2016 RAM Trucks spanned the full-size pickup market from everyday half-ton use to heavy-duty 2500 and 3500 work and towing applications, with trim levels that ranged from straightforward utility to premium luxury. That broad lineup means tire sizing is not one-size-fits-all across the year, even though every fitment here uses modern radial construction. Nine models share eight distinct sizes, with some sizes unique to the 1500, others tied to 2500 duty, and several shared across the 3500 range. The first thing to confirm on a 2016 RAM Trucks fitment is your exact model, then the wheel diameter already on the truck, before narrowing down the right tire size.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 2016 RAM Trucks
Eight tire sizes appear across 2016 RAM Trucks models, and they vary by model rather than being shared across the full lineup. Since these fitments span 17-, 18-, 20-, and 22-inch wheels, the real first step is confirming the correct wheel diameter for your specific truck before choosing a tire. Understanding that distinction up front saves time and helps match the right size to the right model.
275/60R20 is a metric radial size with a 275-millimeter section width, a 60-series aspect ratio, and a 20-inch rim diameter. Product coverage is not present here, so the key point is that this is a 1500-specific fitment rather than a size shared across the heavier RAM lineup. Buyers should treat it as a model-specific 20-inch option for the half-ton truck and confirm the truck's wheel package before moving ahead.
Year(s): 2016|Fit(s): 1500|Construction: Radial|Rim: 17 in
265/70R17 is a metric radial size that measures 265 millimeters in section width, uses a 70-series aspect ratio, and mounts on a 17-inch wheel. BFGoodrich offers this size in the All-Terrain T/A KO2 with an RWL sidewall, and speed ratings vary by product between S and S with different load capacities. This 1500-only size suits owners who need the 17-inch fitment used on selected half-ton trucks and should be matched to the truck's existing wheel diameter and load needs.
Year(s): 2016|Fit(s): 1500, 2500|Construction: Radial|Rim: 17 in
285/70R17 is a metric radial size with a 285-millimeter section width, a 70-series aspect ratio, and a 17-inch rim diameter. BFGoodrich offers it with an RWL sidewall, and speed ratings vary by product: the 116Q version is rated to 99 mph, while the 121/118R version is rated to 106 mph. Because this size is shared only by the 1500 and 2500, it is a crossover fitment for specific trucks rather than a universal 2016 RAM Trucks size.
285/45R22 is a metric radial size with a 285-millimeter section width, a 45-series aspect ratio, and a 22-inch wheel diameter. Product coverage is not present here, but the format itself points to a large-diameter wheel package used only on the 1500. Buyers considering this size should confirm they have the 22-inch wheel setup, since it does not overlap with the 17-, 18-, or 20-inch heavy-duty RAM fitments.
275/70R18 is a metric radial size with a 275-millimeter section width, a 70-series aspect ratio, and an 18-inch rim diameter. BFGoodrich offers this size in the All-Terrain T/A KO2 with an RWL sidewall and an R speed rating, which carries a 106 mph ceiling. It is one of the core heavy-duty RAM sizes for 2016, covering the 2500 and most of the 3500 range for owners who need the 18-inch wheel fitment.
285/60R20 is a metric radial size with a 285-millimeter section width, a 60-series aspect ratio, and a 20-inch wheel diameter. Product coverage is not present here, but the fitment itself is shared by the 2500 and most single-rear-wheel 3500 trims rather than the full RAM range. Buyers should view it as a heavy-duty 20-inch option and verify that their truck is one of the models that uses this size.
Year(s): 2016|Fit(s): 2500|Construction: Radial|Rim: 17 in
245/70R17 is a metric radial size with a 245-millimeter section width, a 70-series aspect ratio, and a 17-inch rim diameter. BFGoodrich offers this size in the All-Terrain T/A KO2 with an RWL sidewall and an S speed rating, which carries a 112 mph ceiling. This size is specific to the 2500, so it should be chosen only after confirming that the truck uses the narrower 17-inch heavy-duty wheel package.
