Yes, It's Tires Again!

[Mr Lynn]

Howdy— Reintroduced myself after a long absence in the General Chat section,

http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...tml#post741504

where I mentioned that our Casita Spirit 17 (2013) has been sitting idle since its last trip in October, 2017. However, we plan to resurrect it this summer.

I put the trailer on jackstands after that last trip, to take the weight off the tires, and covered it with the Calmark cover (that has served very well since I got it used from a Casita owner in Texas, who graduated to something with a roof); I took the cover off in the summer, but that's not relevant, as it doesn't cover the wheels.

The Casita has the original tires it came with: Goodyear Marathon ST 225/75R15, Load Range D. That was in 2013. I've no idea how many miles are on them. The previous owners towed it home to New Hampshire from the factory in Rice, Texas; they made a few trips to Florida, and maybe elsewhere, before they sold it to us in 2016. We made a few regional camping trips, and took it to Virginia and back once (we are in Massachusetts). So total mileage over the six years is not great.

The tread looks fine (down to Mr Lincoln's eyes on the penny). There are no signs of cracking or dry rot on the sidewalls. The side yard the trailer is in gets some sun, but a good deal of shade as well. The spare has never been used.

However, as I recall, the conventional wisdom (if it is that) on this forum is that you should replace your tires after 4-6 years, even if they show no wear, on the theory that tire construction is not long-lasting and the risk of failure increases greatly. Is that still the consensus? There is a sticky thread from 2017 (and before), and I'm sure many other threads on the topic. I see that I joined in on one in 2016:

http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...res-66598.html

All of the discussion was anecdotal, of course—including mine: I had a right-front LT tire on my Chevy van disintegrate at 70 mph on the Mass Pike. The tires were seven years old, and the left-front one, when I looked afterward, had spidery cracks on the sidewall.

The Marathons on my Casita show no such signs. They are Goodyears, but they do say "Made in China." Should that be a concern?

So anyway, thinking of getting the Casita back on the road, and wondering whether the Marathons will be OK for, at least, another trip to Virginia. Judging from looks alone, they should be good for a lot more than that. But I'm open to other opinions.

Then of course there's the ST-vs-LT question. . .

/Mr Lynn

[Byron Kinnaman]

Originally Posted by Mr Lynn

Howdy— Reintroduced myself after a long absence in the General Chat section,

http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...tml#post741504

where I mentioned that our Casita Spirit 17 (2013) has been sitting idle since its last trip in October, 2017. However, we plan to resurrect it this summer.

I put the trailer on jackstands after that last trip, to take the weight off the tires, and covered it with the Calmark cover (that has served very well since I got it used from a Casita owner in Texas, who graduated to something with a roof); I took the cover off in the summer, but that's not relevant, as it doesn't cover the wheels.

The Casita has the original tires it came with: Goodyear Marathon ST 225/75R15, Load Range D. That was in 2013. I've no idea how many miles are on them. The previous owners towed it home to New Hampshire from the factory in Rice, Texas; they made a few trips to Florida, and maybe elsewhere, before they sold it to us in 2016. We made a few regional camping trips, and took it to Virginia and back once (we are in Massachusetts). So total mileage over the six years is not great.

The tread looks fine (down to Mr Lincoln's eyes on the penny). There are no signs of cracking or dry rot on the sidewalls. The side yard the trailer is in gets some sun, but a good deal of shade as well. The spare has never been used.

However, as I recall, the conventional wisdom (if it is that) on this forum is that you should replace your tires after 4-6 years, even if they show no wear, on the theory that tire construction is not long-lasting and the risk of failure increases greatly. Is that still the consensus? There is a sticky thread from 2017 (and before), and I'm sure many other threads on the topic. I see that I joined in on one in 2016:

http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...res-66598.html

All of the discussion was anecdotal, of course—including mine: I had a right-front LT tire on my Chevy van disintegrate at 70 mph on the Mass Pike. The tires were seven years old, and the left-front one, when I looked afterward, had spidery cracks on the sidewall.

The Marathons on my Casita show no such signs. They are Goodyears, but they do say "Made in China." Should that be a concern?

So anyway, thinking of getting the Casita back on the road, and wondering whether the Marathons will be OK for, at least, another trip to Virginia. Judging from looks alone, they should be good for a lot more than that. But I'm open to other opinions.

Then of course there's the ST-vs-LT question. . .

/Mr Lynn

The tires apparently were new in 2013, some 6 years later the sidewall could be bad. If you keep them inflated to sidewall pressure you should be OK, But I wouldn't let them go another full year without replacing.


Trailer tires need to be ST tires. There's lots of Chinese made tires on the road. Same thing goes keep them inflated and they'll 5 to 7 years, about the same length of time as daily drives.

[Casita Greg]

Yes, it sounds like your trailer is ready for some new shoes. I never trusted the old Chinese-made Good Year Marathons, ("Explodathons,") so when I went down to pick up my trailer in Texas, (2008,) I had brought 3 new 15" tires/wheels, mounted and balanced, (including a spare,) with me. Back then they still came with only 14" wheels from the factory. I changed out all the tires/wheels right there at the Casita factory before they adjusted my hitch height and welded the WDH brackets on my trailer's A frame.
I left them sitting right there, leaning against the wall, in their hitch set-up garage bay. But that is ancient history.

