Tires on new 2013 Montana

[Wyofish]

We just bought a new 3150 built in October so it has the 12 inch frame etc. I keep reading about tire problems with Montanas, ours has GY Marathon E rated tires, should I be concerned?

[bncinwv]

Yes!!! is my opinion on the matter, which is why they came off our rig before it left the dealer's lot! They are fondly referred to on most forums as Marabombs for a reason.
Bingo

[Doberman]

In a nut shell, YES!!!!!!! For your leisurely reading, go to the search page and type in Marathon China Bombs..........that will convince you.

[bncinwv]

quote:Originally posted by Doberman

In a nut shell, YES!!!!!!! For your leisurely reading, this pertains to the Marathon China Bombs.

http://montanaadministrator.forumco.....asp?mode=DoIt

Link no workee for meee!
Bingo

[Doberman]

Bingo, it no workee for me either............. LOL I changed my post to delete the link. Not sure what went wrong.

[1retired06]

Swap them out!

[DQDick]

I would change them. If you'd like a copy of an article that's gone around the internet for years explaining why, just email me: dqdick10432@yahoo.com

[sreigle]

A lot of people have put on a lot of miles with no problems from the Chinese tires. By the way, it's not just Goodyear Marathon that's suspect. It's all tires made in China.

We have had numerous blowouts with Marathon, Mission, and Freestar tires, all made in China. It's only when we switched to a quality US-made tire that our tire problems went away.

I suspect part of the problem is the tires have ratings that exceed their actual capabilities. Over-rated, in other words.

If your rig is light enough that you don't exceed somewhere between 50% and 75% of the weight rating stamped on the sidewall AND you are a weekend camper and occasional vacationer, then I'd probably stay with the Marathons until they prove to me they are unworthy. If your rig runs heavier than that or you put on significantly more miles than that, then I'd probably swap them out.

It never hurts to be safe and go to a better tire. But if the cost is a concern, as it is for many of us, then I'd evaluate my situation and decide how much risk I'm willing to take.

Safety is always a concern but I do want to say that with every single blowout we've had, blowout and ordinary flat tire, there were only three ways we knew we had a problem back there.
1) We heard the pop of the blowout (sometimes we did, sometimes we didn't)
2) Someone pulled alongside and signaled us. We never felt a thing.
3) We happened to see a bubble on the side of the tire while in an rv park.

I'm not suggesting anyone cause themselves any risk. I'm just saying there are some situations where the Marathons will probably be just fine. Our situation is not one of those, however.

[Hooker]

Steve has some good points, but IMHO, if made in China, you'll have problems.

[Bigsky3625RE]

We went up in size and load range. For sure do your research on this forum.

Also use the Keystone rv forum.

One thing I learned from all of these great folks willing to help is safety first.

This group is a great resource and we early RV'ers, at least in my case, can learn from their experiences.

Stay safe and happy travels!

[vangoes]

I have a new 2012 Montana and I have been debating the same question...change or not to change. With my previous SOB 5ver I ran the OEM Karrier Loadstars (china made) for five years and 18,000 miles without incidence. I changed them out because of cracking but tread was still good. Due to all of the horror stories on various forums, I also had the same paranoia with the tires on that rig. During that period all the forums was discussing the blowouts with Missions, Loadstars and other "China Bombs". I took the risk and kept running the tires and it worked out. So now my dilemma is should I take the risk again with the Marathons.

[bncinwv]

I had a flat with Missions. I had a flat on either Lodestar or Freestar, can't remember which but it was what Tireco replaced the Missions with. I have not had a flat with the Marathons simply because they came off at the dealer. I have had the 614's for going on two years now without a problem. Just my experience.
Bingo

[sreigle]

quote:Originally posted by vangoes

I have a new 2012 Montana and I have been debating the same question...change or not to change. With my previous SOB 5ver I ran the OEM Karrier Loadstars (china made) for five years and 18,000 miles without incidence. I changed them out because of cracking but tread was still good. Due to all of the horror stories on various forums, I also had the same paranoia with the tires on that rig. During that period all the forums was discussing the blowouts with Missions, Loadstars and other "China Bombs". I took the risk and kept running the tires and it worked out. So now my dilemma is should I take the risk again with the Marathons.

The 3455SA is a pretty heavy rig, as Montanas go, isn't it? If it were me I'd be very leery of Chinese tires on that model. But that's just me and my scars.

[NCFischers]

Get rid of them. I now run Michelin LTX's on both the truck and trailer.

[LuckyNichol]

Trailer Life, June 2013. Well-Rounded guide to trailer tires. ST vs. LT. I was not convinced, nice try. Author states, We are going to go with the recommendations of the trailer makers and the tire industry. MY choice is, LT Michelin XPS Rib. We'll see? I have a feeling history is on my side.

[mlh]

I would say if you are going camping up in the Shirley Basin or up on Union Pass at Dubois fishing like I do you will probably be OK with your Chinabombs if you don't drive too fast, but to be on the safe side get rid of them. There has been far too many members here that took out the side of their camper with these tires.
Lynwood

[sreigle]

Lynwood, I've posted this picture numerous times, but, for your benefit, here's what a $2200 blowout of a Chinese tire can look like. Not to mention that the residue of the blowout was blown across five lanes of San Diego freeway (I-8, westbound, east of the Waring Road exit). Traffic was heavy. We were very fortunate there were no accidents caused by cars dodging the flying parts. A very helpful CHP officer retrieved all the broken parts off the freeway.



This one is after the officer threw the pieces onto the shoulder. It shows the kind of traffic at the time the parts went flying. I happened to be looking in the mirror and saw it blow.

[mmgeol]

I would replace them ASAP. I had about 13K on my marabombs, started reading the forms, got concerned, and changed them out for Goodrich LT Commercials. When changing, found that two marabomb treads had started to separate. Close call.

[mlh]

Thanks Steve a picture is worth the side of a camper.
Lynwood

[chieflawdawg]

I will be changing mine out as soon as I get back from Charleston, SC. Mine are only six month old, but I had just put new Michelins on my old Monte last year. My mechanic is scheduled to swap them out in two weeks.