Having worked most of my working years as a self employed claims adjuster, I have investigated several fatal claims involving split rims. The force created by a failed split rim is incredible. I had photos of a ring that had blown directly upward and was lodged about halfway through a 2x10 ceiling joist, about 15 ' above the floor. One expert advised me the force would throw a bowling ball about 1/2 mile. Many accidents occur after the rim has been inflated and placed on the spare tire carrier. If the ring is worn or not set exactly correct, the ring blows off when the tire is pulled off the carrier and strikes the ground. Anyone concerned about using split rims should Google "Split rim accidents", that should make a believer out of you. The best answer is to replace the split rims but at a bare minimum, have them aired up in a professional cage. Good luck and be careful.
