2023 Ram 3500 — Tire Size & Pressure Specs

As an ASE-certified master technician, I’ve serviced thousands of heavy-duty trucks. When it comes to the 2023 Ram 3500, proper tire specification, inflation, and maintenance are critical. Whether you're hauling a massive fifth wheel or using it as a daily workhorse, getting your tire specs right ensures safety, longevity, and peak towing performance.

Quick answer

• OEM Tire Size: 275/70R18 (SRW Standard); 235/80R17 (DRW Standard); 285/60R20 (Optional SRW)
• Recommended Cold Tire Pressure: SRW: 60 PSI Front / 80 PSI Rear. DRW: 65 PSI Front / 65 PSI Rear (check your specific door placard as variations exist based on cab/bed configuration)
• Bolt Pattern: 8x165.1mm (8x6.5")
• Wheel Size: 17x6.0 (DRW), 18x8.0 (SRW), 20x8.0 (SRW)
• Load Index/Speed Rating: Load Range E. 125/122 R (SRW), 120/117 R (DRW)
• Spare Tire Size: Matching full-size
• TPMS Frequency: 433 MHz

Tire sizes by trim

The 2023 Ram 3500 comes in both Single Rear Wheel (SRW) and Dual Rear Wheel (DRW) configurations. Here are the common tire sizes based on trim levels and configurations.

Recommended replacement tires

When replacing tires on a one-ton truck, always stick to Load Range E (10-ply rated) tires to maintain your payload and towing capacities safely.

1. Michelin Defender LTX M/S (Premium) – The gold standard for highway towing and tread life. Extremely quiet and handles heavy loads flawlessly.
2. BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 (Mid-Premium) – Excellent if you need off-road capability for job sites or farms, without sacrificing too much highway stability.
3. Falken Wildpeak A/T3W (Mid-Tier) – A fantastic value for a robust all-terrain tire with great wet traction and a severe snow rating.
4. Cooper Discoverer HT3 (Budget-Friendly) – A solid commercial-grade highway tire that offers good durability for fleet or work trucks at a lower price point.

When to inflate to max load psi

Since the Ram 3500 is a heavy-duty truck, understanding maximum load tire pressure is vital. The sidewall of a Load Range E tire typically lists a maximum of 80 PSI.

• Unloaded/Daily Driving: You can run pressures closer to the door placard specs (e.g., 60 PSI front, 65-70 PSI rear for SRW) for a more comfortable ride, provided you aren't carrying weight. Many DRW owners run 65 PSI all around when empty.
• Towing/Max Payload: When hooking up a heavy fifth-wheel, gooseneck, or dropping a massive load in the bed, you must inflate the rear tires to 80 PSI (or the max placard pressure). This ensures the tires have the structural rigidity to carry the tongue weight, prevents overheating, and limits dangerous sidewall flex that can lead to a blowout.

Note: Never exceed the maximum pressure listed on the tire's sidewall.

Lug nut torque & pattern

• Bolt Pattern: 8x165.1 mm (8x6.5 inches)
• Lug Nut Torque: 130 ft-lbs (for both SRW and DRW models)

Always use a calibrated torque wrench in a crisscross (star) pattern to ensure even seating of the wheel. If you have a DRW, pay special attention to ensuring the inner and outer dual wheels are perfectly seated before applying final torque. Retorque the lug nuts after 50 to 100 miles of driving following a tire service.

Common tire issues for this vehicle

1. Rapid Rear Tire Wear: The high torque of the Cummins diesel engine (up to 1,075 lb-ft) will shred rear tires quickly if you have a heavy right foot, especially when empty.
2. Inner Dual Wear (DRW): Debris can get caught between the dual rear tires, or uneven inflation can cause the inner tires to wear faster. Always check both duals with a long-reach pressure gauge.
3. Cupping on Front Tires: The heavy front end (especially with the diesel engine) is tough on front-end components. Worn shocks or ball joints will quickly lead to tire cupping. Regular rotation (every 5,000–7,500 miles) is essential.
4. TPMS Light with Heavy Loads: If you air down for comfort while empty, you must remember to air back up before loading. Otherwise, the TPMS system will trigger, and the tires will overheat under load.

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