Just another tire thread, ST235/80R16 Towmax only.

[DocData757]

OK, here goes another tire thread..... sorry. I would like to limit this to a very specific question and not a general discussion of which are good, which are bad, etc, etc.

I want to know if anyone has remark, good or bad, specifically with regards to Towmax ST235/80R16 E tires. I know there have been a lot of complaints about Towmax quality but I'm not interested in comments about any other size and I would really appreciate your understanding about this.

I suspect this will limit it to owners of large 5th wheel owners.

Thanks!

[Festus2]

Dave -
:eek: I should warn you that you are approaching your limit of tire threads. (Just kidding). But thanks (tx) for specifying the size and brand of tire that you are looking for feedback rather than general comments about any Towmax tire. Your request should help keep the posts on topic.

[webslave]

Same tires on my '11 Cougar 318SAB. No issues with mine, though a lot of folks will tell you they are junk. I keep them covered when not on the road, always aired to 80 psi and never over 65 mph (usual travel speed is 58-62 mph) and I'm loaded under maximum capacity. Currently have ~5800 miles on them, but, expect to top 12,000 by the time we get home :) Not enough on them to speculate on how well they'll hold up for me, but, I'm apparently easy on tires...

I'll keep them and not worry about the "what ifs"... I had a set of those "Chinese Junk" Duro tires on my old FunFinder. Had 38,000+ on them when I traded the trailer and they still looked new.

[SAD]

Dave,

We have the same tires on our Avalanche... Same floorplan as yours. Have only had it since March, so nothing bad to say about them yet. I keep them at 80 psi and check regularly.

My last camper was a tri-axle TH with the same size as well. For 5 years, no probs.

Will keep this thread posted if anything bad happens.

[Mike L123]

We have these tires on our 2011 Cougar 318SAB. ~5,500kms on them so far. Always 80psi
and generally towing at 100kmh (65mph). The tires show no signs of abnormal wear, blistering, cracking, bubbling, separating or anything else untoward yet. Will post if anything weird happens in the fall as we will be heading out on a long hegira of 15,000kms or so over the fall/winter.

Cheers!

Mike and Carol

[grayghost03]

4400 miles and no problems, 80 psi always.

[wmcclay]

After talking to the people at Les Schwab, I put them on my Montana 2955. I was told the failure rate was close if not the same as any other trailer tire.
Good luck

[chivas]

I HAD them on my 2012 Alpine until I had a blowout that cost me 2K in damage. Then replaced with Maxxis and a Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM). The TPM is great you can see what all of your tires are doing. When I replaced the Towmax tires I had a Golf ball size bubble on the inside of one of them. Must have happened on the way home from last trip because I did not see if before I left. Not overloaded, not over 65 mph, and covered from day one.

The problem you will find out is there is not a lot of choices in that tire size you can replace them with unless you change size or rims.

[CWtheMan]

The reference depicts what happened to one of my truck tires on the way to FL last year. It had 22,000 miles on it and came off the LH dual set. Yep, that bubble is still holding air. The tire is a Goodyear Silent Armor (PRO Grade). When I took it to a GY retailer they told me I had hit something with it. I asked them to prove it. They could not. They got in touch with an area rep and we struck a deal. They would give me a new tire if I would give them that one. I agreed on condition they would formally inform me of their findings. A few weeks later I got a letter from them stating a smallish piece foreign material had got between the sidewall and carcass during the building process and must have been missed during the X-ray process.

I know, it's not a trailer tire but the condition is similar to the one above. In my case I was lucky it didn't blow and I was able to get to the cause. If the lot was bad I wanted to know it. Those buggers are expensive. I'm still running on the other five.

http://www.irv2.com/photopost/showfull.php?photo=18103


CW

[chivas]

The reference depicts what happened to one of my truck tires on the way to FL last year. It had 22,000 miles on it and came off the LH dual set. Yep, that bubble is still holding air. The tire is a Goodyear Silent Armor (PRO Grade). When I took it to a GY retailer they told me I had hit something with it. I asked them to prove it. They could not. They got in touch with an area rep and we struck a deal. They would give me a new tire if I would give them that one. I agreed on condition they would formally inform me of their findings. A few weeks later I got a letter from them stating a smallish piece foreign material had got between the sidewall and carcass during the building process and must have been missed during the X-ray process.