235/80R17 is a metric radial size with a 235-millimeter section width, an 80-series aspect ratio, and a 17-inch wheel diameter. BFGoodrich offers it in the All-Terrain T/A KO2 with an RBL sidewall and an S speed rating, which carries a 112 mph ceiling. This size belongs to the 3500 range rather than the lighter 1500 and is the right path for buyers confirming a 17-inch heavy-duty 3500 setup.
Nine RAM truck models are covered for 2016, ranging from the half-ton 1500 to the heavier 2500 and multiple 3500 trim levels. Tire size changes by model, and in several cases by wheel package within the same model family, so identifying the exact truck matters before narrowing the fitment. Select your model below to see model-specific tire history and products.
2016 RAM Trucks 1500
The 2016 RAM Trucks 1500 was the light-duty full-size pickup in the range, balancing everyday use, comfort, and style with pickup capability. Its tire fitments span 17-, 20-, and 22-inch wheels, which makes wheel diameter confirmation especially important on this model before choosing a size.
The 2016 RAM Trucks 2500 moved into heavy-duty territory, aimed at owners who needed more payload and towing capability than a half-ton truck typically delivers. Its fitments include 17-, 18-, and 20-inch wheels, so the 2500 sits at the crossroads of several heavy-duty RAM tire packages.
The 2016 RAM Trucks 3500 Big Horn paired one-ton capability with an upscale trim presentation, making it a popular choice for buyers who wanted working strength without a basic appearance. Its tires mount on 17-, 18-, or 20-inch wheels depending on configuration, in line with the broader 3500 family.
The 2016 RAM Trucks 3500 Laramie brought premium interior and trim appointments to the one-ton platform while keeping the same serious-duty mission underneath. It uses 17-, 18-, or 20-inch tire packages depending on wheel choice, so trim alone does not determine the final size.
The 2016 RAM Trucks 3500 Laramie Longhorn emphasized western-themed luxury details on top of the one-ton RAM platform. Tire fitments still follow the heavy-duty pattern, mounting on 17-, 18-, or 20-inch wheels depending on how the truck was equipped.
The 2016 RAM Trucks 3500 Limited sat at the top of the luxury end of the RAM heavy-duty lineup, blending premium presentation with one-ton capability. It shares the same 17-, 18-, and 20-inch wheel diameter pattern seen elsewhere in the 3500 family, so confirming the actual wheel on the truck remains the key step.
The 2016 RAM Trucks 3500 Lone Star was a regional-style trim within the one-ton range, combining heavy-duty capability with a more distinctive appearance package. Its tire fitments mount on 17-, 18-, or 20-inch wheels, matching the broader 3500 sizing pattern rather than introducing a unique diameter.
The 2016 RAM Trucks 3500 SLT occupied the middle ground in the one-ton lineup, giving buyers a step up from base trim without moving all the way to the most luxury-oriented models. Wheel diameters run 17, 18, or 20 inches depending on configuration, so the SLT still requires wheel-by-wheel confirmation before selecting tires.
The 2016 RAM Trucks 3500 Tradesman was the work-focused end of the one-ton RAM range, aimed at commercial and utility-minded use. It uses either 18-inch or 17-inch tire packages rather than the broader three-size spread seen on many upper 3500 trims.
Seven products are available across five tire sizes for 2016 RAM Trucks vehicles. 265/70R17, 285/70R17, 275/70R18, 245/70R17, and 235/80R17 are all BFGoodrich radial options, with RWL sidewalls on most sizes and an RBL sidewall on 235/80R17; speed ratings vary within some sizes, so confirm the exact specification before selecting.
These FAQs cover how 2016 RAM Trucks sizes vary from 1500 to 2500 and 3500 models, what the metric size codes mean, how wheel diameter changes the choice, and what to check for long-term truck use and storage.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 2016 RAM Trucks vehicles?
