BEWARE Wrangler AT Tires

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If you are thinking about new tires for your older Ram, beware of the Wrangler AT's.
A friend liked my new tires, Wrangler AT 245x85x16. He order a set and they looked GOOD, but they rode like crap.
The only difference we could find was the replacement tires were 4 ply, not 6 ply. All other number matched.

He is trying to get them replaced with the ones supplied on the 2000 3500.


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2000 3500 Quad Cab, SLT+, LSD, 4x2 Auto, 3. 54, Camper Option, Trailer Option, Sports Option, Sliding Rear Window, BLACK. With Power Bolt Tailgate Lock, Dodge Sill Guards, Mag-Hytec Rear End Cover, Leer Camper Shell.

 

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bmann, I thought the '00 3500's came with LT235/85 "E" rated (10 ply) tires and the new style wheel with greater offset - of course it wouldn't be the first time I thought wrong... .

As for your friend's tires, 4 plys are terrible on anything other than smooth pavement, they're the kiss of death on gravel.

Rob

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1999 2500HD 4x4 SLT Driftwood QC LB 3. 55LSD 5spd Camper/Tow, Custom Built(Deer Hunter Model)Brush Guard w/PIAA Pro 90's, PIAA Platinum Headlamp Bulbs, Diamond Plate Bed Caps w/full frt&rr DiaPlate Protectors -

 

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bmann, I've had nothing but fantastic results from Michelin tires. I have heard horror stories about the Goodyear product from my service manager. I guess i've been lucky enough to have the Michelin's on every Ram that i've owned. I've also heard about the bad ride characteristics from the Goodyear's that you're talking about.

 

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Rob,

You are correct. They are 235x85x16 and so are his new tires.
But, His tread is 4 ply and my tread is 6 ply.
Both are rated "E", 10 ply.
Mine ride OK, as I have no frame of reference to compare, and his rides like the tires are FLAT.
Wanders all over the road.
I have had Michelin on both my MBs and they have been GREAT tires.
I guess I need to find a 3500 with the Michelin tires and test drive it.

If I had a choice, I would have chosen the Michelin tires.

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2000 3500 Quad Cab, SLT+, LSD, 4x2 Auto, 3. 54, Camper Option, Trailer Option, Sports Option, Sliding Rear Window, BLACK. With Power Bolt Tailgate Lock, Dodge Sill Guards, Mag-Hytec Rear End Cover, Leer Camper Shell.

 

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Yeah bmann, I agree with you, the Michelin is a better tire - my 2500 came with with Michelins and they've given me good service.

I'm switching them out on Friday (@ about 30,000 mi. ) for 255/85 Kelly AWR's - these are sold by the local tire store (which has been here for over 100 years) and have proven to be a good on/off road compromise, with a slight bias toward highway use.

Good luck with the tire search -

Rob

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1999 2500HD 4x4 SLT Driftwood QC LB 3. 55LSD 5spd Camper/Tow, Custom Built(Deer Hunter Model)Brush Guard w/PIAA Pro 90's, PIAA Platinum Headlamp Bulbs, Diamond Plate Bed Caps w/full frt&rr DiaPlate Protectors -

 

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I have Goodyear ATS, size: 285/75-16. They are the best tires I have owned. They run quiet and wear slowly and even. They are different than the AT tires. I reccomend them

 

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I'll agree, Goodyear Wrangler AT's are crap tires. My '97 came with a set and picked up a small screw. Couldn't repair the tire. My beloved DC Service Manager took care of it and got me a new one. It took him a day and at no charge. At over $150 per tire that was great news. I lost faith in the tires at that point and decided to upgrade.

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1997, Cummins, 4X4, 2500 Emerald Green, SLT Laramie, Tan Leather, ClubCab, Auto, 3. 54LSD, Tow Package, Camper Package, Banks Stinger Plus, 2" Rancho Suspension Lift, Rancho RS 9000's Shocks, Bushwhacker Flares, 35" BFG Mudders, 16. 5 x 9. 75 Outlaw II Alloys, Jacobs Exhaust Brake, BD Torque-Lock, BD Valve Body, BD Medium Stall Torque Converter, Rhino Liner, Smittybuilt Nerf Bars, K&N Air Filter, Rancho RS 5000 Steering Stabilizer, 5000lb. Air Bags, Aero Under Seat Tool Box, Mopar Bug Deflector, Emerald Green Century Cap, Husky Liner Floor Mats, Pyrometer, Boost, Trans Temp Gauges, Halogen Backup Lights.

 

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I agree also, Goodyear Wrangler AT's are crap tires. I used to have a set on my 85 GMC 3/4 ton gas job. If you get in the slightest bit of mud, you are stuck. The mud will load up between the lugs and no matter how much you spin it will not throw it out. I have had better luck with just highway tread, any brand. These were on a 2WD pickup, so it is not like I went mud bogging or anything.

 

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Goodyear really screwed there self puting a cheaper grade of tires on new trucks. I have 24 k on mine rotate every 5k. check air presure often,there down to the wear bar's on one axle. I know they make a better grade of tire than I have on my trk. I will not ever put a Goodyear on my truck!If I would of gotten 50k out of them I would of bought Goodyears when they were wore out. Gona try Yokohama's or BF Goodrich. Neighboor works for tire dealer,gets 65 k out of a set of YOKO's

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97 Ram 2500 Driftwood 5spd 3:54 E-brake Isspro,boost&pyro guages

[This message has been edited by Tom F1 (edited 11-26-1999). ]

 

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I have Goodyear 305/70R-16 they are AT/S not AT. The AT tires do suck, but, the AT/S tires are great. I would recomend these tires to everyone. They are good in the sand and mud, they are very quite too. I have 22000 miles on them, still alot of tread.

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1997 Dodge x-tended 4x4 non-SLT, 2" front lift, 305/70R-16 Orion 225HCCA, PPI PC450 4/JL AUDIO 8" subs, Banks Powerpack, Twin Ram, pulling a 2000 28' Sleekcraft w/ZZ502 FAST weight 7000lbs