Tires: Marathon vs Carlisle

[tnchuck100]

Which tire do you think is the better of the two?

[norty1]

No question in my mind, Marathon but I would not buy them either.

[Rustic Eagle]

Put a set of the Carlisle RH Radial ST225/75R15 Load Range "E" spring of 2012. I have about 5,000 miles on them...., and I'm happy with them. Presently traveling from Texas back to Michigan, and some of our wonderful US highways has pounded the heck out of the tires supporting my 8,400lb TT.

http://www.jaycoowners.com/showthrea...light=carlisle

Bob

[robo59097]

You need to add Maxxis to the poll, although I don't think that would be fair.

[edatlanta]

I wouldn't put a Carlisle tire on my worst enemy's trailer.

I think Marathon tires are good, but I'm not a fan of their E rated tires that are heavy loaded. My ST235/80R16 E are being replaced with GY G614's next week.

Of course no trailer tire that sits a lot should be on the road after 4-5 years since manufacture.

JMHO

[RVhiker]

My experience is not positive with Marathon, and from what I read I personally would be reluctant to use Carlisle tires.

My suggestions about replacement tires are 1) consider going up a weight rating (if original tires were "C" maybe go to "D"; if originally were "D" consider going to "E" 2) get a tire pressure management system 3) keep your tires inflated to the cold tire maximum pressure on the sidewall 4) avoid hitting curbs and 5) carry a spare or two because something will happen.

If you go up a weight rating (which means the new tires can be inflated to a higher pressure than the old tires) make sure your rims are rated for the higher pressure.

[jamesj]

My 2cents - Make sure you tires are "Made in the U.S.A."

On my last TT, I replaced the tires 2 times (3 sets of tires). The original tires (Chinese manufactured) had massive side wall cracking after the first winter. Replaced under TT warranty. The second set, same manufacturer, had the same issue. I spend my own cash and bought U.S.A. made Good Year Marathon's for my third set. Haven't had any issues over the last two 2 winters.

Make sure you store your camper properly.. Cement, rock, and soil will draw moisture out of the tire. I built ramps out of pressure treated lumber which raised the TT up 3 inches, and placed a sheet of plastic, like a floor mat, on top of the ramp, then drove the TT up on them. Cover the tires too.

Hope this helps.

[lx22f/c]

If i had to chose between the two it would be the marathons.
Every tire manufactures has haters.
Some times price dictates what people can purchase, so get what you can afford and keep the air pressure set and make sure the tire rating is for the weight of your trailer. Sometimes the people at the tire shops will just try and sell you something that they have in stock just because its in stock.
Do your homework and you will be fine
Robert

[norty1]

Last time I checked, Marathons were not made in the USA.

[taviking22]

I have been lucky, I guess. I had a set of Carlisles come on a new hybrid TT. I never had a problem with them. I have had 3 new trailers: a TT and 2 5Ws, come with Marathons and have never experienced any trouble with them, either. I'm fairly anal about checking tire pressures which I do a minimum of a couple of times weekly. No tire pressure monitoring system for me...yet.

I have greater confidence in Marathons as Goodyear is a company who is out there with all kinds of vehicle tires. I sense they stake more on their reputation being impacted by producing a product that does not consistently hold up.

I feel that tires with problems may be the result of being overloaded, under-inflated, have a loss of pressure due to puncture, or hitting a road hazard. The last 2 can happen to any tire regardless of how expensive or how reputable they are.

Having said this, I hope I haven't just jinxed myself as my Marathons with about 5000 miles on them are going to take me Alaska. We leave the 2nd week of May as I need to be in Wasilla by Memorial Day weekend.

[jamesj]

Originally Posted by norty1

Last time I checked, Marathons were not made in the USA.

I purchased a set of 5 in July 2011, and they were one of the last Trailer Tires still manufactured in the States. Weather or not they still are, is another story.

It's a requirement to print the country they were made in on the sidewall of the tire.

[rwilley]

I have a set of 4 marathons (made in China) that came off of my new Eagle last year that I cant give away. So with that said I guess I have to vote for the Carlisle.