15 replies to this topic

[Jacquee Larry and Muffin]

After reading complaints about Goodyear Marathons, I confidently said to myself:  don't overload, don't under inflate; don't over speed; and you can't get into trouble.  Wrong!  On a recent trip from PA to CO and back (around 5000 mi),  I faithfully checked pressure regularly; felt tow vehicle and trailer tires for temperature at every gas fill-up (usually 200 miles, but never more than 300), kept the water tank low and the gray and black water tanks empty.

When we got home, my mechanic called me and asked if I knew that I had huge bubbles in the tread.  Nope.  They are only visible when the tire is rotating; about 1/8" high, but nearly the full tread width and several inches long.  The right one was much worse than the left one.  That would be expected, since the SD is so much heavier on the right side.

Today, I was reading online, and I found this on the discount tire web site:
Speed

    * All "ST" tires have a maximum speed rating of 65 mph.
    * As heat builds up, the tire's structure starts to disintegrate and weaken.
    * The load carrying capacity gradually decreases as the heat and stresses generated by higher speed increases.

Time

    * Time and the elements weaken a trailer tire.
    * In approximately three years, roughly one-third of the tire's strength is gone.
    * Three to five years is the projected life of a normal trailer tire.
    * It is suggested that trailer tires be replaced after three to four years of service regardless of tread depth or tire appearance.

Mileage

    * Trailer tires are not designed to wear out.
    * The life of a trailer tire is limited by time and duty cycles.
    * The mileage expectation of a trailer tire is 5,000 to 12,000 miles.

So...What I learned from this is that 65 mph is all there is on ST tires.  I don't exceed 65 anyway when towing, but I'll be extra careful.  A 3 year old tire probably has less load rating than we need, since the Marathons are marginal when new.  Tread depth is no indication of the remaining life of an ST tire.  The life expectancy of an ST tire is 5000 to 12000 miles, and I'm right in that range.

[Robere]

Your post regarding the Goodyear Marathon tires is the most intelligent that I've read in this forum.  I think it goes without saying that these guidelines, slow down, do not overload, and check inflation routinely, will go a long way to assure minimum trouble.  The new information regarding replacement at 3 years or 10,000 miles is valuable and I for one will adhere to this recommendation.  I'm running 15" Load Range D Marathons and drive 55 mph max.

Edited by Robere, 13 August 2010 - 11:31 AM.

[schatzie]

I agree with both of the above.  I use maximum inflation (65 lbs) and keep speed at 55mph.  Takes me a little longer to get there, but I do get there in better shape than the speed demons who pass me at 75-80 mph.  I see quite a few of them parked on the shoulder further down the road with overheated engines, flat tires, or smoking brakes.  I also get to notice more scenery than most of my fellow travelers.  I enjoy my travels to the fullest and do not try to marathon it from one location to the next.  Saves wear and tear on both the TV and TT.

[dfltil]

I agree with all the above and remember to try to protect the right tire by keeping it on the road and not hit curbs and cut short right turns.

[Jacquee Larry and Muffin]

Thanks for your reply, Robere.  My new ones will be Carlisle or Marathon 15" Load Range D, depending on the deal I can get on tires and wheels.

[Jacquee Larry and Muffin]

Well said.  That starboard tire needs some TLC.  After all, it has to carry the stove, fridge, and water.

[bugeyedriver]

I've done a lot of reading lately on tire/rim specifications and learned the rims I had were not proper for my new Goodyear Marathon 15" load range D tires.  The rims measured 7.5 inches wide, exceeding the acceptable width range for my tires. Having rims that are either too wide or too narrow for a tire's design moves what's called the flex-point away from where the tire is intended to rapidly flex during rotation and could result in premature failure. Also, the rims were not rated for the weight they may be asked to carry if I put on a full load of water. Sooooooo, I now have three shiny new rims which actually match their application.

Being able to continuously monitor tire pressure and temp while going down the road adds another level of tire-health awareness.  I recently added another gizmo for my "safety bag"  (Tire Monitor)      I just went to Austin on a brief trip and it works like a charm.

Hopefully, using the correct rims, continuously monitoring the pressure & temps while adhering to the guidance found on this thread will minimize the chance of a tire disaster.

[ArizonaEileen]

I've done a lot of reading lately on tire/rim specifications and learned the rims I had were not proper for my new Goodyear Marathon 15" load range D tires.  The rims measured 7.5 inches wide, exceeding the acceptable width range for my tires. Having rims that are either too wide or too narrow for a tire's design moves what's called the flex-point away from where the tire is intended to rapidly flex during rotation and could result in premature failure. Also, the rims were not rated for the weight they may be asked to carry if I put on a full load of water. Sooooooo, I now have three shiny new rims which actually match their application.

Pete --

I think it would be helpful to let people know you own an Oliver, and that the size of your rims may be different.

Eileen

[bugeyedriver]

Eileen,

Yes, your right, my "Ollie" came from a different factory than Rice, my maxed out 3900 lb weight is larger than most, and my 6 lug 5200 lb axle is different.  But as folks start making modifications to their trailers over many years adding boxes on the front and racks on the back to carry more items it may be possible to exceed the original load bearing design limits of wheels, or tires.   It is important to know how heavy your rig is, what the weight bearing capacity of your rims and tires are, and to make sure the rim width matches with your tire's requirements.  

