Trailer Life

[maximo]

Just received my June 2013 issue of Trailer Life. Under the "Trailer Tires: Showcase" it list GOODYEAR, The Marathon from Goodyear is the company's long-running radial designed specificaly for trailer-towing. Also says, The Marsthon tires are designed to deliver dependable highway stability, positive traction and long-lasting wear. I know some here do not agree with that description.

Frank

[mobil]

I saw that too. Didn't read the article yet, but, the photos aren't right. The G614 photo is, as far as I can tell, the Towmax. The Towmax photo is the G614RST from Goodyear. Noticed it right away since we have the G614's.

[LuckyNichol]

The G614rst is a ST tire, is it not?

[DQDick]

The truth is that there are plenty of people towing TT's and lower weight trailers on the Marathons who are quite happy with their tires. Also a number of boat owners are happy with them. The problem seems to come when you combine a Marathon with a heavier weight trailer. When I got Goodyear to swap out my Marathons they seemed to recognize that without any argument.

[Art-n-Marge]

The Goodyear G614RST is an ST tire even though the size starts with LT, the name of the tire starts with RST. These tires CANNOT be used in LT (light truck) applications.

I think the Goodyear Marathons have their place in the world of trailering (lighter trailers for example). There's still a lot of owners who drive too fast on them and don't maintain them well enough and this will always be Goodyear's argument in their favor. For everyone else, it might be cheaper to pay off the worried to preserve their obvious profits of the majority who still recommend and buy their tires. This is only my opinion of my small world of expereince in tires. It's enough to make me want to switch to Maxxis for my next set for staying with STs.

[psomers]

quote:Originally posted by Art-n-Marge

The Goodyear G614RST is an ST tire even though the size starts with LT, the name of the tire starts with RST. These tires CANNOT be used in LT (light truck) applications.

I think the Goodyear Marathons have their place in the world of trailering (lighter trailers for example). There's still a lot of owners who drive too fast on them and don't maintain them well enough and this will always be Goodyear's argument in their favor. For everyone else, it might be cheaper to pay off the worried to preserve their obvious profits of the majority who still recommend and buy their tires. This is only my opinion of my small world of expereince in tires. It's enough to make me want to switch to Maxxis for my next set for staying with STs.

I had Maxxis on my 2004 Sunnybrook. I had no problem with them at all with many trips including one from Alabama to Nova Scotia. They were 80 profile instead of 85 and had several hundred pounds more carrying capacity. I think they are made in Korea.

[sreigle]

quote:Originally posted by LuckyNichol

The G614rst is a ST tire, is it not?

It's an LT tire, by size designation, that is marked "For Trailer Use Only."

[DQDick]

With the sidewalls the 614 has you wouldn't want it on a truck.

[mlm1441]

can I run 235/85R16 G614s on my 2009 SA3455. Is the clearance between tires and to the frame enought for the 1 inch extra height on the 285/85/R16. I am purchasing new 8lug, 8spoke aluminum wheels with the G load rating for the G614 tires but am wondering if the extra height of 614 will be O.K.

[Rainer]

I believe this shows how "impartial" Trailer Life is. For an exercise in futility count the number of editorial pictures of trailers in the magazine. Don't fall for manufacturer supplied photos.

'nuf said!

[WeBeFulltime]

I had no problem with the Marathons that came on our 2012 3585SA. Of course it's because I had them replaced before we took delivery!

[moutard2]

I had no problems with my Marathon tires as well. Mind you they were on the trailer for the 12 miles from the RV dealer to my tire dealer for replacement. Given their reputation for "iffy" service on heavier trailers I opted to dump them immediately. I traded them and $750 for a new set of Goodyear G949's all around and have had outstanding service from these tires. I do regularly inspect them, keep the air pressure to maximum (they're an 80lb. tire) and keep them within the speed rating.
If your trailer tends to be on the heavier side you might seriously consider all the feedback that's been provided on this and other forums when it comes to running the Marathon tire.

[Hooker]

You have to be careful with TL. Some of their information is very good...some is not.

[Tomg]

I cannot for the life of me understand why someone pays $70,000 for a camper and chinces on tires that carry it down the road. The $1500 it takes to put those Michlin truck tires {XPS][or other comparable] on, that are speedrated at 90 mph plus and have a safety factor of 150% sure provides a good peace of mind. Sometime in the future Keystone may follow some of the trailer manufacturers change over to true LT tires or get the Tire and Rim Association to increase and tighten up on the specs. I wonder how much of an increase a 25mph sidewind loads the leeward tires on these high profile trailers. ST tires have no safety factor built into them.

[Bob Perry]

Can anyone tell me where to look on the rim to see what their rating is for it? I need to replace my tires and was thinking on the G614's. Original rims are currently on my 2008 RK3000 fiver.

[Carl n Susan]

A 2008 3000RK has 6K axles I bet. You can look at the axle or the information tag on the drivers side near the Propane locker to verify. In that case, G614's are overkill for your rig. I would go with a good LT tire (look for Lonnie's recommended list). If you want to really find the sticker on the rim you have to look on the back side. But I believe your wheels are not rated for 110 PSI or 3750 lbs.

[HOOK]

Engraved in the backside of a spoke.

[Bob Perry]

Thanks guys...I will check Lonnie's post as well I will also check the rim as suggested

[Carl n Susan]

Here is what Lonnie wrote a while back.

A good quality, name brand LT tire, in the E load range will serve you well. Below is an updated list of my personal preferences, along with a "ballpark" price, not including installation. Prices vary across the country, and even from dealer to dealer, so shopping around a little would be a good idea. I recommend going to a REPUTABLE dealer, one that sells a lot of tires, one whose main business is tires.

LT235/85R16E

1. Michelin XPS Rib - $314.00 each.
2. Bridgestone Duravis R250 - $250.00 each.
3. Bridgestone Duravis R500 - $206.00 each.
4. Firestone Transforce H/T - $162.00 each.
5. BF Goodrich Commercial T/A - $188.00 each.