Need new tires?

[jill4paws]

Well we were finally able to open our new/used TM today. Did get a radio/cd player installed. But since this is a 2005 3024TM, should we replace the tires? My husband thinks they look good, however after reading about problems with the marathons I do not think I'm willing to take a chance. Any ideas of a good brand? Thank you all so much for you advice to each other it has certainly made me more comfortable in owning this unique trailer.

[rvcycleguy]

I would recommend you get new tires before taking it out on the road for any distance. Tires can look good, but break down internally. First blow out while towing could damage the TM significantly. Tires will have a date code on the sidewall. The recommendation is any tires that are more than 3-5 years old should be replaced. Tires on towable RV's do not generally wear out due to mileage. They get replaced due to age and non use. The Marathons or brand does not make the difference in whether they will blow out. Age, age and age is the critical factor. My 3124KB is a 2002 year model and has just received (Nov) its 3rd set of tires. The TM probably only has 15-20k road miles.

[hillbillyhotel]

Dito , dito, dito,
new tires for that peace of mind, that way you know
not guessing or hopeing? Jmo for what it is worth,

Mt Marathons failed around year 3.

Air temperature was 105F, or there abouts.

TM weight around 4,100 pounds. Estimated 3380 on the axle.

Hit a pothole around 60 mph.

30 minutes later there was a blow out.

2012-2005 = 7 years. I have almost 4 years on the current tires. Time to start looking for replacements.

I currently have TowMasters. I will probably go back to Marathons. Marathons developed a bad reputation when they got off-shored. Now that they are back to the US the are getting better reviews.

[scrubjaysnest]

12k plus on our Marathons last year. The only down side TM put 3 year old tires on a brand new camper. This year they are 4 years old, look brand new but........we will see.

[T and C]

When I got my 3023 in 2010, it had 3 year old tires. They showed amost no tread wear. I immediately replaced them with new Marathons along with balancing and metal valve stems. No problems so far even though we have towed it 15,000 miles or so, and in both freezing and desert conditions.

I plan to replace them in July 2013 when they are 3 years old. Overkill? Perhaps, but in my book peace of mind is very valuable.

Tom

[Lesherp]

When I read about people replacing tires on trailers so often I was skeptical. I have had tires on my cars that lasted for much greater time than is recommended for trailers and never had a problem. After extensive research online I became a believer. Apparently there is something in tires that helps prevent the rubber from breaking down but it is active only when they are rolling down the road.

http://blog.rv.net/2009/08/tire-age-...-tire-failure/

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Whenever I get new tires no matter if for TM or TV I always insist dealer calls me with date code on tires before installing. Tires can sit instock for a while especially if bought during end of model specials.

I never by 80,000 mile tires, because I will replace them after 3 or 4 years.

My wife's Lexus SUV drives about 15k miles per year.

My Chevy truck i driven about 12k miles per year.

My GMC is insured for 7500 miles per year.

Lives are at risk. I am a little bit conservative.

Originally Posted by Lesherp

it is active only when they are rolling down the road.

It's actually called 'blooming", and we touched on it in this forum awhile back.

http://www.trailmanorowners.com/foru...0724#post80724