2020 Ram 2500 – Tire Size & Pressure

Quick Answer

• OEM Tire Size: LT275/70R18 or LT285/60R20
• Recommended Cold Tire Pressure (Door Placard):
  • Front: 60-65 psi
  • Rear: 60-80 psi (depending on load and configuration)
• Bolt Pattern: 8x165.1mm (8x6.5 inches)
• Wheel Size: 18x8 inches or 20x8 inches (offset varies)
• Load Index/Speed Rating: 125/126R or 128/129R (Varies by tire and trim)
• Spare Tire Size: Matches OEM tire size (LT275/70R18 or LT285/60R20)
• TPMS Frequency: 433 MHz

Tire Sizes by Trim

The 2020 Ram 2500 offered various tire and wheel combinations depending on the trim level and optional packages. Here's a general overview:

Note: The Power Wagon trim typically comes with a more aggressive, all-terrain LT285/70R17 tire for enhanced off-road capability.

Recommended Replacement Tires

When it comes to replacing tires on your 2020 Ram 2500, it's crucial to choose tires that meet or exceed the original equipment specifications for load capacity and durability. Here are a few popular options across different price tiers:

• Premium Option (e.g., Michelin LTX A/T2): Known for excellent all-season traction, long tread life, and a comfortable ride. These tires are designed for heavy-duty trucks and offer superior performance for towing and hauling. Expect to pay around $300-$400+ per tire.
• Mid-Range Option (e.g., Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLT): A popular choice for a balance of off-road capability and on-road comfort. These tires provide good traction in various conditions and are built to withstand the demands of a heavy-duty truck. Price range typically $250-$350 per tire.
• Value Option (e.g., Firestone Transforce AT2): A solid choice for those seeking a durable and reliable all-terrain tire at a more budget-friendly price. These tires offer good workhorse performance and are suitable for most daily driving and work applications. Expect to pay around $200-$300 per tire.

Always ensure any replacement tire has an "LT" (Light Truck) designation and a load index/speed rating equal to or greater than your original equipment tires.

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

For heavy-duty trucks like the 2020 Ram 2500, understanding tire pressure beyond the door placard is critical when carrying heavy loads or towing. The door placard provides recommended cold tire inflation pressures for typical driving conditions and a moderately loaded vehicle. However, when you frequently tow or haul near your truck's maximum payload or towing capacity, you should refer to the maximum cold inflation pressure embossed on the tire's sidewall.

• Driving Unloaded or Lightly Loaded: Stick to the pressures listed on your door placard. This provides the best ride comfort, optimal fuel economy, and even tire wear.
• Towing or Hauling Heavy Loads: Increase tire pressure towards the maximum cold inflation pressure listed on the tire sidewall. This helps maintain tire shape, reduces heat buildup, prevents excessive sidewall flexing, and provides maximum load-carrying capacity. Remember to re-adjust tire pressures back to the door placard recommendations when the truck is unloaded.

Consult your owner's manual for specific guidelines on adjusting tire pressure for varying loads.

Lug Nut Torque & Pattern

Proper lug nut torque is essential for wheel retention and safety. For the 2020 Ram 2500, the recommended lug nut torque specification is typically 130-150 lb-ft (176-203 Nm). Always use a calibrated torque wrench and follow a star or criss-cross pattern when tightening lug nuts to ensure even pressure and proper wheel seating. Retorque lug nuts after the first 50-100 miles following any wheel removal or installation.

Common Tire Issues for This Vehicle

While the Ram 2500 is a robust truck, certain tire-related issues can arise:

• Uneven Tire Wear: Can be caused by improper tire pressure (under or over inflation), misaligned suspension, or worn suspension components. Regularly inspect your tires for abnormal wear patterns.
• Cupping or Scalloping: Often indicative of worn shocks/struts or an unbalanced tire. This presents as dips or hollowed-out areas around the tire