Goodyear Marathon tire

jimmyt11664 · 11-28-2014, 11:58 PM

I had some issues with the Goodyear Marathon tires, I've had two blow out within a week time. It did cause some damage to both side of the 5th wheel. I am very avid about inspecting tire pressure and wheel torque . Also I inspect tires for wear and damage issue's before even thinking of getting out on the road. I want to upgrade to the Goodyear G614 tires that are a J load range and 110 psi tire. I just wanted some input as these tires are in the $350.00 each price range. I was also considering the Michelin Rib tire at the same price but only a E rated load range. Any input and suggestions would be greatly appreciated. 2015
Sanibel 3601. Awesome home and the guys in Elkhart Indiana rock, the factory sent us for repairs. Did a awesome job.

BBBlue · 11-29-2014, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimmyt11664

I had some issues with the Goodyear Marathon tires, I've had two blow out within a week time. It did cause some damage to both side of the 5th wheel. I am very avid about inspecting tire pressure and wheel torque . Also I inspect tires for wear and damage issue's before even thinking of getting out on the road. I want to upgrade to the Goodyear G614 tires that are a J load range and 110 psi tire. I just wanted some input as these tires are in the $350.00 each price range. I was also considering the Michelin Rib tire at the same price but only a E rated load range. Any input and suggestions would be greatly appreciated. 2015
Sanibel 3601. Awesome home and the guys in Elkhart Indiana rock, the factory sent us for repairs. Did a awesome job.

I too had a blowout with a Goodyear Marathon tire as my Sanibel 3500 was being transported to Elkhart, Ind for repair. Religiously checked and maintained 80 psi on the tires, maintained a max speed between 60 and 65 miles per hour when traveling, and experienced the issue after approx 6k miles on them. I had all the tires replaced with Goodyear G614 in addition to metal valve stems. I have not yet put on enough miles on them to make an honest opinion, but have read good reviews from others that have made the switch to LTs. Recreational Specialities made the tire switch from us.

jimmyt11664 · 11-29-2014, 10:33 PM

Thanks for your information. I also had repairs done by them. They were awesome. Great work and very personal.

wmcclay · 11-30-2014, 10:44 AM

Went to LT tires after several blow outs and damage to our Sanibel. After some looking we went with bf Goodrich commercial TAs. Made in USA by Michelin, rated at 99 mph with the government required 20% reserve load rating. Not a tire problem since. Our Sanibel has wheels rated for 110 psi.
We now get about 1 to 1 1/2 mpg better than with st tires. Trailer rides smoother, can pull at speed limits, and are available almost anywhere if a problem does occur. Its one of the best mods we have made. Before going to a high ply tire crawl under and check your wheels for psi rating.
They do roll more when turning sharply, We put on about 20,000 mile a year with ours, check the tires every other day and torque once a month.
This is a hot topic on this forum, forest river puts on tires that meet spec for them. ST tires are not rated to carry passengers, they cannot meet that spec, built as they are. The Chinese do build many good tires for cars and trucks, I do not believe that they are the right tire for large trailers.

MagnoliaTom · 11-30-2014, 08:53 PM

Take a look at sailun tires. Very good reviews, similar to the g614s but at half the price

Sent from my iPhone using Forest River Forums

jimmyt11664 · 11-30-2014, 09:05 PM

Thanks, but I am hoping to get a credit for the marathon tires I have on it now. But if they won't give me a adjustment credit. I will be interested in looking at them

jimmyt11664 · 12-16-2014, 10:03 PM

Update; we did upgrade to the Goodyear G614 tires, replace 1 wheel due to the tire failure, which I was expecting to be 300.00 or more, actually was cheaper than the tire. I replaced all the rubber valve stems with the steel stems, I also had the tires balanced. I wanted to promote even tire wear and life. Also didn't want my belonging bouncing down the road. They were a 110 psi tire pressure. I had to replace 3 wheel studs. Due to our delivery dealership. Took several hours just to locate the wheel studs. Anyone who has a trailer. I recommend to carry a couple of them with a few lug nuts. They are a 9/16 fine thread. No automotive parts stores carry them. It could leave you stranded. Also check the air pressure after the install. Discount tire didn't get the pressures right. Various pressure. From 88 psi to 98 psi. First run. Tires run much cooler than the marathons. Great thing about the wheels, they are already rated for 3750 lbs. For Sanibel. I strongly believe that the Marathon tire is over rated for weight capacity. The G614 tires are rated at 3750 lbs . I got credit for two tires at 75.00 each. Waiting to hear from Goodyear. Also speed rated G614 tires is 75 mph max. I will cruise at 70 mph. Just a FYI

jimmyt11664 · 12-16-2014, 10:08 PM

P.S with a tune of two thousand dollars. I still have floor and body damage to do. I will be doing a modified to protect the body and floor damaged. I will elaborate on this later.

