Be careful about the distiction between manufacturers and retailers. Companies like Greenball do not manufacture tires. They contract with people who do. For years they were Goodyear Marathons with a different label. From
Greenballs company website:
"From 1976, when Greenball Corp. first began, to 1993, Greenball Corporation dealt with a single source as the vendor; that vendor was Cheng Shin Rubber Co. in Taiwan. In 1993, Goodyear Tire and Rubber Inc. was added as a domestic source. After 1994, responding to evolving needs of the company, Greenball developed more than ten (10) supply sources over the next few years."
Maxxis is the name Chen Shin now markets their trailer, bicycle and motorcycle tires under. They seem to be quality oriented. Sort of the progression of how the low cost producers evolve as new sources of cheap rubber start to supply the world market.
Probalby the most important thing about brand name is warranty service. My experience with Goodyear service centers has generally been good in that regard. Independent retailers of Goodyear tires may be different. Discount Tire has always been helpful but after a couple of experiences of having to go back to get the job done right I've avoided them. They do have a good stock of trailer tires and are nation wide. I may have to give them another chance.
-Bernie