Jannett -
Sorry to hear about your tire experience. As part of solving it, you learned another lesson that seems not to be generally known. In my experience doing the same thing, it turned out that most RV dealers, particularly the ones that deal in motor homes, fifth wheels, and gigantic tow-behinds, don't keep the smaller Marathons in stock. Again in my experience, you will have better luck finding them at a Goodyear store, or even a discount tire dealer. I have looked for 14" Marathons at two different Camping Worlds, without success. But I've had better luck at Goodyear stores, which are surprisingly common.
As for protection from flying tire debris, I have installed heavy duty mud flaps (aka splash guards) on my TM, with the idea of at least deflecting the chunks. The mere fact that I did so ended my string of blowouts, so I consider it a good investment.
Bill
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