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Old 01-12-2017, 07:37 AM   #1
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Crusader tire blowout

Well, it happened I have now experienced the dreaded tire blowout. We were on the way to Orlando staying a few days at Disney’s Fort Wilderness (a must stay location if you are in the area). While on the Florida’s Turnpike the right rear tire just exploded. Before every trip, I check all my tires topping off to the correct pressure 70PSI as indicated on the tire. However, on the side of the RV placards show 80PSI conflicting information, but it is what it is. Tires in question are TowMax Power King 235/80R 16” load range E tires that have approximately 3800 miles on the tires since purchasing the RV new in May. I suspect transport from manufacture & then transported from LA to FL when I purchased dealer had to move the unit for me, tires have an additional 1200 miles for a total of 5,000 miles give or take.

On most forums from what I keep reading 5,000 miles on the cheap factory tires may be pushing it however, I have no such data to support this.
Tire center cap just ripped off (see photos) I have never seen this before except for tractor trailer tires this is a new one for me.

Now on to the damage that was minimal, had to reattach side plastic wheel side skirt hardware just ripped right out, darco wrap sustained a some damage, frame piece extension took a beating & bent back, electrical connection to one single break got cut off so I only had 75% breaking efficacy during the trip.

I have since fixed the electrical connection that requited taking off the hub, darco wrap was repaired with an underbelly tape, frame piece was bent back (is what is won’t be perfect), used much better hardware to attach the side skirt.

Now on to the tires, I have decided on two brands Carlisle Radial Trail HD Trailer Tire & MAXXIS. Goodyear’s have mixed reviews not confident with their performance will stay away from them. During the trip, I did purchase a Goodyear Marathon that I intend to use as a spare tire. Hats off to the folks at camping world that put the screws to me changing me $197.64 for one tire! $34 dollars to put the tire on the rim that I brought in they did not mount it on the RV. Could have paid allot less but time was of the essence.

Anyone have good experience with any specific tire brand?
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Old 01-12-2017, 07:57 AM   #2
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Ouch...sorry to hear about this...glad the damage was somewhat minor...With about 10k on our TowMax's we are replacing them this spring. It appears the belts might be breaking and I have already pushed them far enough.

I am interested to see the thoughts here since we will be in the market. Searching the forum has brought up several different feelings.

Good luck and safe travels!

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Old 01-12-2017, 10:03 AM   #3
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When I had my Crusader inspected the mechanic found a bubble on one of TowMax tires. Called TowMax, advised to take it to one of their authorized tire centers. The tire center called TowMax and authorized reimbursement. I was sent a check within 10 days for the tire. Could not have been happier. I replaced the TowMax tires with Goodyear Marathons and a TST 507 flow thru monitor system. We took a tour of the Eastern U.S. approximately 4500 miles with no problems. As I move forward I will be replacing the Marathons with Goodyear G614's or an equivalent. Hope this helps.
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Old 01-12-2017, 10:17 AM   #4
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Wow, sorry to hear about your blowout tire experience. We also have a Crusader with the same tires. Not counting miles from factory to dealer we have put approximately 6,000 miles on the tires since June 2015. We are currently in North Fort Myers, Fl about 1,000 miles from home. I keep the tire at 80 PSI and just bought a tire monitor before this trip. It monitors tire pressure and temperature of the tires. The tires still look like new but I will be extra cautious on our way home in April.
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Old 01-12-2017, 10:44 AM   #5
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There website does say 80 psi for your tire?? Glad all is well for you and family.

