The 2004 Dodge Trucks Ram 3500 sits in the heavy-duty pickup era when one truck often had to cover towing, work use, and long-distance road duty without giving up the broad-shouldered look buyers expected from a one-ton Dodge. Tire selection matters here because this Ram 3500 uses three different 17-inch radial sizes depending on sub-model, including 265/70R17, 245/70R17, and 235/80R17 on various DRW configurations. The main decision is not simply choosing a brand, but confirming the exact sub-model first and then comparing load-focused specifications, sidewall treatment, and rim-width compatibility. That approach keeps the truck's stance, clearance, and intended use aligned with the tire you choose.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2004 Dodge Trucks Ram 3500
The 2004 Dodge Trucks Ram 3500 uses three primary tire sizes, all built as radial tires on 17-inch rims. The correct choice depends first on the exact sub-model, especially because several dual rear wheel configurations use 235/80R17 while other trims use either 245/70R17 or 265/70R17. Once the truck's configuration is confirmed, the next step is comparing load-related specifications, sidewall presentation, and the wheel-width range that matches the tire.
A 265/70R17 uses a 265-millimeter section width, a 70-series aspect ratio, radial construction, and fits a 17-inch rim. On the 2004 Dodge Trucks Ram 3500, this size is tied to specific Laramie fitment rather than the full model range, so it should be chosen only after the truck's exact setup is confirmed. Available options in this size come from BFGoodrich in the All-Terrain T/A KO2 series with raised white letter sidewalls and different load-capacity specifications. It is a useful size for buyers who want to stay with the truck's intended fitment while comparing wheel-width compatibility and duty-level needs.
Fit(s): Laramie 4x2 (DRW), Laramie 4x4 Quad Cab (DRW), Laramie 4x4 Reg. Cab (DRW), SLT 4x2 (DRW), SLT 4x4 (DRW), ST 4x2 Reg. Cab (DRW), ST 4x2 Reg. Cab (Diesel)(DRW), and ST Quad Cab (DRW)
Construction: Radial|Rim: 17 in
A 235/80R17 is a metric radial size with a 235-millimeter section width, an 80-series profile, and a 17-inch rim diameter. On the 2004 Dodge Trucks Ram 3500, this size is used across several dual rear wheel sub-models, making it especially important for DRW owners to verify the exact truck before selecting a tire. BFGoodrich offers this size in the All-Terrain T/A KO2 series with an RBL sidewall treatment and a wheel-width range tailored to narrower 17-inch rims. It is the key size to evaluate when maintaining the proper fitment approach for DRW Ram 3500 applications.
A 245/70R17 combines a 245-millimeter section width with a 70-series profile, radial construction, and a 17-inch rim. For the 2004 Dodge Trucks Ram 3500, this size applies to certain ST and SLT configurations, so it should not be assumed across Laramie or DRW versions. The available BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 option uses a raised white letter sidewall and has its own rim-width range and load specification that are worth comparing against the truck's wheel setup. It makes sense for owners who are keeping the correct trim-specific size while selecting among available heavy-duty radial choices.
Sub-model fitment varies across the 2004 Dodge Trucks Ram 3500, so identifying the exact trim and whether the truck is a dual rear wheel configuration matters before choosing a tire. All of the covered fitments use 17-inch radial tires, but the size itself changes by sub-model.
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2004 Dodge Trucks Ram 3500 Laramie
The 2004 Dodge Trucks Ram 3500 Laramie uses the 265/70R17 radial size rather than the 245/70R17 or 235/80R17 sizes found elsewhere in the model line. Tire selection here centers on staying with that trim-specific fitment while comparing available load specification and wheel-width compatibility.
The 2004 Dodge Trucks Ram 3500 Laramie 4x2 (DRW) uses the 235/80R17 radial size shared by several dual rear wheel versions. That makes the main priority confirming the truck's DRW setup and choosing a tire that matches the wheel-width and heavy-duty fitment requirements.
The 2004 Dodge Trucks Ram 3500 Laramie 4x4 Quad Cab (DRW) also uses 235/80R17 radial tires. For this sub-model, the practical focus is keeping the correct DRW size and checking wheel compatibility before comparing sidewall presentation and load-related specifications.
The 2004 Dodge Trucks Ram 3500 Laramie 4x4 Reg. Cab (DRW) is fitted with 235/80R17 radial tires. Buyers working with this configuration should stay centered on the DRW fitment itself and verify the current wheel setup if the truck has been modified over time.
