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06-17-2014, 04:10 AM
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#1
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Silverdale
Posts: 275
M.O.C. #7117
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Do I worry too much?
First off - yes, I still have the Marathons. The trailer is only two years old and the tires only have about 3,000 miles on them and all are dated 2011. Should I keep them? Still not sure with all of the bad press about them and others that have had issues. I had them on my last 5er too and never had an issue. I had about 15,000 on that set when I changed them out due more to the amount of time they had been on the trailer (almost 5 years) than anything else. I check my tires and lug nuts before each trip, normally each stop at a rest area or the like and I have a TST TPMS (507). I know the 507 will not necessarily save me from a blow out damaging the trailer, but it is another level of "comfort" to monitor my tires.
Here is the question- I know "the book" says to check them "cold" and maintain 80 PSI (one tech document says 85 PSI but I have not done that yet). My question is-what does "cold" mean? The mornings around here (near Seattle) this time of year are sometimes a bit chilly. I am normally checking pressures when it is between 45 and 55 outside and after the trailer has been sitting for at least a few days. The pressure at that point on all 4 "on the road" tires is normally 76-78 PSI by both the TST and a tire gage. Once they get warmed up during the continued cooler days on the road to around 75 degrees, the pressure on all 4 comes up to 87-88 PSI and stays constant. So, should I bring them all up to 80 PSI when the temperature is less that 50 outside? I know, I know, don't over think it. What's 2 or 3 PSI between friends? I guess I am a bit anal retentive with the tires because I really like to see all 4 reading the exact same pressure when I am going down the road. Any thoughts?
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06-17-2014, 04:35 AM
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#2
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Seasoned Camper
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Ladson
Posts: 51
M.O.C. #13328
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I had 3 marathons fail, 2 catastrophically, within the 2-3yr time frame after the stamped date. All were properly inflated, two went without notice, one was noticeable that the tread was separating. Luckily both times barely did any damage. Get some LRG tires and don't worry about it anymore. This most recent trip was the most enjoyable driving trip I've had in a year (since the tires started failing). Quit worrying and upgrade! I know I'm glad I did.
Thank you for your service. My father is also a retired submariner.
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06-17-2014, 04:38 AM
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#3
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Salem
Posts: 7,670
M.O.C. #2283
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Should you keep them? You know what could happen if you do. It's your decision.
Lynwood
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06-17-2014, 05:02 AM
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#4
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location:
Posts: 608
M.O.C. #12894
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by Glenn the fifth
First off - yes, I still have the Marathons. The trailer is only two years old and the tires only have about 3,000 miles on them and all are dated 2011. Should I keep them? Still not sure with all of the bad press about them and others that have had issues. I had them on my last 5er too and never had an issue. I had about 15,000 on that set when I changed them out due more to the amount of time they had been on the trailer (almost 5 years) than anything else. I check my tires and lug nuts before each trip, normally each stop at a rest area or the like and I have a TST TPMS (507). I know the 507 will not necessarily save me from a blow out damaging the trailer, but it is another level of "comfort" to monitor my tires.
Here is the question- I know "the book" says to check them "cold" and maintain 80 PSI (one tech document says 85 PSI but I have not done that yet).
My question is-what does "cold" mean?
ANSWER-"Cold" does not reference to the outside temp. "Cold" in tire terms means the vehicle has not been driven in 4-5 hours. If driven around, you would have to wait 4-5 hours for the tires to cool down to get an accurate reading.
The mornings around here (near Seattle) this time of year are sometimes a bit chilly. I am normally checking pressures when it is between 45 and 55 outside and after the trailer has been sitting for at least a few days. The pressure at that point on all 4 "on the road" tires is normally 76-78 PSI by both the TST and a tire gage. Once they get warmed up during the continued cooler days on the road to around 75 degrees, the pressure on all 4 comes up to 87-88 PSI and stays constant.
So, should I bring them all up to 80 PSI when the temperature is less that 50 outside?