When I flew for a living I tried to be cognizant of the limitations of my machine, be it a jet or a helicopter, knowing the consequences of flying outside the limits could be a "smokin' hole".  While we're not likely to create a smoking hole at 60mph, a "cracked egg" would still be very sad indeed.

Roll safe!

Pete

[Sardines]

I just really don't get it. I have read all the horror stories. I have read the "tire paranoia" stories (stop every two hours to let your tires "rest") I just got back fron a 54 day drip, 13, 241 miles. Sea level to 12,000 passes. temps from the hi twenties to over 100. I aired up the tires exacty twice. I never pulled over 65 mph. Trailer was not overloaded. No problems at all. Am I just lucky?

[Dutchman]

I just really don't get it. I have read all the horror stories. I have read the "tire paranoia" stories (stop every two hours to let your tires "rest") I just got back fron a 54 day drip, 13, 241 miles. Sea level to 12,000 passes. temps from the hi twenties to over 100. I aired up the tires exacty twice. I never pulled over 65 mph. Trailer was not overloaded. No problems at all. Am I just lucky?

No, Sardines, your experience is normal.  I've got seven years full timing with only one separation failure.  That's the norm.
Sounds like you had a great trip.  To where?

Ed

[Sardines]

I just really don't get it. I have read all the horror stories. I have read the "tire paranoia" stories (stop every two hours to let your tires "rest") I just got back fron a 54 day drip, 13, 241 miles. Sea level to 12,000 passes. temps from the hi twenties to over 100. I aired up the tires exacty twice. I never pulled over 65 mph. Trailer was not overloaded. No problems at all. Am I just lucky?

No, Sardines, your experience is normal.  I've got seven years full timing with only one separation failure.  That's the norm.
Sounds like you had a great trip.  To where?

Ed

We visited 14 states, (TX, OK, KS, NE, SD, WY, MT, ID, WA, OR, CA, UT, CO, and NM) plus British Columbia. We stopped in 15 National Parks and Monuments. We even went to Wall Drug, which we had never heard of before, but were informed that if you are near the Badlands, you MUST go to Wall Drug.

I intend to post a chronology and will share recommendations with anyone who might want to do any part of it.

[Donna D.]

There's three-year-old tires and there's tires that have been owned for three years. What was the born-on-date of the tires? That's the "magic" number. Always check the date on the tires when making the purchase. It's especially important when buying tires that are "on sale." Often stores are trying to move old inventory. If you're an uninformed buyer you could end up buying trailer tires that are already half way through their useable life.

[Joe Z]

Being able to continuously monitor tire pressure and temp while going down the road adds another level of tire-health awareness.  I recently added another gizmo for my "safety bag"  (Tire Monitor)      I just went to Austin on a brief trip and it works like a charm.

I also  purchased that tire monitor and my worry level has gone way down now..... It monitors tire pressure and tire temperature and has an alarm to alert you if something is wrong.
Note: All Metal valve stems are needed for this system.
Joe

Edited by wrkn2mch, 25 September 2010 - 05:22 AM.

[Robere]

Robere, on 13 August 2010 - 11:28 AM, said:

Your post regarding the Goodyear Marathon tires is the most intelligent that I've read in this forum.  I think it goes without saying that these guidelines, slow down, do not overload, and check inflation routinely, will go a long way to assure minimum trouble.  The new information regarding replacement at 3 years or 10,000 miles is valuable and I for one will adhere to this recommendation.  I'm running 15" Load Range D Marathons and drive 55 mph max.

Update:

The facts: Our 2010 SD has been towed three consecutive seasons and now has more than 20,000 miles on the original ST 225/75R15 Goodyear Marathon tires which were balanced at 6000 miles. We run inflated at 60 psi and tow at or below 55 MPH 95% of the time. The tires & rims are removed and stored in the off season and the sidewalls are protected from UV when parked. We never overload and do not carry a generator or other items on the tongue or hanging on the back. We've never had a problem however, I will replace the tires before our next travel event. Why? A slight bulge in a sidewall probably caused by a pot hole or hitting a curb. The local tire stores have given me different stories as to why or why not the tires should be replaced. I'm going on the side of caution as we travel the "blue" highways more often than not and locating replacement tires at a reasonable cost in a remote corner of America could be a problem. From what I understand from those of you with lots of towing experience and upon the advice of my local tire professionals there are seven important considerations when dealing with trailer tires. 1. Purchase tires recommended by the tire professionals appropriate to the trailer. 2. Beware of under inflation. 3. Slow down. 4. Don't overload your trailer. 5. Replace the tires every 3 or 4 years. 6. Tread depth is not an indicator of reliability. 7. Inspect the sidewalls frequently for bulges. I may go to a 10 ply Load Range E with the new tires. Seems to be good advice. The current price (Nov 2012) for two tires is $300-370 (mounted, balanced, tax, disposal) here in the Puget Sound area. Any thoughts or recommended sources?