2018 Ram 3500: Tire Size, Pressure & Wheel Specs

Quick answer

• OEM Tire Size: LT275/70R18E (standard on most trims), with options for LT285/60R20E on higher trims.
• Recommended Cold Tire Pressure (Placard): Varies by configuration (SRW/DRW and engine). For Single Rear Wheel (SRW) models, a common placard value is 65 PSI (Front) and 80 PSI (Rear).
• Bolt Pattern: 8x200 (8 lug)
• Wheel Size: 18x8.0 inches (standard) or 20x8.0 inches (optional)
• Load Index/Speed Rating: Typically 125/122S. This means the tires can carry 3638 lbs (single) or 3307 lbs (dual) and are rated for speeds up to 112 mph.
• Spare Tire Size: Full-size spare, typically LT275/70R18E.
• TPMS Frequency: 433 MHz

Tire Sizes by Trim

Recommended replacement tires

Choosing the right tire depends on your budget and how you use your truck. Here are a few popular options:

• $$$ (Premium): Michelin Defender LTX M/S - Known for excellent tread life, a quiet ride, and solid all-season performance.
• $$ (Mid-Range): BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 - A legendary all-terrain tire that offers a great balance of on-road manners and off-road capability. It has a more aggressive look and slightly more road noise than a highway tire.
• $ (Budget): Cooper Discoverer HTP II - A solid highway-terrain tire that provides a comfortable ride and good value for the price.

When to inflate to max load psi

The 2018 Ram 3500 is a heavy-duty truck designed for serious towing and hauling. The recommended cold tire pressure on your door placard (e.g., 65 PSI front, 80 PSI rear) is ideal for daily driving without a heavy load. However, you should inflate your tires to the maximum pressure indicated on the tire's sidewall when you are carrying heavy loads or towing a heavy trailer. This ensures the tire can support its maximum rated load, prevents excessive heat buildup, and provides better stability.

Lug nut torque & pattern

• Lug Nut Torque: 130 ft-lbs (176 N·m)
• Tightening Pattern: Always tighten the lug nuts in a star or crisscross pattern to ensure the wheel is seated evenly against the hub. Never tighten them in a circle.

Common tire issues for this vehicle

Like any heavy-duty truck, the Ram 3500 can be prone to certain tire wear patterns if not properly maintained. The heavy diesel engine option can contribute to faster front tire wear. It's crucial to maintain proper alignment and rotate your tires every 5,000 to 7,500 miles to ensure even wear on all four corners. Due to the high tire pressures, a TPMS malfunction can quickly lead to a dangerously underinflated tire, so address any TPMS warnings promptly.

Need new tires? Find a trusted shop on Repairius.