Towmax STR Tires | Own The Road
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Old 01-12-2017, 10:47 AM   #6
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I had a blowout on Thanksgiving (2016) on a TowMax ST235R/80R/16 LRE (right rear). Sustained around $2200 damage. Fixed damage myself, but Nationwide Insurance was really a pleasure to work with. The tires were about 2 1/2 years old with around 4000 miles (educated guess). Replaced with Bridgestone Duravis R250 LT235/85R/16 LRE light truck tires based on what I've read on numerous RV forums. These are heavy, well constructed tires. Only have one 700 mile trip on them, but it was a smooth ride. The TowMax tires were rated at around 3400 LBS. and the LT tires are only rated at 3042 LBS., but with 5200 LB., axles I'm perfectly comfortable with the arrangement.
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Old 01-12-2017, 11:07 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ghiotom View Post
I had a blowout on Thanksgiving (2016) on a TowMax ST235R/80R/16 LRE (right rear). Sustained around $2200 damage. Fixed damage myself, but Nationwide Insurance was really a pleasure to work with. The tires were about 2 1/2 years old with around 4000 miles (educated guess). Replaced with Bridgestone Duravis R250 LT235/85R/16 LRE light truck tires based on what I've read on numerous RV forums. These are heavy, well constructed tires. Only have one 700 mile trip on them, but it was a smooth ride. The TowMax tires were rated at around 3400 LBS. and the LT tires are only rated at 3042 LBS., but with 5200 LB., axles I'm perfectly comfortable with the arrangement.
My last set of Carlisle had between 15K and 18K with zero problems. After a few thousand miles the Trailer King tires on the current 5er were replaced with Carlisle and guessing about 8K miles on these. Actual miles are not in the 5er. Both running 235/80/R16 LR E at 80#.
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Old 01-12-2017, 11:59 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ghiotom View Post
I had a blowout on Thanksgiving (2016) on a TowMax ST235R/80R/16 LRE (right rear). Sustained around $2200 damage. Fixed damage myself, but Nationwide Insurance was really a pleasure to work with. The tires were about 2 1/2 years old with around 4000 miles (educated guess). Replaced with Bridgestone Duravis R250 LT235/85R/16 LRE light truck tires based on what I've read on numerous RV forums. These are heavy, well constructed tires. Only have one 700 mile trip on them, but it was a smooth ride. The TowMax tires were rated at around 3400 LBS. and the LT tires are only rated at 3042 LBS., but with 5200 LB., axles I'm perfectly comfortable with the arrangement.
Same location as mine strange. I will be replacing the tires in the next few weeks before I take the RV anywhere. The TowMax's are done don't trust them only time they will see action is on the way to the tire shop. The entire center cap came off the tire not good.
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Old 01-12-2017, 12:03 PM   #9
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Originally Posted by CaptnJohn View Post
My last set of Carlisle had between 15K and 18K with zero problems. After a few thousand miles the Trailer King tires on the current 5er were replaced with Carlisle and guessing about 8K miles on these. Actual miles are not in the 5er. Both running 235/80/R16 LR E at 80#.
I'm leaning toward the Carlisle Radial Trail HD Trailer Tire nice to see you've had good luck with this brand. The HD is a newer Carlisle tire I like the tread pattern VS other trailer tiers.
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Old 01-12-2017, 01:24 PM   #10
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I ditched the TowCraps with less than 2000 miles on them, with the Firestone Transforce and never looked back.
TRANSFORCE HT | Firestone Tires
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Old 01-12-2017, 02:00 PM   #11
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I have about 9,000 on my Maxxis mounted on my 5'r. All good so far.....
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Old 01-12-2017, 03:00 PM   #12
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I have been very happy with the Maxxis on our trailer. Have about 2000 miles on them so far with no problems.
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Old 01-12-2017, 03:21 PM   #13
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Ummmm......looks awful familiar! Shredded floor insulation, bent floor brace, fender was left swinging in the breeze by one screw, hydraulic hose for leveler sliced and tread wrapped around axle.

Replaced all 4 immediately with Goodyear LT G614 G rated tires (stamped "made in USA). Marathons are made in China (stamped).

Don't be afraid of Goodyears. The G614's have been the "go to" upgrade by a majority from what I've been reading here. I also purchased a TPMS system since and feel much better when towing.
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Old 01-12-2017, 03:21 PM   #14
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Originally Posted by esmoglo View Post
I'm leaning toward the Carlisle Radial Trail HD Trailer Tire nice to see you've had good luck with this brand. The HD is a newer Carlisle tire I like the tread pattern VS other trailer tiers.
D

The HD is marketed as improved over the RH. Both sets of mine are RH, next will be HD. Hopefully, I'm not jinxed now.