I know, it's not a trailer tire but the condition is similar to the one above. In my case I was lucky it didn't blow and I was able to get to the cause. If the lot was bad I wanted to know it. Those buggers are expensive. I'm still running on the other five.


CW

When they took off my Towmax with the bubble it held pressure also.

[dave-g]

about 8000 miles on mine- always at 80 psi. I do look for trouble- as 65-70mph is the norm for me.

I watch them close- and my replace them at the beginning of next year ( they will be 2 years old and have 12,000 mile on them). But there are not a lot of choices in that size.

[Outbackmel]

Same tires and wheels 5000 miles. 80psi. No issues across roughest roads in America, except PA.
One needs to consider Keystone is the leading volume producer of TT's and 5th wheels. Yes cost is a driver BUT regardless of complaints on this forum, they want to build and sell units. I personally would buy another Keystone product IF it fit my family purposes at the time. Our unit was purchased new in 2011.
Could they use improved QUALITY CONTROL, sure.

[LittleJoe]

About 4000 miles, always 80psi, check temp at each stop. Always run cool and not showing any wear to speak of so far. Always covered if facing sun.
Usually run 100-110kph.

Will run until 5yrs and then replace with Michelin Ribs.

[dave-g]

Same tires and wheels 5000 miles. 80psi. No issues across roughest roads in America, except PA.
One needs to consider Keystone is the leading volume producer of TT's and 5th wheels. Yes cost is a driver BUT regardless of complaints on this forum, they want to build and sell units. I personally would buy another Keystone product IF it fit my family purposes at the time. Our unit was purchased new in 2011.
Could they use improved QUALITY CONTROL, sure.

quality verse price- price always seems to win- look at walmart and home depot.
But I too would buy an other keystone- my 325srx was a great value to me and my family.

[Johnnyfry]

I always run 80 psi and 60mph. No problems in 20,000+ miles. I just had to replace 2 because I bent an axle on the Alaska highway and both tires quickly developed an undesirable wear pattern, the other two on the unbent axle still doing fine.

I believe that most problems are caused by not minding the pressure and excessive speed and that is common to all tire brands.

John

[BigCajun]

How do ya'll estimate the mileage? Do you log your travels? Anyway, I have the same tire on my Raptor. I always check pressure, probably pull a little fast at times, 75 mph. My tires are two and half years old. Recently traveled to Florida for vacation and upon arrival, had one tire egged up on the tread as the belts had given way but not blown out! Bought a new GY Marathon to get home. About halfway home, I had another one give way, luckily not blown but tread belts egged out. This time I put the spare down to get home. Upon arrival home, I had a third one about to go!
Talked to my tire guy this morning and he recommends going with a LT(light truck) tire instead of the ST(trailer service). Sidewall is stronger and can withstand the scrubbing of the triple axle better than trailer tires.

[byrdr1]

I believe I have the same tire as you are asking about. I thought it was an 85series but cant check from here. I keep a check on pressure always at 85psi. I dont drive faster than 65 mph, might have hit 70mph once or twice but not regular driving trying to jump on highway or something like that. I do keep covers on them at my house, I dont cover at campgrounds as the slide-outs are out and they do a good job of keeping them out of the sunlight.
Someone asked how do you know how many miles you have on tires, yes I keep log book of all my trips. I dont add any running around miles while camping with TV but the miles to and from are always logged. I log camping expenses down to meals eatten out. So only 2864 miles after this weeks trip to the beach.
I have been up the mountains 3 times and to the beach 5-6 times and few places in between.
So for so good.
Randy
PS I did have problems on the TT with China bombs and had a set of Maxxix installed and then replaced under the warranty a year later on all 4 of these tires. SO!

