Mixed bag of tires

tinhut · 08-20-2009, 07:04 PM

Currently on my 25ft Safari I have 2 Tow Masters on 1 side and a mix on the other of a Super Trail (?) and a Carlisle. The Carlisle is toast. A recent exam after a short trip shows steel on the inside edge. The trailer is in park until I replace the ST and the Carlisle. The Tow Masters still have excellent tread and show little signs of wear. I would like to keep the two Tow Masters but mount them on the rear axle. And, buy 2 Maxxis or Goodyear Marathons for the front. Am I wrong to consider this approach, or should I suck it up and get 4 new ones. Another question is what caused the Carlisle to wear so worn that the steel belt is visible and only on the extreme inside edge.

FYI. the 2 TMs are Canadian about 4yrs old. The Carlisle about 6 and Made In China. the other, who knows.

lynn · 08-20-2009, 07:57 PM

Airstream Service Center in JC carries TowMaster 15" "E" rated tires. They also come with a road side assistance as part of warranty.

richinny · 08-20-2009, 08:14 PM

wear on one side might indicate an alignment issue.

Axle alignment in Oregon

tinhut · 08-21-2009, 04:40 PM

It will make sense to have Airstream install 2 Tow Masters and check out the alignment. Fortunate for us, we live 30 miles from Jackson Center. We have been there a few times and had work done, stayed at their Teleport campsite for free
while the AS was in the shop. Only question I have now is that the 2 TMs I have now are LR ""C....I would not want LR "E" on the other axle. I assume that JC has "C" s also.

Mikethefixit · 08-21-2009, 06:08 PM

Just my personal opinion TinHut get 4 new ones .If one of those comes apart the damage may be sevier and then you will really have to go to JC.Tires at 4 yrs old are about at the end of their useful life no matter what the tread looks like. Just my opinion, I think Four new tires are in order all the same brand so the rolling radius is all the same and make sure you have all the same ratings. Save two of the best for spares.
Roger

tinhut · 08-27-2009, 09:20 AM

An update on the Carlisle tire with exposed steel: Bearing failure, the inside bearing was toast. Installed all new yesterday with parts purchased at AS in Jackson Center. They changed the race gratis. WOW what a crew. Also made an appointment to install four Goodyear Marathons moving up to D load range. FYI, they will install Tow Master LR E only if you upgrade the rims. Also will add new shocks to this visit as the ones on now are most likely the same age as the tinhut..(1997) any more suggestions
I may get them to check alignment but, I do think the tire failure was due to a failed bearing.

tinhut · 09-02-2009, 08:17 PM

Another question before I take off for Jackson Center. After removing wheels and repacking the bearings I found the date code on the inside of the Tow Masters to be 4206. That makes them about 3 years old. Once again, they do look like new. Issue is that AS now sells LR "D" for the 25 ft trailer. I moved both TM's to the rear axle anticipating putting 2 new Marathons LR D on the front axle. What problem (if any) is there with C's on the rear and D's on the front. Is this tomfoolery or does it make a whole lot of difference.....tinhut

**Action** · 09-04-2009, 10:43 AM

You know I wouldn't recommend it and I have done this.

Isn't there a load capacity weight rating in actual pounds? I believe a "C" rating is somthing like 1880. With all "C" rated tires that would give you a capacity of 7500+ pounds at max tire pressure. If your fully loaded rig is 6000#'s or less, I would stick with "C" all the way around.
If the above fits, "D" rated tires will be more expensive, provide a rougher ride and not offer any more benefits. If over 6000 #'s fully loaded then my suggestion is it is OK to go to "D" rated tire.

Action