I have a horse trailer that I purchased new in 1998. I still have the original goodyear marathon tires and have had no problems. I know that it is recommended to get new tires after a few years no matter what the wear is because of cracking of the rubber. I have taken the trailer in to goodyear with the intent of purchasing new tires. Last fall they said the tires look great and there was no need to replace them. The tires are now about 7 years old and I am getting nervous. I would think that goodyear would tell me if I needed new tires after all it will be income for them. They did not charge me anything to inspect the tires. Can you tell just by looking at the tires that the rubber is still in safe condition?

 

The rule-of-thumb I've seen used by RVers is 7 years unless weather cracking requires replacement sooner. Personally, I replace mine around 4-5 years since most 5th wheel RVs run at around 85-90% or more of the load rating of the tires. The Goodyear Marathon we lost (tread separation) on our 1996 Jayco Designer 3030RKSS did $2500 damage.

Rusty

 

Five years if it sits out (my opinion). Just lost one five years old on my fiver - - did $2600 damage to the coach. The tires looked great, no cracks, always had 110 pounds in them, used UV protectorant on them and covered when not using the coach. Not worth it - - change them. I just changed them out to the new Goodyear RST tire - - looks really good.

 

Thanks for the replies. FiverBob tell me more about the RST tires seeing as I will be shopping for new tires soon. I looked at the goodyear site and I can only find one size of RST tire. I like that they resist cracking from UV light. Are they a lot more expensive than the marathons? I likely don't need a load range G but if they are safer I don't care what they cost (well within reason).

 

My trailer tires are loaded to near capacity and I live in a blast furnace for three months of the year. I have never kept a set of trailer tires or batteries longer than three years.

 

You are correct about the size - - at this time they only have the G rated 16's available. I forgot that when I mentioned it in my post. They cost me right at $250 apiece mounted and balanced. You must make sure your rims are rated for 110 pounds and you must use the metal valve stem. Hopefully that will be last of my problems for at least another five years. Maybe these will run longer with the improved UV protection.
Bob

 

If you need a LT235/85R-16E (load range E) tire, I'd highly recommend the Michelin XPS Rib. I changed the OEM Goodyear Wrangler HTs over to the Michelin XPS Rib on our previous 5th wheel and was amazed how much cooler the all-steel Michelins ran than the fabric-and-steel Goodyears. The XPS Rib has been a real problem solver for many 5th wheel owners who have experienced failures with other tires.

As FiverBob says, the Goodyear G614R/ST looks good right now. Our current 5th wheel came with the LT235/85R-16G (load range G) G614R/STs, and they seem to run as cool as the XPS Ribs. The load range G wheels are something else - I've never seen 16" wheels with material as thick!

Rusty

 

Rusty is right on that one - - those suckers are heavy. By the way, that new Goodrear RST is 14 plies of steel, no fabric, and it comes up the sides, not just on the street side of the tire. Quite impressive - - hope they hold up as good as they look. Goodyear sure stood behind their product when my tire blew - - they paid the whole repair and gave me a new tire. Can't complain at that other than the aggravation.

Bob

 

I never had any problems with 80 pound wheels at 110 and ran many hard miles with them. The big problems with the Goodyear tires is the tread thickness, there is not much. If you don't need the 14 pr the Michelen Rib will double the mileage or more.

 

Hmmmm.....the Goodyear G614R/ST tires on my 5th wheel have "Regrooveable" on the sidewalls.

Rusty

 

I had my new trailer tires put on this week. The RST tires were not even in the book, perhaps not in Canada? they would not have fit on the trailer anyway. I had load range C tires, went up to 8 ply load range D and 1" larger tires, tire guy said it was overkill but I'm inclined to think the original tires were the most cost effective and not necessarily the safest. Went from 50max psi to 65max psi. I was told my 7 year old tires had no sign of cracking and were still in great shape but I decided for peace of mind to change them. It was almost funny in that they did not want to sell me new tires thought the old ones were fine, I like to think they were just being honest to try and save me some money. I bought the goodyear marathon tires.

 

You might take a look HERE .

Rusty

 

The goodyear "g" tires will get my vehcile about 60k but after changing to Michelin Rib, I have 120k on the drive tires on my truck. Yep, getting new ones now. Order them from Walmart, cheapest price in town. Even cheaper than the internet purchases, a little more when adding taxes and subtracting shipping. Here with 9 1/2% sales tax, they are $202 out the door. I can get them $198 on the internet including shipping.