Doesn't seem to have been many ST tire failures this year.

[CapriRacer]

In comparison to past years, there doesn't seem to have been as many ST tire failures.

Does this mean the tires are improving?

Does this mean this year was just a mild year (weatherwise?)

Does this mean fewer people are complaining?

Does this mean people are paying more attention to tire condition and tire maintenance?

What say you?

[ReneeG]

dclark1946 wrote:

NinerBikes wrote:
I forget, I am running something like 205-70-14's on my travel trailer. I do 55 to 58 mph, and always top off the pressure to 55 psi as stated in the instructions. I am at 14,000 miles in 2 years of ownership. So far, so good, but I am checking the tires like a hawk now, every time, before every trip, for signs of delamination.

Maybe this isn't such a problem with 3700 # dry weight ultralite travel trailers?

I followed all those same precautions you are doing with my two previous trailers with ST tires and had blowouts after the third year. The tires looked great until they came apart on the hot highway.

I believe Discount Tire even tells you on their web site that 3 years is the the expected life time for STs.

Someone mentioned the improved Carlisle tire with a nylon cap so maybe the new ST tires will hold up better. I switched over to LTs 7 years ago when we got a new trailer with 15 inch wheels and have not had any more problems.

Dick

Towmax STR also has a nylon cap.

[ReneeG]

downtheroad wrote:
More people running Maxxis

Still in the category of an ST tire.

[ReneeG]

2112 wrote:
For me personally it's "Does this mean people are paying more attention to tire condition and tire maintenance".

I started playing by the rules.
I slowed down, checked and aired as needed every time before it moved and replace every four years.

Good for you. This is what we do too! Good to hear.

[dclark1946]

NinerBikes wrote:
I forget, I am running something like 205-70-14's on my travel trailer. I do 55 to 58 mph, and always top off the pressure to 55 psi as stated in the instructions. I am at 14,000 miles in 2 years of ownership. So far, so good, but I am checking the tires like a hawk now, every time, before every trip, for signs of delamination.

Maybe this isn't such a problem with 3700 # dry weight ultralite travel trailers?

I followed all those same precautions you are doing with my two previous trailers with ST tires and had blowouts after the third year. The tires looked great until they came apart on the hot highway.

I believe Discount Tire even tells you on their web site that 3 years is the the expected life time for STs.

Someone mentioned the improved Carlisle tire with a nylon cap so maybe the new ST tires will hold up better. I switched over to LTs 7 years ago when we got a new trailer with 15 inch wheels and have not had any more problems.

Dick

[coolbreeze01]

Boxer Lovers wrote:
My Towmax were replaced with less than 4,000 miles. Belts gave way in sidewall on one tire so I replaced them all with Carlisle ST's. One 1,600 trip with no problems, BUT all tires lost 10#s of air after sitting for two months. Contrast to the truck tires that lost no pressure.

Yes, pressure and weight were and are closely monitored.

How old were your Towmax? Mine have a 5 year material/workmanship warranty.

[NinerBikes]

I forget, I am running something like 205-70-14's on my travel trailer. I do 55 to 58 mph, and always top off the pressure to 55 psi as stated in the instructions. I am at 14,000 miles in 2 years of ownership. So far, so good, but I am checking the tires like a hawk now, every time, before every trip, for signs of delamination.

Maybe this isn't such a problem with 3700 # dry weight ultralite travel trailers?

[Ron3rd]

coolbreeze01 wrote:
2,400 miles into my Towmax STR test on 225 75 15 E's. So far so good.

Same with my China Bomb Blowmaxes that came with the new trailer. Fingers crossed after about 5,000 miles. I'll probably join the Maxxis crowd when the time comes.

[Boxer_Lovers]

My Towmax were replaced with less than 4,000 miles. Belts gave way in sidewall on one tire so I replaced them all with Carlisle ST's. One 1,600 trip with no problems, BUT all tires lost 10#s of air after sitting for two months. Contrast to the truck tires that lost no pressure.

Yes, pressure and weight were and are closely monitored.

[westend]

I don't think the theory about less failures this year can be validated. Yeah, tires are getting better but it may also be that the price to the OEM between a terrible tire and a fairly good one is getting so close that more good ST tires are being installed. I can't see where anyone's driving habits have changed. One Forum member states that he drives 75+ mph so that he gets to his next destination faster. This is critical to him because he is short on vacation time. When you have that kind of reasoning, any technical improvement goes out the window (or alongside the shoulder).

[09FLSTC]

I suspect far less than 1% of ST tires are sold to people that hang out on any forum much less RV forums so it would be hard to tell unless there were some industry data. For me its because I run Pressure Pro and have been alerted twice.

[Lantley]

coolbreeze01 wrote:
2,400 miles into my Towmax STR test on 225 75 15 E's. So far so good.

Looks like you have a new rig.
Not to jinx your situation but my prediction is your OEM ST tires will not last more than 2 seasons before you have a issue.
This has been my experience on 2 RV's.
I have zero faith in OEM ST tires.

[time2roll]

Marathon changed the China factory and procedures a couple years ago...
As one of the biggest sellers maybe it has made a difference.

[JIMNLIN]

Probably several things.
IMO ST tires have improved vastly from the over sized rounded wheel barrow looking tire they started from years ago.
The newest Carlisle RH trailer tire now has a conventional tire shape. Only time will tell if its a vast improvement.

I frequent several forums where trailers of all type are used. IMO it looks like about the same amount of tire issue and questions asked.

And it could be more folks are searching more input from the internet before seeking advice from a forum.

[coolbreeze01]

2,400 miles into my Towmax STR test on 225 75 15 E's. So far so good.

[bradyk]

Combo of all the above and better tires. I think many are watching pressures closer, some switch to Maxxis etc. I know I have been running the new style Carlisle tires the last few years as many others around here and they seem to be way better than the old Chinese specials. I notice lots of good comments on different forums about them as well so maybe a few of the mfg have got on board and have heard our screaming out there too. LT tires are great for bigger tires but us 15 inch guys are pretty limited as to what we can get so a decent ST is important to find. I would recommend the new Carlisle tires at this point after about 3 years and many thousands of miles over my last 2 sets of Chinese cheap pieces of crap.....