ANWSER- Yes. As outside temps drop, so do your tires. That's way it's so important to check your tires not only for the RV, but your car and truck and fill them to the recommended pressure set by your manufacture.
I know, I know, don't over think it. What's 2 or 3 PSI between friends?
I guess I am a bit anal retentive with the tires because I really like to see all 4 reading the exact same pressure when I am going down the road.
ANWSER-No more than any of us on this forum, which includes me as well. LOL
Any thoughts?
ANSWER-There seems to be more failure stories on here then successful ones. I replaced my brand new Marathons with the G-614 tires. I was not willing to risk a blowout during our trips and/or the damage to the RV, thus ruining our trip.
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06-17-2014, 05:25 AM
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#5
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Ogden
Posts: 638
M.O.C. #13862
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Well, I'll give you my opinion, (Being as I dumped my Marathons when they were brand new.)
Let's just say that because you are posting this question at all, means you are worrying about it. Quite a bit? Maybe even fretting about it? So, given that stress relief is worth something in and of itself, what is the obvious cure for this particular stress?
Yup...That's right.
Quit fretting, and just be done with it.
We as humans have the wonderful ability to learn from others and prevent trouble by acting before it happens instead of reacting afterward. If one is worried about something that might cause us harm, we can act to mitigate that harm.
Let me ask you this: What will you be saying to yourself when a marathon blows on a busy interstate somewhere and does a lot of expensive damage to your rig and perhaps puts you in danger?
I know what I decided to do when my Montana was weeks old...
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06-17-2014, 05:37 AM
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#6
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Montana Master
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Davison
Posts: 786
M.O.C. #12331
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As others have said, if it's bothering you, it will only stop bothering you when you change the situation. That's how I looked at it when I changed to the G614's. Like Mark, I dumped the Marathons before we took our first trip. I had a very fortunate turn of events in that a friend desperately needed tires for a lighter fiver. It made my decision easy. If it is affordable, just do it and take the worry away and quit looking in your mirror.
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06-17-2014, 05:47 AM
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#7
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Montana Master
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Washington Coast
Posts: 2,688
M.O.C. #10696
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I had Marathons on my 3402rl too Glen and never had a problem with them having said that they are not the right tool for the job for the heavier rigs like ours IMO they are not Bad tires ,but right before I took my Rig on this long trip I am on I went to Les Swhwab tire and Bought a set of Geostar G574 LT tires with a full Warranty for piece of mind they gave me 70.00 a piece for the Marathons so out the door a price of 900 bucks been on the road for 2K miles now and have been in 100 degree temps in AZ and they have performed Great and I feel ALOT better
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06-17-2014, 07:23 AM
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#8
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: fort myers
Posts: 126
M.O.C. #5896
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Marathons do not have a good track record. They have proved to fail sooner than other tires. If your tires have 2011 dates count your blessings and swap them out for something known to be more reliable. Ask the folks that have suffered costly damage and disrupted plans because of Marathons if they wished they had switched tires. There are more reliable tires available and in the long run it will be money well spent. My preference is LT tires which I have run for many years with no failures. The choice is up to you.
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06-17-2014, 07:26 AM
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#9
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Site Team
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Wilsey
Posts: 18,799
M.O.C. #11455
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As the others have said. I dumped them so I could enjoy driving again, not looking in each mirror every couple of seconds.
__________________
Dick, Joyce, Diego, Picatso and Gustav
2017 3720 RL, and 2013 HC 343RL
Pullrite Hitch, IS, Disk Brakes, 3rd AC, Winegard Traveler, Bathroom door mod, Dometic 320, couch for desk swap, replaced chairs, sun screens, added awnings, etc.
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06-17-2014, 07:36 AM
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#10
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Silverdale
Posts: 275
M.O.C. #7117
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Thanks all, great input. Another problem...
If I am not looking in my mirrors checking my tires now and then, what else is there to look at?
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06-17-2014, 11:36 AM
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#11
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Seasoned Camper
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Ladson
Posts: 51
M.O.C. #13328
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by Glenn the fifth
Thanks all, great input. Another problem...
