TowMax STR tires.

[Tgallagher]

Our new fifth wheel came with Tow Max STR 235/80/16 10 PR tires. Our original trailer came in December and was damaged from a blow out about 30 miles from delivery. We ended up not taking it. Driver claims he didn't hit anything or have much warning, but who knows. Our speed limits on the interstate here are 75 so he could possibly have been pushing it too hard.

Sooooo.... Now I'm very nervous about trusting the tires after seeing the damage it caused after only one trip and not knowing if it was a tire failure or not. Did some searching and have found mixed reviews, slightly leaning towards "bad china bombs!"

I'm not real stoked about spending money on new tires I've only pulled 30 miles, but if they are not trustworthy, I will do it tomorrow.

Let me know y'all's experience. Thanks!!

[David472]

Three things lead to ST tire blowout. Any one of these, or in combination.
1) speeds in excess of 65 mph
2) low air pressure
3) overloading

[Tgallagher]

I agree, just hoping for some success stories to ease my mind. I'm a tire fanatic and don't take shortcuts in this area. I doubt jayco would use these tires if there were problems. I didn't refuse the damaged trailer. Our dealer repaired it nicely, but somehow it arrived without a couple options we had ordered so the dealer put it on the lot for sale and reordered it. Plus his rep told him there were some changes coming in Jan. I'm super glad we waited.

I have read several failure issues with the towmax st tires, curious to see how these STR tires hold up.

Thanks for any input.

[David472]

You probably see in my signature, I have a 2013 Jayflight. Got it one year ago. It has the Towmax STR tires, and if I remember correctly, they are 225-70-15 size. Our loaded weights are such that the tires are loaded to about 65% of their ratings. In the last year we've towed it about 4,000 miles. So far so good, but like you, I worry also.

[David472]

A correction to my numbers;
ST tire size 225-75-15 load range D
and I'm at 75 percent of load capacity of the tires.

[eldermike]

I have those tires, I have a couple of trips on them and so far so good. However, I will change them to Maxxis load range E this spring.

[mcfarmall]

My 06 has the original Maxxis tires from the factory still in service. I'm replacing them with Maxxis tires this spring only because they are 8 years old.

[pointrow]

I have less than 1 year and 5000 miles on my Tow Max 235/80 16 and have blown 2 in the last 8 days causing damage. Getting 4 new G614 14 ply LT tires on in AM.
Tow Max's warranty is a joke. No dealer can warranty them with out shipping the dead tire back to them, then they will decide if is covered.
I had my doubts about them and the fact they were a load range E 10 ply on a loaded Pinnacle but decided to give them a year. Wrong decision.
I'm just as ticked that Jayco cheeped out on the China Bombs in the first place. At least they could make a tire upgrade as an option.
take care
pointrow

[Tgallagher]

Yeah. I took the plunge and traded mine in for Goodyear Marathons. Dealer gave me $60 piece for the tow max. Also bought a tst tpms system and had metal valve stems installed. Only one short trip so far, but I already feel better.

Very sorry to hear about your blowouts. Nothing raises the blood pressure like changing a tire on the side of the road with your dearest possessions sitting in the truck while semis blow by and shake the trailer.

[pointrow]

Lucky to have RV.net to arrange changing tires both times although I had to tell them who to call on the last one. It is provided by Jayco while under warranty.
The price of good tires is high but when you consider the damage they could avoid it becomes a bargain.
later
pointrow

[RedHorse1]

I had 2.5 years on the tires on our 1st TT (X23B) and I worried about the tires constantly as we rumbled down the road. I get a little comfort from the TPM that I bought (Tire Minder). Seems to work well and when we upgraded to a 5th they came with me.
Will it catch a problem (blowout) in time? I'll let you know when I find out. I'm the same way about electrical service, the former TT had a surge suppressor (30amp) and I got one for the new 5th (50amp). Can't say if either has made a difference but I sleep better (at night - not behind the wheel)