I put a hole in my tire the other day while on the Barrett Lake Jeep Trail. The tires only have about 1,000 miles on them. They are Trxus Mud Terrain Radial's size 35X12.50 15. I think I know the answer, but wanted to check here first to get some others opinions. Is this patchable or do I just bite the bullet and replace the tire. The cut is about a 3/8" long.

http://home.comcast.net/~mgordon85/tire%20002.jpg

I don't you will find a professional shop that would patch that tire so if it is going to be patched, you will have to do it. Once patched, that tire would never be safe for pavement use... trail use only. If your Jeep sees blacktop, I would sell tire to someone who never goes on pavement and then put $$ towards a new tire. Just my $0.02..... your mileage may vary. :)

Id probably opt to use it as a spare and buy a new tire. But thats not a huge sidewall hole, Ive had holes there before and had zero issues once a patch is in place. I think I had mine vulcanized too. Take it to a reputable tire shop and see what they say. Don't tell them you are willing to replace the tire if you need to.

I'd plug patch that sucker, whick kinda blows cause you have to break it down to plug it right. Then move it to the back axle and wheel the hell outta it... PepBoys or Napa will have the right plug/patch for ya.Use lotsa glue and scuff the inside of the tire over the patch so you get good adhesion. But thats me, I got air and more plugs on the jeep, if I have a problem with one later.

Well, I pulled it off the rim and gave patching it a shot. The cut looked a lot worse on the inside. I threw a big patch on it anyway just to see what would happen and then re-mounted it. What do I have to loose at this point right? As soon as it seated a big ole bubble started to form where the hole was. The slice started to open up as well. I'm afraid this one is beyond hope. I just ordered a new one. It should be here in 7-10 business days. ;)

I just hate having to trash a brand new tire. Oh well, I guess you have to pay to play.

Well, I pulled it off the rim and gave patching it a shot. The cut looked a lot worse on the inside. I threw a big patch on it anyway just to see what would happen and then re-mounted it. What do I have to loose at this point right? As soon as it seated a big ole bubble started to form where the hole was. The slice started to open up as well. I'm afraid this one is beyond hope. I just ordered a new one. It should be here in 7-10 business days. ;)

I just hate having to trash a brand new tire. Oh well, I guess you have to pay to play.

Well in that case, have a tube put in it and use it as a spare. Both my spares have been blown sidewalls with tubes installed. Its more then sufficient to get you home or off the trail.

Your in Travis. You could try Haughn and sons in Dixon. See post number 4. (http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=685786&highlight=haughn)

patch it through a tube in it make it a spare

I took a couple pictures to give you a better idea about whats going on with the tire. Sorry they're kind of crappy.

Here you can see that it doesn't look too bad from the outside. Only a small cut- less than a half an inch
http://home.comcast.net/~mgordon85/tire%20005.jpg

...but on the inside it's closer to 3 inches long! I guess the tree root went in at a pretty good angle.
http://home.comcast.net/~mgordon85/tire%20003.jpg

I ordered a new tire and have pretty much convinced myself not to mess with this one anymore.