1/2 ton tires- load C to load E

[ycookmd]

Originally Posted by Inland RV Center, In

Did you have the running gear properly balanced?
Andy

I did not have the wheels and tires balanced after taking delivery of the trailer. However, I do not believe that imbalance (even if any existed) can explain the tires failing at less than 6,000 miles. I think they are just crummy tires.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by ycookmd

I did not have the wheels and tires balanced after taking delivery of the trailer. However, I do not believe that imbalance (even if any existed) can explain the tires failing at less than 6,000 miles. I think they are just crummy tires.

Regardless of brand of tires, 6000 miles on unbalanced running gear is more than enough to have considerable tire trouble.

It doesn't have to be the tire that's out of balance, it could be the hub and drum.

Todays hub and drums are usually pretty good, but there still remains some that could be oh oh!

Andy

[Phoenix]

I don't think the problem with Marathons has gone away. We have just gotten tired of rehashing this old problem. IMHO, anyone still running Marathons is just asking for trouble...

[jcanavera]

Originally Posted by Excella2000

New to this website. Ready to replace all tires on our 2000 30' Excella as the tires were manufactured in early 2003 (D-load Marathons/225 75R 15). Have only put about 12,000 miles on current tires with no problems but know that it's time to replace them. Hearing/reading about all the Marathon horror stories and wondering what brand(s) to consider??? Have also heard that the new/redesigned Marathons have an S in a circle on them - will check ours the next time we go to storage area (under cover in open front building). Some say that the new Marathons are not an issue???? We are told that some Airstreamers are switching to Towmaster (Greenball). Any comments on that brand? We are dual axle and about 8300# loaded - any comments on using E-load tires?

The issue with looking for Marathons with the S on them goes all the way back to around the year 2000. My 2001 Safari's Marathons were the tires that had the S molded on them. Let's hope that no one buys any Marathons without that S (I assume they still put that insignia on them today).

I upgraded to E's after having the tread peel off one of my Marathon's after 4 seasons of use. I for one babied those tires so I know it wasn't my lack of care that caused that tire tread to peel. I did go to E rated Maxxis tires but only because of the weight of my trailer. At the time my 2004 30' Classic slide out was the heaviest trailer that Airstream built on twin axles. I for one wanted a little more margin of comfort between the actual weight of the trailer and tire capacity limit. In my case I've seen no structural issues due to moving from D to E rated tires. I would state however that moving to E rated tires should not be an automatic knee jerk reaction. If the margin of capacity is sufficient with your D's, you should not do the E upgrade. In my case Maxxis was one of the few manufacturers out there making an E rated ST tire in a 15" size. Many folks who have gone to E's are using a truck tire and probably have gone to 16" wheels

Jack.

[Excella2000]

Before we left for National Landmarks West Caravan in June, 2008 we purchased 5 new Towmaster (Greenball) 8 ply (15" ST) tires for our 30' Excella 2000. We put 10k miles on the trailer over the course of 12 weeks and the tires served us very well. One flat tire on the trailer, however, it was due to the fact that we picked up a very small, sharp piece of volcanic rock that pierced the tread. Fortunately we were parked in a campground when the tire lost pressure. So far we have been very pleased with the performance of these tires. Have only come across one other person who had a Towmaster tire on their trailer.

[raybell27]

In may of 2007 took a trip out west on my 6 year old ST225/75R15 load range D Marathon tires. Had no problem with the Marathons prior to this and debated weather to replace them because of age but decided to chance it. After a flat due to a nail and a split at the tread line on one tire i decided to replace them at Moab, Utah. The only tires in stock were the Tow-Masters. I replaced the 4 Marathons with Tow-Master ST225/75R15 load range D tires made in Canada. They have served me well. I have put on approx. 6000 miles and plan a trip to the west coast in 3 weeks. Hope they do well. Ray