Does anyone have any comments on Greenball trailer tires? Fed up with Goodyear E & G rated tire.
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Rv tires
- Thread starter DavidBates
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I kind of think that they are on the same line as the Maxxis type tire I dont think that I would go trying to set any land speed record with them but I didn't have any BLOW OUTS with the Maxxis type either, but now have the LT tires on the trailer I just sold my son and drove 70/75 all day long with them in the summer heat of the desert. Dont think I would try that with the others.
My understanding is that Greenball is an importer of whatever is cheapest today tires. So I would expect quality is about as low as it gets. I bought one while on vacation one year because it was all the tire dealer had and I don't like running without a spare. I worked just fine as a spare - I never had to use it. I referred to it as my "gumball" tire.
I've had good success with Maxxis tires, but I have to order them. I believe Maxxis makes there own tires in Taiwan. I've had disastrous results with Carlisle, they didn't last the first trip from Texas to Colorado. The original Goodyear Marathons that came on my '92 TT lasted a long time, but other people have had problems with that brand since. The best solution, as mentioned above, is to go with 16" or larger rims and LT type tires; the Michelin XPS ribs being the top of the line.
ST tires are speed rated at 65 MPH, which I rarely exceed when towing. If you have to go faster, then definitely get the LT tires.
I've had good success with Maxxis tires, but I have to order them. I believe Maxxis makes there own tires in Taiwan. I've had disastrous results with Carlisle, they didn't last the first trip from Texas to Colorado. The original Goodyear Marathons that came on my '92 TT lasted a long time, but other people have had problems with that brand since. The best solution, as mentioned above, is to go with 16" or larger rims and LT type tires; the Michelin XPS ribs being the top of the line.
ST tires are speed rated at 65 MPH, which I rarely exceed when towing. If you have to go faster, then definitely get the LT tires.
My Jayco camper is at the shop getting a recall taken care of. I've had a problem with the tires being too close to the inner fender, and they recently released a recall stating that they would install a spacer between axle and camper, allowing more space between tire and inner fender.
Now, I will be able to install slightly taller tires, allowing me more selection, also. I'll have to see if I can get the Michelin highway ribs for my camper. I will admit to sticker shock, though. Ball park is $300/tire!!
Now, I will be able to install slightly taller tires, allowing me more selection, also. I'll have to see if I can get the Michelin highway ribs for my camper. I will admit to sticker shock, though. Ball park is $300/tire!!
I have a '98 Nash 25-S that I bought used (7 months old) & it came with Goodyear Marathon 205-75-15's. These were the "OLD" style of Marathon. They had a lot of problems with them blowing & to correct that problem, added an additional belt of nylon on the outer side of the tread belts. The old polyester/steel belts expanded when hot. Nylon, aparently, does not expand when hot & acts like a "girdle" to restrict the expansion of the polyester/steel. That seemed to help the Marathon's last longer.
When it came time to replace the Marathon's, I decided (after much research) to go with the Greenball Towmaster's & to bump up the tire sizes by 2 sizes to 225-75-15-D's. At the time, Goodyear built the Greenball's in their factory in Ontario, Can. That has since changed to the Orient.
One of the things I learned during my research was that since I lived in a desert climate (Phoenix, AZ. ), it would be wise to replace the tires every three years if I didn't want problems. Another thing was that these tires are designed to be run at maximum pressure & don't go over 65 mph. which, is the limit of these tires (where they are tested at).
Since then, I have been following the advice given to me & have not had one single tire failure on my trailer. It's expensive to replace what look like good tires but, I do it anyway since I don't want problems on the road.
Here in Phoenix, Discount Tire is most likely the largest tire sales company around. Recently, they have been HIGHLY recommending the NEW Carlisle trailer tires, which, in the past were considered to be the worst tire choice. I've gone to about three Discount Stores & they are all preaching the same thing about the Carlisle's. World headquarters for Discount is located here in Scottsdale, AZ. & I was told that they are doing independent testing of these tires & they are impressed with the results they are seeing. One of the things they are doing is running the tires at max speed in a hot oven to simulate desert, freeway driving. These new tires are rated at around 80+ mph. It appears that Carlisle got tired of producing the worst tires in the market & decided to improve their reputation. One of the things I ask the salespeople is, What tire would you install on your Mom's trailer? They all have said the Carlisle!!! Hopefully, the NEW Carlisle's are a big step in the right direction. However, to be perfectly honest, I'm still very aprehensive about buying what has been considered the worst tire. I'm waiting to see what time will tell about these tires.
