Trailer Tires

[Dana B.]

I justed returned from a 3700 mile round trip journey .
Travels round trip... Georgetown,KY to Tuscon,AZ.
I traveled empty with my 22 ft. Featherlite inclosed / empty and returned with a car.
I'm running Goodyear Marithon Trailer tires.
I had two blowouts/tires sheaded on the trip back with a load.
Anyone had troubles with Marithons ?
Dana

[Dick W.]

Re: Trailer Tires

I think if you do a search on any of the automotive forums you will find that it is a very common problem, not only with Goodyears, but all of the "trailer special" tires. Very cheap constructed tires. I run a LT rated tire, minimum of C rating, preferably D rated. Very controversial subject here, but from my experience as a fleet maintenance manager in a previous life, tires with over five years of age on the carcass invite trouble.

[Joseph K.]

Re: Trailer Tires

I agree with Dick, there was a documentary on tires and they showed that tires that are over three years old are subject to blow outs and most trailers come whith cheap tires.

[Dick W.]

Re: Trailer Tires

most trailers come whith cheap tires.

Understatement! VERY Cheap tires. I have bought eight to ten new trailers. I have either gotten the tires that I wanted, or shipped my tires to the manufacturer/dealer. The only time I ever had tire trouble, other than a puncture, was with tires that were almost six years old. They were Michleins and three out of six had carcass separation in 45 days time

[Scott S.]

Re: Trailer Tires

I have Marathons on my Featherlite trailer. 205r15stl. I had one blowout in 2006, it was 100 degrees and I was runnig at 70mph. I use an InfraRed temperature gage and check the tires every 100 miles, I do not let the tires exceed 140 degrees at the sidewall.I have a couple of questions. Does your trailer sit level when towing? Are your tires inflated to 50 psi?
Scott

[Tom K.]

Re: Trailer Tires

Chek with Goodyear if you have any damage on your trailer. They may pay for damage if the tires are still within warranty. I had 3 goodyear Rv tires separate in 2006 and they replaced all 5 tires (includes spare) on warranty based on tread depth. When it is time to replace tires again I will use Goodyears. I think if you check you will find that all ST tires are unfortunatley made in china.

[Stephen L.]

Re: Trailer Tires

Dana, many people don't take into account the gross load of the trailer. Dual 3500# axles are very marginal on an enclosed trailer weighing in excess of 3500# with a 3500# car inside plus other equipment, jack, etc. What is the load rating of your tires? Personally, I'd use a minimum of "D" rated and prefer "E" rated. I've run an original set of "D" tires on my enclosed trailer with 5000# axles for 6 yrs without a problem towing a trailer/car with a combined weight of about 8000#. Due to age I recently purchased a set of Maxxis "E" tires as replacements. Spend the extra money for higher rated tires. If you are running 3500# axles you may find excessive flexing and tire squirming due to weight, adding to the failure. Storage is also another problem... keep your tires covered AND park the tires on wood. Make sure your trailer is running level! With the torsion type axles if the tongue is high or low it puts undue weight on the appropriate tires. Were the tires that failed both on the same axle?? Personally, I'd stay away from Marathons. They have a bad reputation of blowouts. Check the internet for opinions on tires...there is lots of info there.

[Dick W.]

Re: Trailer Tires

I think if you check you will find that all ST tires are unfortunatley made in china.

All the more reason not to by ST rated tires.

[Peter G.]

Re: Trailer Tires

My 20' enclosed trailer was just two years olds and maybe 4k miles on the tires, but the trailer ST tires were cheapies "made in China". LR shredded at 65mpg on I40 in NM with '04 Corvette inside. I always check tire pressure everytime I use the trailer..50lbs and check for cuts, bubbles etc. I replaced with the Goodyears, but sold the trailer before I could get a chance to see if the GYs make a difference.

Yes there is a big controversy on "expiration date" for tires, but remember trailer tire sit outside all of their life in the weather, sun with UV, rain, snow and ice.

I sold the trailer and tow vehicle and am much happier and have less stress in my life.

Two reasons I sold the vehicles...costly fuel economy on the tow vehicle and I am too old to be trying to break loose lug nuts put on with a air gun in the rain on the shoulder of a Interstate Highway where every other passing car is a 18 wheeler!

I have just one Corvette, if I need to transport it to a long distance event I will contract out the transportation.

Having a Co-pilot along on every trip helps too.

[Dick W.]

Re: Trailer Tires

There was a trailer sitting in the parking lot beside the garage that had less than 500 miles since new that blew a tire. 厄尔尼诺廉价 (el cheapo) tires.

[John N.]

Re: Trailer Tires

I think if you do a search on any of the automotive forums you will find that it is a very common problem, not only with Goodyears, but all of the "trailer special" tires. Very cheap constructed tires. I run a LT rated tire, minimum of C rating, preferably D rated. Very controversial subject here, but from my experience as a fleet maintenance manager in a previous life, tires with over five years of age on the carcass invite trouble.

Dick
What exact tire would you buy today?
Thanks

[Anthony C.]

Re: Trailer Tires

I have a 24' enclosed trailer 10,000 weight capacity purchased new it came with Goodyear Marathons. I blew out 2 of them in under 2000 miles while trailer was less than 3 mos old. I have since replaced them with E rated trailer tires and have not had any problems since. They cost a little more but no more blow outs at speed with a load. Goodyear Marathons have had a bad rep for a while now.

[Jeff P.]

Re: Trailer Tires

Dick, I see you opted for the drivers side door also. Im looking at Haulmarks and was thinking of ordering this option. Seems worth it. Jeff

[Dick W.]

Re: Trailer Tires

Dick
What exact tire would you buy today?
Thanks

What size John, 15" or 16" ??

[John N.]

Re: Trailer Tires

What size John, 15" or 16" ??

My 22 foot Wells Cargo & 28 foot United both use 16" six lug
Thanks!