The 2013 RAM Trucks 3500 Big Horn sits in the heavy-duty pickup world where towing, payload, and long-wheelbase stability matter as much as day-to-day road manners. In this era, the 3500 Big Horn blended work-truck capability with a more finished trim presentation, so tire choice affects both stance and function. This model uses radial tire fitments in 17-, 18-, and 20-inch sizes depending on whether the truck is single rear wheel or dual rear wheel and which wheel package it carries. That makes the real decision less about old-versus-new construction and more about confirming the exact sub-model, wheel diameter, and intended use before choosing a tire.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2013 RAM Trucks 3500 Big Horn
Three primary tire sizes apply to the 2013 RAM Trucks 3500 Big Horn, and the right one depends on the exact sub-model and wheel setup. Single rear wheel 4x2 and 4x4 trucks use either 275/70R18 or 285/60R20, while dual rear wheel versions use 235/80R17. Before selecting a tire, confirm whether the truck is DRW or non-DRW and verify the actual rim diameter on the vehicle.
The 275/70R18 size uses modern metric radial sizing, with 275 representing section width in millimeters, 70 indicating the aspect ratio, R identifying radial construction, and 18 marking the wheel diameter in inches. On the 2013 RAM Trucks 3500 Big Horn, this size belongs to single rear wheel configurations rather than DRW trucks. Available product choice in this size includes a BFGoodrich All Terrain TA KO2 with raised white letter styling. It is a useful fitment for owners who want to stay with the correct 18-inch wheel package while comparing appearance, load capacity, and rim-width compatibility.
The 285/60R20 code is also a modern metric radial size, combining a 285-millimeter section width, a 60-series profile, radial construction, and a 20-inch rim diameter. This fitment applies to single rear wheel 2013 RAM Trucks 3500 Big Horn models equipped with the 20-inch wheel setup, not the dual rear wheel versions. Its lower-profile relationship to the 18-inch option makes wheel confirmation especially important before purchase. This size is the right one to evaluate when the truck already wears 20-inch wheels and the goal is to preserve that wheel-and-tire presentation.
The 235/80R17 designation indicates a modern metric radial tire with a 235-millimeter section width, an 80-series profile, and a 17-inch wheel diameter. On the 2013 RAM Trucks 3500 Big Horn, this size is used on dual rear wheel configurations, where matching the proper DRW fitment matters more than simply choosing a tire by appearance. BFGoodrich offers this size in the All Terrain TA KO2 series with a black sidewall presentation. It should be evaluated with close attention to wheel setup, rear dual spacing, and the truck's intended load-carrying role.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 2013 RAM Trucks 3500 Big Horn because tire size changes with both drivetrain configuration and single-versus-dual rear wheel setup. Non-DRW trucks share the same two size paths, while DRW models use a separate 17-inch fitment that should be confirmed before selecting tires.
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2013 RAM Trucks 3500 Big Horn 4x2
The 2013 RAM Trucks 3500 Big Horn 4x2 uses the same single rear wheel fitment path as the 4x4 model, with either an 18-inch or 20-inch tire size depending on the wheel package. Tire selection starts with confirming the actual wheel diameter, then comparing the available product style and specifications within that size.
The 2013 RAM Trucks 3500 Big Horn 4x2 (DRW) uses the dedicated dual rear wheel fitment rather than the larger single rear wheel sizes. That makes it especially important to choose within the correct 17-inch size and to keep the truck's dually wheel arrangement in mind when evaluating replacements.
The 2013 RAM Trucks 3500 Big Horn 4x4 follows the same single rear wheel sizing pattern as the 4x2 version, using either an 18-inch or 20-inch radial fitment. The main step is confirming which wheel package is on the truck so the tire choice matches the intended wheel diameter and overall setup.
The 2013 RAM Trucks 3500 Big Horn 4x4 (DRW) uses the same dedicated dual rear wheel tire size as the 4x2 dually version. Tire selection here is more about preserving proper DRW fitment and wheel compatibility than choosing between multiple primary size options.
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 2013 RAM Trucks 3500 Big Horn Tires for Sale
Available products for the 2013 RAM Trucks 3500 Big Horn currently center on BFGoodrich All Terrain TA KO2 tires in 275/70R18 and 235/80R17. The choices differ by size, sidewall treatment, load specification, weight, and approved rim-width range.
Owners usually need to sort out exact tire size by sub-model first, then compare wheel diameter, DRW versus non-DRW fitment, product style, and basic road-use checks. These questions focus on the tire decisions that matter most for a 2013 RAM Trucks 3500 Big Horn.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2013 RAM Trucks 3500 Big Horn?
The 2013 RAM Trucks 3500 Big Horn uses three possible radial tire sizes: 275/70R18, 285/60R20, and 235/80R17. Single rear wheel 4x2 and 4x4 models use either 275/70R18 or 285/60R20, while dual rear wheel versions use 235/80R17.
The key is matching the size to the exact truck configuration instead of choosing by appearance alone. Start by confirming whether the truck is DRW or non-DRW, then check the actual wheel diameter on the vehicle. That step prevents confusion between the 17-, 18-, and 20-inch fitments and keeps the search focused on the correct tire group.
What size rim does a 2013 RAM Trucks 3500 Big Horn use?
A 2013 RAM Trucks 3500 Big Horn may use 17-inch, 18-inch, or 20-inch rims depending on the sub-model and wheel package. The 235/80R17 fitment uses a 17-inch rim, 275/70R18 uses an 18-inch rim, and 285/60R20 uses a 20-inch rim.
Wheel diameter should be verified on the truck before choosing tires, especially on used pickups that may have had wheel changes over time. Rim width matters too when comparing specific products, since tire specifications include approved wheel-width ranges. Confirming both diameter and wheel type is especially important on DRW trucks, where the fitment path differs from single rear wheel models.