If I am not looking in my mirrors checking my tires now and then, what else is there to look at?
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Check facebook on your phone? Read a book? Paint your nails?... That's what everyone else does on the road!
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06-17-2014, 12:50 PM
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#12
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Silverdale
Posts: 275
M.O.C. #7117
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by Krease
Quote:
quote:Originally posted by Glenn the fifth
Thanks all, great input. Another problem...
If I am not looking in my mirrors checking my tires now and then, what else is there to look at?
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Check facebook on your phone? Read a book? Paint your nails?... That's what everyone else does on the road!
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You're right! I can get a lot more done!
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06-17-2014, 01:13 PM
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#13
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Colorado Springs
Posts: 3,335
M.O.C. #10496
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Ditto... 86 those POS!
Quote:
quote:Originally posted by mlh
Should you keep them? You know what could happen if you do. It's your decision.
Lynwood
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__________________
2010 3150RL
LevelUp, Dual 6 volt batteries, Progressive Industries EMS HW50C, Honda EU2000i Generator, Bridgestone Duravis R250 tires, Torklift Glowstep Revolution Stairs, LED Tail lights
2015 RAM 3500 Laramie SRW LB CC Cummins 6.7L Aisin Trans B&W RVK3600
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06-17-2014, 01:38 PM
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#14
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Site Team
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Wilsey
Posts: 18,799
M.O.C. #11455
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You'd be surprised the interesting things to see if you don't have to spend your time looking behind you.
__________________
Dick, Joyce, Diego, Picatso and Gustav
2017 3720 RL, and 2013 HC 343RL
Pullrite Hitch, IS, Disk Brakes, 3rd AC, Winegard Traveler, Bathroom door mod, Dometic 320, couch for desk swap, replaced chairs, sun screens, added awnings, etc.
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06-17-2014, 04:11 PM
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#15
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Copperas Cove
Posts: 1,426
M.O.C. #12096
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If you use your Montana as a camper and just go to the lake and back then the Marathons may work out. If you travel long distance then by all means dump them. I dread to think what would have happened by now on this trip if I had had Marathons instead of my LT tires.... Rough roads at 70 mph in this heat would have eaten those Marathons alive by now.....
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06-18-2014, 05:23 AM
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#16
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Everett
Posts: 189
M.O.C. #10319
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Sorry if I missed this, but do you have a TPMS system? I ran with Marathons for a couple of years but did install the TST TPMS system. Eventually 2 of the Marathons failed on one trip and now I run G614s... The TPMS ensured we had no damage to our rig when the tires failed and we safely stopped at the side of the road.
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06-18-2014, 05:59 AM
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#17
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Silverdale
Posts: 275
M.O.C. #7117
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Yes, I do have a TST TPMS (507). I am just not confident it would prevent trailer damage with a sudden blowout at 60 MPH. It would simply tell me it had happened and then I would have to get slowed down and off the road.
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06-18-2014, 06:04 AM
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#18
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Montana Master
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: New Bern
Posts: 4,387
M.O.C. #8728
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That's exactly what happened to me to the tune of $1500.00 in trailer damage. The tire literally exploded. No warning at all. The tread completely separated from the tire and wrapped itself around the axle.
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06-18-2014, 07:39 AM
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#19
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Montana Master
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Washington Coast
Posts: 2,688
M.O.C. #10696
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Yeah Glen like steelpony 5555 said in my opinion if you are just going on short trips like I was for awile in Wa state where it is does not get very hot and the roads are not too bad they should be fine, mine were great for 2 years with no problems but once I Hit the road in Hot weather and Some crappy roads I HAD to make the change to G's
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06-18-2014, 12:15 PM
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#20
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Silverdale
Posts: 275
M.O.C. #7117
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Fingers crossed (and close watch of pressures and tire condition) I am going to try to make it through this camping season here in the state. The farthest we ever go is over to the border of Idaho from here (about 400 miles one way). The tires are doing great so far. Thanks for all the input folks!
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