tire question

[mtheo]

Lost a tire on trip to Washington State, one of those FreeStar's.
Got a Tow Max from Les Schwab. Only thing they had, has anybody used them or know if they are Chinese bombs. Put it on spare, so it is still new.
Figured when I got home I could go to a local shop and buy 3 more or return it and order 4 of something else.

[racerjoe]

I think somewhere on the side of the tire will tell you where it's made. You could do a google search on freestar for quality issues.

[racerjoe]

Just did a quick search,looks like they are made in China, and it seems people are having trouble with some of them also. But of course,don't know the whole story of failure.

[Nono Geno]

Good morning Mark,
One time or another we all have your problem with bad tires. We just got back from our trip to Bryce & Zion and I had a blowout with my mission tires. No damage but blew out the inside of the sidewall. I bought a set of Goodyear G614's in Las Vegas. Wasn't cheap but at least we have peace of mind. I've bought tires from Schoettler's on Childs but I don't think they sell Goodyears. They were always fair with me. Good luck!!

[Art-n-Marge]

Part of the embossed DOT code will probably show the tires were made in China. There have been posts of Tow Max having problems, but I'm not sure how bad or frequent. I have also read but not confirmed that Mission is out of business because they were so bad.

If you want a good ST tire, I understand from reading several places (including the MOC) that Maxxis is the tire you want. If Maxxis ever goes "overseas", that may change. There have been plenty of Monty owners who have gone to LT (light truck) tires for the their piece of mind.

The point is to start with the DOT code for the date and location of manufacture to make your decision. Then combine it with what you need - weight, type, and features. Don't be surprised that the price goes up the more comfortable you are with a tire.

[Carl n Susan]

Mark: Even though you upgraded to 7K axle tubes, your GVW should still be less then 6K on the wheels. Les has Toyo tires made in Japan (they have China ones too but avoid them) that have the capacity and reliability you need. There are a fair number of us here on the west coast using Les' Toyos and we are happy campers.

[mtheo]

Thanks
I'm heading to the nearest Les Schwab dealer next week and see what I can do, glad to hear the have a tire not made in China.