Community Forums

Bill98116 · 08-30-2015, 12:24 PM

I just bought a 2016 Heartland Gateway 3400SE 5th wheel. Haven't even picked it up from the dealer yet. I've been reading some concerning posts about the Towmax tires. Anyone had issues with them??

Thanks
Bill

Cummins12V98 · 08-30-2015, 12:54 PM

Should have negotiated GY "G" tires in the deal!

So now what I would do is contact trailertiresandwheels.com and talk to Scott. Have him ship you a set of fresh GY "G" tires and have them locally installed and sell the new TowMax tires at 75% of new on CL.

Kevinc2011 · 08-30-2015, 01:40 PM

I just traded in a Keystone Alpine with that came factory with Powerking Towmax tires. 2 years and less than 2000 miles, I had 1 blowout and 3 that were blown up like balloons. Tread area was rounded like an inflated inner tube, instead of flat like tire tread! My new one has 17.5 H tires on it!

taken · 08-30-2015, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill98116

I just bought a 2016 Heartland Gateway 3400SE 5th wheel. Haven't even picked it up from the dealer yet. I've been reading some concerning posts about the Towmax tires. Anyone had issues with them??

Thanks
Bill

Bill, Google Towmax tires. TONS of people have had issues with them. They are the most issue prone ST tires on the net. Use them as delivery only tires and put them on craigslist. Then get a set of Goodyear G614's and never worry again. They are expensive but one blowout that wrecks your wheel wells and fiberglass siding will cost a lot more than 4 G614's. Do not delay on this one...

SilverBob · 08-30-2015, 05:45 PM

TowMax tires are the ones that are frequently mentioned by the folks who would have you believe that all Chinese tires are junk! IRV2 and all the other RV forums are full of documented examples of those tires destroying themselves and causing expensive damage to the trailers they were carrying. The only reason I can think of why a manufacturer would put those things on a new trailer is because they're cheap. Follow the money!

Personally, I'd get them off there as soon as possible. Sailun tires are highly recommended as an affordable alternative. You could also spend a lot more on one of the big names, but I don't think you'll get a better tire.

taken · 08-30-2015, 05:49 PM

Good call Bob. The Sailun's are also an outstanding tire at a great price. The only benefit the GY's have over them is warranty replacement and trailer replacement if damage occurs. However, this is a pretty unlikely event with either brand...

SilverBob · 08-30-2015, 06:07 PM

Wow! If Goodyear's warranty does in fact cover damage to the trailer, that would be a huge consideration. I didn't realize that they did that.

taken · 08-30-2015, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SilverBob

Wow! If Goodyear's warranty does in fact cover damage to the trailer, that would be a huge consideration. I didn't realize that they did that.

Yes, the G614's warranty does cover trailer damage. The standard GY Marathon ST tires have a more typical warranty. Something like:

Cummins12V98 · 08-31-2015, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SilverBob

Wow! If Goodyear's warranty does in fact cover damage to the trailer, that would be a huge consideration. I didn't realize that they did that.

On my 5th set of GY US Made tires not even a flat! It's GY on my RV's for sure!

Other than road hazard they WILL repair any damage. NO insurance claim.

justafordguy · 08-31-2015, 12:10 PM

My new Gateway also came with TowMax tires. I towed it home and ordered G rated Sailun S637s, awesome tires at a decent price.

Fred1609 · 08-31-2015, 12:19 PM

We had a Blowmax failure this summer. The tread delaminated on a 4 year old tire. The tire guy said it was a construction issue. Replacing all the tires with LT Michelin XPS rib. Apparently there are no ST tires produced in North America, most are made in China. Maxxis tires, which are probably one of the best ST tires, are only produced a couple times a year and are not available right now when I need new tires.

SilverBob · 08-31-2015, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fred1609

Maxxis tires, which are probably one of the best ST tires, ......

Ironically, Maxxis is a subsidiary of Cheng Shin Rubber Company, which is based in Taiwan.

jimcumminsw · 09-01-2015, 01:03 PM

I had them on my old 2010 Cougar. One tire failure cost over $3,000 dollars next year I replaced them all with LT MICHELIN XPS RIBS all position tires. I had them on the trailer for 4 years and were still in great shape when we traded the trailer in for a new Cedar Creek 5er.

Jim W.

tuffr2 · 09-01-2015, 03:32 PM

Just a warning...the Michelin XPS Rib tires will be much heavier if you are taking the old wheels/tires off you trailer like I did. I threw the old China bomb wheel/tires in my truck and took them to the tire place. These tires were easy to toss around.

When I got the new XPS Ribs mounted on my same wheels holy cow. They were not easy to toss around as they were much much heavier. It took all I had to muscle the wheel/tire back onto the hub. By the 4th tire/wheel I was worn out.