2016 RAM Trucks vehicles use eight sizes across the model range: 275/60R20, 265/70R17, 285/70R17, 285/45R22, 275/70R18, 285/60R20, 245/70R17, and 235/80R17. The 1500 uses 275/60R20, 265/70R17, 285/70R17, and 285/45R22; the 2500 uses 275/70R18, 285/60R20, 285/70R17, and 245/70R17; and the 3500 family uses 275/70R18, 285/60R20 on most trims, plus 235/80R17 across the 3500 range with the Tradesman pairing 235/80R17 and 275/70R18.
Wheel diameter is the first dividing line because these trucks span 17-, 18-, 20-, and 22-inch fitments. Where rim-width guidance is available, 265/70R17 fits 7.0 to 9.0-inch rims, 285/70R17 fits 7.5 to 9.5-inch rims, 275/70R18 fits 7.0 to 9.0-inch rims, 245/70R17 fits 6.5 to 8.0-inch rims, and 235/80R17 fits 6.0 to 7.5-inch rims. That makes exact model and wheel verification more important on 2016 RAM Trucks than simply knowing the year and make.
What does 265/70R17 mean on a 2016 RAM Trucks tire?
On a 2016 RAM Trucks tire, 265/70R17 is a metric radial size code. The 265 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 70 is the aspect ratio, the R identifies radial construction, and 17 is the wheel diameter in inches. For this year and make, that size belongs to the 1500 and appears in BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 form with load versions that share the same physical size but differ in capacity.
That distinction matters because two tires can both be 265/70R17 yet serve different duty levels on the same truck platform. If your 2016 RAM Trucks 1500 carries this size, compare the load index, inflation requirement, and intended use along with the size itself. Matching the code on the sidewall is only the first step; matching the truck's wheel and payload expectations is what keeps the choice appropriate.
Do all 2016 RAM Trucks models use the same tire size?
No, 2016 RAM Trucks models do not all use the same tire size. The 1500 has its own mix of 17-, 20-, and 22-inch sizes, the 2500 overlaps with the 1500 only at 285/70R17 and otherwise uses heavier-duty 17-, 18-, and 20-inch fitments, and the 3500 family centers on 275/70R18, 285/60R20, and 235/80R17. Even within the 3500 range, the Tradesman differs from several upper trims by skipping the 20-inch size.
That means year and make alone are not enough to choose tires for a 2016 RAM Trucks application. A buyer should confirm the exact model name on the truck, then verify the wheel diameter already fitted before comparing tire options. On a modern pickup lineup with several overlapping trims, that two-step check is usually faster and more reliable than trying to identify the correct tire by appearance alone.
Buying the Right Tire
What sidewall styles are available for 2016 RAM Trucks tires?
2016 RAM Trucks coverage here includes two sidewall styles: raised white letters and raised black letters. The 265/70R17, 285/70R17, 275/70R18, and 245/70R17 BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 options use RWL sidewalls, while the 235/80R17 version uses an RBL sidewall. That gives the heavy-duty 17-inch 3500 fitment a more subdued sidewall appearance than the white-letter options used on several other RAM sizes.
The practical choice comes down to whether you want the sidewall to stand out visually or blend into a more understated truck presentation. Raised white letters have long been associated with truck and off-road styling, while raised black letters look more restrained. If appearance matters on your 2016 RAM Trucks build, compare sidewall style at the same time you confirm size, since that detail can noticeably change the truck's stance and period feel.
What brands make tires for 2016 RAM Trucks vehicles?
BFGoodrich is the brand represented across the available 2016 RAM Trucks product coverage here. The All-Terrain T/A KO2 appears in 265/70R17, 285/70R17, 275/70R18, 245/70R17, and 235/80R17, covering part of the 1500 range plus several 2500 and 3500 fitments. Each of those offerings uses radial construction and follows the modern light-truck sizing conventions RAM owners expect for a 2016 truck.
