Goodyear Marathon Failures

brijbldr · 12-19-2006, 11:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wingfoot321

brijbldr,
What did the tire show that was removed. I am assuming that you had it cut to determine type of damage? Helps when getting an adjustment.

Wingfoot, I did not have the local dealer do anything to the tires. When replacing one tire this summer, I requested that the tire be returned to Goodyear for study, and a customer service rep today told me that they had determined that there was belt seperation, and I would be getting a check to reimburse me. Strangely enough, the dealer here in Pensacola is Wingfoot Tires. Any relation?

pmclemore · 12-20-2006, 01:09 PM

I had two blowouts on my trip this summer to Alaska. But I figure that in 13,000 miles some of this is to be expected. And the roads up there are demanding.

That said, my Marathons were less than two years old - I got them at Campers World. I watch my pressure - 55lbs; and speed - 65max - but I rarely reached that speed on that trip. I don't check pressure every day, but do thump them (wait a minute before flaming me). And when I stop I use an infrared thermometer to check tire and sidewall temperatures. As long as they read about the same, that should cover it. I also read the temp on my hubs while I'm at it.

I probably won't buy Marathons again just because.

Pat

Inland RV Center, In · 12-20-2006, 05:01 PM

Faulting Marathons is OK.

But, how many of those blow outs, were caused by improper running gear balance?

Human nature is to always put the blame on some else, even though that person may have made a significant contribution to the problem.

Proper running gear balance is "NOT" a tale.

It's a fact. It "MUST" be done, or suffer the consequences, and/or bite the bullet.

Of all the Marathon failures that have been posted, not one person has claimed "proper running gear balance."

Hmmmm.

Andy

BigAl · 12-20-2006, 05:10 PM

Hi Andy,
It's possible that those people don't realize that a poorly balanced wheel assembly adds stress to the tire.
On another note, I think we all fail to check tire pressures on our tow vehicles at a regular interval but if the tire on the vehicle we are driving starts to act up we are very likely to feel it before a total failure whereas on the trailer you are not likely to notice anything until it is too late.
Al

Beginner · 12-20-2006, 07:09 PM

Andy
The problem is probally one shop in a hundred has a clue how to balance the running gear.
How long has it been since you heard about cam grinding brake shoes?
Beginner

LI Pets · 12-20-2006, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beginner

one shop in a hundred has a clue how to balance the running gear.

Here's a clue, you don't any shop!

This will balance the running gear and tires Dyna Beads

Wheel weights, regardless of type, are inefficient for balancing these tires, due to the distance from the outside of the tire to the rim, not to mention how it looks to have 3 lbs of wheel weights hanging on your rim.
These aggressive, oversize tires change their balance requirements quickly throughout their life, making static balancing solutions like wheel weights and balance patches ineffective.
Mud and snow collection can quickly affect wheel balance. Dyna Beads™ will quickly move to rebalance this temporary condition.
Dyna Beads™ are the ideal balancing compound for your tires. Easy to install, extremely efficient, won't rust, perfectly round, solid ceramic, and always working to balance your tires every time you drive. If your tire slips on the rim, the beads will adjust and compensate automatically.

68 Overlander · 12-20-2006, 07:46 PM

More and more people are swearing by these Dyna Beads lately around town and I'm starting to wonder. They might be the answer but a few are skeptical. I can say I have not heard anything less than "They work" and would love to know more about them, Pro or Con. Their website is naturally all Pro. Any disadvantage at all?

LI Pets · 12-20-2006, 07:51 PM

Randy, maybe you should look into becoming a dealer.

I just ordered them for about $20 for 4 wheels.

I couldn't go to a local tire dealer and have a high speed balance done for that little money.

I'll be leaving NY for Fla and back the first of the year I'll let you know.

I did a search on RVnet and found very positive posts.

**john hd** · 12-20-2006, 07:55 PM

any replacement tires at the power company now get the beads. my current truck is still running on oem tires so i have no knowledge of running them personally.

a couple of the antique motorcycle forums i frequent have mentioned the use of the beads as well. they do mention the need for a filter on the valve stem.

john

LI Pets · 12-20-2006, 08:00 PM

Yes the valves are .99 each, the $20 includede them.

You just unscrew the inner valve stem and replace, the tire doesn't need to be removed from the rim.

Just deflat, add the beads, insert the valve stem, fill with air.

John B · 12-20-2006, 08:23 PM

Hi,
We have a 2006 Bambi Quicksilver. at less than 10,000 miles on the unit
we had a left tire go flat, unfortunately in a limited space road (Freeway
under construction in Ogden Utah) and had only a limited space emergency
turn-out. to stop and change the tire. Upon removing the tire, we found
the tire had split on the edge of the tread. We were told by our tire dealer
at home, not goodyear, that it was more of a hassel than it was worth,as
we would have to prove it was their fault. We were always very careful
about checking the tire pressure. Still running one Goodyear, and worried.

John

GStephens · 12-20-2006, 08:27 PM

I've always used Marathons and kept my tires, wheels and hubs balanced throughout the years. Recently, I installed a new set of Marathons and the facility had no way to balance anything more than the tire and wheel. They could not balance the hub assembly with the tire and wheel. Therefore, I installed a set of Centramatic balancers as I put on the tires. Yes Andy, some of us do listen concerning the need for constant balancing of the tires. I check air pressures, change tires at least every four years and HAVE NOT had any tire failures.
GStephens

68 Overlander · 12-20-2006, 08:28 PM

I sure will watch and look into them, thanks Bob. We've been testing Ride-On tire sealant as well as a compliment to pressure monitoring and they too have a HUGE testimonial following as a water based process that works and will not clog valve stems (not many can say that). As a distributor for PressurePro, many of our dealers want both so that got us receiving samples and testing.

eikel1we · 12-21-2006, 01:06 AM

I'm sure and hope Inland Andy will have a reply to the Dyna Beads product and I'll be watching for it. I believe what he says about the running gear balance issue however, when we bought new Marathons in June '06, calls to numerous places and a visit to the Airstream dealer, Woodland Camper, in Grand Rapids, MI yielded exactly ZIP. Not even the dealer had a clue about "running gear balance" so I e-mailed them where to look at Inland with a request they let me know what they thought. No response. NO ONE KNOWS WHAT YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT WHEN YOU SAY THE WORDS "BALANCE THE RUNNING GEAR". NO ONE. What are you supposed to do when there's no equipment for, or knowledge of, this process??? (The closest suggestion was putting sand bags inside the tires at a place servicing big commercial trucks. They actually knew what Ike ment, but all of their equipment was too large for our needs)
Sorry for the rant but it seems these issues are intertwined. Like everyone here, I don't want to wreck our AS and I certainly would like to avoid injury/death - ours or others- when there's a seemingly simple remedy
THAT NOBODY KNOWS ANYTHING ABOUT!

sue