The 2021 RAM Trucks 3500 sits in the modern heavy-duty pickup world where towing, payload, and long-wheelbase stability matter just as much as day-to-day road manners. Buyers often know this truck by trim and axle setup because those details directly affect wheel and tire fitment. For this model, tire selection centers on three primary radial sizes: 275/70R18, 285/60R20, and 235/80R17, with fitment changing by sub-model and DRW configuration. Available choices here are more about matching the correct size, rim diameter, and truck setup than choosing between vintage constructions or radial conversions. That makes wheel confirmation and trim-specific fitment the first step before comparing tread style and sidewall presentation.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2021 RAM Trucks 3500
The 2021 RAM Trucks 3500 uses three primary tire sizes, and the right one depends on the exact sub-model and wheel setup. These are all radial fitments, but they span 17-inch, 18-inch, and 20-inch rims, so confirming wheel diameter comes first. After that, the decision becomes matching the correct size to the truck's specific configuration and then comparing the available tire options within that fitment.
Fit(s): Big Horn, Laramie, Limited Longhorn, Lone Star, and Tradesman
Construction: Radial|Rim: 18 in
275/70R18 is a modern metric radial size in which 275 identifies the nominal section width in millimeters, 70 is the aspect ratio, R denotes radial construction, and 18 is the rim diameter in inches. On the 2021 RAM Trucks 3500, this size is one of the standard heavy-duty fitments and appears on several non-DRW sub-models. The available product in this size is a BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO2 with a raised white letter sidewall presentation. This size is worth considering when the truck is already equipped with 18-inch wheels and the goal is to stay with the intended fitment rather than move to another wheel diameter.
Fit(s): Big Horn, Laramie, Limited, Limited Longhorn, and Lone Star
Construction: Radial|Rim: 20 in
285/60R20 is a metric radial size where 285 gives the nominal section width in millimeters, 60 indicates the aspect ratio, R marks radial construction, and 20 identifies a 20-inch rim. For the 2021 RAM Trucks 3500, this size applies to certain upper-trim single-rear-wheel configurations rather than across the full model range. Its role in the lineup is tied to trucks equipped with 20-inch wheels, so the wheel itself must be confirmed before any tire choice is made. This size makes sense for owners maintaining the existing 20-inch setup and checking replacement fitment against the truck's exact trim and configuration.
Fit(s): Big Horn 4x2 (DRW), Big Horn 4x4 (DRW), Laramie 4x2 (DRW), Laramie 4x4 (DRW), Limited 4x2 (DRW), Limited 4x4 (DRW), Limited Longhorn 4x2 (DRW), Limited Longhorn 4x4 (DRW), Lone Star 4x2 (DRW), Lone Star 4x4 (DRW), Tradesman 4x2 (DRW), and Tradesman 4x4 (DRW)
Construction: Radial|Rim: 17 in
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 rim diameter. On the 2021 RAM Trucks 3500, this size is used on the DRW versions across multiple trims, making it a configuration-specific fitment rather than a universal one. The available BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO2 in this size uses a black sidewall presentation and is built for a 17-inch wheel. This is the size to evaluate when the truck is a dual-rear-wheel model and the goal is to keep the correct wheel and tire relationship for that setup.
Tire fitment on the 2021 RAM Trucks 3500 varies significantly by sub-model, especially once single-rear-wheel and DRW versions are separated. Checking the exact trim and wheel package matters because this truck uses three different tire sizes across three rim diameters.
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2021 RAM Trucks 3500 Big Horn
The 2021 RAM Trucks 3500 Big Horn uses either 275/70R18 or 285/60R20 radial tires, so the wheel diameter already on the truck is the key detail. Tire selection starts with confirming whether it has the 18-inch or 20-inch setup before comparing replacement options.
The 2021 RAM Trucks 3500 Big Horn 4x2 (DRW) uses the 235/80R17 radial size. That keeps the fitment decision more straightforward, with the main focus shifting to matching the 17-inch wheel setup and choosing an appropriate tire within that size.
The 2021 RAM Trucks 3500 Big Horn 4x4 (DRW) also uses 235/80R17 radial tires. For this sub-model, the practical next step is verifying the existing wheel arrangement and then selecting a tire built for the truck's DRW fitment and intended use.
The 2021 RAM Trucks 3500 Laramie can be equipped with either 275/70R18 or 285/60R20 radial tires. That means tire choice depends first on identifying the actual wheel diameter on the truck rather than assuming all Laramie models use the same fitment.
The 2021 RAM Trucks 3500 Laramie 4x2 (DRW) uses 235/80R17 radial tires. Buyers replacing tires on this configuration should stay centered on the DRW-specific 17-inch fitment and verify wheel condition and compatibility before changing brands or tread style.
