Get Tires Fixed (on Route 66)

We’ve been lucky on this trip so far. Over 10,000 miles, and our major mechanical problems have been the broken air vent in Casper, Wyoming and the flat tire in Myers Flat, California. But now we can add one more tire fiasco to our road trip experience.

Last night, after a long day of driving that included a stretch of historic Route 66, we clipped a curb when exiting the highway in Amarillo, Texas. We heard a banshee squeal, followed by a disturbing, telltale whooooshhhhhh. The road was unusually narrow, but nevertheless we must chalk this one up to pilot error. What can I say? I was tired, and that’s when bad things happen to good RV owners.

Upon inspection, the tire and rim appear to have been mauled by an axe-wielding mountain lion. Naturally, the victimized tire is the brand new one we installed about a month ago. Alas! It was so young…

Per request, here's a close-up of the carnage. Perhaps I'm exaggerating a bit about the mountain lion. The rim is salvagable, but the tire sidewall is punctured. I'm afraid it's toast.



It’s possible to tow Airstreams a short distance with one flat tire. Low speeds are mandatory in this situation. So, tail between our legs, we crawled like a scolded dog to the nearest scenic Wal-Mart. There we spent the night boondocking alongside massive motor homes and tour buses. I’ve spoken kindly of Wal-Mart’s RV hospitality before, and here I shall do so again. It’s an incredible luxury to know you have a safe, free RV spot in almost every American neighborhood. And they even have their own tire shop.

Although I’m not happy about the situation, I’ve written about this subject before. When you are traveling on an extended road trip, you are going to encounter adversity. Expect it. Deal with it. Don't let it ruin your day.

A few hours before our tire incident, Kristy and I witnessed the aftermath of a horrible highway accident. The vehicle involved was upside down, and it was also scattered across the road in shattered pieces. Its occupants were airlifted away from the scene by helicopter for emergency medical treatment. We don’t know whether they survived. Seeing this sort of accident scene puts our trivial tire woes in perspective.

After getting a new tire, we are headed toward that place where the wind goes sweepin' cross the plain… Boomer Sooner!