Forum Discussion

Explorer

Jan 23, 2015

Another Towmax victim

Decided to take a winter camping trip over the weekend, and had a wonderful time. Except on the way home. About 30 minutes into the trip, left rear time blew a baseball sized hole in the top sidewall. Pulled over and changed to the spare (never been on the ground), and headed back out. 45 minutes later, the left rear tire (former spare) blew again... software sized hole in the same position. Called Good Sam roadside (scary/humorous experience there as well:E)and was back on the road with 2 new tires in a few hours. Thank heavens there was no damnage to the coach. Take away is, replace those POS Towmax tires as soon as you can. BTW, anyone have experience with Sotera? Assume it's another Chinese brand, but it's all the warehouse had. Will try to post some pictures/links of the first blowout. Hole is just left of 12:00 in the first picture and 5:00 in the second.

fla-gypsy
Explorer
Jan 23, 2015
AKA "BlowMax"
tsetsaf
Explorer III
Jan 23, 2015
Haven't you got the memo? The tires are fine it is all your fault... you ran them low, drove too fast, moved the trailer, sprayed them with armor all ;)

Unfortunately your experience is the same as many who learned the hard way. My FIL has ignored my warnings; he made it this first season with no issues but I have my bets on this year.
azdryheat
Explorer
Jan 23, 2015
No Chinese tires for me. My Voltage came with Akuret tires (China). First thing I did was to remove them and have Michelin XPS Ribs installed.

If you're insistent on ST tires I would recommend Maxxis M8008 that are made in Thailand and have a good reputation around here. I just put some on my boat trailer.
iawoody2
Explorer
Jan 23, 2015
After all the horror stories I replaced all 5 of mine shortly after we took delivery of our Sundance. Went with BFG Commercial TAs.
FrankShore
Explorer
Jan 23, 2015
You're extremely lucky - Offbrand and cheap tires just aren't worth the headaches and potential loss of life to mess around with. I just put 5 new Maxxis on my new Lance travel trailer.

Almost all RV mfgs use the lowest common denominator tires that they can get away with.