tire problems

[edandjudyz]

Since recently returning from Florida, we have heard of many people having tire problems and blowouts on their Montana 5th wheels. We can't help but wonder if the tires supplied by Keystone on these units have adequate weight carrying capacity to safely carry these units down the road. As noted in a recent brochure, all Montana 5th wheels, from the lightest to the heaviest, all have the same tires..235/80R16E. Perhaps we can encourage Keystone to investigate this, and to provide tires with these units that have a greater weight carrying capacity.
Any thoughts? Have you had a problem or know of anyone who has?

[mlh]

I don't think we need to encourage Keystone to investigate, they already know. What we need to do id encourage them to do something about it. But good luck with that one too.
Lynwood

[TLightning]

Follow the money...and look for the lowest bidder.

[steelpony5555]

Not just Montana or Keystone but it's pretty much 90% of all 5th wheel manufacturs....Now that's an uphill battle..

[seahunter]

Yeah Ed, there are all kinds of threads on here about the Marathon tires being poor tires for our rigs. Supposedly they are offering the G614s as an upgrade now, not just part of the Big Sky package, but I like many others think they should come standard with a decent tire to begin with when you're spending this kind of money.

[DQDick]

If you go to the fall rally this year you will get a chance to express that opinion to the Keystone management in person. Be advised that it already has been expressed to them, along with examples of tire failure, for a number of years. As long as the public continues to be in the dark and buy the rigs with Marathons on them, Keystone and the others will sell them that way. Money talks!

[1retired06]

Do a search on this forum and you will see a long history and discussion of this issue.

[Art-n-Marge]

I don't think the problem is the tire rating. It appears that much of the problem is the quality of the tire. We are finding that heavier weight tires are helping, but at least this forum has plenty of information that some brands are worse and some brands and types are better.

Tires are also affected by owner habits as well. Maintaining and using the tires regularly is important but difficult to do sometimes. My Monty is parked at my house and I find I must add air periodically to keep up the psi, but many owners don't have this option, then there's a higher chance of flat-spotting than those who drive their rigs often. Tires will decay faster if not used and exposed to the elements (I use tire covers to help). Tires do have a "lifetime" that lessens with non-use. ST tires have a speed limit. Curb running on tight turns can cause premature wear. All sorts of things.

Unlike a vehicle tire that may only carry 1,500 lbs, trailer tires and TVs can carry upwards of 3,000 lbs and therefore be exposed to double the potential problems. The tires are rated to handle this but I'm sure we can agree that if quality and care are poor, then exposure to problems is increased.

I have learned more about this since owning a trailer starting with the pop-up I bought long ago. There is so much to know about ratings, actual weights, potential and the key is to learn as much about these issues to keep us safer and aware of what to do when a problem arises. Search for information for good tire brands and styles, but keep the tools, warranties and other information close. Remember, Murphy is an optimist!

[1retired06]

Bottom line after lots of discussion over multiple threads seems to be: Get rid of ST tires, use Quality E Load or G Load LT tires, check air pressure often, and watch your speed.

[CamillaMichael]

quote:Originally posted by 1retired06

Bottom line after lots of discussion over multiple threads seems to be: Get rid of ST tires, use Quality E Load or G Load LT tires, check air pressure often, and watch your speed.

I generally agree, but not with the notion we should be using truck tires on our trailers...I know many have gone that route, but I just don't think they are right for the job.

[1retired06]

Ed and Judy: I have been pulling trailers since 1971. Our first and second Montanas came new with LT Tires. That tells you something. My 2010 came with ST tires and I got rid of them. I have never had a blowout with LT Tires. After 40 years of experience pulling trailers, I will never run ST tires. I even swapped out the ST tires on our boat trailer. You want to run ST tires, you take your chances. And don't underestimate the damage that can occur to your trailer from a blowout.

[TLightning]

The Montana owner's manual says LTs or STs are okay to use as long as the weight requirements are met. No more Chinese STs for me, I don't care what their "rating" is.

[bigred715]

There might be a good ST tire among all the brands, but it definately is not the Goodyear Marathon. Thats why I recently changed to all Michelin tires on my trailer. Never another Goodyear for this person.