The 2016 RAM Trucks 3500 Tradesman sits in the heavy-duty pickup market where load capacity, work use, and wheel configuration matter more than styling alone. Buyers looking at this exact truck are usually sorting out a very practical fitment question, because single-rear-wheel and dual-rear-wheel versions do not use the same tire size. On this model, the primary fitments are radial truck tires in either 275/70R18 or 235/80R17, depending on the sub-model. Available choices here center less on vintage appearance and more on confirming the correct wheel setup, matching the truck's intended use, and selecting the right tire within the proper size.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2016 RAM Trucks 3500 Tradesman
The 2016 RAM Trucks 3500 Tradesman uses two primary tire sizes, and the correct one depends on whether the truck is single-rear-wheel or dual-rear-wheel. These are both radial truck fitments, but they use different rim diameters, so the first step is confirming the exact sub-model and wheel size before comparing tire options.
275/70R18 is a modern metric radial size where 275 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 70 is the aspect ratio, R identifies radial construction, and 18 is the rim diameter in inches. On the 2016 RAM Trucks 3500 Tradesman, this size is used on certain single-rear-wheel configurations and reflects a heavy-duty truck fitment rather than a collector-era sizing system. The available example in this size is a BFGoodrich All Terrain TA KO2 with raised white letter sidewall treatment. This size should be evaluated by owners who have the correct 18-inch wheel setup and want to stay with the intended single-rear-wheel fitment.
235/80R17 is a metric radial size in which 235 gives the nominal section width in millimeters, 80 is the aspect ratio, R indicates radial construction, and 17 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 2016 RAM Trucks 3500 Tradesman, this size applies to dual-rear-wheel versions, making it a configuration-specific fitment rather than a universal choice across the model line. The available option here is a BFGoodrich All Terrain TA KO2 with a black sidewall presentation. This size is the one to review when the truck has the correct 17-inch dually wheel arrangement and the buyer needs to stay aligned with that setup.
Tire fitment on the 2016 RAM Trucks 3500 Tradesman changes by sub-model, and the biggest divide is between single-rear-wheel and dual-rear-wheel configurations. Checking the exact sub-model matters because the truck can use either a 17-inch or 18-inch wheel, and those sizes are not interchangeable without confirming the full wheel setup.
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2016 RAM Trucks 3500 Tradesman 4x2
The 2016 RAM Trucks 3500 Tradesman 4x2 uses the 275/70R18 radial fitment. Tire selection here is mostly about confirming the 18-inch wheel setup and then comparing the available tire's load, rim-width compatibility, and intended truck use.
The 2016 RAM Trucks 3500 Tradesman 4x2 (DRW) uses the 235/80R17 radial fitment tied to its dual-rear-wheel configuration. That makes wheel confirmation especially important, since dually setups require the correct size and arrangement before any tire choice is evaluated.
The 2016 RAM Trucks 3500 Tradesman 4x4 uses the 275/70R18 radial tire size. Buyers with this sub-model should focus on staying with the proper 18-inch fitment and checking wheel dimensions and clearance if the truck has been altered from stock wheel or suspension specifications.
The 2016 RAM Trucks 3500 Tradesman 4x4 (DRW) uses 235/80R17 radial tires. Tire selection for this sub-model starts with confirming the truck's dually wheel setup, then comparing the available tire's specifications against the truck's actual use and condition.
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 Tradesman Tires for Sale
Available 2016 RAM Trucks 3500 Tradesman tire options center on BFGoodrich All Terrain TA KO2 products in both primary sizes. The main points to compare are the correct 17-inch or 18-inch fitment, sidewall style, load capacity at stated pressure, and rim-width compatibility.
Questions for the 2016 RAM Trucks 3500 Tradesman usually come down to the correct size by sub-model, 17-inch versus 18-inch wheel fitment, and how to choose the right radial truck tire for work use, modifications, and regular road inspection.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2016 RAM Trucks 3500 Tradesman?
A 2016 RAM Trucks 3500 Tradesman uses either 275/70R18 or 235/80R17, depending on the sub-model. The 275/70R18 size is used on 4x2 and 4x4 single-rear-wheel versions, while 235/80R17 is used on 4x2 (DRW) and 4x4 (DRW) models.
The practical step is identifying whether the truck is single-rear-wheel or dual-rear-wheel before choosing a tire. Since these sizes also use different wheel diameters, checking the actual wheel setup on the truck matters, especially if wheels, suspension height, or axle hardware have been changed since new.
What size rim does a 2016 RAM Trucks 3500 Tradesman use?
The 2016 RAM Trucks 3500 Tradesman uses either a 17-inch or 18-inch rim, depending on the tire size and sub-model. Trucks fitted with 275/70R18 use an 18-inch rim, while trucks fitted with 235/80R17 use a 17-inch rim.
Wheel diameter needs to be confirmed before any tire purchase because moving between these two sizes is not just a matter of preference. The sub-model, rear-wheel configuration, and actual wheel hardware on the truck should all be checked so the tire matches the wheel and intended setup correctly.
