Not one but two KO2 flats over 5 miles of easy trail

[GroovyGeek]

Was on an already trail.in AZ, have done it dozens of times over the past 15 years. In fact, been using KO2s for 15 years and have never had a flat on the trail.

Today I am driving on that same easy trail at under 20 mph and boom, low pressure alert. Tire went completely limp in a few minutes. I was heading out for an overnight hike, the trail start was just 5 mins away so I am thinking no problem. Changed tire and continued. Arrive at the start of the trail and as I am preparing my backpack I hear a hiss. F***ck.

Fortunately the second puncture was a slow one, I could drive for 10 miles, stop, top off, and continue. But I can't believe that I got two flats within a span of 5 miles.

May have gone over something because the flats were in the same side of the vehicle. Now waiting at a timy town nearby for after hours tire service that will probably be exquisitely priced. I have a patch kit and can fix things myself if absolutely necessary but the tires are heavy and imthe slow leak will be difficult to find without a water tub so I am taking the plunge.

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[Smocaine]

The stock C-rated tires on the Badlands aren't quite as tough as the E-rated KO2s most people run. Maybe you had E's in the past?
I've only had one minor puncture so far but North Texas terrain is very different, not much sharp rock here.

 

[Headsong]

We had two going thru the same cattle gate out in WY. One in and one out! Had a patch kit for partner's ATV which got us into town on a holiday weekend, of course. Just sharp rocks....crazy day.

 

[GroovyGeek]

More weird stuff. One of the tires was unrepairable. On the outside it looked like a simple well contained puncture but on the inside the tire had a severe crack, perhaps 2 inches wide.

Same story on the slow leak tire. The shop had to dunk it to find the leak, it was that slow. But once they pulled it off the rim there was a crack about 1 inch wide. They patched it up, and I was stupid enough to get back in the dark on the very same trail to do some of the milky way photography that I came here for (it is a confluence of events that happens only once a year for a few days, and it is on a weekend when I can photograph it once every 5-6 years).

Right now waiting for a set of 5 new KO3 at a Discount Tire in Yuma. Back on the trails tonight to try to get the shot I was after last night. Conditions will not be as good as last night, but it is what it is.

 

[CalvinT]

I'm very curious,
What road were you on? There are a lot of sharp rocks in western AZ. I'm not surprised you had to replace the tires. I've only heard of one patch kit that might have helped get you home.

https://www.gluetread.com/

But more importantly, what confluence are you talking about? I may have to schedule a trip next year.

 

[GroovyGeek]

Kofa Queen Road, the easy part before it goes into Kofa Queen Canyon - which is only marginally more challenging. I have driven this road several times per year over the past 15 years in tires ranging from semi passenger Jeep Sport stock to KO2, never had a problem.

The confluence of events is a waning moon (like 1/8th) that rises well ahead of astronomical sunrise, under the arch of the milky way. When you out a spikey peak (or a collection of them) under the arch of the MW it looks quite neat. Happens every year in late March or very early April. As a worker bee I can only shoot it when it falls on a weekend. Yesterday morning was such a time. Tonight the moon will rise about 30 minutes later which puts it too close to astro sunrise to be useful.

 

[CalvinT]

Kofa Queen Road, the easy part before it goes into Kofa Queen Canyon - which is only marginally more challenging. I have driven this road several times per year over the past 15 years in tires ranging from semi passenger Jeep Sport stock to KO2, never had a problem.

The confluence of events is a waning moon (like 1/8th) that rises well ahead of astronomical sunrise, under the arch of the milky way. When you out a spikey peak (or a collection of them) under the arch of the MW it looks quite neat. Happens every year in late March or very early April. As a worker bee I can only shoot it when it falls on a weekend. Yesterday morning was such a time. Tonight the moon will rise about 30 minutes later which puts it too close to astro sunrise to be useful.

Thanks. I'll put that on my list for next year. Fortunately I'm gainfully unemployed (retired).

 

[23OBX2.7]

Sounds like it's worth having used tires with tire balls or foam inserts so don't get a flat and don't wreck tires.....that's what we do with off road dirt bikes ...

 

[jzweedyk]

Did you lower your tire pressure? I don't do a trail unless I am down below 15, never had a problem with the KO2s. Yes, I have done a lot of trails in Arizona, along with many other states. A lot in Colorado, which has pretty sharp rocks.

 

[GroovyGeek]

Did you lower your tire pressure? I don't do a trail unless I am down below 15, never had a problem with the KO2s. Yes, I have done a lot of trails in Arizona, along with many other states. A lot in Colorado, which has pretty sharp rocks.

I almost never do on trivial trails like this one, and especially when I know I will not be going faster than 20mph or so. As I mentioned previously, I have driven this area dozens of time before and I have never seen anyone air down for it. But I guess all it takes is a single sharp rock pointed the wrong way.

 

[jzweedyk]

Well, especially as tires age, they become more brittle. Like you said, it only takes one rock. Sorry, I always take the time to air down and air up, it is good insurance and it makes the ride much smoother. My 2 cents, wait ......... nickel, pennies are not made anymore.

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