2016 Ram 1500 Tire Size & Pressure Guide

Quick Answer

• OEM Tire Size: 265/70R17, 275/60R20, 285/70R17 (depending on trim)
• Recommended Cold Tire Pressure (Door Placard): 35-40 PSI (check your specific vehicle's door placard)
• Bolt Pattern: 5x139.7mm
• Wheel Size: 17x7, 17x8, 20x9 (depending on trim)
• Load Index/Speed Rating: Varies by tire size and type (e.g., 113S, 115T)
• Spare Tire Size: Typically full-size, matching one of the OEM tire options
• TPMS Frequency: 433 MHz

Tire Sizes by Trim

(Note: Always confirm your specific vehicle's tire size and pressure on the driver's side door placard.)

Recommended Replacement Tires

When replacing tires on your 2016 Ram 1500, it's crucial to choose tires that meet or exceed the OEM specifications for load capacity and speed rating. Here are a few popular options that offer a good balance of performance, durability, and value:

• Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure with Kevlar (Premium Tier): A favorite for truck owners, this tire provides excellent all-terrain traction, durability, and a comfortable ride. It's well-suited for both on-road and off-road driving.
• BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 (Premium Tier): Renowned for its aggressive tread and robust sidewall, the KO2 is an ideal choice for those who frequently venture off-road or encounter challenging conditions. It also performs well on pavement.
• Michelin Defender LTX M/S (Mid-Premium Tier): If highway comfort, long tread life, and excellent wet weather performance are your priorities, the Defender LTX M/S is a top contender. It offers a smooth, quiet ride and strong all-season traction.
• General Grabber HTS60 (Mid-Range Tier): A solid all-season highway tire that provides good handling, a quiet ride, and reliable performance in various conditions. It's a great value option for everyday driving.
• Falken Wildpeak A/T3W (Mid-Range Tier): This tire offers a blend of aggressive off-road capability and dependable on-road performance, making it a versatile choice for Ram 1500 owners who need a capable all-terrain tire without breaking the bank.

When to Inflate to Max Load PSI (Heavy Duty Trucks Only)

The 2016 Ram 1500 is not classified as a "Heavy Duty" truck in the same vein as a Ram 2500 or 3500. For your 2016 Ram 1500, you should always adhere to the cold tire inflation pressures specified on your vehicle's door placard (typically found on the driver's side door jamb).

Inflating your tires to the "max load" PSI indicated on the tire's sidewall is generally not recommended for light-duty trucks like the Ram 1500. This pressure is the maximum pressure for the tire itself to carry its maximum rated load, not necessarily the optimal pressure for your specific vehicle under normal driving conditions. Over-inflation can lead to:

• A harsher ride
• Premature tire wear (center of the tread)
• Reduced traction
• Increased risk of tire damage from impacts

Only in specific heavy-duty towing or hauling situations, and only if explicitly recommended by your vehicle manufacturer or a tire professional, might slight adjustments upward (but still below the tire's max PSI) be considered. Always consult your owner's manual and door placard first.

Lug Nut Torque & Pattern

• Lug Nut Torque: 130-140 lb-ft (foot-pounds). Always use a torque wrench to ensure proper tightening. Incorrect torque can lead to wheel detachment or damage to the wheel studs.
• Bolt Pattern: 5x139.7mm (also sometimes referred to as 5x5.5 inches). This means there are 5 lug nuts, and the circle formed by the centers of these lugs has a diameter of 139.7 millimeters.
• Tightening Pattern: Always tighten lug nuts in a star or criss-cross pattern. This ensures the wheel is seated evenly against the hub and prevents warping of the brake rotor or wheel.

Common Tire Issues for This Vehicle

Ram 1500 owners occasionally report certain tire-related issues. Being aware of these can help you spot problems early:

• Uneven Tire Wear: This can be caused by various factors, including improper tire pressure, worn suspension components, or misalignment. Regularly rotating your tires and maintaining correct inflation pressure are key preventative measures.
• Premature Tire Wear, Especially Inner Edges: Misalignment, particularly a negative camber issue or toe-out, can lead to the inner edges of the tires wearing down much faster than the rest of the tread. A professional alignment usually resolves this.
• Road Noise: As tires wear, or if an aggressive tread pattern is chosen, road noise can increase. Regular rotation can help mitigate irregular wear patterns that contribute to noise.
• TPMS Light Illumination: The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) light can illuminate for various reasons, including low tire pressure (the most common cause), a faulty sensor, or a dead sensor battery. Check your tire pressures first, and if the light persists, have the system inspected.

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