2016 Ram 3500: Tire Size, Pressure & Wheel Specs

Quick answer

• OEM Tire Size: LT275/70R18E (standard on most trims)
• Recommended Cold Tire Pressure (Placard): 65 psi (Front) / 80 psi (Rear) for DRW; 60 psi (Front) / 70-80 psi (Rear) for SRW, depending on load.
• Bolt Pattern: 8x200 mm (8x7.87 in)
• Wheel Size: 18x8.0 inches
• Load Index/Speed Rating: 125/122R (or similar E-rated tire)
• Spare Tire Size: Full-size spare, typically LT275/70R18E
• TPMS Frequency: 433 MHz

Tire Sizes by Trim

Note: Dual Rear Wheel (DRW) models typically use LT235/80R17E tires on 17-inch wheels.

Recommended replacement tires

Choosing the right tire for your Ram 3500 depends on your primary use—be it highway cruising, job site hauling, or off-road adventures. Here are 3 popular replacement options:

1. Michelin Defender LTX M/S ($$$): A premium highway and all-season tire known for its long tread life, quiet ride, and excellent wet/dry traction. It's a great choice if you spend most of your time on pavement and want a comfortable, long-lasting tire.
2. BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 ($$): An aggressive all-terrain tire with a rugged look and outstanding off-road capability. It provides excellent traction in dirt, mud, and snow while remaining relatively well-mannered on the highway. A top choice for work trucks and off-road enthusiasts.
3. Firestone Transforce HT2 ($): A durable, commercial-grade highway tire designed for hauling and towing. It offers a stable ride, reliable all-season traction, and is built to withstand the heavy loads your Ram 3500 is capable of handling. It's a solid, budget-friendly workhorse tire.

When to inflate to max load psi

As a heavy-duty truck, the 2016 Ram 3500 is designed to operate with varying loads. The tire pressure listed on the door placard (typically 60-65 psi front, 70-80 psi rear) is for unladen or lightly loaded conditions. You should inflate your tires to the maximum pressure indicated on the tire's sidewall ONLY when you are carrying a heavy load or towing a substantial trailer. This ensures the tire sidewalls have the stiffness required to safely support the weight, preventing excessive heat buildup and potential tire failure. When the truck is unloaded, running max PSI will result in a harsh ride and accelerated center tread wear.

Lug nut torque & pattern

• Lug Nut Torque: 130-150 lb-ft (176-203 N·m) for single rear wheel (SRW) models. Always verify with your owner's manual for the most precise specification.
• Tightening Pattern: Use a star or crisscross pattern to ensure the wheel is seated evenly against the hub. Start by tightening all nuts by hand, then snug them with the torque wrench in the star pattern to about 50% of the final torque spec. Finally, repeat the pattern, tightening each nut to the final torque specification.

Common tire issues for this vehicle

• Uneven Wear: Given the truck's heavy front end (especially with the Cummins diesel engine), front tires can be prone to "cupping" or uneven shoulder wear if not rotated regularly. A consistent 5,000–7,500 mile rotation schedule is critical.
• Vibrations: The Ram 3500 is sensitive to tire balancing. Any imbalance, especially with larger, more aggressive tires, can be felt as a vibration in the steering wheel or seat. Ensure tires are properly balanced by a shop that has experience with heavy-duty truck tires.
• TPMS Faults: The 433 MHz TPMS system can sometimes be sensitive. Faults can be triggered by a failing sensor battery (they last 5-10 years), a damaged sensor, or even interference from aftermarket electronic devices.

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