What size tires did the General Lee have?

[LeXavier]

The original 1969 Dodge Charger used as the General Lee in The Dukes of Hazzard TV series was fitted with 14x8.5-inch American Racing Vector wheels and P235/70R14 tires. Modern, safer replicas overwhelmingly use 15-inch wheels, with 235/60R15 and 245/60R15 being the most common sizes for an authentic yet practical look.

The iconic appearance is defined by the polished, spoked American Racing Vector wheel. During the show's production from 1979 to 1985, the stunt cars used a period-correct 14-inch setup. The P235/70R14 tire has a section width of 235 millimeters and an aspect ratio of 70%, meaning the sidewall height is 70% of the width, mounted on a 14-inch diameter rim. This combination provided the necessary sidewall flex for jumps and stunts.

However, for replica builders today, the 14-inch specification presents significant challenges. High-performance tire options in 14-inch diameters are extremely limited, often relegating owners to outdated or unsuitable tire models. Consequently, the community standard has shifted to 15-inch American Racing Vector wheels, which offer vastly superior tire selection, modern compound technology, and improved handling and safety.

The most popular replica configurations use 15x7-inch wheels at the front and 15x8.5-inch at the rear, accommodating different tire widths for a staggered look. Based on builder forums and major replica part suppliers, the 235/60R15 is the go-to size for a balanced, series-accurate profile. For a more aggressive rear stance, 245/60R15 or even 275/60R15 tires are used on the wider rear wheels. The 60-series aspect ratio on a 15-inch wheel closely replicates the overall diameter and sidewall height of the original 70-series 14-inch tire, preserving the car's iconic silhouette.

Configuration	Wheel Size (Front/Rear)	Typical Tire Size	Key Characteristics
Original TV Car	14x8.5" (all corners)	P235/70R14	Historical accuracy; limited modern tire availability.
Modern Replica (Common)	15x7" Front / 15x8.5" Rear	235/60R15 (F), 245/60R15 (R)	Optimal blend of classic look, tire choice, and drivability.
Aggressive Replica	15x7" Front / 15x8.5" Rear	235/60R15 (F), 275/60R15 (R)	Wider rear footprint for a muscular stance.

When building or restoring a General Lee replica, the wheel and tire choice is the most visible defining feature. Adhering to the 15-inch standard with 235/60R15 or 245/60R15 tires ensures the car looks right while being safe and enjoyable to drive on modern roads. Industry resources like Hagerty's valuation guides often note that correctly configured replicas with these updated, functional specifications maintain stronger market appeal and value.

[HectorFitz]

When I built my replica, everyone told me to ditch the 14-inch idea. Finding good 14-inch tires now is a nightmare. I went with 15-inch Vectors all around—15x7 in front and 15x8.5 in the back. I’m running a 235/60R15 tire, and it just looks perfect. It fills the wheel well exactly like the TV car but handles way better. It’s the unwritten rule in the replica community: 15s are the only practical way to go.

[LeKimberly]

As a collector focused on screen accuracy, the detail matters. The original filming cars used 14-inch wheels, specifically the American Racing Vector. The tire was a P235/70R14. That’s the historical fact. However, for a car you actually drive, that’s a problem. My solution was to source the correct 14-inch wheels for shows but have a second set of 15-inch wheels with modern 235/60R15 radials for road use. The visual difference is minimal to the untrained eye, but the driving experience is worlds apart. Preserving history doesn’t mean compromising safety.

[LeOwen]

Here’s the mechanic’s take. The original P235/70R14 tire has a overall diameter of about 26.9 inches. If you switch to a 15-inch wheel, you need a tire that keeps that same overall diameter to avoid messing up your speedometer. A 235/60R15 has a diameter of roughly 26.1 inches—close enough. A 245/60R15 is about 26.6 inches, which is even closer. This sizing maintains the correct stance and gearing. Going too tall or too short will look off and affect performance. Stick with 60-series profiles on 15-inch rims.

[OSophia]

Let’s talk about why the look works. The General Lee’s stance—slightly tucked in the front, muscular in the rear—comes from the wheel and tire combo. The 15-inch replica setup captures this perfectly. The 235-width tire up front on a 7-inch rim gives a slight stretch for steering response. The wider 8.5-inch rim in the back allows for a 245 or 275-width tire, creating that powerful, planted shoulder. The 60-series sidewall is the key; it’s just the right amount of rubber to echo the 70s muscle car vibe without looking bloated. It’s a functional aesthetic that honors the original while making sense today. You’re not just picking tires; you’re engineering an icon.