Marathon tires vs. Kumho tires for a Jayco Jay Feather 26S Ultra Lite?

[Western Traveler]

Hello,

I'm new to the Jayco Forum and this is my first post.

I have a 2005 Jayco Jay Feather 26S Ultra Lite Weight Trailer. I currently have Tow-Master ST205/75R14 tires on it that I bought on 8/7/07. They are Load-Range C and rated for 1760 lbs @ 50 psi. The tires have only 13,000 miles on them but I’ve been considering getting new ones that have a higher rating (I’m still within the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of 5,800 lbs.) I have considered getting Goodyear Marathon ST215/75R14 tires at Camping World. They are 0.6” wider (tread width is 0.4” wider) & the diameter is 0.5” larger. The Jayco’s wheel-wells can accommodate this larger size and the larger tire has a rating of 1870 lbs @ 50 psi.

Another possibility is the 14” Kumho 857 tire in size 205R14C. That is a Load Range D tire rated at 2271 lbs @ 65 psi or over 2000 lbs @ 55 psi or even 1950 lbs at 50 psi. More importantly than weight limit is the fact that Kumhos offer much heavier construction (more and stronger plies in both the tread and the sidewall) and no tendencies to shed their tread like the Goodyear’s as I have read about in some reviews. That is extremely important when traveling through the mountains and across hot deserts!

Has anyone used either the larger Marathon ST215/75R14 or the 14” Kumho 857 tire in size 205R14C on a trailer like mine?

Thanks,
Western Traveler

[One Country Boy]

Welcome to the forum WT. Glad to have you. I'm sorry I cannot help you. I'm sure there is someone here that can provide you with some information. Welcome again and keep visiting and posting with us please.

[kipper]

Hi Western Traveler , I have a set of the Goodyear Marathons , mine are 15 inch , a while back I remember they were made in china and the reputation was poor , the ones I have now are made in USA so shop carefully , as for the Kumho , I have used the brand on my car ( Im a mechanic by trade ) and they were an excellent tire and held up very well , I was ready to buy them for my last trailer , but I traded it . Every thing I read on the Kumho trailer tires was good . Go to tire rack on line for more reviews . Hope this helps , Kipper

[Western Traveler]

HiKipper,
Thanks for your comments on the Kumho tires. Yes, I read the reviews on them on TireRack.com and that’s what got me interested in them as a replacement. Good to know about the Marathon tires now being made in the USA instead of China!

[Western Traveler]

Yes, I know that it is NOT LOM POCK! I worked at Vandenberg AFB for a while and was always amazed at the colorful display of the acres of flowers (for seeds) when driving over the pass to Lompoc!

We hope to travel through CA this summer. Still have friends in Santa Maria and want to go back to Lassen Volcanic Park on the way up to Oregon.

We will do hiking in NM, NV, CA, OR, ID & WY before heading east. No rush.

[Denise]

Yup ya know our area!!! For most folks, all we have to say is that we are the west coast equalivalent to the Florida launches. Back in the 80's, our facility at VAFB was being prepped to launch future space shuttles... then the Jan 1986 Challenger disaster. Now and still, VAFB does defensive type launches. Some really shake the windows but most are quite pretty! Yes, we are more known for flowers now-a-days just as over the years

[Reposado]

Originally Posted by Western Traveler

Hello,

I'm new to the Jayco Forum and this is my first post.

I have a 2005 Jayco Jay Feather 26S Ultra Lite Weight Trailer. I currently have Tow-Master ST205/75R14 tires on it that I bought on 8/7/07. They are Load-Range C and rated for 1760 lbs @ 50 psi. The tires have only 13,000 miles on them but I’ve been considering getting new ones that have a higher rating (I’m still within the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of 5,800 lbs.) I have considered getting Goodyear Marathon ST215/75R14 tires at Camping World. They are 0.6” wider (tread width is 0.4” wider) & the diameter is 0.5” larger. The Jayco’s wheel-wells can accommodate this larger size and the larger tire has a rating of 1870 lbs @ 50 psi.

Another possibility is the 14” Kumho 857 tire in size 205R14C. That is a Load Range D tire rated at 2271 lbs @ 65 psi or over 2000 lbs @ 55 psi or even 1950 lbs at 50 psi. More importantly than weight limit is the fact that Kumhos offer much heavier construction (more and stronger plies in both the tread and the sidewall) and no tendencies to shed their tread like the Goodyear’s as I have read about in some reviews. That is extremely important when traveling through the mountains and across hot deserts!

Has anyone used either the larger Marathon ST215/75R14 or the 14” Kumho 857 tire in size 205R14C on a trailer like mine?

Thanks,
Western Traveler

Hi Western traveller,

I use the Kumhos, but be advised they are LT tires for light trucks, not ST tires for towing. I have had two detread so far in two years, but both were probably caused by my using excessive speed - 75MPH, there is no tow speed limit in AZ... Hold them to 65 or below and you should be OK. Also, you will have more margin on load than I do as I have a single axle high wall pop up that is pushing 4000 lbs. This is the only tire that fits my trailer, so I am stuck with it. Be aware they are hard to get and constantly on back order so plan ahead at least a few weeks for the Kumhos.

I was just turned on to Goodyear tires that are OEM for UHAUL by DIscount Tire. They are the only other load range D they found with a 14" rim. The Goodyear is a ST rated tire. Good luck.

[cekkk]

I have 14" Marathons on a single axle utility trailer that are pretty old. No problems so far. My Eagle has 15" Marathons that are now 2 1/2 years old, about 12,000 miles on them, with no problems. All ST tires are speed rated at 65 mph. Over inflating allows for more speed, but I wouldn't be interested in running at Interstate speed limits with my rig.

I couldn't find the CW price on those tires, but I found a Tire Rack special at $89. Walmart was 120. Hope that helps a little.

[tinlizzie23]

Have had very bad experience with Marathons on my 5er. Would never buy again. Maxxis is a much better brand, and has great reputation.