2017 Ram 2500 Tire Size, Pressure & Wheel Specs

As an ASE-certified master technician, I know that maintaining a heavy-duty truck like the 2017 Ram 2500 requires strict attention to tire and wheel specifications. Whether you are hauling heavy payloads, towing a fifth wheel, or just daily driving, having the correct tire size, load rating, and air pressure is critical for safety and performance. Here is your comprehensive guide to the 2017 Ram 2500 tire and wheel specs.

Quick answer: 2017 Ram 2500 Tire & Wheel Specs

• OEM Tire Sizes: LT245/70R17, LT275/70R18, LT285/60R20, or LT285/70R17 (Power Wagon)
• Recommended Cold Tire Pressure: 60 PSI Front / 80 PSI Rear (check your driver’s door jamb placard, as this can vary slightly by engine and cab configuration)
• Bolt Pattern: 8x165.1 mm (8x6.5")
• Wheel Size & Offset: 17x7.5, 17x8 (Power Wagon), 18x8, or 20x8. Offset is generally +41mm to +55mm.
• Load Index / Speed Rating: Load Range E (typically 121 or 125 load index) / R or S speed rating
• Spare Tire Size: Full-size spare matching your OEM diameter (usually LT245/70R17 or LT275/70R18)
• TPMS Frequency: 433 MHz

Tire sizes by trim

The 2017 Ram 2500 was offered in a variety of trims, from bare-bones work trucks to luxury haulers. Here are the common OEM tire sizes by trim level:

Note: Always verify your specific truck's tire size on the sidewall before purchasing, as previous owners may have modified the wheels.

Recommended replacement tires

Heavy-duty trucks need tires that can handle serious torque and weight. You must choose LT (Light Truck) tires with a Load Range E (10-ply rated) for the Ram 2500. Here are a few top picks:

1. Michelin Defender LTX M/S (Premium/$$$) - The gold standard for highway hauling. Extremely durable, quiet, and provides excellent tread life even under heavy loads.
2. BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 (Mid-High/$$$) - An aggressive, durable all-terrain tire perfect for the Power Wagon or any Ram 2500 that sees frequent dirt, mud, or snow.
3. Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLT (Mid/$$) - A great balance of on-road comfort and off-road capability, featuring reinforced shoulders for hauling.
4. Falken Wildpeak A/T3W (Mid/$$) - Excellent severe-weather (3PMSF) rated all-terrain tire that handles heavy towing exceptionally well.

When to inflate to max load psi

Because the 2017 Ram 2500 is an HD truck, understanding tire pressure is crucial. The door placard usually recommends 60 PSI in the front and 80 PSI in the rear.

• When loaded: You should absolutely run the rear tires at the placard-recommended 80 PSI (or the max cold PSI listed on the tire sidewall) when towing heavy trailers or carrying max payload. This prevents sidewall flex, excessive heat buildup, and catastrophic blowouts.
• When unloaded: Many drivers find that running 80 PSI in the rear without a load creates a bone-jarring ride and causes the center of the rear tire tread to wear out prematurely. When completely unloaded, you can safely drop the rear tire pressure down to 65-70 PSI to improve ride comfort and promote even tread wear. Just remember to air them back up before hitching up the trailer! Note that dropping pressure may trigger the TPMS light on the dashboard.

Lug nut torque & pattern

Proper wheel installation is a matter of safety on a heavy-duty truck.

• Bolt Pattern: 8x165.1mm (8x6.5")
• Lug Nut Torque: 130 ft-lbs (176 Nm)

Always tighten the lug nuts in a crisscross (star) pattern. Because of the heavy torque loads these trucks produce, I highly recommend re-torquing the wheels after the first 50 to 100 miles of driving following a tire rotation or replacement.

Common tire issues for this vehicle

• Death Wobble / Cupping: Solid front axle trucks like the Ram 2500 are notorious for front-end vibration issues. If you notice cupping on your front tires, it’s often a sign of worn track bar bushings, bad ball joints, or failing steering dampers. Keep tires balanced and rotate them every 5,000 miles.
• Outer edge wear: Heavy-duty trucks naturally scrub their front tires during tight turns. Regular rotation (front-to-back, keeping them on the same side if they are directional, or crossing them if not) is essential to maximize lifespan.
• TPMS Sensor failure: The 433 MHz TPMS sensors feature internal batteries that typically last 7-10 years. For a 2017 model, you are entering the window where the original sensors may start dying. It is smart to replace all four sensors when you get your next set of tires.

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