The 2021 RAM Trucks 3500 Laramie 4x4 (DRW) uses the same 235/80R17 radial size. That shared fitment simplifies selection, but it remains important to confirm the truck is still on its correct DRW wheel setup if any prior modifications have been made.
The 2021 RAM Trucks 3500 Limited uses 285/60R20 radial tires. For this sub-model, the tire decision is less about choosing between multiple primary sizes and more about maintaining the 20-inch fitment with the right replacement specifications.
The 2021 RAM Trucks 3500 Limited 4x2 (DRW) uses 235/80R17 radial tires. Replacement selection should stay focused on the 17-inch DRW configuration and on confirming that the truck's wheel setup has not been altered from the fitment it was built around.
The 2021 RAM Trucks 3500 Limited 4x4 (DRW) uses the 235/80R17 radial size as well. That gives this version the same core fitment path as the other DRW models, with wheel confirmation and configuration accuracy remaining the important checks.
The 2021 RAM Trucks 3500 Limited Longhorn uses either 275/70R18 or 285/60R20 radial tires. Tire replacement begins by confirming whether the truck has the 18-inch or 20-inch wheel package, since that determines which primary size applies.
The 2021 RAM Trucks 3500 Limited Longhorn 4x2 (DRW) uses 235/80R17 radial tires. This fitment keeps the tire-size question simple, leaving the buyer to confirm correct DRW wheels and then compare the available products in that size.
The 2021 RAM Trucks 3500 Limited Longhorn 4x4 (DRW) uses 235/80R17 radial tires. Owners replacing tires here should confirm the truck remains on its proper 17-inch dual-rear-wheel setup before evaluating any replacement tire choice.
The 2021 RAM Trucks 3500 Lone Star uses either 275/70R18 or 285/60R20 radial tires. Because both sizes appear on this sub-model, checking the actual wheel diameter is the first and most important step before selecting a replacement tire.
The 2021 RAM Trucks 3500 Lone Star 4x2 (DRW) uses 235/80R17 radial tires. This points the buying decision toward the correct 17-inch DRW fitment first, followed by product details such as sidewall style and intended use.
The 2021 RAM Trucks 3500 Lone Star 4x4 (DRW) also uses 235/80R17 radial tires. For this setup, replacement selection is mainly about staying with the proper DRW size and confirming the truck's wheels and tire clearances remain correct.
The 2021 RAM Trucks 3500 Tradesman uses 275/70R18 radial tires. Since this sub-model has a single primary size, the decision becomes more straightforward and centers on choosing the right replacement tire for the existing 18-inch wheel setup.
The 2021 RAM Trucks 3500 Tradesman 4x2 (DRW) uses 235/80R17 radial tires. That makes proper DRW wheel confirmation the key fitment step before comparing the available tire option in this size.
The 2021 RAM Trucks 3500 Tradesman 4x4 (DRW) uses 235/80R17 radial tires. Buyers should treat this as a configuration-specific fitment and make sure the truck still has the correct 17-inch DRW wheel setup before replacement.
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 2021 RAM Trucks 3500 Tires for Sale
Available products for the 2021 RAM Trucks 3500 currently center on BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO2 fitments in 275/70R18 and 235/80R17. The product grid is most useful for comparing the two supported sizes, sidewall presentation, load capacity, and rim-width compatibility.
Owners shopping tires for a 2021 RAM Trucks 3500 usually need to sort out exact size, wheel diameter, DRW versus single-rear-wheel fitment, and product differences within the correct size. These FAQs focus on those practical decisions before tire replacement.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2021 RAM Trucks 3500?
The 2021 RAM Trucks 3500 uses three primary tire sizes: 275/70R18, 285/60R20, and 235/80R17. All three are radial sizes, but they do not apply across every version of the truck. Single-rear-wheel trims may use 18-inch or 20-inch fitments, while DRW models use 235/80R17.
The right choice depends on the exact sub-model and the wheels currently on the truck. Checking trim alone is not always enough, because some sub-models use more than one primary size. Confirm the truck's wheel diameter and whether it is a DRW or single-rear-wheel configuration before choosing a replacement tire.
What size rim does a 2021 RAM Trucks 3500 use?
A 2021 RAM Trucks 3500 can use 17-inch, 18-inch, or 20-inch rims, depending on the sub-model and tire size. The 235/80R17 fitment uses a 17-inch rim, the 275/70R18 fitment uses an 18-inch rim, and the 285/60R20 fitment uses a 20-inch rim.
Rim diameter is the first thing to verify because tire size must match it exactly. A truck equipped with 20-inch wheels cannot use an 18-inch or 17-inch tire without changing wheels as well. Once the diameter is confirmed, then it makes sense to compare the tire's other dimensions and product specifications.
Why does the 2021 RAM Trucks 3500 have more than one tire size?
The 2021 RAM Trucks 3500 has more than one tire size because fitment changes with trim level, wheel package, and DRW versus single-rear-wheel configuration. Some trims use either 275/70R18 or 285/60R20, while the DRW versions across several trims use 235/80R17.
