My take on the 614 debate

[jfaberna]

quote:Originally posted by jfaberna

When I got my Monty, this forum advised the G614 upgrade. I did and have had only one minor issue; a slow leak. Turned out to be a loose valve stem core. Tighten it and now it's been over a year since I even had to add air. TPMS shows everything is fine. 9000 miles so far.

I should of said that when I upgraded to G614 I did it before I picked up my Monty. The dealer swapped the rims and tires as a set. They worked with Tredit to trade out my original rims and tires with the G614 option rims and tires. Since Tredit supplies Keystone with those tires already mounted on the rims, I got the official G614 package.

[Annaoinga]

I thought we had the right tires but when I was getting model and serial numbers from Keystone they told me we had STs. They are made by Goodyear - does that make them ok?

[sambam]

quote:Originally posted by Annaoinga

I thought we had the right tires but when I was getting model and serial numbers from Keystone they told me we had STs. They are made by Goodyear - does that make them ok?

They're probably the Marathons.

[sambam]

Sorry. Which makes them not ok.

[jars]

I have had Michelin xps on my two Montanas since 2001 with no
problems. that is 90000 miles.

Jars
Richard E. Smith

[Annaoinga]

It seems to be one thing after another..... We got the AC cover replaced - now worrying about the tires.....

[sambam]

quote:Originally posted by Annaoinga

It seems to be one thing after another..... We got the AC cover replaced - now worrying about the tires.....

If you have the Marathons, as I suspect, things can get worse in a hurry. I didn't like having to replace my new tires on my Montana either. But, it is peace of mind now that is very valuable. The expense is a distant memory.
At the very least, invest in a tire monitoring system. At least that way you'll know when the fur flies.

[Annaoinga]

This tire issue is making my blood pressure go up. Keystone says the tires meet the specs designed by the engineers... Goodyear says the ST235/80R16 is sufficient for the Montana .... Plus they don't make G614s that fit the "80"s.... Not sure where to go from here....

Any suggestions please?

Thank you!!

[rohrmann]

Many of the Montana models, if not all, were available with the optional G614's, which only come as an 85 series tire. There is a very minimal difference in physical size, so there should be no problem with fit. Your wheels should be rated 3750 lbs and 110 psi, which is perfect for these tires. If cost is an issue, the Sailuns seem to be a good substitute, but the reason we went with the G614's was availability.

[mlh]

This club is full of people who had ST tires and thought if they did every thing wright and did a little tire dance to the tire gods they wouldn't have a blow out, only to take the side of their camper off with a blow out. Skip the tire dance and get rid of the ST tires.
Lynwood

[DQDick]

614's will fit your rims just fine and should give you a good 6-7 years of trouble free life. What you have say their ok on the sidewall, but have not proven to be so for many owners.

[dieselguy]

Anna and Jim ... you can read pages and pages of Marabomb tire failure stories. They simply don't hold up on trailers of our size no matter what Keystone or Goodyear say. Farm trailers and 6K RV's seem to get along with the Marabombs. Get something else like G614's or Sailuns for peace of mind. With the Marabombs it's not if it will happen to you ... it's when will it happen to you. There's really no decision making here ...

[poloace]

I only got 2 1/2 yrs on my Marabombs (about 12,000 mi). I have one of the lighest trailer Keystone makes. Replaced them this summer, as we were traveling, and noticed one was starting to seperate. Replaced them with Michelin LTX/2.

[Annaoinga]

I guess it will have to be something besides G614s since they don't make them to replace the 80s we currently have.... Weight wise we are good - we've done the calculations several times and verified with several official sites. My concern is that the RV sat on the dealer lot almost a year before we bought it.... The sun is a killer on tires I'm told.

We appreciate all the guidance and are doing our research. Thanks to everyone!!

[PSFORD99]

quote:Originally posted by Annaoinga

I guess it will have to be something besides G614s since they don't make them to replace the 80s we currently have.... Weight wise we are good - we've done the calculations several times and verified with several official sites. My concern is that the RV sat on the dealer lot almost a year before we bought it.... The sun is a killer on tires I'm told.

We appreciate all the guidance and are doing our research. Thanks to everyone!!

A Goodyear G614 235/85/16 can replace your 235/80/16 there is no size difference to worry about. Only issue you might have is if your rims are not rated for 110 psi, and that easily checked by looking at the back of the rims to see what they are marked for 80 psi or 110 psi

I would be for sure getting those ST tires off your fifth wheel as soon as possible

[DuneBuggyBuilder]

quote:Originally posted by Annaoinga

I guess it will have to be something besides G614s since they don't make them to replace the 80s we currently have....

The 80 aspect ratio is a ST tire thing. The Goodyear 614's are LT tires and LT tires come with an 85 aspect ratio. Montana offers both ST (Trail Kings or some such trash) and LT (Goodyear G614) tires when the rig is ordered. Either tire type use the same rims.

So Montana supplies G614s on their trailers, 100's of MOC members use G614s, and most everyone in this posting and the hundreds of other tire postings recommend G614s and yet you just don't get it. In that case, stay with the 80 aspect ST tires you have or buy any one of the other 80 aspect ration ST tires available from the various Chinese (and some USA) manufacturers. This are the *ONLY* ones which meet the perceived need to have an 80 aspect ration tire.

[CalandLinda]

INFO: ST235/85R16E is rated for 3640# at 80 psi.
ST235/85R16F is rated for 3960# at 95 psi.
ST235/85R16G is rated for 4805# at 110 psi

[mlh]

I saw a couple at our Camper World today. Guess what they had just come off I 81 with a blow out. The man said he never did like the Trail King tires they were made in China. I told him as far as I knew all ST tires were made in China. I told them with their heavy Aspen they would continue to have problems until they got rid of the tires on their camper and got G614 tires. Did they listen? Probably not but they will remember what I told them.
Lynwood

[rohrmann]

That is sad. Kinda like the saying, 'You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink'

[mlh]

Bob that is the exact words I said to myself. I have another those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it. That isn't like you normally hear it but it sure does work.
Lynwood