In January 2021, while traveling at approximately 65 miles per hour on a Chicago area tollroad, my motor home suddenly began violently bouncing up and down in the rear. I immediately began to slow and move to the shoulder, at which time I observed the outside left dual wheel separate from the vehicle and roll into the dividing median wall. I managed to get to the shoulder on the remaining wheel, which was also damaged beyond repair. After towing and repair, the total cost was approximately $3200. The technician was unable to determine why the wheel had suddenly broken loose. In August 2021, while traveling at approximately 60 miles per hour on an Illinois Interstate highway, I felt the right rear drop as though a tire had suddenly lost air. I immediately moved to the shoulder and, before I could come to a complete stop, observed the outside right dual wheel separate from the vehicle and stop on the shoulder. Again, the remaining wheel was damaged beyond repair. After towing and repair, the total cost was approximately $2100. Again, the technician (at a different repair facility) was unable to determine why the wheel had suddenly come loose but did mention the fact that he believed the wrong type lug nuts may have been used. These were the same lug nuts that had been on the vehicle since purchase. I have always been diligent in maintaining proper air pressure in my tires, consistently inspected them for wear and damage, and made every attempt to ensure they would not be a problem. After the first occurrence on the left side, I had the right side removed and inspected by the repair facility in Chicago and again by my local tire shop when I arrived home. Since the first occurrence, every time I stop for gas I perform a visual inspection of all tires and manually check all lug nuts to ensure they are not loose. I am curious if this has been reported previously or why this may keep happening. It is both quite frightening and dangerous.
- NHTSA ID
- 11431362
- Incident
- Jan 20, 2021