The 2016 RAM Trucks 3500 SLT sits in the heavy-duty pickup market where towing, payload, and real work capability matter just as much as everyday road manners. On a truck like this, tire choice is closely tied to the exact wheel package and whether the truck is single rear wheel or dual rear wheel. This model uses radial tire fitments that include 275/70R18, 285/60R20, and 235/80R17, depending on configuration. Available choices lean toward BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 products with raised white letter or raised black letter sidewall presentation. The key is matching the truck's exact sub-model and wheel diameter before comparing load-carrying specifications, appearance, and intended use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2016 RAM Trucks 3500 SLT
Three primary tire sizes apply to the 2016 RAM Trucks 3500 SLT, and they are tied to sub-model and wheel setup rather than being universally interchangeable across the range. The first step is identifying whether the truck is 4x2 or 4x4, and whether it is a dual rear wheel model, then confirming the actual rim diameter on the vehicle before selecting a tire.
275/70R18 is a metric radial size in which 275 is 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 2016 RAM Trucks 3500 SLT, this size is used on certain single rear wheel configurations and keeps the truck on an 18-inch rim. BFGoodrich offers this size in the All-Terrain T/A KO2 series with a raised white letter sidewall. It is a useful fitment to evaluate when the truck has the correct 18-inch wheels and the buyer wants a heavy-duty all-terrain radial with a traditional truck appearance.
285/60R20 is a metric radial size where 285 denotes nominal section width in millimeters, 60 is the aspect ratio, R means radial construction, and 20 identifies the rim diameter in inches. For the 2016 RAM Trucks 3500 SLT, this size belongs to certain single rear wheel 4x2 and 4x4 setups that use 20-inch wheels. Tire choice here starts with confirming that 20-inch wheel package, since this size is not the same fitment as the 17-inch or 18-inch options. Buyers comparing this size should focus on the truck's exact wheel setup, overall use, and clearance before making a selection.
235/80R17 is a metric radial size with a 235-millimeter nominal section width, an 80-series aspect ratio, radial construction, and a 17-inch rim diameter. On the 2016 RAM Trucks 3500 SLT, this size is used on dual rear wheel models, making it a configuration-specific fitment rather than a general 3500 SLT size. BFGoodrich offers it in the All-Terrain T/A KO2 series with a raised black letter sidewall. This is the size to evaluate when the truck is a DRW model and the buyer needs to stay focused on the proper 17-inch wheel fitment and load-carrying role of a dually setup.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 2016 RAM Trucks 3500 SLT because tire size changes with wheel package and with single rear wheel versus dual rear wheel configuration. Checking the exact sub-model keeps the search focused on the correct rim diameter and prevents mixing dually and non-dually fitments.
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2016 RAM Trucks 3500 SLT 4x2
The 2016 RAM Trucks 3500 SLT 4x2 uses either 275/70R18 or 285/60R20 radial tires, so the wheel package needs to be confirmed before choosing a replacement. Once the rim diameter is verified, the decision shifts to comparing the available tire characteristics that suit the truck's work use and overall presentation.
The 2016 RAM Trucks 3500 SLT 4x2 (DRW) uses the 235/80R17 radial size, which separates it from the single rear wheel versions. Tire selection here should stay centered on the dually setup, the 17-inch wheel fitment, and the specifications that support the truck's heavy-duty role.
The 2016 RAM Trucks 3500 SLT 4x4 uses either 275/70R18 or 285/60R20 radial tires depending on the wheel setup. That makes wheel confirmation the first step, followed by choosing the tire that matches the truck's intended road, towing, or all-terrain use.
The 2016 RAM Trucks 3500 SLT 4x4 (DRW) uses 235/80R17 radial tires as its primary fitment. Buyers should treat it as a dually-specific tire search and verify the wheel setup before comparing product details such as sidewall style, 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 2016 RAM Trucks 3500 SLT Tires for Sale
Available products for the 2016 RAM Trucks 3500 SLT center on BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires. The current selection includes 275/70R18 with raised white letters and 235/80R17 with raised black letters, giving buyers a meaningful sidewall and wheel-package distinction to compare.
Owners of a 2016 RAM Trucks 3500 SLT usually need to sort out exact tire size by sub-model, wheel diameter, and dually versus non-dually configuration. These FAQs focus on fitment, rim compatibility, product selection, and the checks that matter before road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2016 RAM Trucks 3500 SLT?
The 2016 RAM Trucks 3500 SLT uses three primary tire sizes: 275/70R18, 285/60R20, and 235/80R17. The correct one depends on the truck's exact configuration, with 275/70R18 and 285/60R20 used on certain 4x2 and 4x4 single rear wheel models, while 235/80R17 is used on dual rear wheel versions.
The practical step is to confirm whether the truck is SRW or DRW and then check the actual wheel diameter on the vehicle. A 17-inch dually fitment is not the same decision as an 18-inch or 20-inch single rear wheel setup, so matching the size to the truck's configuration comes before comparing tread style or sidewall treatment.
What size rim does a 2016 RAM Trucks 3500 SLT use?
A 2016 RAM Trucks 3500 SLT may use 17-inch, 18-inch, or 20-inch rims depending on sub-model and tire 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.
That makes rim diameter one of the first things to verify before replacing tires. Looking only at the truck's model name is not enough, because a 3500 SLT can appear with more than one wheel package, and the dually versions follow a different fitment path than the single rear wheel trucks.
Why does the 2016 RAM Trucks 3500 SLT have more than one tire size?
The 2016 RAM Trucks 3500 SLT has more than one tire size because the fitment changes with configuration. Single rear wheel 4x2 and 4x4 trucks can use either 275/70R18 or 285/60R20, while dual rear wheel models use 235/80R17.
That difference reflects the truck's wheel package and whether it is built as a dually. Buyers should identify the exact sub-model first, then verify the wheels currently on the truck, especially if it has been modified or changed hands, since the correct tire choice starts with the actual hardware on the vehicle.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 2016 RAM Trucks 3500 SLT?
Start with the correct primary size for the truck's exact setup: 275/70R18, 285/60R20, or 235/80R17. After that, compare construction, load capacity, rim-width compatibility, sidewall style, and the tire's intended character, especially if the truck is used for towing, work duty, or mixed on-road and off-road driving.
A dually truck and a single rear wheel truck should not be approached the same way, even under the same 3500 SLT badge. Matching the tire to the actual wheel diameter and use case helps narrow the choice far more effectively than choosing by appearance alone or assuming every 3500 setup uses the same tire.
What sidewall styles are available for 2016 RAM Trucks 3500 SLT tires?
The available sidewall styles for the 2016 RAM Trucks 3500 SLT include RWL and RBL. In the current selection, the 275/70R18 BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 uses a raised white letter sidewall, while the 235/80R17 version uses a raised black letter sidewall.
Sidewall style is mostly an appearance decision once the correct size and wheel fitment are settled. A raised white letter look gives a more assertive period-truck feel, while raised black letter tends to appear more understated, so it makes sense to choose the presentation that fits the truck's overall look and use.
What brands offer tires for the 2016 RAM Trucks 3500 SLT?
BFGoodrich is represented in the current product selection for the 2016 RAM Trucks 3500 SLT. The available products are from the All-Terrain T/A KO2 line in the applicable truck sizes that support this model's 17-inch and 18-inch fitments.
Brand is only one part of the decision on a heavy-duty pickup. The more important step is making sure the tire matches the truck's exact size, wheel diameter, and duty cycle, then comparing details such as sidewall style, load capacity at the stated pressure, and rim-width range where those specifications matter.
Restoration & Appearance
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 2016 RAM Trucks 3500 SLT restoration?
Correct tire fitment matters on a 2016 RAM Trucks 3500 SLT even when the goal is a clean, stock-style restoration rather than a strict vintage restoration. This truck can use 17-inch, 18-inch, or 20-inch wheel packages depending on configuration, so getting the size wrong changes both the look and the functional setup.
A proper restoration-oriented tire choice starts with the actual sub-model and wheel package on the truck. Once that is confirmed, sidewall presentation and tread character can be chosen to suit the build, while buyers seeking exact historical accuracy should still compare against vehicle-specific documentation and original equipment references.
Which sidewall style suits a period-style 2016 RAM Trucks 3500 SLT?
A period-style 2016 RAM Trucks 3500 SLT can work with either raised white letter or raised black letter sidewalls, depending on the truck's overall presentation. Raised white letters bring a more aggressive truck and all-terrain look, while raised black letters keep the appearance more restrained.
The best visual choice depends on whether the truck is being kept close to its original road-going character or given a more assertive off-road stance. Appearance should come after correct fitment, though, since sidewall style only matters once the proper size, wheel diameter, and configuration-specific tire choice have been established.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2016 RAM Trucks 3500 SLT?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 2016 RAM Trucks 3500 SLT. Aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, leveling or lowering kits, and body alterations can all change the relationship between the tire, the wheel, and the available clearance, even when the tire size matches a stock fitment used on another version of the truck.
A modified truck should be checked for actual wheel diameter, wheel width, and clearance at the fenders and steering components before a replacement tire is chosen. That is especially important on a 3500, where single rear wheel and dual rear wheel configurations already follow different fitment paths before any custom changes are added.
What should I inspect before driving a 2016 RAM Trucks 3500 SLT on new tires?
Before driving a 2016 RAM Trucks 3500 SLT on new tires, inspect inflation pressure, wheel condition, lug hardware, visible tread and sidewall condition, and basic clearance around the suspension and body. It also helps to confirm that all tires match the truck's intended configuration, especially on a dual rear wheel setup.
A short initial road test can reveal rubbing, vibration, or pull that may not be obvious while the truck is stationary. Heavy-duty trucks place real demands on tires, so it is worth rechecking pressure and visual condition after the first miles and before towing, hauling, or taking the truck on a longer trip.
How often should tires on a 2016 RAM Trucks 3500 SLT be inspected?
Tires on a 2016 RAM Trucks 3500 SLT should be inspected regularly, with a visual check before normal road use and a closer inspection before towing, hauling, or longer drives. Pressure loss, uneven wear, cuts, cracking, punctures, and embedded debris are all worth catching early on a heavy-duty truck.
Routine inspection matters even more if the truck sees intermittent use or spends long periods parked. A 3500 can place significant load on its tires, so owners should watch for aging, shoulder wear, and sidewall damage, and should also verify that dual rear wheel trucks maintain proper condition across the full rear tire set.
