NHTSA safety investigation
NHTSA Investigation PE99043
Preliminary Evaluation · Jayco, Inc. · TIRES
An investigation is not a finding that a defect exists.
NHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
What NHTSA is examining
The agency's own description of the inquiry, quoted as published
TIRE PUNCTURE
ODI received a report that the subject trailer (Jayco Travel Trailer equipped with dual axles, mounting a total of four tires), towed at highway speeds by a properly equipped 1996 Chevrolet Tahoe experienced blow-out of both left side trailer tires after being passed by a semi truck (traveling an extimated 15 mph faster).It is believed that the trailer's two left tires blew out after being contacted by the trailer's shock absorber brackets, this contact being induced by lateral movement of the trailer on its suspension.This suspension travel has been attributed to the passing semi truck's turbulence acting on the trailer.The tire blow-out caused a jack-knife crash of the Tahoe/trailer conbination.Examination of one of the trailer's left side tires shows a series of gouges located circumferentially on the inner sidewall in a location corresponding to one of the shock absorber brackets.A Preliminary Evaluation has been opened to further evaluate the facts associated with this incident, and to determine the possibility of occurrence of similar incidents in the future.
An investigation is a separate record from a recall and from a manufacturer communication. A manufacturer campaign to repair a safety defect or a failure to meet a federal safety standard.
Investigation details
Identifiers, dates and outcome as recorded by NHTSA
- Action number
- PE99043
- Investigation type
- Preliminary Evaluation (PE)
- Status
- Closed
- Manufacturer
- Jayco, Inc.
- Component
- TIRES
- Opened
- Jun 25, 1999
- Closed
- Nov 8, 1999
- Associated recall campaign
- None recorded
Vehicles named in this investigation
1 model year across 1 model
Being named here means NHTSA included the vehicle in the scope of its inquiry. It is not a statement that these vehicles have a defect.