Powermax TowMax tires

[brandon1012]

Hey everyone first time user here. Never posted anything before but my frustration with tow max and Heartland is through the roof. Four weeks ago my father blew two of his four tow max's on a trip home from the beach. I call towmax for him and all I got from them is 85% of the time its not tire failure. I called B.S and informed the very rude lady that I work for Michelin Tire and that when all kind of people are having the same exact problem it normally means tire failure. Last weekend I had a blowout on my FOUR month old cyclone 4000. I called back and talked to same lady with same result. They told me to take tire to dealer for them to inspect but after calling three dealers none wants to get involved. Called Heartland but like everyone else they said its not there problem. I will never buy tow max nor a Heartland ever again

 

[danemayer]

Hi Brandon1012,

Welcome to the Heartland Owners Forum, although I'm sorry it's under these circumstances.

 

[conradsteph]

So many Towmax complaints with so little info. What is the date of the tire? What was the speed? What was the tire pressure? What was the weight of the vehicle? A four month old coach means nothing. It's a 4 month old coach - like built in May of this year? Or 4 months like you have had it for 4 months but its a 2013 built in 2012 with tires dated from 2011? My Discount Tire guy says 3 years on ST's. They lose 1/3 of properties approximately every year. You can go crazy physics like Tireman9 (no disrespect-good info) on the properties of tires or you can use some common sense. Your trailer tires are not car/truck tires. Not made for the amount of miles or time. Basically if you have ST's,there is a good chance that after 3 years its curtains for your tires. Towmax are less than $100 bucks a piece retail! Good grief. Maybe Heartland should inform us of a better tire. But when is the last time a salesperson tried to "upsell" you on something and you said "yes-great idea! Thanks for informing me of the better option!" Most of us are "well" vodka/bourbon/scotch guys.
I know based on what I've seen at campgrounds and on the highway people do not drive nor camp based on tire specs. Over 65mph and over loaded all the time. And their coaches get used 6 times a year. Tires are like your body. You have to use them.
Yes...lots of people follow the rules...lots of people check their pressures, and guess what... lots of blow outs cause there are lots of tires out there. But like all complaints, you usually hear the negative, not the positive. I've got 4500 miles on mine with no issues. And I have 6 (excluding spare). I guess that means I have a 50% more chance of having a problem than someone with 4. But zero problems so far. I'll be changing tires in the spring to Michelin Ribs this spring before a 3000 mile trip cause I know I'll only be at 66 percent of tire capacity based on a 3 ST tire year expectancy. But I signed up for this RV thing so no complaints from me. There are people on this forum asking how to use their water connections or how to operate an awning, or how to turn on a light. Once again, no disrespect, but if people aren't in tune with operations of their coach (or the directions provided on how to use their coach), why would we think they are in tune with driving their coach?

 

[froyca]

I agree. Thank you!!!

 

[brandon1012]

So many Towmax complaints with so little info. What is the date of the tire? What was the speed? What was the tire pressure? What was the weight of the vehicle? A four month old coach means nothing. It's a 4 month old coach - like built in May of this year? Or 4 months like you have had it for 4 months but its a 2013 built in 2012 with tires dated from 2011? My Discount Tire guy says 3 years on ST's. They lose 1/3 of properties approximately every year. You can go crazy physics like Tireman9 (no disrespect-good info) on the properties of tires or you can use some common sense. Your trailer tires are not car/truck tires. Not made for the amount of miles or time. Basically if you have ST's,there is a good chance that after 3 years its curtains for your tires. Towmax are less than $100 bucks a piece retail! Good grief. Maybe Heartland should inform us of a better tire. But when is the last time a salesperson tried to "upsell" you on something and you said "yes-great idea! Thanks for informing me of the better option!" Most of us are "well" vodka/bourbon/scotch guys.
I know based on what I've seen at campgrounds and on the highway people do not drive nor camp based on tire specs. Over 65mph and over loaded all the time. And their coaches get used 6 times a year. Tires are like your body. You have to use them.
Yes...lots of people follow the rules...lots of people check their pressures, and guess what... lots of blow outs cause there are lots of tires out there. But like all complaints, you usually hear the negative, not the positive. I've got 4500 miles on mine with no issues. And I have 6 (excluding spare). I guess that means I have a 50% more chance of having a problem than someone with 4. But zero problems so far. I'll be changing tires in the spring to Michelin Ribs this spring before a 3000 mile trip cause I know I'll only be at 66 percent of tire capacity based on a 3 ST tire year expectancy. But I signed up for this RV thing so no complaints from me. There are people on this forum asking how to use their water connections or how to operate an awning, or how to turn on a light. Once again, no disrespect, but if people aren't in tune with operations of their coach (or the directions provided on how to use their coach), why would we think they are in tune with driving their coach?