The 2004 Dodge Trucks Ram 3500 SLT uses the 245/70R17 radial size in this non-DRW trim. Choosing a tire for this sub-model means confirming that size first, then comparing the available product's sidewall style, load specification, and wheel-width range.
The 2004 Dodge Trucks Ram 3500 SLT 4x2 (DRW) uses 235/80R17 radial tires. Its tire choice should stay tied to the dual rear wheel configuration, with attention to wheel-width compatibility and the truck's intended work or towing use.
The 2004 Dodge Trucks Ram 3500 SLT 4x4 (DRW) shares the 235/80R17 radial fitment used on other DRW variants. That keeps selection fairly straightforward as long as the truck still has the correct 17-inch wheel setup and adequate clearance.
The 2004 Dodge Trucks Ram 3500 ST uses the 245/70R17 radial size. For this sub-model, the most useful approach is to keep the trim-specific size and compare the available tire's fitment details against the actual wheel width on the truck.
The 2004 Dodge Trucks Ram 3500 ST 4x2 Reg. Cab (DRW) uses 235/80R17 radial tires. Tire selection should reflect the truck's DRW configuration first, then move to checks for wheel match, clearance, and the condition of the rest of the running gear.
2004 Dodge Trucks Ram 3500 ST 4x2 Reg. Cab (Diesel)(DRW)
The 2004 Dodge Trucks Ram 3500 ST 4x2 Reg. Cab (Diesel)(DRW) also uses the 235/80R17 radial size. That keeps the fitment path focused on confirming the dual rear wheel arrangement and selecting a tire that suits the wheel dimensions already on the truck.
The 2004 Dodge Trucks Ram 3500 ST Quad Cab (DRW) is fitted with 235/80R17 radial tires. For this version, the tire decision is less about multiple size choices and more about matching the correct DRW size to the truck's current wheel and use requirements.
The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:
Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)
If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.
Best 2004 Dodge Trucks Ram 3500 Tires for Sale
Available 17-inch Ram 3500 tire choices center on BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 radials in the three correct sizes. Comparison points include RWL versus RBL sidewall treatment, different load-capacity specifications, and the rim-width range tied to each size.
These FAQs focus on the tire sizes used across the 2004 Dodge Trucks Ram 3500 lineup, how sub-model fitment changes, and what to check when comparing radial truck tires for work, towing, or general road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2004 Dodge Trucks Ram 3500?
The 2004 Dodge Trucks Ram 3500 uses three primary tire sizes: 265/70R17, 245/70R17, and 235/80R17. All three are radial sizes designed for 17-inch rims, but they do not apply across the full model line in the same way. Laramie, ST, SLT, and several DRW versions are split across those sizes.
The important next step is matching the tire size to the truck's exact sub-model rather than choosing by year and model alone. Dual rear wheel configurations especially need to be checked carefully, since many of them use 235/80R17. It is also smart to confirm the wheels currently on the truck if it has ever been changed from its original setup.
What size rim does a 2004 Dodge Trucks Ram 3500 use?
Every listed tire fitment for the 2004 Dodge Trucks Ram 3500 uses a 17-inch rim diameter. That remains consistent across the three tire sizes tied to this truck, including 265/70R17, 245/70R17, and 235/80R17. The tire size changes by sub-model, but the rim diameter stays the same.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture on a heavy-duty truck. Wheel width still needs to suit the tire being considered, because the available products in these sizes use different rim-width ranges. A quick wheel check helps avoid choosing the right diameter tire for the wrong wheel setup.
Why does the 2004 Dodge Trucks Ram 3500 have more than one tire size?
The 2004 Dodge Trucks Ram 3500 has more than one tire size because fitment changes by sub-model and configuration. Standard trims such as certain ST, SLT, and Laramie versions use different sizes, while many dual rear wheel models move to 235/80R17. The truck's exact trim and DRW status determine the correct tire.
That means a buyer should identify the truck beyond the badge on the fender. Checking the trim, cab style, drive layout, and whether it is a DRW model keeps the tire search on the right path. On a truck that has seen work use, verifying the existing wheel and tire setup is also worthwhile before replacing anything.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 2004 Dodge Trucks Ram 3500 tire?
Start with the correct trim-specific size, since the 2004 Dodge Trucks Ram 3500 uses 265/70R17, 245/70R17, or 235/80R17 depending on sub-model. From there, compare construction, load specification, sidewall style, and wheel-width compatibility. Because this is a heavy-duty pickup, those details matter more than choosing by appearance alone.
