RAM Trucks 3500 Big Horn Tires

RAM Trucks 3500 Big Horn uses four tire sizes in this year range: 265/70R17 for 2011, 235/80R17 for 2011 and 2013 through 2016, 275/70R18 for 2013 through 2016, and 285/60R20 for 2013 through 2016. The corresponding wheel diameters are 17 inches for both 265/70R17 and 235/80R17, 18 inches for 275/70R18, and 20 inches for 285/60R20.

That means the correct tire cannot be chosen by model name alone, especially on later trucks where several wheel packages were offered in the same year. Start by confirming the truck's current wheel diameter, then compare the existing tire size placard, service records, or original configuration information so the replacement matches the actual setup on the truck.

A 2013 RAM Trucks 3500 Big Horn can show 235/80R17, 275/70R18, or 285/60R20 because that year includes multiple wheel-package configurations. The split is a rim-diameter split, not a case where one tire size fits every version of the truck. Each size corresponds to a different wheel diameter: 17, 18, or 20 inches.

That same pattern continues through 2016, so owners of those years need to verify more than the model and year before choosing tires. The most reliable approach is to inspect the wheel itself and read the size on the current tire, then use those details to narrow the correct replacement rather than assuming every Big Horn in the same year used the same wheel package.

RAM Trucks 3500 Big Horn uses more than one rim diameter across this range. The earliest fitments here are 17-inch wheels in 2011, and by 2013 the lineup also includes 18-inch and 20-inch wheel applications. The specific tire sizes align directly with those diameters: 265/70R17 and 235/80R17 use 17-inch rims, 275/70R18 uses an 18-inch rim, and 285/60R20 uses a 20-inch rim.

Wheel diameter is the first fitment checkpoint on this page because it immediately eliminates the wrong size group. Once the rim diameter is confirmed, check the installed wheel width as well, since the available products list recommended rim-width ranges and those should align with the wheel already on the truck.

A 2015 RAM Trucks 3500 Big Horn can use 235/80R17, 275/70R18, or 285/60R20, so the correct tire size depends on the wheel package fitted to that specific truck. Those sizes are tied to 17-inch, 18-inch, and 20-inch rims respectively. The available replacement products also show different approved rim-width ranges, which adds another layer beyond year and model alone.

Begin with the tire size currently mounted on the truck and confirm it against the wheel diameter. Then compare the wheel width and the truck's intended use, especially if it sees towing or heavy-duty service, so the replacement stays within the proper fitment window rather than relying on year alone.

RAM Trucks 3500 Big Horn tires in this range appear with two sidewall styles: RWL and RBL. The 265/70R17 and 275/70R18 BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 listings use RWL, while the 235/80R17 listing uses RBL. Those abbreviations typically distinguish raised white lettering from a black-letter sidewall presentation.

Sidewall style is mainly a visual choice unless you are trying to match an existing appearance on the truck. Owners looking for a factory-like or work-truck look often prefer the more subdued black-letter presentation, while others may want raised white lettering for a more aggressive period-off-road look within the available product range.

The available RAM Trucks 3500 Big Horn products in this range are from BFGoodrich. The listed series is the All-Terrain T/A KO2, offered across the available 17-inch and 18-inch fitments shown here. Product variations within a size can differ by load index and maximum load rating even when the overall size code stays the same.

Brand matters less than matching the correct size, wheel diameter, and use case on a heavy-duty truck. After confirming fitment, compare the load rating and wheel-width suitability of the available BFGoodrich option so the tire matches the demands placed on a 3500-series pickup rather than simply matching appearance.

A RAM Trucks 3500 Big Horn should be stored on a clean, dry surface away from direct sunlight, ozone sources, and standing moisture. Heavy-duty truck tires carry substantial load, so long periods of inactivity on one contact patch can encourage flat spotting or uneven stress if inflation is neglected. Keeping the truck at proper inflation is especially important on low-use vehicles.

If the truck sits for extended periods, move it slightly from time to time or support it in a way that reduces prolonged static loading if appropriate for the storage setup. It also helps to clean the tires before storage and recheck air pressure regularly, since a large truck places more demand on the casing than a lightly loaded passenger car.

Tires on a RAM Trucks 3500 Big Horn should be inspected at regular intervals even if the truck is driven only occasionally. A visual check for cracking, punctures, tread separation, uneven wear, and impact damage should happen before longer drives and after towing or heavy-load use. Inflation pressure should be checked consistently, not only when a problem appears.