Joe F.
When it came time to replace the Marathon's, I decided (after much research) to go with the Greenball Towmaster's & to bump up the tire sizes by 2 sizes to 225-75-15-D's. At the time, Goodyear built the Greenball's in their factory in Ontario, Can. That has since changed to the Orient.
One of the things I learned during my research was that since I lived in a desert climate (Phoenix, AZ. ), it would be wise to replace the tires every three years if I didn't want problems. Another thing was that these tires are designed to be run at maximum pressure & don't go over 65 mph. which, is the limit of these tires (where they are tested at).
Since then, I have been following the advice given to me & have not had one single tire failure on my trailer. It's expensive to replace what look like good tires but, I do it anyway since I don't want problems on the road.
Here in Phoenix, Discount Tire is most likely the largest tire sales company around. Recently, they have been HIGHLY recommending the NEW Carlisle trailer tires, which, in the past were considered to be the worst tire choice. I've gone to about three Discount Stores & they are all preaching the same thing about the Carlisle's. World headquarters for Discount is located here in Scottsdale, AZ. & I was told that they are doing independent testing of these tires & they are impressed with the results they are seeing. One of the things they are doing is running the tires at max speed in a hot oven to simulate desert, freeway driving. These new tires are rated at around 80+ mph. It appears that Carlisle got tired of producing the worst tires in the market & decided to improve their reputation. One of the things I ask the salespeople is, What tire would you install on your Mom's trailer? They all have said the Carlisle!!! Hopefully, the NEW Carlisle's are a big step in the right direction. However, to be perfectly honest, I'm still very aprehensive about buying what has been considered the worst tire. I'm waiting to see what time will tell about these tires.
Joe F.
Joe,
All of that information came from Discount Tire commissioned salesmen, right? Salesmen only lie for bigger commissions, to make a sale, or when it's convenient.
If selling Carlisle tires is profitable to the saleman, he'll push it. If selling Carlisle tires is profitable to Discount Tire, they will offer sales spiffs (incentives) to salesmen and push them in sales meetings.
I would be very skeptical of anything a tire salesman tells me. I only buy tires from SAM's Club where their tire guys are hourly employees - no sales incentives to push crap for a commission.
All of that information came from Discount Tire commissioned salesmen, right? Salesmen only lie for bigger commissions, to make a sale, or when it's convenient.
If selling Carlisle tires is profitable to the saleman, he'll push it. If selling Carlisle tires is profitable to Discount Tire, they will offer sales spiffs (incentives) to salesmen and push them in sales meetings.
I would be very skeptical of anything a tire salesman tells me. I only buy tires from SAM's Club where their tire guys are hourly employees - no sales incentives to push crap for a commission.
Matt42
TDR MEMBER
Harvey is absolutely right. I couldn't agree more and I am speaking from experience. I bought a set of Greenballs to replace some old Goodyear Marathons. I made it 150 miles with the Greenballs, and they were horrible. One of them lost 20 PSI each day. Their road handling capability was supremely rotten. The trailer pulled as if it was on casters. I got rid of them and replaced them with Michelin LTX LT truck tires.
So, on my work trailer I use Michelin XPS Rib steel belt and steel sidewall tires in LT 245/75R16E. On my travel trailer I am presently using Michelin LTX in LT 215/75R15E. Unfortunately, Michelin no longer makes the latter size. So it looks like I will need to replace them with Goodrich or Yokohama LT rated truck tires in that size. (Bummer. )
But never will I ever again willingly use a ST rated trailer tire. In my experience, ST tires are crap, and the Chicom ST rated tires are the bottom of the crap pile.
