr4

This is a good video to show anyone that has a habit of driving one handed. Try to drive "almost always" with both hands on the wheel in position to maintain control in the event of unexpected and violent movement of the steering wheel. This doesn't have to be white knuckle death grip, but should put your hands, arms, and shoulders in position to deal with a situation like this.

 

Saw a Prime driver do it to the left steer a few weeks ago. Glad it wasn't me, cause it sure looked like a bumpy road to the shoulder.

 

If I set the cruise below the governed speed of the truck I'll be going backwards!

Actually, the whole point of the "acceleration" is to keep the weight from transferring to the front axle, not to accelerate the truck.

 

Yes, this is the fundamental issue. In police pursuit driving school they teach you to hit the brakes when you enter a turn in order to throw weight onto the steers and make the turn more quickly. The same principle applies in a steer tire blowout, putting on the brakes will accentuate the pull to the side of the blown tire. The video I posted, with such a sudden and violent move to the right, might be the result of brake application.

 

Yep. Can attest that having power in reserve when blowing a steer can make a major difference in how it is handled. I blew one several years ago down by Victoria, TX. I had direct knowledge of the testing that had been done regarding handling blowouts and having power in reserve. It was still fresh in my mind when my right steer blew. I pushed the throttle and got full control and then let it coast on in to the shoulder. Didn't even ruin the rim.

Guess that is the choice some would have to make, whether it is better to run 63 instead of a governed 65 to have something left, or just roll the dice and run on the governor and see what happens. I have not been in that bind, so I haven't had to worry about it.

 

funny that video was our safety video of the month .