[smiller]

Sidewall is stronger and can withstand the scrubbing of the triple axle better than trailer tires.Your tire guy may want to do some research... that is the exact opposite of what every tire manufacturer says regarding LT vs. ST tires. ST tires are designed to better resist sidewall stress due to scrubbing. Think about it... sideways tire scrubbing is something that is unique to trailer applications, why would a manufacturer design a trailer tire to be less capable in that regard?

[skdooman2004]

just got home from myrtle beach, next morning went to wash 5er and saw this!!!! looked at some others that had same problem, i'm not sure what route to take, tire has only about 5000 miles and raptor is only 1 year and 3 months old, and it was in winter storage for 6 months. is there anything i can do other than go buy another tire?

[smiller]

I've seen other reports of sidewall bubbles in Towmax tires. No option other than to replace, but I'd replace all of them. Not to beat it to death but...it's a lot less expensive than a blowout. Maxxis M8008 10-ply is your best option in an ST tire, in fact about the only good option.

[CWtheMan]

I've seen other reports of sidewall bubbles in Towmax tires. No option other than to replace, but I'd replace all of them. Not to beat it to death but...it's a lot less expensive than a blowout. Maxxis M8008 10-ply is your best option in an ST tire, in fact about the only good option.

He has 7000# axles. Maxxis does not make a ST tire with enough load capacity for the 7000# axles.

CW

[smiller]

He has 7000# axles.Didn't realize that. But what is on there now? Does Towmax make tires rated that high?

[CWtheMan]

Didn't realize that. But what is on there now? Does Towmax make tires rated that high?

Yes. The TowMax STR ST235/80R16E tires are rated at 3520# at 80 psi.

Here is a reference.

http://www.towmaxtires.com/tires/Landing.aspx?application=towmax-product-line

CW

[DocData757]

He has 7000# axles. Maxxis does not make a ST tire with enough load capacity for the 7000# axles.

CW

http://www.maxxis.com/Industrial/Trailer/M8008-ST-Radial.aspx

My Alpine has the 235R80/16 Tow Max and the name plate says I have a GVAW of 6840 and that is the rating of the 235R80/16 Maxxis. I pln to put Maxxis on my trailer before my next big trip... that and a good tire pressure monitoring system.

[smiller]

I dare say you'll be much better off with the Maxxis regardless of the slight difference in weight rating. Better still would be to swap rims and go to a tire that can provide some headroom if you run near your max weight... scary to run any tire at its max. rating constantly.

[msp2jxr]

I have the same size Tomax tires on my 2012 MKS 326. The first month I had the new trailer I put a screw through the outer edge of the tread pattern face. It was plugged and I put about 5000 miles on the tire with a wary eye on it always. Sure enough I had to replace it last week because it developed a bulge on the inside side wall near the tread pattern where it was plugged. It was replaced with a Carelisle tire because they did not carry Tomax. I estimate I have about 3/4 of my tread left and will I guess I can get about 15,000 on them before replacement.
Since being on this site I have slowed down and keep the trailer at 65 mph. I had not been informed about the tire limitations dealing with Speed. Up until this point I have always driven the speed limit 70 mph or even 75 if they freeway allowed. I have considered myself lucky never having a blow out since I started trailering in 1989. I have no issues with Tomax and have had all brands on my trailers

[LittleJoe]

The Micheline XP Rib is a 3 position tire, Steer, drive, trailer and will last a long time on a trailer if it meets the weight requirement of your trailer.

My 325SRX has 5000lb axles and 3500lbs per tire 235/80/16 Towmaxs. Lots of extra cushion on tire max versus axle max (which is using all of it).

I plan to install the XP Rib when the time comes.