If you think tow max are good why replace with the michelin rib? Thanks for the good choice helps my job security.

 

[scottyb]

That generalization may apply to some but not to others. I obtained a CDL at age 19 and have driven semi's hauling heavy equipment, pulled large gooseneck horse and flatbed trailers since I was 14. This is my 1st RV.

 

[conradsteph]

Re: power king towmax or better??

My first RV too. From tents to our Cyclone. I did my homework. So did you (based on your signature).

 

[JanAndBill]

Classic case of why trailer tires fail. I was running down the interstate today following a large 5th wheel with out of state tags. Speed limit was 70 and I was running 79 to keep up with him. When we got off at the same exit, and he made the turn, I could see he was running the infamous Towmax tires. Assuming this was his nomal driving, I feel safe in saying that at some point in the future he will be one of those posters talking about those terrible tires that tore up his trailer.

 

[tmcran]

Maxxis.

 

[scottyb]

Classic case of why trailer tires fail. I was running down the interstate today following a large 5th wheel with out of state tags. Speed limit was 70 and I was running 79 to keep up with him. When we got off at the same exit, and he made the turn, I could see he was running the infamous Towmax tires. Assuming this was his nomal driving, I feel safe in saying that at some point in the future he will be one of those posters talking about those terrible tires that tore up his trailer.

I don't think these people would be safe with any tire made. However, I think they are the exception rather than the rule, and even more so with the individuals that frequent this website. My take is that a larger than normal proportion of people here are people who pay attention to detail and checking tire pressures is routine, and driving fast is not in the equation.

 

[donr827]

Many years ago when we purchased our first travel trailer the man that did the PDI never told me that the max speed limit for the tires was 65. Some new rv owners might not know the limitations of the ST tires.
Don

 

[JanAndBill]

I don't think these people would be safe with any tire made. However, I think they are the exception rather than the rule, and even more so with the individuals that frequent this website. My take is that a larger than normal proportion of people here are people who pay attention to detail and checking tire pressures is routine, and driving fast is not in the equation.

You may be right but still I've been passed many times, by other rigs while maintaining my steady 64 mile per hour towing. This is our 2nd trailer, prior to we had a motor home that would run with the best of them. Now it's a struggle to maintain the slower speeds. Feels like I'm constantly pulling back on the reins!

 

[lwmcguir]

Anyone that has traveled I80 across NE knows that 80% or more of the campers travel in excess of 75 mph daily. Very fast interstate and folks tend to try to keep pace with the pack.

 

[Mizmary]

Anyone that has traveled I80 across NE knows that 80% or more of the campers travel in excess of 75 mph daily. Very fast interstate and folks tend to try to keep pace with the pack.

Yes, yes, and yes. In 100 degree heat. On crappy roads. Being from Nebraska i have driven that road more times than I can count. Everywhere. Even in CA, IL, and states with a 55mph limit for those towing I've seen many folks go past going way too fast with too much load.

Shall I tell you about the time in Maine when we were passed (going 65, but with tires rated at that speed) and we got to see the underside of someone's 40 foot travel trailer three different times? Tires aside, many people drive too fast with their campers creating the potential for lots of terrible accidents.

