Everybody knows that the OEM tires are usually not the best you can get on your truck. My new 13 RAM 3500 DRW came with the American Generals mentioned. When I was getting my Super Hitch installed today (step one of the Torklift program) prior to the install of my new Eagle Cap 950, I ran into a fella that had a 2011 RAM that had the same tires, he experienced tread separation that did extensive damage to the truck. He put Michelin's on the front right after that.I certainly want to upgrade my tires, but I was planning on doing so when the OEM's wore out, should I be concerned.....put this on Craiglist and get some other trusted brand?I am hoping this was a one-off event, I searched the internet and didn't see any chatter on the tire other then pre-mature wear.....entirely expected in an OEM tire for sure.Thanks!

I ran my American generals for about 40,000 miles before going to my current TOYO open country tires. I even believed I switched with a good amount of tread left.

I ran my factory ameritrac generals for 43000 miles with no problems.However I rotated them every 10000 or so and were not loaded very heavy.My little alaskan popup only weighs about 2700 loaded with all camping gear.also my truck is DWR 3500 ram.Ramp

My 2009 Chevy Silverado dually came thru with Generals. I got almost 50K miles out of them. I was that happy I replaced all 6 with the same tires.

Past experience is that Generals are ok tires, but they tend to have soft side walls. That makes for a better ride but they wont take much abuse with running into curbs which may have been how his troubles began with separating. If not towing heavy I would stay with them till they wear out.

I bought my truck used at which time it had 4 new Generals on the rear. They served well until worn out with about 40000 miles, most of which were loaded with the TC. I now have 6 Cooper Discoverer AT3s which I am happy with. I am pretty picky about tires.

American General Tires on new RAM | Good Sam Community

11 Replies

stuckinthesand
Explorer
Aug 02, 2013
My 2003 F250 came with Generals and the left rear blew out at highway speed with a 1500lb camper on it. Truck/tire had about 20,000 miles, totally gutted the wheel well and messed up the sheet metal real good. Tire was inflated properly and had never leaked or given any sign of trouble prior to this. Funny thing is I’ve seen several of these bent fenders on F250’s of this vintage. I suppose any tire can blow at any given time but I don’t mess with general anymore. Your results may vary. Happy camping.
Fuzzy_Bear
Explorer
Aug 02, 2013
First thing you should consider is replacing the rubber valve stems with metal ones. The rubber ones don't hold up well when inflating to 80psi. I had two flats on the rear due to torn valve stems. That in turn led to belt separation. Replaced them with 235x80x17 Hankook ATM but they are too narrow and tend to follow the big rig ruts on the interstates. Next time I will go a bit wider.

Doug
Jeepers92
Explorer
Jul 28, 2013
My Ram also came with generals. Both fronts separated, all rears made it to 50k. I think the problem is with the ram front end alignment.
egarant
Nomad
Jul 27, 2013
That is good news, I won't fret about the tires, sounds like they will do fine until they are ready for replacement.

Thanks everyone!
gwalter
Explorer III
Jul 27, 2013
I have them as originals on my 2010 ram and have carried some heavy loads on them without any problems in 38000 miles.
SolidAxleDurang
Explorer II
Jul 27, 2013
kerry4951 wrote:
My 2009 Chevy Silverado dually came thru with Generals. I got almost 50K miles out of them. I was that happy I replaced all 6 with the same tires.

I got 51K out of mine and replaced them with the same.
jmckelvy
Explorer
Jul 27, 2013
I bought my truck used at which time it had 4 new Generals on the rear. They served well until worn out with about 40000 miles, most of which were loaded with the TC. I now have 6 Cooper Discoverer AT3s which I am happy with. I am pretty picky about tires.
powderman426
Explorer
Jul 26, 2013
Past experience is that Generals are ok tires, but they tend to have soft side walls. That makes for a better ride but they wont take much abuse with running into curbs which may have been how his troubles began with separating. If not towing heavy I would stay with them till they wear out.
kerry4951
Explorer
Jul 26, 2013
My 2009 Chevy Silverado dually came thru with Generals. I got almost 50K miles out of them. I was that happy I replaced all 6 with the same tires.
Ramp_Digger
Explorer
Jul 26, 2013
I ran my factory ameritrac generals for 43000 miles with no problems.However I rotated them every 10000 or so and were not loaded very heavy.My little alaskan popup only weighs about 2700 loaded with all camping gear.also my truck is DWR 3500 ram.
Ramp