[smiller]

My 325SRX has 5000lb axles and 3500lbs per tire 235/80/16 Towmaxs. Lots of extra cushion on tire max versus axle max
Yes, I also have a 325SRX and it's nice to have some-designed in headroom in tire ratings for a change. Someone as Keystone must have made a mistake... :D

[CWtheMan]

http://www.maxxis.com/Industrial/Trailer/M8008-ST-Radial.aspx

My Alpine has the 235R80/16 Tow Max and the name plate says I have a GVAW of 6840 and that is the rating of the 235R80/16 Maxxis. I pln to put Maxxis on my trailer before my next big trip... that and a good tire pressure monitoring system.

Sometimes logic is the only eye opener.

Nowhere in the auto industry will you find a vehicle fitted from the manufacturer with tires without some reserve load capacity. The DOT regulations for automotive tire fitment insure they have reserve load capacities. Tires lose pressure. That among other factors is why the correct tire pressure is a recommended pressure.

The bobbing & weaving RV trailer cannot be expected to operate on tires without adequate load capacity reserves. Trailer tires degrade from 1-2% per year. Tire damage is cumulative, sometimes it adds up in a hurry.

Trailer tires operating at or near their capacity will not last very long.

Increase your odds, find some tires that will provide some load capacity reserves above the vehicle,s GAWR

CW

[Jabber2Jake]

I have the Tomax tires....
ST 235/80 R16 @ 80 lbs = 3420lbs...3420x4 = 13,680 lbs
My trailer GVWR is 11,785 lbs
My trailer GAWR is 5,200 lbs each axle
Total GAWR (2 x 5200) is 10,400 lbs total
Scale weight of trailer (loaded) is 9,860 lbs
(this is offset by the fact that the king pin is putting
1,880 lbs on the truck)
Scale weight of trailer axles is 7,985 lbs
Pin weight is 1,880 lbs

So....my pin weight takes off 1,880 lbs from my trailer weight. This means my tires have a super buffer, are doing fine, will support 13680 lbs and I only have 7,985 lbs on them. My axles will support 10,400 lbs.

I have had no problems in 3 years with Tomax tires.
I think those who have had problems probably have 15 inch rims and are under inflated, or their tires are over five years old, or they drive over 65 mph? "bouncey:

[skdooman2004]

Your right about one thing, yes i drive over 65 mph, i'm a proffessional driver and i only get so many days off, so i'm not wasting anytime , all though im not doing 80 either and being stupid!!! i 'm not driving 10 miles under the speed limit JUST because someone on here might think thats better, these tires i'm pretty sure were designed to go faster than 60-65 mph!!!! and no my tires were 16 in . on 7000lb axles.The end result with my bubble was they paid 80 percent of new tire, so i was pretty happy since it didn't blow and ruin anything.

[Roller4Tan]

Mine Held up very well from Michigan to Arizona then Arizona to Florida. Somewhere between Florida and Michigan the Axles went awry and the tires wore on the inside on one and outside on the other. Luckily no blowouts, so I can say they held up pretty well, considering. Now to get the axles replaced...:(

[smiller]

Somewhere between Florida and Michigan the Axles went awry and the tires wore on the inside on one and outside on the other.
My Towmax tires wore unevenly too (I've seen several reports of this) and I began to suspect my axles, but since I replaced the Towmax with another brand I've been looking for the pattern to repeat and so far after a couple thousand miles tire wear seems completely normal. This is not enough miles to be sure so I will continue to monitor, but for me the jury is out as to what exactly was causing the problem, axles or tires.

[Roller4Tan]

Tires looked good in florida and most of the way North. Rackin' my brain to remember if I hit something... can't recall, tho. Dealer response was to change the axles out and try to get Cornerstone to pay.:banghead:

[Roller4Tan]

Good news, just talked to Cornerstone adjuster. They will replace axles and pay labor. Now to lite a fire under the dealer to order axles."bouncey:

I still have to shell out for new tires.

[Roller4Tan]

Got Cougar back today.. New axles, springs and brake assemblies for the cost of my deductible and axle freight charges. Went right from dealer to tire store and put 4 Cooper LT235/85R16 Discoverer H/T tires on with metal stems. Just in time,, we're ready to head southwest !!!! "bouncey:
:thewave: