Hauler tires- PLEASE provide input.

[aceisback]

I would really like to know if it's a streak of bad luck for me or if this is really commonplace. Put four new Goodyear Marathon D rated 8ply tires on the hauler a couple of years ago and have maintained them at 60psi per the manufacturer and dealer. Last weekend I had my THIRD blowout and when I take them in to have them regularily rotated and balanced they have replaced three others that had developed tread seperation. So basically six potential blowouts. I've been fortunate to not have had any major damage to the trailer during these episodes.

Some of the tire dealers that I've spoken with have quit carrying the Marathon since it's production was moved to China, but I suspect pretty much all tires are made in China nowadays. I'm really curious if this is out of the ordinary or if blowouts are pretty much a given with ToyHaulers. I bought the ProtectionPlus nationwide warranty and so far have had to replace only one of the bad tires out of pocket, and I'm fixing to challenge that, but the stress of constantly watching the trailer tires in the mirror while on a trip is getting old. I'd like to enjoy the scenery and not constantly worry about a tire blowing. So far all of the issues have happened in the daylight so minimal damage has occured. Luck may be running out...

What kind of luck have you had with what you're running and what all has been recommended by dealers/friends, etc???

[DSengineer]

The tread separation issue on the Marathon's is a well known issue.  Just do a google search on "Marathon tread separation" and you will find lots of articles in regards to the problem.  One of my inlaws had so much damage to his trailer as a result of tread separation at highway speed they had to send it back east to the manufacturer just to repair it.

[pdub383426]

You kinda tricked me with the title name there Ace   

[Randy B]

I had problems with the Goodyear Marathons on my little 20 Aljo toy hauler as well. Went with a better built and higher load rating tires and no more problems.

[fatflhx]

Vic,

E rated, BF-Goodrich commercial T/A's............

[TheStir]

Vic, do you know your real loaded trailer weight?

[aceisback]

I'm guessing 8K+. That's just a stab. I've got 5500lb axles. It's still loaded minus 100gls of water. I may try and get it to some scales this week.
The tire dealer in town thinks my axles are bent but the wear does not indicate such. The tread is seperating, cupping on one of them, not wear all the way around like it would be if alignment was the issue...

[TheStir]

Tire size?

[aceisback]

225 75R15.

Seems like the heavier duty tires are 16's. Guess I'm on the hunt for some wheels too!

[Ibethe1]

I work for Cooper Tire and even though we have a plant in China the vast majority of our tires are still made in the us. Cooper sells H/D trailer tires in that size. As a matter of fact my uncle has had a set I bought for him on his 36ft camper for the past 5yrs with no troubles at all. He's probably put 20K+ on his camper since he's had them. Good luck which ever route you take.

[TheStir]

Here is a link to ply size and inflation ratings.  Interesting reading.  You may be very close to maxing out the tires at 60PSI - Tire Link

[1fst690]

we have some maxxis trailer tires on our hauler Vic, they were on there since we bought it new in 06. Have not had a problem yet knock on wood. And you cant harldy see any wear on them. I am 23+k combined weight loaded

[MRDS650]

Ace:

I have seen this problem with lots of trailer tires - not only the Goodyear Marathons.  You hear about the Goodyears most often because they are the most popular. 

I own a Goodyear Store in Canada and we see it a fair bit.  I am not defending Goodyear because all manufactures have issues with separations sometimes.  I think the biggest problem is the tires are overloaded.  Not you fault but the unit should have come with 16" 10 or 12 ply tires from the factory.

I have put a few trailer tires threw warranty.  I usually phone the toll free number for Goodyear's warranty department and explain the problem.  The rule of thumb is if there is no nails/screws or holes in the tire that caused it to blow up - Goodyear will kick in for 50% of the cost.

The tire you have on there are rated at 2540 pounds at 65psi.  So you should be good for a total weight of 10160 pounds (2540 x4 ).  I am betting when you have your toyhauler loaded with quads, water, food, propane, batteries and gear you are really close or maybe even over that number.

You need to get the unit to a scale and weigh it when it is fully loaded.

I am thinking you should upgrade to a 16" wheel and a 12 ply tire.

Hope this Helps

Give me a shout if I can be more help

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