Archived Dually Tire Matching Help

[mangle]

I need your help.



My 2000. 5 Ram 3500 was just hit from behind. The outer left dually tire took most of the impact and my rig was pushed about 5 or 6 feet.



As a result of the accident, the outer tire must be replace. The insurance company tells me they can not match my existing tires, and want to use another model, etc.



I have told the insurance company they must either match to my existing tires, or replace all the tires on the left side. “Three tires are required for a matched “dually set” in which I can rotate the tires and carry a maximum load safety”. :-{}



I need help locating reference sources that support my position. If anyone has ideas, please advise. This has turned into a real battle for me, and I will not compromise when it comes to the safety issue.



Thanks,

Mike angles

-- email address removed --

 

[Dukenrock]

Tell them if they only replace the damaged tire, that's OK but they need to sign a document indicating you've asked them to for safety reasons and they refused. See what they say next.

 

[mangle]

Nice idea. Put the burden on them.



thanks,

mike



Additional ideas are very much appreciated.

 

[SteveMiller]

I don't know how to get a insurance company to do what you want but the whole idea of insurance is that you get your vehicle back in the same shape it used to be in. Seems to me the missmatched tires are not how it used to be. And this may not really be as big of a concern but what about the LS not working correctly from one side being slightly larger than the other or the extra wear on the T-case from the front and back needing to spin at different speeds. I agree you should be ticked and stick to your guns. I wouldn't be happy to not have matching tires just cause some insurance place is being cheap.



Sorry and good luck.

 

[SteveMiller]

Or since its 2wheel drive the t-case probably won't care. ;-)

 

[mangle]

Nope, it not 6-wheel drive. No T-case. But the point remains. The repairs should put it back in the same condition. As for the LS, I don't see this as a big issue. I seem to remember the Dodge manual recommending tire replacement as a set, but could not locate this info in my shop manual. The small manual that comes with the truck is in the glove box at the repair shop, so I can't check it out.



cheers,

mike

 

[Ol'TrailDog]

For starters, you might consider changing your user name... Bad Karma, neh? :-laf :-laf

 

[mangle]

Bad Karma indeed. This little Dodge has taken on one Dodge Van, one Mec Cougar, and most recently a new Toyolla.



In all cases my rig was driveable. In events 1 and 3, we were parked. In fact, when the Dodge Van hit my rig, the wife and I were asleep in our 5th wheel. The accident damaged my 5th wheel, but not the Dodge.



In event 2, it was a head-on near Grants Pass. Some kid driving to fast. I was pulling my 5th wheel and this kid slids into my land. Had just enough room to hit her at an angle. Cut the front right off of her Mec Cougar. My front receiver and the left fender took most of the force. A quick front end alignment, and a head light taped to left side of the bumper allowed us to continued our summer trip. Of course I had to tell the story at every RV park... By the way, "mangles" is Mike Angles...



cheers

 

[willyslover]

suggest you contact Michelin, of BFG,Goodyear tech line and see if they have anything in print about mis-matchor mis-sized tires. . most will have dealer tech bullitens about not installing like this. .