[A/S] Re: Digest Number 1138 - Extended Van towing,tire question,information

["Richard McFarland" <estatewagons@xxxxxxx>]

First - I have been wondering about this same thing - regarding the above
question.

Second -  I came across an interesting concept on the VAC "frequently asked
questions" page - and in a separate message somewhere else (I've lost the
link) - the concept being "friction activated inhibitors" in "ST" rated
tires.
The information notes that tires have to be "exercised" periodically in
order to activate these inhibitors.
I have more tires than I care to count...sitting (flatspotting)...and while
I am well aware of the general concept "use it or lose it" -
I've never heard of a  tire protection feature like this.
I went to search for info on this - in as many places that I could think of
on the web - from specific tire manufacturer sites to RV specialty sites -
with no luck.
So - I'd be interested to learn from someone out
there - what you know about this concept.

Third - in looking through general tire information I came across something
else I thought was worth noting.  I have only been following along with the
RV e-mail sites for a couple of months - so I hope this is not a repeat of
something everyone else has seen.

If you go to  http://www.goodyear.com/media/pr/lre0208.html you can read
the information they provide about -

"Proactive Tire Replacement 15 passenger vans".
"NHTSA  to close investigation on Load Range E"
"Goodyear targets proactive 15-passenger van tire replacement".

I came across other articles - on different sites - relating to this
situation - but this is a place to start your own research if you are
interested.

Safe travels.  RL