Dents in side wall of tire

[Utah Man]

Will be replacing my four GYM tires on my AS soon, before the start of camping season. In looking over the trailer, starting to get ready for de-winterizing and season prep, I noticed two of the tires have abnormalities (indentations) in the sidewalk - see photos. I assume this can't be normal or good. I check the tires and TP regularly when in-use, but I wonder if I was somehow overlooking this last year.

I'll be getting a better set of replacement tires, given the obvious problems being reported with GYMs. I also will be looking much more closely in the future.

[SeaLevel]

Originally Posted by Utah Man

I assume this can't be normal or good.
Attachment 257909

It can be normal. I have the same indentations on my tires.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tirete...160228011545:s

[tjdonahoe]

Them dents are normal, replaced my gyms with 16" michelins, gyms were 3.5 yrs old with 22000 miles.....

[polarlyse]

Don't change your tires because of these indents. They are normal. Change them because they are GYM's and have a horrible history.

[Utah Man]

Originally Posted by polarlyse

Don't change your tires because of these indents. They are normal. Change them because they are GYM's and have a horrible history.

I agree - the indentations prompted me to search on the AS Forum, and I found this thread. These tires have done enough miles / trips already, so I will upgrade to something more reputable. No reason to tempt fate...

[guskmg]

Dents are OK. Bulges are a sign of tread separation. I also got rid of my GYMs for Michelins.
guskmg

[J. Morgan]

I don't think those are normal. They make me think the belts/plys are separating.

I might travel with them on a utility trailer where a blow out wouldn't cause expensive damage, but I wouldn't travel with that on my Airstream.


Talis gentium ceciderunt.

[dkottum]

We replaced the GYM's with Michelin LTX M/S 16 three years ago but I remember uneven sidewalls where the belts overlap during construction. I don't recall they went into the tread though. If these are original, maybe eight year old GYM, probably a good reason to replace them anyway.

[BIGED52]

These "dents' occur during the tire manufacturing process. The rolls of rubber that are used for each ply layer are fused together using a "Hot Knife" that fuses the ends of each layer to itself temporarily. Then when the tires are vulcanized they become permanently sealed and the treads are applied. I was a tire builder in my early 20's @ a Kelly/Springfield tire plant ! Ed

Originally Posted by J. Morgan

I don't think those are normal. They make me think the belts/plys are separating.

I might travel with them on a utility trailer where a blow out wouldn't cause expensive damage, but I wouldn't travel with that on my Airstream.


Talis gentium ceciderunt.

[TomKirk]

What you've got is casing separation. This is a tire that's about to fail. Luckily, you just happened to catch it in time.

This is not unique to Goodyear. It occurs across the board, with all brands of tires.

This is why it's important to thoroughly inspect tires as part of your maintenance regimen.

Tom

[jsutro]

So which is it, normal or potential failure?

This thread underscores what I especially appreciate about this forum: a vast number of very well-informed and experienced people have a wide variety of opinions. Most are correct, a few are dead wrong, but seldom is anybody in doubt!

As for me, whenever practical, I wear a belt AND suspenders, and hope to always err on the side of safety. jsutro

[r carl]

Those indentations are normal, bulges are not.

[Bhkh226]

You have definitely gotten a lot of different views. Sorry. But one thing seems agreeable across the board is to get rid of those Goodyears now. I'm in the market myself and am looking at the "Maxxis"
Good luck

[switz]

On the 2013 25FB International Serenity, I replaced the stock 15" GYM ST225/75R15D with 15" Michelin LTX (P) 235/75R15 XL tires on the stock wheels.

On the 2015 23D, we upgraded the stock 14" wheels and GYM ST215/75R14C tires with 15" SenDel T03-56545Tb wheels and 15" Michelin LTX (P) 235/75R15 XL tires.

On the 2014 Classic, we replaced the stock 15" wheels and 15" GYM ST225/75R15D tires with 16" SenDel t03-66655T wheels and 16" Michelin LT225/75R16/E LTX M/S2 tires (part number 05681). These are the same 16" tires and wheels now installed as stock on 2015 and later Classics. the Eddie Bauer models and for sale at the Jackson Center customer service center for 25' and longer trailers.

[Howard L.]

Originally Posted by Bhkh226

You have definitely gotten a lot of different views. Sorry. But one thing seems agreeable across the board is to get rid of those Goodyears now. I'm in the market myself and am looking at the "Maxxis"
Good luck

You won't go wrong with the 15 inch Maxxis "E" rated ST tires. Many have gone the $$ route with 16 inch wheels and Mich MS 10 ply tires. The Maxxis carry the most weight and are strong sidewall ST tires designed for your trailer.

[tjdonahoe]

Why would any one change Chinese gyms to twainese maxxis??

[Silverflames]

Originally Posted by Bhkh226

You have definitely gotten a lot of different views. Sorry. But one thing seems agreeable across the board is to get rid of those Goodyears now. I'm in the market myself and am looking at the "Maxxis"
Good luck

I just bought a set of Maxxis, I'll post an update once i roll them down the road.

[sheriff1]

Originally Posted by tjdonahoe

Why would any one change Chinese gyms to twainese maxxis??

Because they are better.


2015 F350 CC 4X4 6.7 Diesel
2010 27FB Silver Cloud "The Silver Spoon"

[BIGED52]

Originally Posted by jsutro

So which is it, normal or potential failure?

This thread underscores what I especially appreciate about this forum: a vast number of very well-informed and experienced people have a wide variety of opinions. Most are correct, a few are dead wrong, but seldom is anybody in doubt!

As for me, whenever practical, I wear a belt AND suspenders, and hope to always err on the side of safety. jsutro

The other posters who have added their replacement information is great but the bottom line question you have asked has two answers. 1) The "dents" you see on your sidewalls are Normal and do not pose a failure issue! And, 2) The Goodyear Marathon tires have a long history of not being a reliable tire product. The fact of where they were manufactured is that many of the failed Marathons were not made in this country! Hope this helps, Ed

[OTRA15]

Originally Posted by Utah Man

. . .
I'll be getting a better set of replacement tires . . .
. . .

Excellent news!