David,
I participate on an RV forum too and two topics get the keyboards into overdrive, ST tires and hitches. Not even politics is close. I'll sorta leave the tire recomendation aspect alone cause I'm only 3 years into RV'ing and lots to learn. Trailer came with GYM's (Marathons) made in China and at about 3 years into their life, belt seperation, (caught before catastrophic failer by inspecting in camp) replaced tires IN CAMP on 2nd outing with GYM made in USA. Should have been an improvement, right? Wrong just a couple of months and a couple of hunderd miles later sidewall bulges. Tire Dealer replaced with tire of my choice. At the time I was reading good reports about MAXXIS, OK, I'll take MAXXIS. For me, they're doing fine so far. Hold the poisoned arrows, here comes that part I want to focus on.
Pre-trip inspections, rest stop quick checks, start the drum roll please... ... ... . investigate a TPMS while you are looking at new tires. I bought one that uses INTERNAL monitors, reads internal temp and PSI reports back to a dash monitor. Alarms on PSI or temp and no, I don't let it take the place of pre and mid trip inspections, but while you're enjoying the windshield and the Cummins hum, it is looking over what you CANNOT see, your RV tires.
If conditions require and permit, next time, I'll seriously look at 16" for my rig.
Good luck.
I participate on an RV forum too and two topics get the keyboards into overdrive, ST tires and hitches. Not even politics is close. I'll sorta leave the tire recomendation aspect alone cause I'm only 3 years into RV'ing and lots to learn. Trailer came with GYM's (Marathons) made in China and at about 3 years into their life, belt seperation, (caught before catastrophic failer by inspecting in camp) replaced tires IN CAMP on 2nd outing with GYM made in USA. Should have been an improvement, right? Wrong just a couple of months and a couple of hunderd miles later sidewall bulges. Tire Dealer replaced with tire of my choice. At the time I was reading good reports about MAXXIS, OK, I'll take MAXXIS. For me, they're doing fine so far. Hold the poisoned arrows, here comes that part I want to focus on.
Pre-trip inspections, rest stop quick checks, start the drum roll please... ... ... . investigate a TPMS while you are looking at new tires. I bought one that uses INTERNAL monitors, reads internal temp and PSI reports back to a dash monitor. Alarms on PSI or temp and no, I don't let it take the place of pre and mid trip inspections, but while you're enjoying the windshield and the Cummins hum, it is looking over what you CANNOT see, your RV tires.
If conditions require and permit, next time, I'll seriously look at 16" for my rig.
Good luck.
Matt42,
I see that you are in Glendale, AZ. So am I (85308, actually Phoenix but, Glendale Zip Code, 35 Ave. -Bell Rd. ). Where did you find LT 215-75-15 tires for your trailer? I've checked all over & no one has anything in LT that will fit my trailer (225-75-15-D). I've physically gone to Discount, Firestone & Goodyear stores & they tell me they have nothing. My trailer came with 205-75-15's & I bumped up two sizes to the 225's. So, I could easily live with 215's if I could find them. I even checked Tire Rack.com. I've checked Sam's Club & Costco, also. I seem to be stuck with ST's. I know some of you guys have been having terrible luck with Greenball Towmaster's but, I've had at least 3 sets of them (the last being made in China with a date code stamped on the tire of the 8th week of 2008---08/08) & have not had any problems with them. Three other friends of mine use the same tire with no problems. I tow much more than the others, usually. Been back to Toronto, Can. , Charleston WV. , All over MI. & in all the Western US States. I do watch the tire pressures (keep them at 62psi. )(max. pressure 65psi. ). However, as I said in my earlier post, the Discount store told me that they were having a lot of problems with separations with them, lately, & that is why they dropped them.
HBarlow,
I'm not trying to defend Carlisle. They have a lousy reputation & probably deserve it. However, I have read of folks that love them & have had good luck with them suggesting that Carlisle sold many more tires than other manufacturers & the odds are that a percentage of any manufacaturers product will be bad. We've all been wondering why some of these tire companies wouldn't take time to listen to the complaints of the end users (us) & try to build a quality trailer tire. Is it not possible that Carlisle is trying to do this with their latest offering of the RH Series Trailer Tires? Personally, I have no idea if their new tires are the answer to our complaints. Only time & experience will tell us the answer. I just hope they are headed in the right direction as I'm sure we all do. That would be quite a leap going from worst to best in one jump!!! You could be right about Discount trying to sell me anything just to make a profit. However, they have been good to me in the past & are the best tire store I've run across. I appreciate the service that they shown me.