I just replaced all my tires again this past winter, and as you said, not due to any appearance of wear, but just from age. You are right to assume that it is good to change them out every 5 years, mileage not being an issue.

Although they may look "brand new" on the outside, the rubber in tires tends to deteriorate from the inside. This time around, I opted for the new Good Year Endurance tires in 15" Load Range E. They are the cat's pajamas, and I highly recommend them, as do many others who have switched over to them. I never was a big fan of Good Year in days gone by, but these are US made, not some Chinese junk.

[Joe Romas]

Casita is now using Good Year endurance tires on their new trailers. They are made in the US, have stout side walls and have a 6 year warranty.
https://www.goodyear.com/en-US/tires...e-trailer-tire
They have a 80 mph speed rating instead of the older 65 MPH ones.
They've been out a couple of years and I've not heard of any failures.


GET THE CHINA BOMBS OFF YOUR TRAILER!!

[Mr Lynn]

We seem to be arriving at a consensus. Anyone think I should replace all three tires? Why spend money on a spare that won't see much use, if any? Surely the old (never used) spare would be good for a short run, if necessary.

/Mr Lynn

[Joe Romas]

Originally Posted by Mr Lynn

We seem to be arriving at a consensus. Anyone think I should replace all three tires? Why spend money on a spare that won't see much use, if any? Surely the old (never used) spare would be good for a short run, if necessary.

/Mr Lynn

That's your call. How much assurance of having a good spare when needed do you feel comfortable with and are willing to pay for something that will just be coming along for the ride? Yes it should get you to a tire shop but wouldn't it be better to get you to your destination? You could rotate your tires using it something like moving it from the spare to the right, heavy side.

Joe

[Alf S.]

Originally Posted by Mr Lynn

We seem to be arriving at a consensus. Anyone think I should replace all three tires? Why spend money on a spare that won't see much use, if any? Surely the old (never used) spare would be good for a short run, if necessary.

/Mr Lynn

Hi: Mr Lynn... I'm gambling on Goodyear Endurance for retirement. Only had one flat!!! Picked up a screw but the old Carlyle held air till I could get it fixed. Never have used the spare.
Alf S. North shore of Lake Erie

[Joe Romas]

I'm gambling on Good Yer Endurance tires also.

A flat is one thing but tread separation that seems to be the problem with "ChinaBombs" has inflicted some expensive carnage on the fiberglass wheel well. I read of one Casita even needing a new cover for the cushion above where the tread came completely through to the cushion above

[thrifty bill]

Originally Posted by Mr Lynn

We seem to be arriving at a consensus. Anyone think I should replace all three tires? Why spend money on a spare that won't see much use, if any? Surely the old (never used) spare would be good for a short run, if necessary.

/Mr Lynn

If you want to save $$ on a spare, you can get a lesser brand in the same size. That is what I did for my Trillium.

As far as where tires are made, I am typing this on my made in China MacBook Air, it seems to work OK. I had Carlisle tires on my Escape, finally replaced them as they were getting old. I had at least 40,000 miles on those tires. No problems. So I put Carlisles on both my Escape and Trillium. Bought them through Walmart.com as they were much cheaper than local sources. Always check the date codes on new tires to make sure they are fresh and not old warehouse stock.

In my own experience in manufacturing, China made some great stuff, some crap, and everything in between. Most of the super expensive athletic shoes are made in China. Its more about the company that is buying the item (like Apple, Nike, etc), and less about the country of origin.

[Jann Todd]

Originally Posted by Mr Lynn

Howdy— Reintroduced myself after a long absence in the General Chat section,

http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...tml#post741504

where I mentioned that our Casita Spirit 17 (2013) has been sitting idle since its last trip in October, 2017. However, we plan to resurrect it this summer.

I put the trailer on jackstands after that last trip, to take the weight off the tires, and covered it with the Calmark cover (that has served very well since I got it used from a Casita owner in Texas, who graduated to something with a roof); I took the cover off in the summer, but that's not relevant, as it doesn't cover the wheels.

The Casita has the original tires it came with: Goodyear Marathon ST 225/75R15, Load Range D. That was in 2013. I've no idea how many miles are on them. The previous owners towed it home to New Hampshire from the factory in Rice, Texas; they made a few trips to Florida, and maybe elsewhere, before they sold it to us in 2016. We made a few regional camping trips, and took it to Virginia and back once (we are in Massachusetts). So total mileage over the six years is not great.

The tread looks fine (down to Mr Lincoln's eyes on the penny). There are no signs of cracking or dry rot on the sidewalls. The side yard the trailer is in gets some sun, but a good deal of shade as well. The spare has never been used.

