[jcanavera]

Well my perfect record with Marathons just bit the dust today. I had just traveled about 240 miles from Branson to St. Louis and was backing the trailer into the drive. Patty noted that I had a low tire and by the time I finished the back in, the curbside front tire had gone flat. I had checked the tires prior to the trip and the last check of the tires was about 60 miles from St. Louis at a rest stop. All was well.

I pulled the tire and to my amazement I found a 12" missing slice of tread from the top of the sidewall into the first tire groove. I can only assume I lost that tread in the last 60 miles of the trip. Apparently the tire managed to continue holding air until I started the back in which I'm assuming finally put enough stress on the belts to cause them to separate. All I know is I'm one lucky dude, and I guess I go tire shopping tomorrow. No way I can trust the other 3 after this. The tires are ending their 4th season and were going to be replaced next spring. I'm think they have about 7,500 miles on them.