The 2013 RAM Trucks 3500 Tradesman sits squarely in the heavy-duty pickup world, where towing, payload, and work-truck durability matter as much as everyday road manners. In Tradesman trim, tire choice is tied directly to how the truck is configured, especially whether it is a single-rear-wheel or dual-rear-wheel setup. This model uses radial tires in two different sizes: 275/70R18 or 235/80R17. That means the key decision is confirming the exact sub-model and wheel diameter first, then comparing the available all-terrain tire option in the correct size. For a truck that may still see real hauling duty, fitment accuracy and load-related specifications deserve close attention before replacement.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2013 RAM Trucks 3500 Tradesman
The 2013 RAM Trucks 3500 Tradesman uses two primary tire sizes, and the correct one depends on the truck's exact sub-model and wheel setup. Both fitments are radial, but they use different rim diameters, so the first step is confirming whether the truck is a single-rear-wheel or dual-rear-wheel configuration and whether it rides on 17-inch or 18-inch wheels.
275/70R18 is a metric radial size in which 275 represents the nominal section width in millimeters, 70 is the aspect ratio, R identifies radial construction, and 18 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 2013 RAM Trucks 3500 Tradesman, this size is used on 18-inch applications rather than dual-rear-wheel setups. The available tire choice in this size is a BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO2 with a raised white letter sidewall. It is the size to evaluate when the truck has the 18-inch wheel package and the buyer wants a heavy-duty radial with an all-terrain character.
235/80R17 is a metric radial size that uses a 235-millimeter nominal section width, an 80-series profile, radial construction, and a 17-inch wheel diameter. On the 2013 RAM Trucks 3500 Tradesman, this size is tied to the dual-rear-wheel configuration, making it distinct from the 18-inch single-rear-wheel fitment. The available option is a BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO2 with an RBL sidewall treatment. This is the size to confirm when the truck is a dually, since wheel diameter and rear-wheel configuration matter more here than simply matching the name on the door.
Sub-model fitment on the 2013 RAM Trucks 3500 Tradesman is not one-size-fits-all. Tire selection changes with drivetrain and, more importantly, with single-rear-wheel versus dual-rear-wheel configuration, so identifying the exact sub-model is the first step before comparing tires.
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2013 RAM Trucks 3500 Tradesman 4x2
The 2013 RAM Trucks 3500 Tradesman 4x2 uses the 275/70R18 radial fitment. Tire selection here centers on confirming the 18-inch wheel setup and choosing the available all-terrain product that matches the truck's intended road and work use.
The 2013 RAM Trucks 3500 Tradesman 4x2 (DRW) uses the 235/80R17 radial size rather than the 18-inch fitment found on the single-rear-wheel truck. For replacement, the important checks are dually configuration, 17-inch wheel compatibility, and keeping the tire choice aligned with heavy-duty service needs.
The 2013 RAM Trucks 3500 Tradesman 4x4 shares the 275/70R18 radial fitment with the 4x2 single-rear-wheel version. That keeps the size question straightforward, leaving the buyer to focus on wheel confirmation, tire character, and whether the truck still matches its original wheel setup.
The 2013 RAM Trucks 3500 Tradesman 4x4 (DRW) uses the 235/80R17 radial fitment associated with the dually configuration. Tire selection should begin with the 17-inch wheel requirement and a careful check that the current wheels and overall rear setup have not been changed from stock-type dimensions.
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 Tradesman Tires for Sale
Available tire choices for the 2013 RAM Trucks 3500 Tradesman center on BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO2 radials in the two correct sizes. The main differences in the product grid are size-specific wheel compatibility, load specification, and sidewall treatment, with RWL on 275/70R18 and RBL on 235/80R17.
Owners of a 2013 RAM Trucks 3500 Tradesman usually need clarity on the correct tire size by sub-model, the difference between 17-inch and 18-inch fitments, and what to inspect before putting a heavy-duty truck back into regular road or work use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2013 RAM Trucks 3500 Tradesman?
The 2013 RAM Trucks 3500 Tradesman uses either 275/70R18 or 235/80R17, depending on the truck's exact configuration. The 275/70R18 size applies to the 4x2 and 4x4 single-rear-wheel models, while the 235/80R17 size is used on the 4x2 (DRW) and 4x4 (DRW) versions.
That means the correct tire is tied to more than just the model name. Checking whether the truck is single-rear-wheel or dual-rear-wheel, and confirming whether it carries 17-inch or 18-inch wheels, should come before comparing tire choices. A truck that has had wheel changes, fleet replacements, or work-use modifications deserves an extra fitment check before ordering.
What size rim does a 2013 RAM Trucks 3500 Tradesman use?
The 2013 RAM Trucks 3500 Tradesman uses two rim diameters: 18-inch wheels with 275/70R18 tires, and 17-inch wheels with 235/80R17 tires. The 18-inch setup belongs to the single-rear-wheel 4x2 and 4x4 trucks, while the 17-inch setup is used on the dual-rear-wheel versions.
Rim diameter is the first fitment point to verify because a 17-inch tire cannot be mounted on an 18-inch wheel, and the reverse is also true. Wheel width matters as well once the diameter is confirmed, especially on a heavy-duty truck where tire load and wheel compatibility play a larger role than they do on a lighter vehicle.
Why does the 2013 RAM Trucks 3500 Tradesman have more than one tire size?
The 2013 RAM Trucks 3500 Tradesman has more than one tire size because fitment changes with configuration. Single-rear-wheel 4x2 and 4x4 models use 275/70R18, while dual-rear-wheel 4x2 (DRW) and 4x4 (DRW) models use 235/80R17.
