what happens when these tires fail?

All tires can fail if not properly inspected and maintained, even the new “super singles.” And they will fail. It’s not a question of if, but when. This is one of the “problems” highlighted by going from two wheels to one. When the inevitable “blowout” occurs, those semi-trucks with the new configuration will no longer be able to “limp” back to be serviced. More disturbingly, it may also cause a load to shift and result in the driver not being able to control his 80,000 pound rig. What happens after this event only depends on who else is on the road. This is one of the reasons you won’t see studies by the trucking companies or tire manufacturers about the effects of a trailer tire failure with 1,000 more pounds of cargo in the back. Only statistics of death and mayhem on the nation’s highways will show the true effects of this change.