Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 11-01-2006, 04:00 AM   #61
Retired Moderator
 
john hd's Avatar
 
1992 29' Excella
madison , Wisconsin
Join Date: Aug 2002
Posts: 4,644
Images: 40
chris

don't worry about changing the inflation on range E tires.

on my silverado i run 55 psi (front) 80 psi (rear) with the trailer and the harley in the bed. this is what is on the door jamb.

for general hauling and whatever i run 55 front 55 rear.

i get excellent control and tread wear doing this, the tires never show signs of over heating.

btw, i run goodyear ATD2's from sams.

john
__________________
you call them ferrets, i call them weasels.
john hd is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-01-2006, 08:28 AM   #62
Rivet Master
 
C Johnson's Avatar
 
1965 17' Caravel
1968 28' Ambassador
Butte , Montana
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,201
Images: 326
Send a message via MSN to C Johnson Send a message via Yahoo to C Johnson
Thanks guys, I'll be going to the tire shop today. Since I had them order the D range I'll probably stick with them. But I will ask if they don't mind switching .
__________________
AIR # 7276, WBCCI # 7276
Project 2k5
Life is a journey, not a destination
C Johnson is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-06-2008, 09:39 AM   #63
New Member
 
2000 30' Excella
Greenville , South Carolina
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 4
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?
Excella2000 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-06-2008, 10:29 AM   #64
Rivet Master
Airstream Dealer
 
Inland RV Center, In's Avatar
 
Corona , California
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 16,497
Images: 1
Quote:
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 Marathon problem was years ago.

They are fine.

Using "E" rated tires is a good way to possibly split the wheels, and to cause several different damages to the trailer.

Airstream trailers love a soft ride. A rough ride as you propose, is almost the same thing as using solid rubber tires.

If "E" tires were better, Airstream would have installed them.

Andy
__________________
Andy Rogozinski
Inland RV Center
Corona, CA
Inland RV Center, In is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-06-2008, 02:22 PM   #65
New Member
 
2000 30' Excella
Greenville , South Carolina
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 4
Tires

Quote:
Originally Posted by Inland RV Center, In
The Marathon problem was years ago.

They are fine.

Using "E" rated tires is a good way to possibly split the wheels, and to cause several different damages to the trailer.

Airstream trailers love a soft ride. A rough ride as you propose, is almost the same thing as using solid rubber tires.

If "E" tires were better, Airstream would have installed them.

Andy
Thanks for the input, Andy. That put's the E-rated tire question to bed and is consistent with what we thought.
Excella2000 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-22-2008, 05:43 PM   #66
Rivet Master
 
mustang's Avatar
 
1999 27' Safari
Kent , Ohio
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 806
I would use E better tire more capacity
mustang is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-22-2008, 08:39 PM   #67
Rivet Master
 
easyride's Avatar
 
1977 27' Overlander
1973 27' Overlander
1963 19' Globetrotter
Naples , Florida
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,259
Images: 1
Quote:
Originally Posted by davidz71 View Post
Stay with ST rated tires for trailers and keep the LT for the truck.

No thanks on the ST tires,to many left laying beside the road,I`ll stick with LT on my trailers.Dave
easyride is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-18-2009, 04:25 PM   #68
Manky bobber
 
ycookmd's Avatar
 
2008 30' Classic S/O
Allen , Texas
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 7
Quote:
Originally Posted by Inland RV Center, In View Post
The Marathon problem was years ago.
They are fine.
Andy
I realized Andy has probably already forgotten more about Airstreams than I will ever know, but I have to disagree. The Marathons are not "fine."

I just had a tread separation/blowout yesterday on my 2008 Classic. We were pulling the trailer back from the dealer. There are less than 6000 miles on the new trailer with the Marathons (just purchased last Fall). The spare already has the "bulges," and will be replaced with all the other tires this week.

A 6000 mile lifespan? I think I have bicycle tires with more miles on them.
ycookmd is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-18-2009, 05:36 PM   #69
Rivet Master
Airstream Dealer
 
Inland RV Center, In's Avatar
 
Corona , California
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 16,497
Images: 1
Quote:
Originally Posted by ycookmd View Post
I realized Andy has probably already forgotten more about Airstreams than I will ever know, but I have to disagree. The Marathons are not "fine."

I just had a tread separation/blowout yesterday on my 2008 Classic. We were pulling the trailer back from the dealer. There are less than 6000 miles on the new trailer with the Marathons (just purchased last Fall). The spare already has the "bulges," and will be replaced with all the other tires this week.

A 6000 mile lifespan? I think I have bicycle tires with more miles on them.
Did you have the running gear properly balanced?

