The 2009 Dodge Trucks Ram 1500 SLT came at a time when full-size pickups were expected to balance daily driving, work duty, and a more refined cabin than earlier generations. That mix makes tire choice especially important, because this truck uses radial fitments in two different sizes: 265/70R17 and 275/60R20. The decision is less about vintage construction and more about confirming which wheel package is on the truck before comparing available tire choices. For owners focused on road use, light truck utility, or maintaining the truck’s intended stance, matching the correct size and wheel diameter is the first step.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2009 Dodge Trucks Ram 1500 SLT
The 2009 Dodge Trucks Ram 1500 SLT uses two primary tire sizes, and both are radial fitments. The key difference is wheel diameter, with one size built for a 17-inch rim and the other for a 20-inch rim. Since the covered SLT sub-models can use either size, the first step is confirming which wheel package is actually on the truck before comparing tire specifications and product details.
265/70R17 is a modern metric radial size in which 265 refers to section width in millimeters, 70 is the aspect ratio, R identifies radial construction, and 17 is the rim diameter in inches. On the 2009 Dodge Trucks Ram 1500 SLT, this size supports a more traditional 17-inch wheel setup and is offered here in BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 form with raised white letter sidewalls. The available versions also differ in load capacity and weight. This size is the right one to evaluate only after confirming that the truck is equipped with 17-inch wheels.
275/60R20 is a modern metric radial size with a 275-millimeter nominal section width, a 60-series profile, radial construction, and a 20-inch rim diameter. For the 2009 Dodge Trucks Ram 1500 SLT, this size corresponds to a larger wheel package and gives the truck a different fitment path than the 17-inch option. Even though it appears across the same SLT sub-model range, it should not be treated as interchangeable with the 17-inch setup. Choosing this size starts with verifying the actual wheel diameter and overall tire clearance on the truck.
Tire fitment is straightforward across the covered 2009 Dodge Trucks Ram 1500 SLT sub-models because each one can use the same two radial tire sizes. What matters most is confirming the actual wheel package on the truck, since the choice is between a 17-inch and a 20-inch rim setup rather than a trim-specific tire size change.
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2009 Dodge Trucks Ram 1500 SLT 4x2 Crew Cab
The 2009 Dodge Trucks Ram 1500 SLT 4x2 Crew Cab can use either of the two primary radial tire sizes offered for this model line. Tire selection starts with confirming whether the truck has the 17-inch or 20-inch wheel setup, then comparing the available tire specifications within that size.
The 2009 Dodge Trucks Ram 1500 SLT 4x2 Quad Cab shares the same overall tire-fitment pattern as the other covered SLT configurations. The practical decision is wheel-based, so checking the installed rim diameter is more important than assuming one size from the cab style alone.
The 2009 Dodge Trucks Ram 1500 SLT 4x2 Reg. Cab uses the same two radial size paths found across the rest of the SLT range. That means the right tire choice depends on the actual wheel package and on matching the replacement tire to the truck’s current setup.
The 2009 Dodge Trucks Ram 1500 SLT 4x4 Crew Cab follows the same tire-size pattern as the 4x2 versions, with both primary radial sizes applicable. A replacement decision should begin by confirming whether the truck is on 17-inch or 20-inch wheels before narrowing the product choices.
The 2009 Dodge Trucks Ram 1500 SLT 4x4 Quad Cab does not require a unique tire size beyond the two standard SLT fitments. The important step is verifying the wheel diameter already on the truck, especially if wheels or tires may have been changed over time.
The 2009 Dodge Trucks Ram 1500 SLT 4x4 Reg. Cab uses the same two radial tire size options as the other covered SLT sub-models. Tire selection is therefore a matter of identifying the installed wheel setup and then checking specifications such as load capacity and rim-width compatibility.
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 2009 Dodge Trucks Ram 1500 SLT Tires for Sale
Available product choices for the 2009 Dodge Trucks Ram 1500 SLT currently center on 265/70R17, with BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 options in raised white letter form. The main comparison points are load capacity, weight, and the shared 7.0- to 9.0-inch rim-width range.
These FAQs focus on the two tire sizes used on the 2009 Dodge Trucks Ram 1500 SLT, the difference between its 17-inch and 20-inch wheel setups, and the practical checks that matter before replacement or regular road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2009 Dodge Trucks Ram 1500 SLT?
The 2009 Dodge Trucks Ram 1500 SLT uses two primary tire sizes: 265/70R17 and 275/60R20. Both are radial sizes, and both appear across the covered SLT sub-model range, including 4x2 and 4x4 Crew Cab, Quad Cab, and Reg. Cab configurations.
The important detail is that these sizes are tied to different wheel diameters, not just different tire shapes. A truck with 17-inch wheels needs 265/70R17, while a truck with 20-inch wheels needs 275/60R20. Checking the wheel diameter on the vehicle is the safest starting point, especially if the truck has had previous tire or wheel changes.
What size rim does a 2009 Dodge Trucks Ram 1500 SLT use?
A 2009 Dodge Trucks Ram 1500 SLT can use either a 17-inch rim or a 20-inch rim, depending on the tire size installed. The 265/70R17 tire is built for a 17-inch rim, and the 275/60R20 tire is built for a 20-inch rim.
That makes wheel confirmation more important than guessing from body style or drivetrain alone. Looking at the current tire sidewall and measuring or verifying the wheel diameter will keep the replacement search on the right path. Wheel width also matters when comparing products, so the tire should be matched to both the diameter and the usable rim-width range.
Do all 2009 Dodge Trucks Ram 1500 SLT sub-models use the same tire size?
