Blog - RAM Truck Tire Size Guide
Are you on the hunt for new tires? Maybe you just want to see what will fit your model. Here is a quick guide to what tires sizes RAM uses. Plus, some information on how to go a bit larger.
Before we begin, we have a bit of a disclaimer. With RAM or Dodge building trucks for decades, this guide will attempt to address many of the models out there. However, we won’t be able to hit every single one and we will only be addressing 1990 and newer trucks. Lastly, this is a “guide” and it is always recommended to double-check with a tire store and/or reseller.
OEM Tire Sizes – RAM
Lug Nut Patterns
One thing that is pretty helpful to know when looking for tires is the lug nut pattern can tell you whether or not your truck and/or rim is setup for a 2wd or 4wd. The rule of thumb is that 6 lug patterns (wheels with 6 lug nuts) are for 4wd and 5 lug patterns are more common for 2wd.
Going Bigger Without a Lift
Lift kits are great and many trucks really improve their appearance with them. However, there is an additional expense of adding the kit. If you want to raise the truck without adding the lift, putting on larger tires is the quick option.
Most trucks come with the ability to add a larger tire with the wheel well openings. By larger, we mean an extra inch or so. You simply can’t throw a large tire in there without encountering rubbing when turning or driving – that requires a lift.
If you want to go larger keep the following in mind:
- From the factory, the truck gauges are programmed with the standard tire size and going larger can throw them off. You may need to update your truck’s speedometer and odometer. This is usually a simple process of tapping into the computer and updating it. Quite often, your tire seller or dealer can do it for you.
- Larger tires may look cool, but you will lose some low-end torque. Basically, by adding more rubber to the axle, it will turn slower and your truck will be slower off the line. Most truck owners that go larger (and we mean larger) often will either change the gearing and/or add a supercharger.
Good Rules of Thumb to Remember
The first rule of thumb is the 3% Height and Width or “plus 1” rule. This generally means that you can increase your tire height and width by 3% without having to do a lift or leveling kit.
Now, the 3% is great except that not every tire manufacture offers a tire that is exactly that much larger. This is why the plus 1 name came into existence.
The plus 1 states: 1” Lift = 1” Height. This is pretty self-explanatory. You can go 1” inch taller on the tire for each inch of lift. However, this doesn’t apply to width. If you increase width, you may need different backspacing for your wheels.
Over-Sized Tires
Note: The recommendations made below are based on factory wheels. If you have an upgraded rim with different backspacing, you will be able to increase to a wider tire.
Fourth Generation – 2009-2015
No lift Kit
Max tire sizes are:
- 17″ rims: 275/65 R17
- 20: rims: 285/55 R20
1.5-2″ Leveling Kit (or less)
Note when installing a leveling kit you might be able to fit wider tires than we have listed. These tires can be trimed to fit.
Max tire sizes are:
- 17″ rims: 275/70 R17
- 20: rims: 285/65 R20
3″ Lift Kit
If you add a 3″ lift kit, your options get better. Yet, the wideness still could be a concern requiring trimming.
Max tire sizes are:
- 17″ rims: 275/75 R17 – technically you can go with a 275/80 R17, but that tire doesn’t exist.
- 20: rims: 285/65 R20 – like above, you can go 285/70 R20 if you can find the tire.
Third Generation – 2002-2008
No Lift Kit
Max tire sizes are:
- 17″ rims: 275/80 R17
- 20″ rims: 285/70 R20
1.5-2″ Leveling Kit (or less)
Max tire sizes are:
- 17″ rims: 275/70 R17
- 20″ rims: 285/65 R20
3″ Lift Kit
Max tire sizes are:
- 17″ rims: 275/70 R17 – there are two larger sizes (275/75 and 275/80), yet we can’t find a tire made like that.
- 20″ rims: 285/65 R20 – there is one larger tire 285/70, but we couldn’t find it for sale.
Lastly, remember that tire makers build all sorts of tires. This means you may not be able to find the exact tire for BOTH height and width when shopping for new tires.
Where to Shop
These days it is a lot easier to find tires. Your first step should be online research at different online outlets. Then, check out your local brick and mortar tire shop. In a lot of cases, these brick and mortar stores will give you some good information and/or have a coupon which offsets the online savings.