Saw this after I bought the 2nd set ~~

During a visit to China in April 2015, Van Ormer saw many new lines of ST products, but says he is aware of only one manufacturer that has “truly changed” the technology of the ST tires. That manufacturer is Carlstar Group LLC, formerly CTP Transportation Products and before that, Carlisle Transportation Products. “With the RH (radial) and LH (bias) trailer tires, they beefed up the bead and sidewall packages so that few others can compete quality-wise with them,” Van Ormer says.

http://www.moderntiredealer.com/article/312514/st-tires-all-steel-radial-construction-is-meeting-the-demand-for-more-carrying-capacity
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Old 01-12-2017, 05:59 PM   #15
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I ditched the TowCraps with less than 2000 miles on them, with the Firestone Transforce and never looked back.
TRANSFORCE HT | Firestone Tires
Listed below are statements from a large Bridgestone/Firestone tire replacement manual. The statements are in the form of standard tire industry standards. I’ve made one note, in orange.
************************************************** *****************
Under certain circumstances, a vehicle manufacturer may recommend or permit a specific optional tire size, type, inflation pressure, maximum speed, maximum load, etc.

�� Never select a tire with a smaller size, or with less load carrying capacity, than the tire specified on the vehicle tire placard.

�� Substitute tires should never be inflated below the pressure shown on the vehicle tire placard. (Tires from different designs will require load inflation pressures that provide the load capacity of the OE tires they are replacing).

�� Never exceed the maximum load capacity and/or inflation pressure listed on the sidewall of the tire.

�� Never exceed the maximum load capacity and/or inflation pressure of the wheel.

�� Never utilize an unapproved wheel or one that does not meet the approved rim width range for the selected tire size.

�� Acceptable load capacity and/or overall tire diameter do not imply acceptable vehicle clearance. Body and chassis clearance must be checked on the vehicle's front and rear axles.

�� If a vehicle tire placard or vehicle owner's manual is not available, consult the vehicle or tire manufacturer for assistance.
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Old 01-12-2017, 08:02 PM   #16
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Originally Posted by rracer5 View Post
Ummmm......looks awful familiar! Shredded floor insulation, bent floor brace, fender was left swinging in the breeze by one screw, hydraulic hose for leveler sliced and tread wrapped around axle.

Replaced all 4 immediately with Goodyear LT G614 G rated tires (stamped "made in USA). Marathons are made in China (stamped).

Don't be afraid of Goodyears. The G614's have been the "go to" upgrade by a majority from what I've been reading here. I also purchased a TPMS system since and feel much better when towing.

Yea I have a feeling it’s not an isolated incident with these TowMax tires they are more or less the minimum quality RV manufactures can install per DOT.
I will stick with trailer tires for now in lieu of LT tires.

How much did it cost to repair your unit?
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Old 01-12-2017, 08:24 PM   #17
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Please, anyone with TowMax blowouts, contact NHTSA and file a report on these tires. Make sure you take pictures and show the stamped info on the sides of the tires.
I had all 5 of my TowMax tires have tread separations and rip out the bottom of my wheel well.
I installed Maxxis M8008s on it last year and have put about 7,000 miles on them since with no problems. Pressures and temps are consistent.
My personal advice to anyone with these crappy TowMax tires is get rid of them asap. JMHO and experience.
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Old 01-12-2017, 10:15 PM   #18
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I had the exact same tread separation happen this past Monday coming down I-75 just south of Macon GA. They're on a 2015 Crusader with less than 10,000 miles. Fairly minor damage to the RV. The tread wrapped itself around the axle. I had checked & adjusted air pressure only a few days before. The tire was not hot when I stopped so it didn't fail from overheating. I'll probably replace all 4 before we take another long trip. I'm leaning toward Goodyear G614's. I notice that is what came from the factory on my cousin's Montana.

BTW this now brings our total problems to something above 40 for this camper. If I had the money I would trade in a heartbeat, but I don't.

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Old 01-12-2017, 11:16 PM   #19
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Just looked at the Goodyear G614's they don't have my exact size of 235/80 R16's they do have the 235/85's wonder if makes a big difference?
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Old 01-13-2017, 12:15 AM   #20
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The dealer I've always dealt with for horse trailers told me that the failure rate for TowMax tires that came on the horse trailers he sold was 100%. That's right. He said every single customer who got a unit with TowMax had called him reporting tire failure.

Keep in mind the tires on horse trailers (they run anywhere from 8000-20,000 pounds) get a little more stress due to constant side to side movement (horses just won't stand still). But, a 100% fail rate is normal on them. He quit accepting TowMax or if he had any come in they were replaced with G614 or M8008 before he sold them. Said he only had one failure reported to him and that was on an obviously overloaded trailer with the M8008.
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