Joe F.
I see that you are in Glendale, AZ. So am I (85308, actually Phoenix but, Glendale Zip Code, 35 Ave. -Bell Rd. ). Where did you find LT 215-75-15 tires for your trailer? I've checked all over & no one has anything in LT that will fit my trailer (225-75-15-D). I've physically gone to Discount, Firestone & Goodyear stores & they tell me they have nothing. My trailer came with 205-75-15's & I bumped up two sizes to the 225's. So, I could easily live with 215's if I could find them. I even checked Tire Rack.com. I've checked Sam's Club & Costco, also. I seem to be stuck with ST's. I know some of you guys have been having terrible luck with Greenball Towmaster's but, I've had at least 3 sets of them (the last being made in China with a date code stamped on the tire of the 8th week of 2008---08/08) & have not had any problems with them. Three other friends of mine use the same tire with no problems. I tow much more than the others, usually. Been back to Toronto, Can. , Charleston WV. , All over MI. & in all the Western US States. I do watch the tire pressures (keep them at 62psi. )(max. pressure 65psi. ). However, as I said in my earlier post, the Discount store told me that they were having a lot of problems with separations with them, lately, & that is why they dropped them.
HBarlow,
I'm not trying to defend Carlisle. They have a lousy reputation & probably deserve it. However, I have read of folks that love them & have had good luck with them suggesting that Carlisle sold many more tires than other manufacturers & the odds are that a percentage of any manufacaturers product will be bad. We've all been wondering why some of these tire companies wouldn't take time to listen to the complaints of the end users (us) & try to build a quality trailer tire. Is it not possible that Carlisle is trying to do this with their latest offering of the RH Series Trailer Tires? Personally, I have no idea if their new tires are the answer to our complaints. Only time & experience will tell us the answer. I just hope they are headed in the right direction as I'm sure we all do. That would be quite a leap going from worst to best in one jump!!! You could be right about Discount trying to sell me anything just to make a profit. However, they have been good to me in the past & are the best tire store I've run across. I appreciate the service that they shown me.
Joe F.
Most trailers that are OEM equipped with or can fit LT225/75R15 tires on six lug 15" wheels can also fit 16" six lug wheels. Southwest Wheel used to sell utility 16" wheels, probably ChiComm sourced, for about $35/wheel. It used to be easy to find LT215/75R16 LRD tires that would also fit the wheelwells of the same trailers.
Ten or twelve years ago I owned a very nice, clean 32' Avion TT I had purchased from a retired Caterpillar factory employee up in IL. It came with a mix of LT225/75R15 GY Marathons and two other cheapo brands of tires on it when I bought it. I immediately replaced them with 15" Michelin SUV tires which worked very well and gave great mileage but was making plans to replace them with the 16" wheels and tires mentioned above before I got the itch to sell it and buy a fifthwheel. I had done my homework and determined that the 16" tires and wheels would fit and were readily available.
If I was towing an RV trailer with 15" tires lots of miles I would convert to 16" wheels and tires and put tire problems behind.
Ten or twelve years ago I owned a very nice, clean 32' Avion TT I had purchased from a retired Caterpillar factory employee up in IL. It came with a mix of LT225/75R15 GY Marathons and two other cheapo brands of tires on it when I bought it. I immediately replaced them with 15" Michelin SUV tires which worked very well and gave great mileage but was making plans to replace them with the 16" wheels and tires mentioned above before I got the itch to sell it and buy a fifthwheel. I had done my homework and determined that the 16" tires and wheels would fit and were readily available.
If I was towing an RV trailer with 15" tires lots of miles I would convert to 16" wheels and tires and put tire problems behind.
