15" Marathon Failure

[wbmiller3]

Originally Posted by ShrimpBurrito

Was the tire that blew load range D or E?

Dave

These are load range D, rated for 2540 lb each. When I weighed the camper on truck scales a few years back, the whole camper only weighs 2720 lb.

(edit) Actually, that's been 10 years. We've had this camper a while!

[ShrimpBurrito]

Originally Posted by wbmiller3

These are load range D, rated for 2540 lb each. When I weighed the camper on truck scales a few years back, the whole camper only weighs 2720 lb.

(edit) Actually, that's been 10 years. We've had this camper a while!

So if we're operating under the understanding that weight capacity is what ultimately leads to failure by gradual marginalization of the safety margin (whether through deterioration with age, manufacturing quality, or whatever), then maybe you should consider getting an E-rated tire. They are rated for 2830 lbs, so that gives you an extra ~600 lbs margin. I don't know what else you could do......I usually travel in hot climates on crappy roads with lots of water, food, and have an extra propane tank, battery, a heavy sewer pipe guard, etc., and knock on wood, I haven't had any problems with load range E (10-ply) 15" tires. I just swapped out my Carlise E-rated tires because they were 4 years old.

Dave

[wbmiller3]

Originally Posted by ShrimpBurrito

...maybe you should consider getting an E-rated tire. They are rated for 2830 lbs, so that gives you an extra ~600 lbs margin.

Dave

I think that's what I'm gonna have to do.

[TrailManorMan]

I'm thinking it is manufacturing defect as I have plenty of capacity for the tire to preform. Scaled before trip loaded at3980 lbs., good for 5000 plus. The 2619 is less weight. Maybe Goodyear has quality control issues on certain batches or something. I have had no issues but have new concerns

[ShrimpBurrito]

Originally Posted by wbmiller3

When I weighed the camper on truck scales a few years back, the whole camper only weighs 2720 lb.

Did you disconnect the TM when you took this weight? If you didn't, you're missing several hundred pounds because it doesn't account for tongue weight resting on the TV.

Dave

[wbmiller3]

Originally Posted by ShrimpBurrito

Did you disconnect the TM when you took this weight? If you didn't, you're missing several hundred pounds because it doesn't account for tongue weight resting on the TV.

Dave

The number I quote is (gross weight of truck + camper) - (gross weight of truck alone) when the two weights were taken 15 minutes apart. It is not any individual axle weights. I believe it is correct.

[mecicon]

With all the horrible stories recounted about Goodyear and Marathons over the years on this forum one would think twice about using such products, IMO.

[Redtail Cruiser]

Originally Posted by mecicon

With all the horrible stories recounted about Goodyear and Marathons over the years on this forum one would think twice about using such products, IMO.

Mark, I agree with your assessment of the Goodyear Marathon tire and would not want them on my TM; however not all Goodyear tires are made in China, where the Marathons are made. Goodyear still manufactures many tires in the USA. The Topeka, Kansas and Danville, Virginia plants still turn out good quality American made tires.

I have had used the Wrangler Silent Armor on my trucks for years and have gotten 50K to 60K trouble free miles out of them consistently. As soon as the factory tires that came on my new truck start showing wear, I plan on putting a set of the new Kevlar Wranglers on.

[mecicon]

Originally Posted by Redtail Cruiser

Mark, I agree with your assessment of the Goodyear Marathon tire and would not want them on my TM; however not all Goodyear tires are made in China, where the Marathons are made. Goodyear still manufactures many tires in the USA. The Topeka, Kansas and Danville, Virginia plants still turn out good quality American made tires.

I have had used the Wrangler Silent Armor on my trucks for years and have gotten 50K to 60K trouble free miles out of them consistently. As soon as the factory tires that came on my new truck start showing wear, I plan on putting a set of the new Kevlar Wranglers on.

I guess my bias was showing, Dad worked for Firestone for 40 plus years.

I have had good luck and tread life from BFGoodrich and Michelin, but have never had Goodyear tires.

[Padgett]

Second that: I put Michelins on cars I plan to keep and BFGs on temporary ones. Are same company, Michelin/BFG/Uniroyal (High/Medium/Low line).

My jeep came with Goodyear Fortera HLs and I just replaced them with Michelins after 19,000 miles and with 6/32nds remaining because I was seeing the Traction Control light come on and it felt "slippery" in a heavy rain, not something I want in a TV.

Two things I am funny about: tires and headlights, I like Michelins and SilverStars. YMMV.