Tires

The problem isn't whether or not China can put out good products. They can, just as good as other places. The problem in China is all the cost cutting that SOME Chinese do.

Some Chinese plants cut corners and will dump the cheapest stuff possible on the American market. Note all the problems with contaminated pet foods, and building materials. And I think the same thing was/is happening with trailer tires. In the beginning when there was so many problems with Chinese ST tires, I believe it was because tons of tire companies were turning out as many ST tires as they could with little regard for quality.

That said, I would think now, the 2nd time GY Marathon began making tires in China, the company closely controlled quality control and I suspect a Chinese made Marathon would be a decent tire.

4X4Dodger wrote:

Terryallan wrote:

4X4Dodger wrote:
There are so many overly broad and irrational statements here regarding ST tires, Tires from China, Age of the tires, etc that it really makes me wonder just how much actual thought goes into this.

Some of the best and highest rated tires in the world are made in China for more than a few of the worlds biggest well known tire manufacturers. Simply being made in china is NO indication of the tires actual quality.

"ST" tires are also found on tractor trailers (although much bigger the most common size being 22.5's These are some of the longest wearing best tires you can buy, especially if they are made by a reputable company. Just being an "ST" tire is NO indication that the tire is bad or that you should automatically switch to an LT.

Maxxis Tires I believe are probably made overseas but Maxxis refuses to say where. SOME of their tires may be made in the US but I am sure not all of them. Now to me this is not a problem, but it is something for you guys who preach "Made in China is a bad thing" to think about.

The number of things that can affect the life of your trailer tire are legion...First and most important your trailer has NO shock absorbers...if it did your tires would take less of a beating and last longer. Then there is axle alignment, underinflation, curbing, out of balance and on and on. But so many rush to blame the poor tire.

To the OP: I wouldnt worry so much, take whats on it and keep them inflated, make sure the axles are properly alined before you take delivery of the trailer and that the tires are balanced. Then off you go and ENJOY your new trailer.

Last Maxxis I had were made it Thiland. It is printed on the tires. so not hard to find. And no matter what any one says. 4 years is all I will run any TT tire. The one that shreaded was a Marathon, and when we took the other 3 off. they were cracked in the tread, and the tread was so crooked the tires bounced as they rolled across the shop floor. Studies. Tests, opinions mean nothing when you see for your self what happens.

Thanks for that info. I was sure it was somewhere in Asia. I have never gotten a look at a pair of Maxxis up close. I did email them and they responded that they have several plants around the world including the USA but were not willing to elaborate.

And for all of those that bash China products consider this. The poster above says his MAXXIS tires are Made in Thailand. Well Thailand assembles Toyotas, Fords and many other cars and has a huge manufacturing industry. They are skilled and produce high quality products...mostly for the Asian Market. Why Thailand? Cheaper than China. and much of this kind of MFG is now moving to ever cheaper places like Cambodia Where Ford is assembling it's new SUV for the Asian market.

To Those mindlessly Bashing China at every opportunity:
Just a further note on China, China has a higher literacy rate, higher average education level, and in general a much better educated workforce than Thailand and most certainly Cambodia. If you guys who were bashing China all the time had even an inkling of what is really going on in the world of Manufacturing you'd be dangerous.