A truck used for hauling, towing, or regular road miles should have a tire that matches the actual wheel setup and the way the truck is driven today. Looking at maximum load figures together with the stated pressure helps put the options in context. Tire choice becomes much clearer once fitment, wheel match, and use are considered together.
What sidewall styles are available for 2004 Dodge Trucks Ram 3500 tires?
The available sidewall styles for the 2004 Dodge Trucks Ram 3500 include RWL and RBL, depending on tire size. The 265/70R17 and 245/70R17 BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 options use raised white letter sidewalls, while the 235/80R17 version uses an RBL sidewall treatment.
Sidewall styling affects the truck's presentation even when the basic tire family stays the same. Some owners prefer a more traditional black-sidewall look, while others want the more visual presence of raised white letters. Appearance still comes second to correct size and wheel compatibility, especially on a one-ton truck with trim-specific fitment differences.
What brands offer tires for the 2004 Dodge Trucks Ram 3500?
The available products for these Ram 3500 fitments come from BFGoodrich. Across the covered sizes, the current choice is the All-Terrain T/A KO2 series in radial construction. That keeps the brand selection simple, but the tire still varies by size, sidewall treatment, and load specification.
With one brand represented, the real comparison shifts to the details within the size that matches the truck. It helps to look at the exact service specification, the wheel-width range, and whether the sidewall style suits the truck's intended look. On a working Ram 3500, the correct fitment matters far more than brand variety alone.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 2004 Dodge Trucks Ram 3500?
A period-style choice for a 2004 Dodge Trucks Ram 3500 starts with using the exact size tied to the truck's sub-model, since the lineup is split among 265/70R17, 245/70R17, and 235/80R17. All of the available fitments here are radial truck tires, which suits the Ram's modern heavy-duty character for this era.
Appearance comes into play after the fitment is correct. Raised white letter sidewalls on some sizes create a more assertive early-2000s truck look, while an RBL sidewall gives a more understated presentation. The best period-style result usually comes from matching the correct size first and then choosing the sidewall treatment that fits the truck's overall theme.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 2004 Dodge Trucks Ram 3500?
For the 2004 Dodge Trucks Ram 3500, primary fitment is already radial, so construction changes do not create the same vintage-versus-modern contrast seen on older collector vehicles. The visual difference is more likely to come from tread character, sidewall treatment, and whether the truck wears a wider 265/70R17, a 245/70R17, or a taller-profile 235/80R17.
That means restoration-minded owners should think about the overall presentation of the truck rather than chasing an older-style construction. Keeping the correct trim-specific size preserves the right stance much better than forcing a different fitment. Sidewall style then becomes the finishing detail that can push the truck toward a cleaner stock-style look or a more aggressive period look.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2004 Dodge Trucks Ram 3500?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 2004 Dodge Trucks Ram 3500 even when the replacement tire is in the correct original size for the sub-model. Aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, leveling kits, or body alterations can change clearance and wheel-width compatibility. That matters on a heavy-duty truck where size differences already exist across the lineup.
A modified Ram 3500 should be checked for actual wheel width, tire clearance at full steering lock, and room around suspension and body components before a replacement is chosen. Dual rear wheel models also deserve extra attention because their setup is more specialized. A quick inspection prevents confusion between factory fitment and the truck's current configuration.
What should I inspect before driving a 2004 Dodge Trucks Ram 3500 on new tires?
Before driving a 2004 Dodge Trucks Ram 3500 on new tires, inspect wheel condition, valve stems, mounting hardware, and the general state of the suspension and steering components. Tire pressure should match the tire's intended service use, and the installed size should match the truck's exact sub-model. A visual check for uneven spacing or rubbing is also worthwhile.
Heavy-duty trucks place real demands on tires, so a road test should begin with moderate speeds and attention to vibration, pull, or clearance noise. It also helps to recheck pressure after initial use and confirm that the tires are wearing evenly. Any sign of interference or irregular wear should be addressed before regular towing or hauling duty.
How often should tires on a 2004 Dodge Trucks Ram 3500 be inspected?
Tires on a 2004 Dodge Trucks Ram 3500 should be inspected regularly, especially if the truck tows, carries heavy loads, or sits for stretches between uses. Pressure, tread wear, cracking, cuts, bulges, and signs of air loss all deserve routine attention. A one-ton truck can hide tire problems until the load on the vehicle exposes them.
Frequent inspection becomes even more important when the truck has staggered use patterns such as work duty followed by long storage. Checking the tires before a trip, after a period of inactivity, and whenever the truck's job changes is a practical habit. Consistent inspection helps catch wheel, alignment, or clearance issues before they become tire failures.
