What constitues a track record? I always thought it was the results of actual use. But the impression I get from FE, they have to be OE, or they don't count. I don't agree with that. I have seen numerous posts here on rv.net where Rib users have used them for several years already and much higher mileage than what most of us put on a trailer without any issues. To me, that is establishing a track record. In fact, we also often get information on the tires that the poster previously used on the same trailer, so we have a track record for those too. They are often ST tires and are a poor track record. Now I believe part of this can be explained by the ST tires having no reserves but the replacement Ribs having reserves. But in the case of 6K axles, the Ribs only have 42 pounds per tire in reserves. Not much, but they still hold up. Once again, I think Michelin overbuilt this tire.
And FE, I think the early G614s had a problem that Goodyear has addressed, just like the early Marathons had an issue they addressed. The newer Marathons have some extra marking on the sidewall so that you can tell the difference, but I don't remember what that marking is.
Oh, and I know of one person who ran a set of Ribs on a fiver to the point they should be replaced because of age. He was able to then sell the tires. Don't know if the new owner had them regrooved or not.
There are also a number of people who have put the BF Goodrich Commercial TA on their 5.2K axles. It is an excellent replacement, and I have not heard of anyone having problems with this combination. I know I haven't. Since I made the switch, we enjoy using the trailer so much more, we have doubled the mileage we put on it per year. But since those aren't OE, I guess it won't count.
