Flat Tire on the TM

[Northwoods]

Hi All, After 8 days on the Current River at Pulltite CG on the Ozark National Riverways, we started our jouney back to St.Louis last Thursday. On Hwy. 44, 3 miles from Rolla and 2 miles from St. James, we had a carload of young people pass us honking and gesturing us to leave the road. That we did, thinking one of our canoes had comes loose. Much to our chagrin, the driver side tire on the TM was completely gone and we were riding on the rim! We felt no sway, pull, jerk or anything. The cap on the Thetfor drain was off and one ear of the the black cap was chipped - no other damage. We were able, with the help of a nearby business, to get the "Diesel Doctor" out of Rolla to come change and put on the spare. Whew! Could do without adventures such as these. We also learned, that to remove the tire, the shells only had to be released, not raised as indicated in "The Book". The change went smoothly, with 18 wheelers and other traffic whizzing by. We feel very fortunate to have had the assistance. When Ken got back into the car, his comment was "Sure pulls like a pop-up". The rest of trip home was uneventful. If you are ever on Hwy. 44 near St. James,MO, you must stop at Aunt Ruby's for the most luscious ice cream. It was our stress-reliever. Even Sanford the 93 pound Choc. Lab got a scoop. Be safe in your journeys. Olga