For a buyer, that creates a fairly consistent selection path when moving between covered sizes because the overall tire family stays the same even as wheel diameter and load rating change. The main things to compare are not brand-to-brand personality so much as whether your specific 2016 RAM Trucks model uses a covered size, what sidewall style comes with it, and how the speed and load markings align with the way the truck is actually used.
What is the difference between the two 265/70R17 options for 2016 RAM Trucks?
The two 265/70R17 options for 2016 RAM Trucks share the same BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 series, the same 17-inch rim diameter, the same 7.0 to 9.0-inch rim-width range, the same RWL sidewall style, and the same S speed rating. The meaningful difference is load and inflation: one carries 2,470 pounds at 50 psi with a 112S marking, while the other carries 3,195 pounds at 80 psi with a 121S marking. The heavier-duty version also weighs more.
That makes this a capacity decision rather than a style or diameter decision. If your 2016 RAM Trucks 1500 uses 265/70R17, compare the truck's actual wheel, payload habits, and original tire placard before choosing between those two versions. Staying within the correct load range matters more than the shared tread family, especially on a truck that may alternate between daily driving and heavier weekend or work use.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 2016 RAM Trucks tires require?
Rim-width guidance for 2016 RAM Trucks varies by size. The 265/70R17 fits 7.0 to 9.0-inch rims, 285/70R17 fits 7.5 to 9.5-inch rims, 275/70R18 fits 7.0 to 9.0-inch rims, 245/70R17 fits 6.5 to 8.0-inch rims, and 235/80R17 fits 6.0 to 7.5-inch rims. Those ranges show that even among tires sharing a 17-inch wheel diameter, the approved wheel width can change significantly with section width and profile.
That matters most when a 2016 RAM Trucks owner is reusing factory wheels or moving between trim packages with the same nominal diameter. A 17-inch wheel is not automatically right for every 17-inch RAM tire size. Measure or verify the wheel first, then match the tire to that wheel's width range so the sidewall shape and footprint stay within the tire maker's intended setup.
Do 2016 RAM Trucks tires require inner tubes?
The covered 2016 RAM Trucks tire offerings here are modern radial light-truck tires and do not carry tube-type markings in their size designations. That points to tubeless construction for the available 265/70R17, 285/70R17, 275/70R18, 245/70R17, and 235/80R17 options. Nothing in these fitments suggests the kind of dedicated tube-type casing normally associated with older bias-ply or specialty applications.
Even so, the right approach is to confirm the wheel itself is suitable for tubeless service and in sound condition before mounting new tires. On a 2016 RAM Trucks application, the question is usually less about the tire needing a tube and more about wheel condition, valve stem condition, and whether the truck still has the correct wheels for the size you plan to run.
Can the original 2016 RAM Trucks wheels be used with all tire sizes?
Original 2016 RAM Trucks wheels cannot be treated as universal across all eight tire sizes because the fitments span four different diameters: 17, 18, 20, and 22 inches. A factory 17-inch wheel may work with more than one 17-inch size if its width is appropriate, but it cannot accept an 18-, 20-, or 22-inch tire. The same basic rule applies across the rest of the RAM lineup.
That is why wheel verification comes before product selection on this year and make. If your 2016 RAM Trucks still wears its original wheels, read the wheel diameter first and then compare the approved rim-width range for the intended size where that information is available. Staying within both diameter and width requirements is the safe way to determine whether a different same-diameter tire size is even worth considering.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 2016 RAM Trucks when the tires are fitted?
A stored 2016 RAM Trucks should be kept out of direct sunlight, away from ozone sources such as electric motors or welders, and on a dry surface rather than bare dirt or standing moisture. Maintain normal storage inflation, move the truck periodically if practical, and avoid letting one section of the tread carry the full weight in the same spot for long stretches. Modern radials generally handle static storage better than vintage bias-ply tires, but they still age from environment and inactivity.
Long periods of sitting can harden rubber, flatten contact patches temporarily, and accelerate sidewall weathering if the truck is parked outdoors. If your 2016 RAM Trucks is a low-use tow rig, seasonal hauler, or collector-kept pickup, a simple routine of cleaning, covering from UV, and checking pressures every few weeks will do more for tire life than waiting until the next driving season to inspect them.