Andy
__________________
Andy Rogozinski
Inland RV Center
Corona, CA
Inland RV Center, In is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-18-2009, 05:48 PM   #70
4 Rivet Member
 
flitzwhopper's Avatar
 
1976 Argosy 24
Tempe , Arizona
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 326
my view....

Quote:
Originally Posted by 85MH325 View Post
Ok, guys... a question... In June, I replaced the "D" range Steeltex tires on my Excursion with "E" range 245/75R-16 Steeltex also. I have been running about 60psi front and 70 rear with the trailer, but it sounds like I need to go a little higher to the 80psi; although 70 seemed to be fine with no induced sway, and I was under the impression that 80psi was the MAX inflation... BTW, I have towed it short distances (40 miles or so) a couple of times with the tires at 55psi (mostly 'cause I was too lazy to go get them inflated properly) and DO have sway at 55psi... go figure! Underinflation causes sway? Whoda ever thunk it?

Anyway, what do you guys run them at when you're NOT towing and loaded? I've got mine currently at 55psi, which seems to work OK, but I don't want to wear them prematurely either or potentially have a sidewall failure. The tire sticker on the Excursion actually recommends 35psi (unbelievable to me)! Firestone wasn't much help; they just say you can run them up to 80psi, but won't give a recommended psi.

Roger
The max pressure is at or near max load... within reason as you get away from max load you can back down from max pressure. Front tires are a bit different. When you load the rear you increase dynamic loading - not static loading during breaking. Hence, your inclination to run more pressure when you are loaded compared to when you aren't is correct. The relationship of pressure to loading is not linear and it at very light loads does not intersect pressure at zero. Typically, Michelin has a mandatory minimum of 75% of max inflation pressure. That is, they don't like to see the tire pressure below 60lbs on an 80lbs max tire. Still, on the 3/4 ton, I run around town with 50 in the front and 55 in the back or I'd need to carry extra glue to recement my fillings routinely.
__________________
Donna & Mike
Cowboy up! or go sit in the truck

Charter Member Four Corners Unit

WBCCI #2417
flitzwhopper is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-18-2009, 06:34 PM   #71
Manky bobber
 
ycookmd's Avatar
 
2008 30' Classic S/O
Allen , Texas
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 7
Quote:
Originally Posted by Inland RV Center, In View Post
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.
ycookmd is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-18-2009, 07:38 PM   #72
Rivet Master
Airstream Dealer
 
Inland RV Center, In's Avatar
 
Corona , California
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 16,497
Images: 1
Quote:
Originally Posted by ycookmd View Post
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
__________________
Andy Rogozinski
Inland RV Center
Corona, CA
Inland RV Center, In is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-19-2009, 02:05 PM   #73
Rivet Master
 
2005 19' Safari
GLENDALE , AZ
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,453
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...
Phoenix is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-19-2009, 04:08 PM   #74
Moderator
 
jcanavera's Avatar

 
2004 30' Classic Slideout
Fenton , Missouri
Join Date: Mar 2002
Posts: 10,403
Images: 143
Send a message via AIM to jcanavera Send a message via Skype™ to jcanavera
Quote:
Originally Posted by Excella2000 View Post
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.
__________________
Jack Canavera
STL Mo.
AIR #56 S/OS#15
'04 Classic 30' S.O.,'03 GMC Savana 2500
jcanavera is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-20-2009, 06:34 AM   #75
New Member
 
2000 30' Excella
Greenville , South Carolina
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 4
Excella2000 New Tires

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.
Excella2000 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-20-2009, 09:15 AM   #76
raybell23
 
2017 23' Flying Cloud
florence , South Carolina
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 7
1/2 ton tires

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
raybell27 is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
1/2 ton


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Hmmm... 2003 Chevy 1/2 ton burban & 27' Safari docbluedevil Tow Vehicles 9 08-22-2011 08:36 AM
Surburban 1/2 ton as a Tow Vehicle dmreilly10000 Tow Vehicles 3 12-10-2003 10:45 AM
Broke the frame of 1/2 ton Chevy qqq Tow Vehicles 11 11-16-2003 08:58 AM
1/2 Ton Truck Tow Capacity. Real? CanoeStream Tow Vehicles 1 11-02-2003 02:36 PM
Hmmm...Chevy Burban 1/2 ton and 27' Safari. docbluedevil 2000 - 2004 Safari 3 10-05-2003 08:46 PM


Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Airstream, Inc. or any of its affiliates. Airstream is a registered trademark of Airstream Inc. All rights reserved. Airstream trademark used under license to Social Knowledge LLC.



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 06:19 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.