Atlee wrote:
I don't know for sure, but I do not think the Endurance is just a reworked Marathon. For one thing, it has the extra nylon belt running with the steel belts.
The Endurance has a real speed rating. The Marathon never did. I know Goodyear said under certain conditions, you could run the Marathons faster. However, the Endurance tires have the speed rating of the tire molded into the sidewall.
And IIRC, the Endurance only comes in D or E rating. There are no C ratings, at least in 14" or larger.
DinTulsa wrote:
It makes sense that the Marathon's would have had the same speed ratings, the Endurance are a direct replacement for that tire. I called and tried to get some technical info regarding the differences between the Endurance and Marathon tires last week. Of course the lady on the phone mentioned a stronger sidewall and scuff guard which I can read online. It really sounds like the Endurance is just a rebranded Marathon made in the USA.
I'll agree with atlee. The testing required for a ST rated 65mph tire for the 65mph speed rating is way less stringent than testing for any other non ST speed rating. For non ST ratings, the time they must run at rated load and speed is much longer, the time they must run at above rated load at speed is longer, etc. a much more rigorous test to be able to pass the spec's for higher speed and load ratings.
IMHO based on what goodyear claims, the endurace is a upgraded replacement for the Marathon. I hope this is like the diesel truck wars of a decade ago, and we find Maxxis, Carslie, and others going to real speed and load rating on the ST tires. we will ALL benefit from more reliable trailer tires.
