New Tires??

[PK in CA]

Hi folks, currently I have Tow Max tires by Power King size ST205/75 R 14 on my 2012 Passport super lite 238ml.
I have not heard one good thing of these tires and have been told several times and have even read forums about how bad these tires are and that I should replace them before they have a blow out.

The big question is, With what?? I've heard bad things about GY Marathons, Carlisles, and Michelins as well. Does anybody have any suggestions? Thanks a bunch!

[f6bits]

1) While there are many complaints about those tires, many people, including myself, use them without incident. For now, make sure they’re in good condition and inflated to 50 psi.

2) Many people recommend MAXXIS tires. My local tire shop is a Goodyear dealer and I plan to research their trailer tires and hopefully find no issues with them. I’d like to give my business to this particular shop.

[PK in CA]

Thanks Scott. I'm glad to hear someone isn't having a problem with them. I think I may take your advice and just try to make these last as long as possible.

I too have a neighborhood goodyear around the corner from me but I haven't heard many good things about Marathons. I'm really beginning to think all of these tires are the same and that maybe it really is just about keeping them inflated properly etc. Thanks again!

[flc]

I have a camper on order (it's here, looks great - pick it up next week) and will work with the tires that comes on it (for a while.) On previous trailers I have gone to the Maxxis and found they worked very well. They are made in Thailand. If the Goodyear Marathon is being made in the states again I would also consider them. I've heard lots bad about the Marathons made in China.

[fla-gypsy]

I switched to Maxxis and have been very pleased with the performance of them.

[Momamac]

We have a 2010 Passport 300bh and have the same tires you do.
In 2010, we went from Michigan Lower Pennisula down and around until we got to South Dakota...including one bad move that had me pulling the trailer over a short section of road construction that was tore down to the road bed (including large asphalt chunks) and had the trailer leaning 30 degrees toward the ditch! Went back home through Minnesota, Michigan UP and home. In 2011 we stayed in Michigan but camped about every weekend 2 hours from home. Right now the tires look as good as new. Keep your pressure right and always look at them at every stop (I looked at every inch after the construction debacle!). When it is time to replace mine, I will look at American made but in a higher load range...mine are at the max right now!I also may move from 14" to 15"...not sure yet. If you read enough, you will find bad reviews of every tire...along with the political angle, too! I hate Communists as much as anyone and would rather not send them my money either! Happy Trails!

[CWtheMan]

Originally Posted by PK in CA

Hi folks, currently I have Tow Max tires by Power King size ST205/75 R 14 on my 2012 Passport super lite 238ml.
I have not heard one good thing of these tires and have been told several times and have even read forums about how bad these tires are and that I should replace them before they have a blow out.

The big question is, With what?? I've heard bad things about GY Marathons, Carlisles, and Michelins as well. Does anybody have any suggestions? Thanks a bunch!

According to the specs for your trailer you have nothing to worry about when it comes to the tires Keystone has provided with it. Keystone is not known to provide tires with much load capacity reserves but in your case they have giving you max over kill tires. Your trailer tops out with just a little less than 5000# on the axles and your tires provide 7040# of load capacity at 50 psi. Like almost any ST tire, the Towmax will give you great service if properly maintained and not abused with under inflation, overloading or speeding.

Here are some references for information.

http://www.keystone-passport.com/ind...pecs&year=2012

http://www.towmaxtires.com/Default.aspx

www.towmaxtires.com/catalogs/towmax-str-roadside-assistance.pdf

CW

[PK in CA]

Thanks a bunch everyone! I really appreciate the input as well as the pep talks! I think I will just ride these into the ground for a bit longer and then go to Maxxis when need be.

Again, I really appreciate everyone's advice.

[KanTC]

PK,

Here's a specific thread about Tow Max Tires... more good info.

http://keystonerv.org/forums/showthread.php?t=6111

Given your CA location, I'd recommend using "tire covers" if your trailer is stored outside.

Welcome to the forum, and happy trails.
Terri, the Chevy co-pilot & DH Kevin

[raytronx]

I just replaced my original set of TowMax tires, they had 15000 + miles on them basically looped around US on all kinds of roads and the treads were worn down from use, tires performed great. I went with another set of TowMax.

[Halibutman214]

Originally Posted by KanTC

PK,

Here's a specific thread about Tow Max Tires... more good info.

http://keystonerv.org/forums/showthread.php?t=6111

And you will see from this thread that the vast majority of people have had NO problems. I feel good enough about the responses from this thread that these tires will be with me on my Alaska trip.

[Johnnyfry]

I have the original Towmax tires on my 5er and have had no problems in 16K miles. I keep them inflated to 80 PSI and have them balanced. I also don't tow over 60 MPH. I expect them to last at least another 7 to 8K miles.

Three tire dealers have told me that NO trailer rated tires are made in the USA, even if they are branded by a US manufacturer. Some people have suggested using LT (truck) tires but, no manufacturer or dealer I have encountered recommends this because trailer tires have definite manufacturing differences and would not perform well.

IMHO
John

[Outbackmel]

2011 Outback, 36ft, triple slide. Just returned 2 months ago from 6700 miles x US from GA to AZ; southern route, I 20 to I 10 going and back across I 40. All types of weather from cold to heat to hail. Roads were HELL in some areas. Never ANY issue in the 6700 miles. Period. Tires look brand new. Next RV trip early August from N GA mountains to the beaches of Charleston and Myrtle Beach (Pirateland) rrrrr, matey!

Usually set speed control at 63-65 mph for safety and fuel economy. 11mpg at this range. TV...2008 Dodge, quad cab. 6.7 Cummins turbo diesel. Often have to look back to see if the RV is still there....Have a slider hitch, but, never needed it in "manuever" position. Can do a full 180 degrees without touching slider window. LOVE THIS THING....

[AlCorr]

I always add 10 psi more than the max. tire rating. On my truck and trailer. Hope this helps.

http://www.tirerack.com/images/tires...4x032&code=yes

[AlCorr]

My last trailer had GY Marathons. The tire pressure on the sidewalls was max. 60 psi. I always inflated to 70 psi and never had a problem. I always replaced them every 4 years. Also, on long hauls, I always tow 70-75mph.

[seahunter]

Regarding speed safety:

•All "ST" tires have a maximum speed rating of 65 mph.
•As heat builds up, the tire's structure starts to disintegrate and weaken.
•The load carrying capacity gradually decreases as the heat and stresses generated by higher speed increases.

[Festus2]

Greg -
Your information regarding speed rating of ST tires in your above post, taken from Discount Tires website, does state that if a tire is designated as "ST", the maximum speed rating is 65 mph.
However, if you visit this Goodyear site (www.goodyearrvtires.com/pdfs/rv_inflation.pdf), Goodyear lists a number of RV tires which are not designated at ST but have a speed ratings in excess of 65 mph - some as high as 75 mph.

I am assuming that these tires, which Goodyear has listed as being RV tires, are suitable for RV's.

[seahunter]

Hi Festus2,

Some of the Goodyear RV tires are rated at 75 mph, but as far as I know they are all LT tires. For example, I'm getting the Goodyear G614 on our new Montana, which are LT235/85R16 and rated to 75 mph. However they also run at 3750 @110 psi and require a special high load capacity wheel and high pressure tire valve as per the Goodyear site. I'm still learning all the time so I might be incorrect, but all the Montana's that are not Big Sky's are running the ST RV Marathons and the limit I continue to see is 65 mph.

[Jim & Kay]

IMHO, replacing rv tires every four years is a very smart move, But towing an rv at 75 mph is Very DUMB !!!!!

[Festus2]

Jim:
No argument from me on that!