I just bought some used 315 70 17 BFG AT TA KO's from a guy to fit on my H2 wheels they were excellent with no defects now I have a small gouge in the front right tire and I have a slight bulge no bubble it's just kind of wrinkling not too bad just noticeable by touch I am worried about it obviously and just noticed it yesterday. I drove on it all day today with no choice but to it's my only vehicle. They are load range D not E. I was wondering how serious this could be and I know I need to replace it just really tight on cash, how long should I be okay for I will keep an eye on it but it doesn't look like it's getting worse anyone know how well they hold up?

 

this gouge is on the sidewall by the way sorry I didn't mention that.

 

I wouldn't tow or get on the highway with it. You would hate to roll your truck or get in an accident knowing that it could have been prevented. I always thought a wrinkle was a sign of bad belts in the tire. I use to be a service writer at a shop and I have seen some crazy stuff with tires. Careful bud, thats what credit cards are for right?

 

Is it more like a indent then a bulge? Check the other side of the tire and see if it is the same. It's more than likely just where the belts meet during the molding process.

 

when you buy used tires, you are on your own unless you get a written warranty

 

Personally, if there is an issue with a tire I get it corrected asap. Tires are cheap compared to towing something and blowing a tire or being on the freeway at speed and 1 fails.

Just do a really good burnout and replace them...

 

The bulge you are describing is most likely the common sidewall "indent" that almost all radial tires will have; some brands will have as many as six per sidewall.

Your explanation of the "gouge" is somewhat vague.

If it is a cut, or scalloped/scooped chunk missing, examine it closely to see if the fabric cords have been exposed; if so, then it is a junk tire.

At our shop, we refuse to repair even nail-holes anywhere in the sidewall; as, due to the construction that makes a tire a "radial", any hole in the sidewall can easily tear from bead to tread, with no bias construction to stop it.

Also, most wounds to a radial sidewall will soon become an air-pocket (or as those in the business call it, a "knot".).

 

how about a picture?

 

Even if you don't wreck your truck, having to change a tire on the side of a busy hwy or freweay is bad. I had to help with one on a truck that was running with us and it was not something I'd ever want to do again. i would say ask a tire shop, but most of them will proabably tell you to buy a new one right away. If you can, post a pic, otherwise it's more of a judgement call your ultimatly going to have to make.

 

no strings are showing it seems to be okay I have driven on it for a few days its just a small cut not even an 1/8" it's all good.

 

These trucks require Load Range E tires. Do not use load range D, they are not designed for the loads and conditions these truck place upon tires. Don't put a band-aid in the area your truck needs the most attention - this is a safety item.

 

yup load range E only like it says on the door, the bfg tires and some others frequently have a wrinkle or 2 in the sidewalls from what I have seen, as long as it isn't a bubble then it is up to you to run em imo