Why does the 2016 RAM Trucks 3500 Tradesman have more than one tire size?
The 2016 RAM Trucks 3500 Tradesman has more than one tire size because the model range includes both single-rear-wheel and dual-rear-wheel configurations. Single-rear-wheel 4x2 and 4x4 trucks use 275/70R18, while dually versions use 235/80R17.
That difference means the right tire is tied to the truck's exact configuration, not just the model name on the badge. A buyer should confirm the sub-model first, then verify the wheel diameter already on the truck so the replacement tire matches the vehicle's actual wheel and rear-wheel arrangement.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 2016 RAM Trucks 3500 Tradesman tire?
Start with the correct size for the truck's configuration, since the 2016 RAM Trucks 3500 Tradesman can use either 275/70R18 or 235/80R17. From there, compare tire construction, rim-width compatibility, load capacity at the stated pressure, weight, and whether the tire suits the truck's real work and road use.
The available products here are both radial BFGoodrich All Terrain TA KO2 tires, so the main decision is less about brand comparison and more about correct fitment. Wheel diameter, dually versus single-rear-wheel setup, and any wheel or suspension changes should be checked before choosing between the available sizes.
What brands offer tires for the 2016 RAM Trucks 3500 Tradesman?
The available tires for the 2016 RAM Trucks 3500 Tradesman here are from BFGoodrich. Both primary sizes, 275/70R18 and 235/80R17, are represented by the All Terrain TA KO2 series in radial construction.
Since the selection is focused on one brand and one series, the more useful comparison points are the correct size, sidewall presentation, stated load capacity, and the rim-width range attached to each tire. Those factors matter more than brand switching when the first goal is matching the truck's exact wheel configuration.
What sidewall styles are available for 2016 RAM Trucks 3500 Tradesman tires?
Sidewall style varies by size in the current 2016 RAM Trucks 3500 Tradesman selection. The 275/70R18 BFGoodrich All Terrain TA KO2 uses an RWL sidewall, while the 235/80R17 version uses an RBL sidewall.
That means sidewall appearance is tied to the truck's fitment rather than being a separate cosmetic option within the same size. A buyer should choose the proper tire size and wheel diameter first, then treat the sidewall style as part of the package that comes with that specific application.
Restoration & Appearance
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 2016 RAM Trucks 3500 Tradesman restoration?
Correct tire fitment still matters on a 2016 RAM Trucks 3500 Tradesman even though this is a modern heavy-duty truck rather than a classic restoration subject. The right size preserves the intended relationship between the wheel, tire, and truck configuration, especially when comparing single-rear-wheel and dual-rear-wheel versions.
Appearance is only one part of that decision. A truck being returned to a stock-style presentation should have its exact sub-model and wheel setup confirmed first, because the 17-inch dually fitment and 18-inch single-rear-wheel fitment create visibly and mechanically different tire installations.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 2016 RAM Trucks 3500 Tradesman?
On the 2016 RAM Trucks 3500 Tradesman, tire construction is straightforward because the primary fitments are radial. That means appearance differences are shaped more by the correct size, the wheel diameter, and sidewall presentation than by a bias-ply versus radial decision.
For a stock-style look, the key is keeping the truck matched to its proper 275/70R18 or 235/80R17 application and paying attention to whether the tire uses an RWL or RBL sidewall. Getting those details right usually has more visual impact than searching for an alternative construction on this model.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2016 RAM Trucks 3500 Tradesman?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 2016 RAM Trucks 3500 Tradesman. Aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, lift or leveling components, and changes in rear-wheel hardware can all alter how a 275/70R18 or 235/80R17 tire sits on the truck.
That is especially important on a model that can be either single-rear-wheel or dual-rear-wheel. Any time the truck has been modified, the owner should verify wheel diameter, wheel width, and clearance at steering, suspension, and body points before assuming the original size still suits the current setup.
What should I inspect before driving a 2016 RAM Trucks 3500 Tradesman on new tires?
Before driving on new tires, inspect the wheels for the correct diameter and condition, confirm the tire size matches the truck's exact configuration, and check inflation carefully. It is also smart to look over valve stems, wheel hardware, and any visible suspension or steering wear that could affect tire behavior.
A heavy-duty truck places real demands on its tires, so the inspection should not stop at tread depth alone. Sidewall damage, irregular wear, air loss, and any signs of rubbing should be addressed early, and a short initial road test can help confirm that the fitment behaves normally under actual use.
How often should tires on a 2016 RAM Trucks 3500 Tradesman be inspected?
Tires on a 2016 RAM Trucks 3500 Tradesman should be inspected regularly, especially before towing, hauling, or longer highway trips. Routine checks should cover pressure, tread wear, visible cuts, bulges, cracking, and any signs that the tire is wearing unevenly across the tread.
Work trucks often see changing loads and mixed road conditions, so small issues can turn into larger fitment or durability problems quickly. A frequent walk-around inspection, paired with periodic checks of wheel condition and suspension wear, helps catch problems before they affect ride quality, stability, or tire life.