That means tire replacement is not a one-size-fits-all decision, even within the same model year and model name. The safest approach is to identify the exact sub-model and then physically confirm the wheel diameter already on the truck. That avoids ordering a tire that matches the trim name but not the actual wheel setup.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 2021 RAM Trucks 3500?
Start with the correct primary size for the truck's exact configuration: 275/70R18, 285/60R20, or 235/80R17. From there, compare the tire's construction, load capacity, rim-width compatibility, and whether the fitment is for a single-rear-wheel or DRW model. Those basics matter more than brand preference alone.
The available options here are all radial, so the bigger decision is matching the tire to the truck's wheel setup and intended use. It also helps to consider sidewall presentation and tread character if appearance matters. On a heavy-duty pickup, confirming wheel size and replacement specifications should come before any style preference.
What brands offer tires for the 2021 RAM Trucks 3500?
BFGoodrich is represented in the available 2021 RAM Trucks 3500 tire options, including the All Terrain T/A KO2 in supported sizes. The currently visible choices focus on the 275/70R18 and 235/80R17 fitments rather than covering every primary size with the same assortment.
Brand is only one part of the decision on a truck like this. It is still necessary to confirm the correct size, the proper rim diameter, and whether the truck is a DRW configuration before narrowing the choice to a particular tire. Once that is settled, product details such as sidewall style and load rating become easier to compare.
What sidewall styles are available for 2021 RAM Trucks 3500 tires?
The available 2021 RAM Trucks 3500 tire options include both RWL and RBL sidewall styles. The 275/70R18 BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO2 uses raised white letters, while the 235/80R17 KO2 uses a black sidewall presentation.
Sidewall style mainly affects the truck's appearance, but it can also help separate one available fitment from another when comparing products. It should not be used as the starting point for selection, though. Size, wheel diameter, and configuration come first, and only then does it make sense to decide which sidewall look suits the truck.
Restoration & Appearance
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 2021 RAM Trucks 3500 restoration?
Yes, correct tire fitment still matters on a 2021 RAM Trucks 3500, even though it is a newer heavy-duty truck rather than a vintage restoration vehicle. The proper size, wheel diameter, and DRW or single-rear-wheel configuration all shape how the truck sits, carries weight, and presents itself visually.
A clean, authentic-looking build starts with the tire size that belongs on that exact trim and wheel package. Using the wrong rim diameter or an incorrect configuration-specific size can change the truck's stance and upset the intended look. Appearance choices such as sidewall style should come after the fitment is established correctly.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 2021 RAM Trucks 3500?
On the 2021 RAM Trucks 3500, construction is straightforward because the primary fitments are radial. That means appearance differences are less about bias-ply versus radial and more about the tire's proportions, sidewall treatment, and whether the truck remains on the correct 17-inch, 18-inch, or 20-inch wheel setup.
For a restoration-minded or presentation-focused build, the visual character comes from keeping the proper size on the proper wheel and choosing a sidewall style that suits the truck. Raised white letters create a different look than a plain black sidewall, but either choice works best when the underlying fitment is correct for the sub-model.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2021 RAM Trucks 3500?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 2021 RAM Trucks 3500. Aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, leveling or lowering kits, and changes between single-rear-wheel and DRW-related components can all alter the space available for the original tire size and the wheel specifications needed to support it.
A truck that has been modified should be checked more carefully before replacement tires are chosen. Wheel diameter is only part of the equation; wheel width, clearance at full steering lock, and the relationship between the tire and suspension or bodywork all matter. That is especially important when the truck originally carried a configuration-specific fitment.
What should I inspect before driving a 2021 RAM Trucks 3500 on new tires?
Before driving a 2021 RAM Trucks 3500 on new tires, inspect wheel condition, valve stems, lug hardware, inflation pressure, and the general condition of the suspension and steering components. It also makes sense to verify that all tires match the intended size for the truck's exact wheel and rear-wheel configuration.
A heavy-duty pickup places real demands on its tires, so the surrounding hardware needs attention too. Check for uneven clearance, signs of rubbing, and any reason the old tires wore irregularly. A short test drive followed by a second visual inspection can help confirm that the new tires are seated correctly and behaving normally.
How often should tires on a 2021 RAM Trucks 3500 be inspected?
Tires on a 2021 RAM Trucks 3500 should be inspected regularly, not just when tread looks low. A heavy-duty truck benefits from routine checks for air pressure, cuts, punctures, sidewall damage, irregular wear, and any visible change in how the tire sits on the wheel.
Frequent inspection matters even more when the truck tows, carries substantial loads, or sees rougher road use. It is also wise to inspect before longer trips and after any impact with curbs or debris. Catching pressure loss or wear early helps protect the wheel, preserves handling, and reduces the chance of a fitment problem going unnoticed.