However, as I recall, the conventional wisdom (if it is that) on this forum is that you should replace your tires after 4-6 years, even if they show no wear, on the theory that tire construction is not long-lasting and the risk of failure increases greatly. Is that still the consensus? There is a sticky thread from 2017 (and before), and I'm sure many other threads on the topic. I see that I joined in on one in 2016:

http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...res-66598.html

All of the discussion was anecdotal, of course—including mine: I had a right-front LT tire on my Chevy van disintegrate at 70 mph on the Mass Pike. The tires were seven years old, and the left-front one, when I looked afterward, had spidery cracks on the sidewall.

The Marathons on my Casita show no such signs. They are Goodyears, but they do say "Made in China." Should that be a concern?

So anyway, thinking of getting the Casita back on the road, and wondering whether the Marathons will be OK for, at least, another trip to Virginia. Judging from looks alone, they should be good for a lot more than that. But I'm open to other opinions.

Then of course there's the ST-vs-LT question. . .

/Mr Lynn

Please get rid of the blowathons. Those horrible tires were well known to blow out frequently causing massive damage to the trailer and possibly a wreck. I would not use any tire as old as yours. Age and rot inside is the factor. Treadwear has nothing to do with age. The China tires were all known to be bad back then. We replaced ours when the tread was like new since we don't use the trailer much on long trips but the age of the tire was the factor. We also bought a cheaper spare but never have used it.

[GatorCasita]

I too went through the tire selection dilemma. I ended up replacing the 14" standard wheels that came with m 2007 Casita with 15' wheels and went with the Goodyear Endurance about 10 months ago. I have not used them much but when I received them (ordered them online) and took them to a local tire installer, I was impressed with how stout they were relative to all my old tires (original Marathons and then Kumhos).

Here is the main point of my comment. People who reply as proponents of their tires, just because they themselves have had no problems --or had problems) are not helping much. Usually there are far too few replies to establish a proper sampling and concensus.

What might help is some sort of tire survey that tabulates the responses.

Otherwise, my suggestion is to not let any one or a few individuals be the basis of your decision.

As for the question of new spare or not, there was no other option in my case, as I had changed wheel size. However, if that were not the case, my decision would be to get three tires. I would do that because I would hate to be on a trip, have a tire fail, and then have to be driving around with an old spare or a low-quality spare. Your conclusion might be different, particularly when where you travel is considered.

Hope this helps

[Mr Lynn]

I continued my inquiry over to the Casita Forum, and although the sample was equally small there, the consensus was overwhelming, perhaps best expressed by Joe Romas above:

"GET THE CHINA BOMBS OFF YOUR TRAILER!!"

As I just posted over on the CF:

Today I ordered three Goodyear Endurance ST225/75R15 Radial tires from eTrailer.com at $130 each. I was disappointed to discover that they charge MA sales tax (6.25%), but shipping is free. My local shop will mount and balance them; they'll even take the wheels off and put them back if I bring the trailer over (I can do that myself—heck, the Casita is still on jackstands—but might as well let them).

Amazon has them for $120 each, but knew they charged sales tax. I thought maybe eTrailer wouldn't, but they did, and I decided what the heck, might as well spread the wealth around. We're relying on Amazon for too much anyway.

Interestingly, Amazon has half a dozen or so other brands of trailer tires, including one, 'Trailer King' for half the price of the GYs. OK for the old utility trailer you carry brush around in, I guess, but I'd worry mightily at 60+ mph.

Larry Gamble over there suggested keeping the old Marathons and selling them for short money on Craigslist. I think I'll do that; might cover the sales tax, or a little more.

Thanks for all the good advice.

/Mr Lynn

[Joe Romas]

Originally Posted by Mr Lynn

Larry Gamble over there suggested keeping the old Marathons and selling them for short money on Craigslist. I think I'll do that; might cover the sales tax, or a little more.

Thanks for all the good advice.

/Mr Lynn

I just replaced my spare with a new matching mag rim and GY endurance and got $50 on craig's list for the old one saving the disposal fees.
Mounted and balanced trailer tires on decent rims go fast

[Carl V]

Just replaced two chinese poppers with two GY Endurance.
Never had any issue with the chinese tires but never trusted them. I saw what a blow out did to a Trillium 5500 like mine, not nice...
My local trailer "specialist' wanted to sell me "Triangle" brand tires (Chinese-made). One of the first Google hits I got after looking up that brand was from a trailer owner who had over $5000 damage on his non-FG trailer after a "Triangle" blew up and ripped off a part of the trailer side with it...
Got the Endurances. Not a garantee that nothing will happen, but it won't be my fault.
A lot of high quality stuff comes from China (my Macbook is a good exemple), but not tires.

[Defenestrator]

At 6 years, it's definitely time to replace them even if they look OK, unless you're really confident they spent most of that time stored indoors at a steady moderate temperature away from UV and ozone. Visible cracking means they're going bad, but no visible cracking on the outside doesn't necessarily mean they're still good. Even then, the Marathons don't have a great reputation.

In addition to the Endurance tires, it's worth checking out Carlisle tires. High quality and rated to 81MPH. I've been quite happy with the ones on my Escape so far over about 2 years and probably well over 10,000 miles.