My story is no different than countless others I've seen on this and other forums. I'm running TOWMAX tires on my 2014 Bighorn 3260EL 5'er - purchased 7 months ago and less than 2000 miles on the rig. I've been religious on maintaining tire pressure (80 psi), keeping the tires covered when parked, and inspecting regularly. Nonetheless, returning from a long weekend of camping I experienced a catastrophic failure of the right rear tire on my Bighorn after about an hour on the road - a loud bang like a shotgun going off that I heard inside my truck at highway speed with windows up and radio on. Road conditions were excellent, it was a 65 degree day, and my speed was 60mph. Fortunately, I was fairly close to a service station where I could get off the road. I was amazed at the damage caused by the tire failure. My 5'er is now at my local Camping World waiting on parts for $3000+ in repairs. This all leads to my question for anyone familiar with the failure problems with TOWMAX tires. Has anyone had success pursuing the tire manufacturer or Heartland for damages caused by failures of this piece of crap tire? If any one from Heartland is reading this, why do you continue to use this tire? Finally, I'm planning on replacing the 4 remaining tires as I don't want to risk the evidently pretty favorable odds of this happening again. Any good recommendations for a reliable tire to choose for replacing the TOWMAX set?
TOWMAX Tire Failure
- Thread starter Marbill
- Start date
danemayer
Well-known member
Hi Marbill,
Sorry to hear about the damage to your rig. It sounds like you're familiar with the many prior discussion threads about tire failures. I think most people file claims with their insurance companies to pay for the damage to the trailer.
If your wheels are rated for 110psi, you might want to change to Goodyear G614 tires. They're standard on Landmarks and have very few reports of tire failures.
Sorry to hear about the damage to your rig. It sounds like you're familiar with the many prior discussion threads about tire failures. I think most people file claims with their insurance companies to pay for the damage to the trailer.
If your wheels are rated for 110psi, you might want to change to Goodyear G614 tires. They're standard on Landmarks and have very few reports of tire failures.
If you continued to drive on 3 tires for more than a very short distance, you would have seriously overloaded the surviving tire and axle on the side that failed. In addition to the tire replacements, you may want to have your axle checked for damage.
TravelTiger
Founding Texas-West Chapter Leaders-Retired
So sorry to hear this. Hopefully other potential owners and anyone that currently has TowMax will see and realize these tires are unpredictable. It would be smarter to change than to continue to assume that it won't happen to you.
Heartland ought to consider other options, there is too much of a trend, going back a number of years now.
Erika
scottyb
Well-known member
Marbill, I am very sorry you have to go through this. Not only is it expensive but disrupting as well. Getting stranded on the highway, being without your rig for several weeks, are all costs that you will never re-coup.
Another thing that I'm sorry about is that we are still having these conversations for model year 2014, and that there are still folks defending them.
Another thing that I'm sorry about is that we are still having these conversations for model year 2014, and that there are still folks defending them.
jdamude
Well-known member
Hi Marbill,
This is so disappointing to here. I know Heartland monitors this forum yet there is nothing being done. I purchased a new BC 3650RL in November. We towed it home from the dealer (approximately 175 miles) and I just noticed the other day that there is a bulge in one of the tires.
I have already committed to changing the tires and we are just waiting for nicer weather.
I called Heartland and asked them to take the tires back and I would pay the upgrade, but they wouldn't participate.
Jeff
If your rims won't hold the 110 psi rated tires another upgrade option would be the Mitchilen XPS Ribs. A great tire with a 80 psi rating. You should also call Heartland Customer Service. They will refer you to TBC and/or Tredit Tire who will offer you a replacement tire or a SMALL credit for the bad tires you are replacing. Take the credit and get new tires all around.
jimtoo
Moderator
Hi Beemer,
Welcome to the Heartland Owners Forum and to the family. We have a great bunch of folks here with lots of information and all willing to share their knowledge when needed.
Some folks have had good service from the tires,, some not so good. The tires have a very poor rating from almost everyone.
Enjoy the forum and your new toy. Check out the Heartland Owners Club and join us at a rally.
Jim M
Welcome to the Heartland Owners Forum and to the family. We have a great bunch of folks here with lots of information and all willing to share their knowledge when needed.
Some folks have had good service from the tires,, some not so good. The tires have a very poor rating from almost everyone.
Enjoy the forum and your new toy. Check out the Heartland Owners Club and join us at a rally.
Jim M
Get RID OF THEM FAST! Your asking for trouble..Three out 4 separated on my Bighorn with less than 3,000 miles and only 6 months from purchase. Four of those months, it was in the shop for warranty work.
I'm one of the fortunate ones that noticed the separations when we got home from a trip. After all the phone calls and complaints I was only given $89.00 for each of the 3 bad ones. They didn't want to replace the fourth even though they where all from the same lot. The money which they said I was lucky to get didn't even pay for 1 of my tires I upgraded (Goodyears) too.
I'm one of the fortunate ones that noticed the separations when we got home from a trip. After all the phone calls and complaints I was only given $89.00 for each of the 3 bad ones. They didn't want to replace the fourth even though they where all from the same lot. The money which they said I was lucky to get didn't even pay for 1 of my tires I upgraded (Goodyears) too.
Well once again and again and again the same story. How can anyone with a conscience keep allowing this to happen. If Heartland puts 614s on Landmarks why can't they offer a switch out at their cost plus shipping or just authorize local buys with a dollar reimbursement representing their cost. It sure is going to cost much more when someone gets seriously hurt or worse. I also don't know how RV dealers can keep selling these rigs. Maybe they don't fully understand the issue?? Maybe we should help them?? I happen to know one that is dropping the brand.
57chevyconvt
Well-known member
I concur with Hippy's recommendation. Get RID of THEM FAST! My experience is very similar to most the numerous post on the subject of TOWMAX tires. Have about 20,000 miles on a set of GY G614 with no problems. When I read the forum post on this subject, I cannot but wonder how many pages would be in a book if all these comments and recommendations were assembled into a novel titled "TOWMAX TIRES".
Yes.
They will only give you $25.00 dollars. I tried to get them to buy my brand new spare with no miles and only 6 months old. What a laugh.
I decided to keep it. All I would need it for is to get me to the nearest repair center if and only if one of my Gooyear tires goes out on me. Then I'll hope the Tow max, never used will at least make it to the nearst shop. I'll hold my breath.
They will only give you $25.00 dollars. I tried to get them to buy my brand new spare with no miles and only 6 months old. What a laugh.
I decided to keep it. All I would need it for is to get me to the nearest repair center if and only if one of my Gooyear tires goes out on me. Then I'll hope the Tow max, never used will at least make it to the nearst shop. I'll hold my breath.
scottyb
Well-known member
Beemer congratulations on your new 4100. You are one of the fortunate ones like me that had the advantage of reading these reports before something happens. My rig never hit the highway before it went to Discount Tire and got 6 new Michellin XPS Ribs. 11K miles later, no regrets and no drama. It's just a hard pill to swallow having to spend 2200 on a brand new and expensive toy.
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