I purchased a 2013 Chevy Silverado 2500HD from Joe Lee Chevrolet in Clinton, AR. As part of the sales agreement, the dealership agreed to replace two worn tires, upon taking possession, they had replaced all four tires. This was a pleasant surprise; until I found out they were not rated for a 3/4 ton pickup. They are passenger tires, Bridgestone P255/70R17 (4 ply tires).
I have contacted GM and they said the recommended replacement will be located on a sticker inside the driver door, which states LT245/75R17E. I have also consulted with several tire dealers and a Bridgestone dealer, who all said that 'P' (passenger) tires should not be installed on a tires on a 3/4 ton pickup and that it should have E (10 ply) rated tires. Joe Lee Chevrolet’s own ‘tire finder’ website list only LT tires as replacements.
The following quote is from a Bridgestone representative in an article titled, ‘Advice: Light Truck vs Passenger car tires: what you should know’*:
“It’s a serious safety issue,” says Dino Tenuta, Bridgestone Canada’s Manager of Technical Services. “A P-metric (passenger) tire will generally not stand the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of a truck designed for LT-metric tires…”
“Additionally, he explains, handling, braking, and stability can all be affected when mounting a non-OE rated tire on the vehicle.”
Another quote from the same article:
“Vehicle manufacturers and tire companies alike stress the importance of sticking with OE LT-metric tires on your truck. Swapping an OE LT-metric tire for a P-metric tire can have dangerous consequences.”
They have admitted to pulling them off of a 1/2 ton pickup which weighs 4,860lbs. When I told the sales manager I didn't buy a 1/2 ton pickup, I bought a 3/4 ton pickup, a Silverado 2500HD, which weighs 9,500lbs, he said “this conversation is over” and hung up.
When I originally brought this to their attention, I was told that if I wanted to 'upgrade' the tires, I would have to pay the difference in price and the cost of mounting/balancing. It should not be considered an upgrade to have the original equipment rated tires to be on a vehicle when you purchase it. Negotiating was not an option; I was told flatly by the sales manager “I am not buying anymore tires for that truck’. At one point I just asked for the original tires back, but was told that they had already gotten rid of them.
I use a truck to haul a 1,000lb four-wheeler and tow a 7,000lb camper, all of which I told the salesperson. Now, if I drive on the currently installed tires, not rated nor recommended by GM, any tire dealer I have contacted, and Bridgestone industry experts, I put me and my family’s lives at risk.
Joe Lee Chevrolet Reviews
I purchased a 2013 Chevy Silverado 2500HD from Joe Lee Chevrolet in Clinton, AR. As part of the sales agreement, the dealership agreed to replace two worn tires, upon taking possession, they had replaced all four tires. This was a pleasant surprise; until I found out they were not rated for a 3/4 ton pickup. They are passenger tires, Bridgestone P255/70R17 (4 ply tires).
I have contacted GM and they said the recommended replacement will be located on a sticker inside the driver door, which states LT245/75R17E. I have also consulted with several tire dealers and a Bridgestone dealer, who all said that 'P' (passenger) tires should not be installed on a tires on a 3/4 ton pickup and that it should have E (10 ply) rated tires. Joe Lee Chevrolet’s own ‘tire finder’ website list only LT tires as replacements.
The following quote is from a Bridgestone representative in an article titled, ‘Advice: Light Truck vs Passenger car tires: what you should know’*:
“It’s a serious safety issue,” says Dino Tenuta, Bridgestone Canada’s Manager of Technical Services. “A P-metric (passenger) tire will generally not stand the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of a truck designed for LT-metric tires…”
“Additionally, he explains, handling, braking, and stability can all be affected when mounting a non-OE rated tire on the vehicle.”
Another quote from the same article:
“Vehicle manufacturers and tire companies alike stress the importance of sticking with OE LT-metric tires on your truck. Swapping an OE LT-metric tire for a P-metric tire can have dangerous consequences.”
They have admitted to pulling them off of a 1/2 ton pickup which weighs 4,860lbs. When I told the sales manager I didn't buy a 1/2 ton pickup, I bought a 3/4 ton pickup, a Silverado 2500HD, which weighs 9,500lbs, he said “this conversation is over” and hung up.
When I originally brought this to their attention, I was told that if I wanted to 'upgrade' the tires, I would have to pay the difference in price and the cost of mounting/balancing. It should not be considered an upgrade to have the original equipment rated tires to be on a vehicle when you purchase it. Negotiating was not an option; I was told flatly by the sales manager “I am not buying anymore tires for that truck’. At one point I just asked for the original tires back, but was told that they had already gotten rid of them.
I use a truck to haul a 1,000lb four-wheeler and tow a 7,000lb camper, all of which I told the salesperson. Now, if I drive on the currently installed tires, not rated nor recommended by GM, any tire dealer I have contacted, and Bridgestone industry experts, I put me and my family’s lives at risk.