Matt42
TDR MEMBER
Joe:
My trailer came with ST 205/75R 15 Load Range B tires, so I had some opportunity to upgrade. There is physically not room in the trailer's wheel wells for anything larger than LT 215/75R15 C tires unless I do a springover conversion. I can do that, but would rather not. If you have space, you have more options than I do, including those that Harvey mentioned. It's a simple matter to buy white spoke wheels in 16 inch that'll fit your trailer's bolt pattern and offset. But to stay with 15 inch tires, you could also go to LT 235/75R15 C or D. I think Pirelli makes the load range D tire, and Discount lists it at their website, Tires.com. I can no longer find Michelin tires in LT 215/75R15 or LT 235/75R15. I can find LT 215/75R15 in B. F. Goodrich and Yokohama. I don't normally like Far Eastern tires, but people I know have done well with Toyo and Yokohama. And my lifetime experience with B. F. Goodrich has been mixed. So next time, I am likely to buy the Yokohama tires for my trailer.
http://www.discounttire.com/dtcs/fi...true&cf=false&rd=15&sw=false&rc=AZPINT&cs=215
Goodyear makes that size in a load range D, but at a fancy price. And my recent experience with Goodyear has not been, well, good. http://www.discounttire.com/dtcs/fi...true&cf=false&rd=15&sw=false&rc=AZPINT&cs=215
I go to the Discount Tire store on Peoria Avenue just west of 67th Avenue. Clay is the manager there, and he's knowledgeable about the problems with ST tires. Many of his customers replace them with LT tires.
In looking at the Michelin website, I used the 1989 Jeep Grand Wagoneer as the sample vehicle for the LT 235/75R15 tires. What now comes up is a series of P Metric "Extra Load" tires with increased capacity. I can't say one way or another if they would work, but if they would fit in my trailer's wheel wells, I would certainly give them a hard look.
http://www.michelinman.com/tire-selector/size/PMetric/235/75/15/tires
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I have BF Goodrich Commercial T/A tires on my 36' 3 axle toyhauler. . I use E rate 16" aluminum rims. . I have had them for 4 years and they wear well. . did a big trip in 2008 to the northwest. . . . desert heat or mountains. . works well
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Think twice about taking the cheap route and buying Carlisle tires. After researching here and elsewhere AND listening to my Discount Tire dealer, I purchased a set of Carlisle's for our trip to Alaska. I had read on this site that Carlisle had changed their tire composition. The salesman at Discount tire told me they hadn't any problems with Carlisle and talked me into purchasing them over the Maxxis I wanted. Bottom line, I had a tire blow with only 420 miles on it. Thankfully no damage was done to the trailer but my eyeballs had a hard time looking forward and not watching the side mirrors after that.
I bought a 40' TH two yrs ago this past April. I have read on here for yrs about how horrible the ST chinese tires are and I figured that I would have better luck with mine... ... . simply because I check them regularly. Harvey and others insisted that I would have a problem and I ignored them all! Last month on a trip back from the beach on a very hot day, my daughters requested a potty break and I pulled over. While I waited I checked the tires like I always do and noticed small cracks in the sidewall on 4 of the 6 tires... ..... even though the temperature was avg. on all 6. I just checked them at the campground before leaving with no visible signs of cracks or problems!!
I took it easy the balance of the trip home and never exceeded 55. The next morning I ordered up 6 brand new XPS Ribs and had them installed. I noticed immediately the weight difference between the 2 tire brands and looked at the specs for the Ribs... ..... 56lbs a piece!!
I no longer worry about traveling 65mph with these tires. The RV seems to even pull better! Go XPS Ribs and forget it!!!
Alan
I took it easy the balance of the trip home and never exceeded 55. The next morning I ordered up 6 brand new XPS Ribs and had them installed. I noticed immediately the weight difference between the 2 tire brands and looked at the specs for the Ribs... ..... 56lbs a piece!!
I no longer worry about traveling 65mph with these tires. The RV seems to even pull better! Go XPS Ribs and forget it!!!
Alan
GAmes
TDR MEMBER
I must be in the minority, I have never had a problem with Goodyear G rated tires. My trailer is too heavy for XPS ribs, and I'm too cheap to go to bigger rims and H rated tires. If I was still RVing the same as I used to I might, but my 5er hasn't moved in 3 years. That will change shortly.
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