Last weekend on the way home from a week-long trip, the left rear tire (Firestone Steeltex) lost its tread. Luckily, it stayed inflated long enough to make it to a rest area where I could change it. The steel belts were nice and shiny after running on the pavement for ten minutes
The tread separation has caused several hundred dollars of body damage to the truck. The local Firestone dealer is no help, so i called Firestone warrantee claims number. They have sent forms and want me to ship the tire to them prepaid (I pay) before they determine if it is a defective tire and pay any claims. The tires are original equipment on my 2002 2500HD, 31,000 miles, 5mm tread depth left on the other 3 tires. I carry a Starcraft 852 slide-in (2200 lb+gear), so my weight is ok. I have always checked inflation every morning, and check the temp at every stop. I am not interested in replacing with new Firestones, but have ordered BFG Commercial TA's to put on the truck. Has anyone had any experience in filing a claim with Firestone for vehicle damage due to tire failure, or will I be wasting my time and money? The tire is technically out of warrantee due to age. TIA