BBBlue · 12-17-2014, 04:34 AM

Where did you find the wheel studs?

KennyGolub · 12-17-2014, 07:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BBBlue

Where did you find the wheel studs?

X2 ... Inquiring minds would like to know.

jimmyt11664 · 12-17-2014, 11:45 PM

I tried several RV dealers in the area, no one had them. I was referred to a trailer store / shop that only sold the studs. I went back to a automotive parts store, they had the lug nuts, but due to the head size of the nuts, they wouldn't work. They were a 1 1/6 hex, and would hit the rim. Luckily Discount tire had the deep chrome 7/8 hex head. The store were I got the wheel studs in Pharr, Texas the nameof the shop is Camco wheel and axle. I think that if you ordered it from your local dealer, it would be a good idea. I recommend that you also get the lug nuts too. I would stock 4 of each in your unit. Easy to change. You have to remove the brake drum. Drive out the studs. Then drive in the new studs. Use a punch or drift. Just don't over tighten the wheel bearing. Jfyi

onetexasoldman · 12-19-2014, 09:46 AM

I also have had trouble with the Marathons. My buddy is full time has been running Samson tires with no problem. Anyone else run these?

jimmyt11664 · 03-08-2015, 01:57 AM

Update ;
We I got a estimate for the body damage caused by the tires. Without the cost of tire and rim replacement. The grand total was $2,552.00 plus upgraded tires and rim, plus a extra spare wheel of $2,000.00. The good news is Goodyear stepped up to the plate and are paying for the damage caused by the tires. I'm very pleased with this. I have had some trailer fenders installed on our unit to limit the next tire failure. We installed the Goodyear G614 tires in place of the Marathon tires. I'm hoping that we won't have issues. But an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Safe travels to all.

**Platokidd** · 03-08-2015, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimmyt11664

Update ;
We I got a estimate for the body damage caused by the tires. Without the cost of tire and rim replacement. The grand total was $2,552.00 plus upgraded tires and rim, plus a extra spare wheel of $2,000.00. The good news is Goodyear stepped up to the plate and are paying for the damage caused by the tires. I'm very pleased with this. I have had some trailer fenders installed on our unit to limit the next tire failure. We installed the Goodyear G614 tires in place of the Marathon tires. I'm hoping that we won't have issues. But an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Safe travels to all.

Could you post some pics of the fenders you had installed?

jimmyt11664 · 03-09-2015, 09:25 PM

I sure will. I installed them to the frame and allowed clearance for the slides. I will post pictures as soon as possible.

jimmyt11664 · 03-10-2015, 03:04 PM

Here are the fenders installed. This is done after tire damage from the Marathon tires. Due to the G614 tires which air pressure is 110psi. Which is 30 psi more than capacity the Marathon tires. This is only an attempt to minimize damage in a event of another tire failure.

FarmerTex · 03-14-2015, 07:35 AM

Jimmy, could you please briefly describe what you had to do or what type of proof/evidence you had to show Goodyear in order for them to step up and assist with the damage? I've read in a number of places to save the old tire and of course take plenty of pictures. Any other suggestions?

I experienced one blowout from an original tire (Chinese brand) on our last trip and just replaced all 4 with Marathons. If I have another incident, I want to make sure I take the proper precautions to save the evidence. Where my blowout occurred, however, was not a real good place or time to worry about trying to save the evidence and all but I do want to at least be aware of what's needed!

DreiHunde · 03-14-2015, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimmyt11664

Here are the fenders installed. This is done after tire damage from the Marathon tires. Due to the G614 tires which air pressure is 110psi. Which is 30 psi more than capacity the Marathon tires. This is only an attempt to minimize damage in a event of another tire failure.

I like that mod! Good job!

vinmaker · 03-14-2015, 08:17 AM

I agree with farmerTex that that is unusual for a tire maker to pay for damage. They are very good at the blame game.

i am glad it worked out for you.

Vin.

jimmyt11664 · 03-20-2015, 11:52 PM

They were shipped back to Goodyear, and they decided to cover the cost of repairs. I ALWAYS inspect tire pressure before trip and only cold, also wheel torque, and inspect tires while traveling. When the tires failed. I inspected for foreign objects in the tread/sidewalls and no objects were found. I have talked with RV repair guys and they have seen tire manufacturers reimburse for damage before..... happy trails

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