Goodyear Marathon tires vs Kumho tires (trailer)

[MChrist]

I want to change tires on my Jayco Jayfeather. Tires are Goodyear Marathon ST205/75/14 and don't like to stay together @ 70 MPH. #@$%!

The problem I have is that there is almost no clearance between the tire and the metal fender well above the tire, maybe 1", and all fender wells have scuff marks where all 4 tires have hit.

I went to Tire Rack, and found Kumho tires that are actually 185R14, but run at 65 psi versus Goodyear's 50 and are rated at 1874 vs 1760 lbs/tire.

The next size up is a 195R14 that is rated at 2100 vs 1760, BUT is 1/10" taller.

Since my smaller tires would rub the fender well over bumps, I'm not too interested in taller tires, but would the extra 1/20" less clearance be a problem?

Should I just go with the smaller 185s? They are 1/2" less diameter, so 1/4" extra clearance, and still have an extra 100 lb/ tire weight rating more than I have now?? They have much better reviews than the Marathons. . actually, nobody liked the Goodyear Marathons...

Stock height is 26. 1" on my Goodyear's now, so I'm stuck with that. . any suggestions? Anybody use Kumhos?

 

[TLane]

[WARNING: tire war!]



I'd fix the problem with the clearance first. Have they always had this little clearance? Are the springs setup properly? Is it leaf springs, or torsion bars? Have you been collecting rocks? My trailer continues to "gain weight" the longer I keep it, largely from adding more and more stuff in every nook and cranny. I have to carefully check every compartment after every trip because somehow, rocks of various sizes end up there!



A trip to a suspension shop may be in order to correct the clearance. Adjust the torsion bars, add longer shackles, something to give it more space. You'll also have to check the space tire to tire.



As far as tires are concerned, most people will recommend the ultimate solution of going to LT type tires; I don't know if they are available in 14" tires, however. ST tires are only rated for 65 MPH. I've had good luck with the Maxxis ST tires, but I hold my speed down to 65 MPH. The original Goodyear Marathons I got on my 1992 trailer worked great, lasted a long time, but since then I've heard of lots of people having trouble with them. It seems they have been made in all parts of the world, some of which don't understand quality. Stay away from Carlisle tires.

 

[MChrist]

I never checked the clearance between tire and fender well directly above tire before this happened, however, there is only 2 1/4 inches between tires anyway. Also, that clearance from tire to fender well is with everything out of the camper ( maybe 1 1/8"). I have the torsion bar ssuspension, so I'm not sure what my options are there. I've been pining for a 5 th wheel...
I would be interested to fill up our fridge, put our 4 bicycles in and our toiletries and check the tire clearance then...

 

[zzman]

I found that the ST tires were really all the same except the name. I mean they all lasted the same. About 1/2 the tires I bought were not really round.

I have a 40' flat bed with 8 tires. The good ST tires would last about 8 months at best. Thats about 50k miles, now the LT Nitto Dura Grapplers I have now, have 75k miles and at least 1/2 the tread left.

I would try the LT tires and maybe a little shorter Like LT205 70 14.

I just feel the ST tires are just junk and would never recommend them.

Ron

 

[HBarlow]

It would probably not be wise to shift to tires that require inflation pressures of 65 psi with the original wheels rated for 50 psi unless the wheels are rated for the higher pressures. The combination of higher inflation pressure, stiffer tires, and the higher weights which are likely to end up in the trailer will be likely to cause a wheel failure.

Torsion suspension arms can be reset to provide greater height. Basically, with weight off the axle the ends can be pulled out, rotated clockwise on the street side and counter clockwise on the curb side to the next notch, and reinstalled. A good suspension shop or trailer shop should be able to do it for you.

As was already stated, ST tires are of similar limitations, quality, and mostly considered junk by those who have used them under heavy trailers. All are speed rated 65mph. If I had to choose between brands of 14" ST tires I would probably select and American made GY Marathon over a Korean made Kumho or other brand. Eventually Korean tires will be as good as US made tires, don't know if they are there yet.

 

[lschleif]

I bought the kumho's because they were 8 ply. I didn't need the extra load capacity but wanted the extra margin for peace of mind. I probably put 3 to 4k on the tires before we sold the trailer. Never had a problem. I also never had a problem with the marathon's that came on the trailer, putting somewhere around 22 to 25K towing all over the west including Mexico and Alaska. The ones I had were made in U. S. A. not sure about where they make marathons now.