Frequent inspection matters because a 3500-series truck can mask tire issues until the load and speed increase. Pay close attention to shoulder wear and sidewall condition, and compare all four tires so mismatched wear patterns can be caught early before they affect handling, ride quality, or the truck's ability to carry weight safely.

Tires on a RAM Trucks 3500 Big Horn should be replaced when age, cracking, impact damage, belt issues, or structural deterioration appear, even if remaining tread still looks usable. Collector and low-mileage trucks often age tires out before they wear them out. A tire that still shows tread depth can still be past its trustworthy service life.

The practical rule is to treat condition and age as seriously as tread depth, particularly on a heavy-duty truck that may tow or carry substantial load. If there is any doubt about sidewall cracking, internal damage, or long-term age exposure, have the tires evaluated and plan replacement before regular road use rather than waiting for visible tread wear alone.

RAM Trucks 3500 Big Horn appears with multiple tire sizes across this range rather than one single original fitment. The sizes shown are 265/70R17, 235/80R17, 275/70R18, and 285/60R20, with later years carrying several wheel-package options at once. The available products here are BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 radials, which represent current replacement options within those fitment sizes.

For an accuracy-focused restoration or preservation project, the best reference is the truck's original configuration information, factory labels, and marque-specific resources tied to that exact year and wheel package. On a modern heavy-duty pickup, originality usually depends as much on wheel package and sidewall presentation as on the nominal tire size itself.

Correct tire fitment can affect how a RAM Trucks 3500 Big Horn is viewed in preservation, enthusiast, and judged settings, especially when wheel diameter and tire profile influence the truck's stance and visual authenticity. A truck wearing the wrong 17-inch, 18-inch, or 20-inch package can look noticeably different even if the model and year appear right at first glance.

For owners concerned with value presentation, matching the tire size to the truck's original or intended configuration is usually more important than simply choosing any tire that clears the fenders. Marque clubs, factory references, and period sales material are useful for confirming whether the truck should wear a narrower work-oriented package or a larger wheel option.

RAM Trucks 3500 Big Horn tire options here include both RWL and RBL sidewall styles. RWL appears on the available 265/70R17 and 275/70R18 BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 products, while RBL appears on the 235/80R17 option. Either can be appropriate depending on the visual character and wheel package being recreated.

A restoration aimed at a straightforward work-truck appearance will often lean toward the cleaner black-letter look, while a truck presented with more aggressive all-terrain character may suit raised white lettering. The best choice is the one that matches the specific truck's original presentation, trim intent, and wheel package rather than choosing sidewall style in isolation.

A properly sized, properly inflated, and structurally sound tire can be suitable for driving a RAM Trucks 3500 Big Horn on public roads, but safety depends on more than the size code alone. The truck's wheel diameter, tire load capability, inflation pressure, and overall condition all matter, especially on a 3500-series pickup that may tow or carry substantial weight.

Before regular road use, make sure the installed tires match the actual wheel package and are appropriate for the truck's working demands. Any mismatch in size, inadequate load rating, visible damage, or age-related deterioration should be addressed first, because heavy-duty trucks place much greater stress on their tires than lighter passenger vehicles do.

Before driving a RAM Trucks 3500 Big Horn, check inflation pressure, visible tire condition, tread wear pattern, and whether all four tires are the correct size for the wheel package on the truck. It is also wise to confirm there is no sidewall cracking, puncture damage, bulging, or uneven wear that could indicate alignment or loading issues. On this model, wheel diameter should always match the tire size exactly.

That pre-drive check is especially important if the truck has been sitting or if it is about to tow. A few minutes spent verifying pressure, condition, and size consistency can prevent poor handling, overloading stress, and unnecessary wear, particularly on a truck that may alternate between occasional use and very demanding heavy-duty service.

Appropriate speed for a RAM Trucks 3500 Big Horn depends on the exact tire installed, its service description, inflation, condition, and the truck's load at the time. Even when the size is correct, speed should be treated in relation to tire condition and the demands of a heavy-duty pickup rather than as a simple one-number rule. A loaded or towing truck places very different stress on its tires than an unloaded one.

The practical approach is to drive within the tire's intended service capability and keep speeds conservative whenever the truck is heavily loaded, recently revived from storage, or wearing older tires. If the condition or age of the tires is in question, cautious local use and a thorough inspection are wiser than assuming highway-speed suitability.