Why does the 2013 RAM Trucks 3500 Big Horn have more than one tire size?
More than one tire size applies because the 2013 RAM Trucks 3500 Big Horn was offered in different configurations. Single rear wheel 4x2 and 4x4 trucks use either 275/70R18 or 285/60R20, while dual rear wheel models use 235/80R17.
That means the first tire decision is really a vehicle-configuration check. A dually uses a different setup from a non-DRW truck, and wheel packages create another split between 18-inch and 20-inch sizes. Looking at the door opening, rear wheel arrangement, and wheel diameter on the truck itself will usually settle the fitment question quickly.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 2013 RAM Trucks 3500 Big Horn?
Begin with the correct primary size for the truck's exact setup: 275/70R18, 285/60R20, or 235/80R17. From there, compare construction, sidewall style, rim-width compatibility, load specification, and the type of driving the truck actually sees, whether that is highway use, towing duty, or mixed on-road and off-road travel.
The right choice depends on more than the number molded into the sidewall. A DRW truck needs its dedicated fitment path, while a non-DRW truck needs the correct 18-inch or 20-inch match. It also helps to look at how the tire's appearance suits the truck, especially if raised white lettering or a more subdued black sidewall matters to the finished look.
What brands offer tires for the 2013 RAM Trucks 3500 Big Horn?
Current product coverage for the 2013 RAM Trucks 3500 Big Horn includes BFGoodrich in the available 275/70R18 and 235/80R17 fitments. Those offerings are part of the All Terrain TA KO2 line and give buyers a consistent heavy-duty all-terrain product family across more than one of the truck's primary sizes.
Brand choice is only one part of the decision, since the exact size still has to match the truck's wheel and rear-wheel configuration. Once the fitment is confirmed, compare the tire's sidewall treatment, rim-width range, weight, and load specification. That approach keeps the search practical instead of choosing a tire simply because the brand name is familiar.
What sidewall styles are available for 2013 RAM Trucks 3500 Big Horn tires?
Available sidewall styles for this fitment include RWL and RBL, depending on the tire size. The 275/70R18 BFGoodrich All Terrain TA KO2 uses raised white letters, while the 235/80R17 version uses a black sidewall presentation.
Sidewall style affects appearance more than fitment, but it can still influence the buying decision on a truck like the 3500 Big Horn. Raised white letters give a more aggressive, traditional all-terrain look, while a black sidewall reads more understated. Once the correct size is established, sidewall treatment becomes a useful way to fine-tune the truck's overall presentation.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 2013 RAM Trucks 3500 Big Horn?
A period-style choice for a 2013 RAM Trucks 3500 Big Horn starts with the correct size for the exact configuration, then moves to tread character and sidewall appearance. In the currently available fitments, BFGoodrich All Terrain TA KO2 options provide a modern heavy-duty all-terrain look that suits the truck's era and purpose.
Appearance should still follow fitment, not the other way around. A non-DRW truck needs its proper 18-inch or 20-inch size, while a DRW truck needs the dedicated 17-inch fitment. If originality matters beyond general era-appropriate style, compare the truck against period sales materials, original window-sticker details, or marque-specific reference sources before deciding.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 2013 RAM Trucks 3500 Big Horn?
On this truck, the primary fitments are radial, so construction choice is less about vintage bias-ply styling and more about how a radial tire is presented. The visible differences come from the tire's profile, tread character, sidewall treatment, and wheel diameter rather than from a bias-ply-versus-radial decision.
That makes wheel-and-tire proportion especially important on a restored or carefully kept Big Horn. An 18-inch setup presents differently from a 20-inch package, and a black sidewall gives a different look than raised white letters. Keeping the tire size tied to the truck's actual configuration helps preserve a cohesive appearance without drifting into a mismatched stance.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2013 RAM Trucks 3500 Big Horn?
Yes. Wheel swaps, suspension changes, leveling or lowering kits, and body modifications can all affect tire fitment on a 2013 RAM Trucks 3500 Big Horn. Even when the truck started with 275/70R18, 285/60R20, or 235/80R17, later changes can alter clearance, wheel-width needs, or overall compatibility.
A modified truck should be checked at the wheel, not just by model name. Look at actual rim diameter and width, then inspect clearance at full steering lock and under suspension movement. On DRW models, spacing between the rear duals matters too. That extra verification is especially worthwhile before moving from one wheel package to another.
What should I inspect before driving a 2013 RAM Trucks 3500 Big Horn on new tires?
Before putting a 2013 RAM Trucks 3500 Big Horn into regular use on new tires, inspect wheel condition, valve stems, lug hardware, and tire pressure. It also helps to check for rubbing at the front suspension, fender liners, and rear wheel areas, especially if the truck has different wheels than it originally carried.
A short road test can reveal vibration, pull, or clearance issues before the truck is put to work. Recheck pressure after the first drives and inspect the tread and sidewalls for any unusual marks. On a heavy-duty pickup, it is smart to confirm that the installed tires match the truck's intended use rather than assuming any same-diameter tire is enough.
How should tires on a 2013 RAM Trucks 3500 Big Horn be maintained?
Tires on a 2013 RAM Trucks 3500 Big Horn should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and prompt attention to uneven wear. Watch for cracking, cuts, punctures, bulges, or persistent air loss, and keep an eye on tread wear patterns that may suggest alignment or suspension issues.
Heavy-duty trucks benefit from consistent maintenance because tire condition affects stability under load as well as everyday driving manners. It is also wise to inspect tires before longer trips or towing duty, even if the truck is not driven often. Stored vehicles should be protected from long exposure to sunlight, moisture, and ozone-producing equipment whenever possible.