 

[MChrist]

Just checked and all tires are from China, new and old. Trailer was built in September 2008, original tires are all from 33rd week of 2006. Wheels are rated for slightly more weight, but I don't know if they can take 65 psi... I don't travel with any water on board, just clothes, 4 bicycles, and food to fill a good-sized fridge/freezer. Sticker says not to carry more than 1700 lbs of cargo, so I'm pretty sure I'm under max GVWR, although I've never crossed the scales.
Maybe I should just keep on cruising at 62 mph???

 

[CKelley1]

find some lt radial that will fit, even if you have to go larger rims and go e rated tires

 

[MChrist]

find some lt radial that will fit, even if you have to go larger rims and go e rated tires

Smallest LT size I can find is still too tall (LT195/75/15) at 26. 5 inches, and I didn't find any weight ratings on it either.



Harvey, I'll look into clocking the torsion bars. I would assume I could only go a quarter turn? I would think that may be too much, since the arm is near horizontal now. .



I'm still leaning toward the Kumho in 185/70/14. I'll also check into how much psi the factory wheels are rated for. Or just drive 62 all the time... . nah!

 

[HBarlow]

I don't know what brand your torsion suspension system is or any details about how it was designed and built.

There used to be information and illustrations on the Southwest Wheel Company Steel and Aluminum Truck Wheels website explaining how their house brand torsion suspension could be set up. Off the top of my head, it seems that the arms could be set up with intervals of 12*, but not sure.

 

[MChrist]

Thanks Harvey, I'll check into that. Oh, and Happy Father's Day to all Fathers out there!!
Hope your day was as good as mine!

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

Goodyear Marathon radials are now made in China. I had trouble with Duro bias ply tires in 14" dry rotting in a year with Chinese rubber. I am running Deestone bias ply 14", from Thailand, and since Carlisle has recently made big changes for the better and are made in USA, I will try them next for the car trailer that takes 14" bias ply tires. Yes, you want load capacity but high speed compatibility is not always consistent with the heaviest duty tire. Also make sure your rim width is compatible with the tire size you pick, 185 vs. 205, etc.

 

[MChrist]

Thanks Joe. I'll get my camper to our shop today and get her on the lift to see about maybe adjusting the Dexter Torflex axle height, also.
I appreciate everybodies input, Thanks!

 

[HBarlow]

If your torsion suspension is made by Dexter send an email to Dexter to ask for directions to raise ride height and clearance. Dexter engineers will respond to product questions with professional answers.

 

[MChrist]

If your torsion suspension is made by Dexter send an email to Dexter to ask for directions to raise ride height and clearance. Dexter engineers will respond to product questions with professional answers.

I will do that, however I was just on Dexter's site and it seems that height can only be altered when ordered (new), not afterward. I will email to confirm. Thanks.

I also went on that website (southwest tire) but couldn't find any psi ratings for their wheels. I will also continue to search.

 

[macdaddy]

I want to change tires on my Jayco Jayfeather. Tires are Goodyear Marathon ST205/75/14 and don't like to stay together @ 70 MPH. #@$%!

The problem I have is that there is almost no clearance between the tire and the metal fender well above the tire, maybe 1", and all fender wells have scuff marks where all 4 tires have hit.

I went to Tire Rack, and found Kumho tires that are actually 185R14, but run at 65 psi versus Goodyear's 50 and are rated at 1874 vs 1760 lbs/tire.

The next size up is a 195R14 that is rated at 2100 vs 1760, BUT is 1/10" taller.

Since my smaller tires would rub the fender well over bumps, I'm not too interested in taller tires, but would the extra 1/20" less clearance be a problem?

Should I just go with the smaller 185s? They are 1/2" less diameter, so 1/4" extra clearance, and still have an extra 100 lb/ tire weight rating more than I have now?? They have much better reviews than the Marathons. . actually, nobody liked the Goodyear Marathons...

Stock height is 26. 1" on my Goodyear's now, so I'm stuck with that. . any suggestions? Anybody use Kumhos?

Good God.....



70MPH with 14's?



You need to slow down a little dude



Mac

 

[MChrist]

Slowing down is for quitters... :-laf

 

[macdaddy]

Slowing down is for quitters... :-laf

Now not by choice, but... ...



Never had a trailer with 16/E's. But Maxxis 15 LRE's when driven 64 MPH and under will never give you ant problems if replaced every other year.



Mac