How long do tires on a 2016 RAM Trucks typically last?
Tires on a 2016 RAM Trucks should be judged by age as much as by tread depth, especially if the truck sees intermittent use. A sound rule is to begin closer evaluation once tires reach about five to seven years old and to treat ten years as the point where replacement deserves very serious consideration, regardless of remaining tread. The DOT date code on the sidewall is the best way to establish actual age.
That matters because many trucks age out their tires before they wear them out. A 2016 RAM Trucks used for occasional towing, ranch work, or weekend driving may still show acceptable tread while the rubber itself has become less trustworthy. Age, storage conditions, and heat cycles are often better guides than mileage alone when deciding whether an older set still belongs in service.
How often should tires on a 2016 RAM Trucks be inspected?
Tires on a 2016 RAM Trucks should be inspected before every drive and again before any longer highway trip or towing run. Look for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, punctures, uneven wear, and any sign that a tire is losing pressure. Because several covered sizes are light-truck radials with substantial load capability, pressure consistency matters just as much as visible tread condition.
A quick walkaround catches many problems before they become roadside failures. On a 2016 RAM Trucks application, also inspect valve stems, check that all four tires match in size and service type where appropriate, and do not forget the spare. A spare that is old, underinflated, or weather-checked can turn a manageable problem into a much larger one once the truck is far from home.
Safety & Road Use
Are 2016 RAM Trucks tires safe for highway driving?
The covered 2016 RAM Trucks tires are modern radial truck tires, and the available speed ratings support normal highway use when the tires are correctly matched, inflated, and loaded. The 265/70R17 options carry S ratings to 112 mph, the 285/70R17 options appear in Q and R versions rated to 99 mph and 106 mph, the 275/70R18 carries an R rating to 106 mph, the 245/70R17 carries an S rating to 112 mph, and the 235/80R17 carries an S rating to 112 mph.
In real-world use, a 2016 RAM Trucks truck is usually limited more by load, suspension condition, braking condition, and tow setup than by the tire's published speed ceiling. Highway safety comes from using the correct size for the truck, staying within the tire's load and inflation limits, and recognizing that heavy-duty pickups change behavior dramatically when loaded, towing, or running mismatched pressures.
What inflation pressure should I use for 2016 RAM Trucks tires?
Inflation pressure on 2016 RAM Trucks tires depends on the exact size and service version. The available 265/70R17 tires reach their rated capacities at 50 psi and 80 psi depending on version, 285/70R17 reaches 2,755 pounds at 50 psi or 3,195 pounds at 80 psi depending on version, 275/70R18 reaches 3,640 pounds at 80 psi, 245/70R17 reaches 3,000 pounds at 80 psi, and 235/80R17 reaches 3,085 pounds at 80 psi.
Those figures are tire load-rating references, not blanket instructions to inflate every truck to the maximum number on the sidewall. For a 2016 RAM Trucks application, compare the truck's door placard or owner's manual with the tire maker's service limits for the exact product you are using. Pressure should match the truck's actual duty, wheel, and load condition rather than being copied from another RAM size.
What should I check before taking a 2016 RAM Trucks on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 2016 RAM Trucks, inspect every tire for cracks, cuts, bulges, punctures, abnormal shoulder wear, and proper cold inflation pressure. Confirm that the tires match the truck's intended load and speed service, and inspect the spare with the same care as the four road tires. Any truck expected to tow or carry weight should also have its tire condition checked against the extra demand that trip will place on the casing.
Tire inspection is only one part of a sensible long-drive check on a full-size pickup. A 2016 RAM Trucks heading out for highway travel should also have its brakes, steering, suspension, and if applicable trailer setup reviewed, since those systems directly affect how the tires behave under load. The goal is not only avoiding a flat, but making sure the whole truck is ready to use its tires safely.