The covered 2009 Dodge Trucks Ram 1500 SLT sub-models share the same overall fitment pattern, since each one can use either 265/70R17 or 275/60R20. That applies across 4x2 and 4x4 trucks in Crew Cab, Quad Cab, and Reg. Cab form.
Shared fitment does not mean every truck left with the same wheel package. The practical question is which wheel diameter is on the specific truck being serviced today. Once that is confirmed, the replacement choice becomes much simpler, because the tire search can stay focused on the correct size rather than on the full list of possible SLT fitments.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 265/70R17 tire for a 2009 Dodge Trucks Ram 1500 SLT?
A 265/70R17 tire for the 2009 Dodge Trucks Ram 1500 SLT should first match the truck’s 17-inch wheel setup. From there, useful comparison points include radial construction, load capacity, weight, sidewall presentation, and the product’s approved rim-width range.
Current 265/70R17 options here include BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires with raised white letter sidewalls, and the available versions differ in load rating and weight. That matters if the truck sees different duty levels or if the owner wants a certain look. Matching the product to the wheel width and intended use is more useful than choosing by name alone.
What sidewall styles are available for 2009 Dodge Trucks Ram 1500 SLT tires?
The available 265/70R17 products for the 2009 Dodge Trucks Ram 1500 SLT use an RWL sidewall, which means raised white letter styling. That gives the tire a more traditional light-truck appearance than a plain black sidewall and can change the overall look of the truck even when the size stays the same.
Sidewall style is an appearance decision, but it still belongs behind the basic fitment checks. The tire must match the correct wheel diameter and remain suitable for the truck’s use before sidewall treatment becomes the deciding factor. Once size and specification are right, the sidewall choice helps shape whether the truck looks more understated or more off-road inspired.
What brands offer tires for the 2009 Dodge Trucks Ram 1500 SLT?
The currently available products for the 2009 Dodge Trucks Ram 1500 SLT include BFGoodrich in the 265/70R17 size. The tire series represented is the All-Terrain T/A KO2, giving buyers a recognizable light-truck radial option within that wheel package.
Brand is only one part of the decision. The better comparison is how the available tire matches the truck’s wheel size, rim-width requirements, load needs, and intended use. If the SLT has 20-inch wheels, a 17-inch product should not be considered simply because the brand is familiar, so wheel verification still comes first.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 2009 Dodge Trucks Ram 1500 SLT?
A period-style tire choice for a 2009 Dodge Trucks Ram 1500 SLT starts with keeping the correct modern radial size for the wheel package already on the truck, either 265/70R17 or 275/60R20. Since this is a late-model pickup rather than a bias-ply-era vehicle, the right overall look comes more from maintaining the proper wheel-and-tire proportion than from changing construction type.
For trucks on 17-inch wheels, an all-terrain radial with raised white letter styling can preserve a traditional light-truck presentation. Owners pursuing a highly exact appearance should compare the truck’s current setup with original vehicle literature, window-sticker documentation, or marque-specific references, especially if the truck may have been altered with later wheels or replacement tires.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 2009 Dodge Trucks Ram 1500 SLT restoration?
Correct tire fitment matters on a 2009 Dodge Trucks Ram 1500 SLT because the truck uses two distinct size paths tied to two different wheel diameters. Using the proper 265/70R17 or 275/60R20 size keeps the truck closer to its intended stance and avoids visual mismatches between the tire and wheel package.
Appearance is only part of the picture. The wrong size can also complicate clearance, wheel compatibility, and overall balance, especially if the truck has already seen aftermarket changes. A restoration-minded owner should verify what wheel setup belongs on that specific truck before choosing tread style, sidewall treatment, or any replacement tire series.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2009 Dodge Trucks Ram 1500 SLT?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 2009 Dodge Trucks Ram 1500 SLT. Wheel changes, suspension lifts or lowering, offset differences, and body alterations can all change how a 265/70R17 or 275/60R20 tire sits in the wheel opening and how much clearance remains during steering and suspension movement.
That matters even when the size itself is one of the normal SLT fitments. A truck with aftermarket wheels may have a different wheel width or offset than a stock setup, which can change the usable tire envelope. Checking wheel diameter, wheel width, and visible clearance before replacement helps prevent choosing a tire that suits the model range but not the truck’s present configuration.
What should I inspect before driving a 2009 Dodge Trucks Ram 1500 SLT on new tires?
Before driving a 2009 Dodge Trucks Ram 1500 SLT on new tires, inspect basic installation and condition points such as air pressure, bead seating, lug torque, valve stems, and visible clearance around the fenders and suspension. It is also worth confirming that all four tires match the intended size and wheel diameter for the truck.
A short initial drive followed by a recheck is a sensible habit, especially on a truck that may haul, tow, or see rougher surfaces. Owners should also watch for rubbing, pulling, vibration, or uneven contact that could point to alignment or wheel issues. Catching those problems early protects the new tires and helps the truck track as intended.
How often should tires on a 2009 Dodge Trucks Ram 1500 SLT be inspected?
Tires on a 2009 Dodge Trucks Ram 1500 SLT should be inspected regularly, not just when they look low or worn. Pressure, tread condition, sidewall damage, uneven wear, and slow air loss are worth checking routinely, especially on a truck that alternates between daily road use and heavier work or weekend driving.
A quick visual inspection before longer trips is a smart habit, and a more careful check at regular service intervals helps catch issues earlier. Looking for cuts, bulges, weathering, or unusual shoulder wear can reveal problems beyond the tire itself, including alignment, suspension wear, or impact damage. Consistent inspection matters whether the truck runs 17-inch or 20-inch wheel packages.
