I went through this process when I was having a custom trailer built for my boat over the winter. Although the company that built the trailer normally uses Carlyse tires, on overwhelming advice from individuals that trailer their boats all the time (i.e. a PWT pro for example) I decided to go with Goodyear Marathons. From what I understand, the Marathons are simply more durable, and have especially resilient sidewalls can withstand all the low speed turning that is done with a boat trailer. The result, I am told, is that it results in far fewer tire failures/replacements.
I've heard nothing but positives with these treads, and so far so good on my trailer. I hope this helps.
Tim Verdict - Ludington
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Not recieving the advice Verdict had, i had the same trailer company install the Carlisle tires on my custom trailer in 2003. They are getting close to needed replacement. I had one go flat from road debris. I have a triple axle so the slow hard turns drag the tires a lot. Tread is getting worn. I also have Carlisle on my work trailer and they have held up as well as i need. But like Tim said, If you really want a good tire, take his advice. But i dont have anything bad to say about the ones I have. I would think a truck tire would be even better, but you might need to talk to a couple different tire shops to get the real deal.
www.salmonheadcharters.com
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Goodyear Marathon's are one of the few tires made specifically for towing. They have a different arrangement of steel belts than a car radial tire, with stronger sidewalls to carry more load. In addition, they have a special rubber compound which is much more resistant to UV rays from the sun. UV is responsible for a lot of trailer tire problems, since trailers tend to sit a lot...UV breaks down the rubber in the sidewalls and weakens it.
Marathon's are more expensive, but well worth it. I have used them on my last 4 boat trailers and my Airstream travel trailer without ever having a problem.
If you are near Grand Rapids, MI, I can highly recommend calling Kevin Havilland at RHD, Inc. 616-459-0129.
Tom
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I have a double axle trailer, I wanted to replace two tires this year and two next year so I wanted to stay with the bias ply rather than attempt mix and match stuff. The owners manual says don't use radial tires but, it's a older trailer/book. I'll have to check into the Goodyear. -Alan
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Last year I purchase Carlyle tires in a D range. My tailer and boat weight in total was 2300# and the new tire where rate for 1500 each which is 3000# in total. I figured this will work. So I left for Canada on our yearly fishing trip. On the way back one Carlyle tire blew out. While changing the tire I found that my spare was flat (it was checked before we left- unknown slow leak). I had to take the spare to the nearest off ramp and back, which was over 75 mile round trip. I put the spare on and after appoximately 3 hours later, we where on the road again. I didn't go 10 miles farther, when the other new Carlyle tire blew out. I was so &%^$# mad. I had to unhook the boat,leave it on the hyway and go to the nearest Farm and Fleet, which was again 75 miles away and get new tires. The tires blowing out caused over $900.00 of damages to the trailer. They ripped my fender off. wrecked my lights and the trailer paint. The tires and rims where completely gone. Not to mension the lost time we had and the frear/ danger of replacing the tire on the open road with traffic zooming by you!! When I got home and got all my bills in order, I called Carlyle. After many days of arguing with them, they finally sent me a check for the damages. I will never by Carlyle Tires again. I was told by other people who ran with Carlyle and a local Ranger boat dealer, Carlyle has been having problems. I tell you that these Farm and Fleet tires are holding up great. Cheap and good-how can you beat that?
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Here's my one and only story about trailer tires. When the wife and I moved to Alaska, we ran into some really nasty ice just into Alberta, Canada, so we decided to store the boat (22ft Trophy Hardtop) in Lethbridge, AB and come back down to get it in the spring. When we went back down (over 2000 mi one way) to get it, I noticed that the tires had weather cracked severely over the winter so we took the boat to a Canada Tire to get replacements. They told me they couldn't do it without taking the boat off the trailer. So, after a few harsh words between myself and the punk working there, we set off for Alaska again without new tires. About half way up the Alaskan Highway, one tire blew out. I changed into my spare and managed to find a mechanic who had a 14 in car tire that would fit my rim for a spare for $15 canadian. It was about 350 mi to the next decent sized town (Whitehorse, British Columbia) about the size of Hudsonville MI, and we managed to limp up there. I found a tire store and purchased a set of 5 Load Master radials for about $280 american and they now have around 8000 miles on them and are still going strong. I just wish I knew who made these because they are definately the best trailer tires I've ever seen.
Bill Brock
Bill Brock Semper FIsh Sportfishing Team Boat.. Just Right
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I also had problems with Carlisle tires in the 14 inch size on my single axle trailer. I had four tires explode while towing at speed in 3 years. I wound up replacing them with 15 inch (axle & all) so I could a higher capacity rating. Since my boat/trailer dealer participated (50/50 split on replacement cost) I still have Carlisle. But when these need to be replaced it's definately Goodyear.
These ARE the good old days!
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