 

[DesertThumper]

I thought I should add the information I found from the discount tire site as an example of guidelines for others that may not know the principles of tire awareness and maintenance information. If your having tire concerns, talk to a tire specialist as I will be doing the same. Other tire guidelines can be found on the net. http://www.discounttire.com/dtcs/infoTrailerTireFacts.dos Trailer Tire Applications

• Trailer tires are designed for use on trailer axle positions only. They are not built to handle the loads applied to, or the traction required by, drive or steering axles.

Inflation

• Always inflate trailer tires to the maximum inflation indicated on the sidewall.
• Check inflation when the tires are cool and have not been exposed to the sun.
• If the tires are hot to the touch from operation, add three psi to the max inflation.
• Underinflation is the number one cause of trailer tire failure.

Load Carrying Capacity

• All tires must be identical in size for the tires to properly manage the weight of the trailer.
• The combined capacity of the tires must equal or exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of the axle.
• The combined capacity of all of the tires should exceed the loaded trailer weight by 20 percent.
• If the actual weight is not available, use the trailer GVW. If a tire fails on a tandem axle trailer, you should replace both tires on that side. The remaining tire is likely to have been subjected to excessive loading.
• If the tires are replaced with tires of larger diameter, the tongue height may need to be adjusted to maintain proper weight distribution.

Speed

• All "ST" tires have a maximum speed rating of 65 mph.
• As heat builds up, the tire's structure starts to disintegrate and weaken.
• The load carrying capacity gradually decreases as the heat and stresses generated by higher speed increases.

Time

• Time and the elements weaken a trailer tire.
• In approximately three years, roughly one-third of the tire's strength is gone.
• Three to five years is the projected life of a normal trailer tire.
• It is suggested that trailer tires be replaced after three to four years of service regardless of tread depth or tire appearance.

Mileage

• Trailer tires are not designed to wear out.
• The life of a trailer tire is limited by time and duty cycles.
• The mileage expectation of a trailer tire is 5,000 to 12,000 miles.

Why Use An "ST" Tire

• "ST" tires feature materials and construction to meet the higher load requirements and demands of trailering.
• The polyester cords are bigger than they would be for a comparable "P" or "LT" tire.
• The steel cords have a larger diameter and greater tensile strength to meet the additional load requirements.
• "ST" tire rubber compounds contain more chemicals to resist weather and ozone cracking.

Storage

• The ideal storage for trailer tires is in a cool, dark garage at maximum inflation.
• Use tire covers to protect the tires from direct sunlight.
• Use thin plywood sections between the tire and the pavement.
• For long term storage, put the trailer on blocks to take the weight off the tires. Then lower the air pressure and cover the tires to protect them from direct sunlight.

Maintenance

• Clean the tires using mild soap and water.
• Do not use tire-care products containing alcohol or petroleum distillates.
• Inspect the tires for any cuts, snags, bulges or punctures.
• Check the inflation before towing and again before the return trip.

Keys to Avoiding Trouble

• Make sure your rig is equipped with the proper tires.
• Maintain the tires meticulously.
• Replace trailer tires every three to five years, whether they look like they're worn out or not.

 

[Ric_Flair]

DesertThumper,

You can follow the good advice you posted above (know I do) and these crap tires will still fail. It's time we stop blaming ourselves and each other and face the facts that these cheap, flimsy BlowMax PowerKeg tires are good for one thing: pulling your trailer from the dealership to the nearest Discount Tire for replacement.

Mine failed after 5 months, despite taking all care and precautions.

Sadly, trailers are still rolling off the Heartland assembly line everyday on this junk rubber.

 

[SeattleLion]

Ok, this thread is endless and I have to agree that the TowMax are most likely substandard. I am new at this. After the huge investment in our Bighorn, there isn't much left for anything else. What is a reasonably priced tire we can use to replace our TowMax?

 

[For20hunter]

We replaced ours with 17.5" wheels and Goodyear G114's


Rod Ditrich

 

[SeattleLion]

We replaced ours with 17.5" wheels and Goodyear G114's


Rod Ditrich

May I ask how much that cost?

 

[For20hunter]

I don't remember exactly. Call Kevin at trailertiresandwheels.com. They were the cheapest by well over $1000.00