The important takeaway is that the size difference is not a style choice between two interchangeable options. It reflects a different wheel diameter and a different rear-wheel setup. Anyone replacing tires on one of these trucks should start by identifying the exact sub-model and then confirming the actual wheels on the truck, especially if it has seen commercial service or previous owner changes.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 2013 RAM Trucks 3500 Tradesman?
Start with the correct size for the truck's configuration: 275/70R18 for single-rear-wheel models and 235/80R17 for dual-rear-wheel models. Both primary fitments are radial, and each uses a different wheel diameter, so size accuracy comes before comparing tread style, sidewall appearance, or other specifications.
From there, look at the tire's intended use and working specifications. A heavy-duty pickup benefits from checking wheel compatibility, load capacity at the stated pressure, and how the truck is actually used for towing, hauling, or mixed pavement and gravel driving. Appearance can matter too, but utility and correct fitment should lead the decision on a 3500 Tradesman.
What sidewall styles are available for 2013 RAM Trucks 3500 Tradesman tires?
The available sidewall styles differ by size on the 2013 RAM Trucks 3500 Tradesman. The 275/70R18 BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO2 uses an RWL sidewall, while the 235/80R17 BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO2 uses an RBL sidewall.
That makes sidewall appearance part of the selection picture, but only after the correct size and sub-model are confirmed. A single-rear-wheel truck and a dually do not simply share the same cosmetic options, because they do not share the same tire size. Matching the truck's actual wheel setup matters more than choosing a preferred sidewall treatment first.
What tire series are available for the 2013 RAM Trucks 3500 Tradesman?
The available tire series for the 2013 RAM Trucks 3500 Tradesman is the BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO2 in both primary fitments. It is offered in 275/70R18 for the single-rear-wheel trucks and in 235/80R17 for the dual-rear-wheel versions.
Since the series stays the same across both sizes, the real comparison points are the size-specific load specification, wheel compatibility, and sidewall treatment. That keeps the buying decision fairly focused. Once the truck's exact configuration is confirmed, the main task is choosing the correct KO2 size rather than sorting through a long list of different tire families.
Restoration & Appearance
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 2013 RAM Trucks 3500 Tradesman restoration or rebuild?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters even on a work-oriented truck like the 2013 RAM Trucks 3500 Tradesman. Using the right size for the actual configuration preserves the truck's stance, wheel relationship, and intended heavy-duty character, whether the project is a clean rebuild, a fleet-style refresh, or a more presentation-focused restoration.
Appearance and function overlap here more than many owners expect. A single-rear-wheel truck on 275/70R18 tires presents differently than a dually on 235/80R17 tires, and mixing those fitments changes more than looks. Before chasing cosmetic details, confirm the exact sub-model and wheel setup so the tire choice supports both authenticity of presentation and proper utility.
Which tire should I choose for a period-appropriate 2013 RAM Trucks 3500 Tradesman look?
A period-appropriate look starts with the correct original-style size for the truck's configuration: 275/70R18 on single-rear-wheel models or 235/80R17 on dual-rear-wheel models. The available BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO2 also gives the truck a purposeful heavy-duty appearance that suits a working-era 3500 Tradesman.
Sidewall treatment also affects the final presentation, since the 18-inch size uses RWL and the 17-inch size uses RBL. The key is not forcing one appearance across every version of the truck. Matching the tire to the correct wheel diameter and rear-wheel configuration creates a more believable result than choosing appearance details in isolation.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2013 RAM Trucks 3500 Tradesman?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 2013 RAM Trucks 3500 Tradesman. Wheel changes, suspension lifts, leveling kits, offset changes, and conversion between work-truck and custom setups can all alter how a tire sits in the wheel opening and whether the current size still matches the wheel correctly.
That matters even when the tire size looks close on paper. A changed wheel width or offset can influence clearance at the fender, steering components, or between dual rear tires on a DRW truck. Checking the truck's actual wheel dimensions and overall setup before replacement helps avoid selecting a tire that matches the model name but not the modified truck.
What should I inspect before driving a 2013 RAM Trucks 3500 Tradesman on new tires?
Before driving a 2013 RAM Trucks 3500 Tradesman on new tires, inspect wheel condition, valve stems, lug hardware, and overall tire seating on the rim. It also helps to confirm the truck is wearing the correct size for its sub-model, especially when the difference between single-rear-wheel and dual-rear-wheel setups is part of the fitment.
A heavy-duty pickup should also be checked for alignment issues, uneven wear patterns from the previous tires, and any suspension or steering play that could shorten tire life. After installation, monitor air pressure closely and recheck for any signs of rubbing or abnormal wear. Those steps are especially worthwhile on a truck that tows, hauls, or spends time sitting between jobs.
How often should tires on a 2013 RAM Trucks 3500 Tradesman be inspected?
Tires on a 2013 RAM Trucks 3500 Tradesman should be inspected regularly, not just at replacement time. A visual check for tread wear, cuts, cracking, bulges, punctures, and pressure loss is a smart routine on any heavy-duty truck, especially one that may see towing, payload work, or long idle periods between uses.
Frequent inspection matters because these trucks place meaningful demands on their tires. Looking over the tires before longer trips, after hauling, and during routine service helps catch issues early. On dually models, it is also worth paying close attention to the rear setup so both wheel and tire condition remain consistent across the truck's heavier-duty configuration.
