What are the best tires for a Dodge Ram?
There isn’t a single universal best tire for every Ram pickup; the ideal choice depends on your Ram model (1500, 2500, 3500) and how you use the truck. For most mixed-use setups, all-terrain tires offer a solid balance; if you spend most of your time on pavement, highway-oriented tires excel; for winter climates or serious off-road work, dedicated winter or mud-terrain tires are often the better choice.
What matters when choosing tires for a Ram
Ram trucks vary from light-duty to heavy-duty, and tire selection must account for payload, towing, and terrain. Key factors include tire size, load rating (LT vs P-metric), speed rating, tread design, climate, and whether you regularly tow heavy loads or encounter winter conditions. Always verify the OEM specifications for your exact model year and wheel size.
Best all-terrain tires for Ram pickups
All-terrain tires strike a balance between on-road comfort and off-road capability, making them a popular choice for Ram 1500s and other Ram models that see mixed use.
- BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 — Renowned for off-road grip, rugged construction, and reliable snow performance; widely available in LT sizes suitable for heavy-duty Ram trucks.
- Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac — Strong off-road traction with solid snow capability and a relatively quiet highway ride for an AT tire.
- Toyo Open Country A/T III — Balanced on- and off-road performance with good wear and reasonable pricing.
- Michelin LTX A/T2 — All-terrain versatility with notable highway comfort and long wear for light- to mid-weight Ram trucks.
All-terrain tires provide a versatile solution for Ram owners who drive on pavement most days but want reliable traction off-road or in adverse weather.
Best highway tires for Ram pickups
For Ram owners who spend most of their time on paved roads, highway or all-season tires prioritize ride comfort, low rolling resistance, and long tread life.
- Michelin Defender LTX M/S — Excellent tread wear, strong all-season performance, and a quiet ride for light- and some heavy-duty Rams.
- Continental TerrainContact A/S — Strong all-season grip in rain, solid wear, and comfortable highway manners.
- Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season Plus — Low rolling resistance and solid on-road performance for fuel efficiency and comfort.
These tires optimize road manners and longevity, making them ideal for daily commuting, towing lighter loads, and long highway trips.
Best winter tires for Ram pickups
When winter conditions arrive, dedicated snow tires deliver superior traction on ice and deep snow compared with all-season tires.
- Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 — Strong snow and ice grip with reliable overall winter performance for SUVs and light trucks.
- Nokian Hakkapeliita R5 SUV — Excellent winter traction and stability (availability in LT/SUV sizes varies by market).
- Michelin X-Ice Snow SUV — Solid winter performance with strong wear for larger vehicles.
Equipping your Ram with dedicated winter tires can significantly improve braking and cornering in freezing conditions, even when towing.
Best mud-terrain tires for Ram pickups
For Ram trucks that see serious off-road use—mud, rocks, or deep dirt—mud-terrain tires maximize grip, at the expense of noise and wear on pavement.
- BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM3 — Exceptional mud traction and rock crawling ability with robust sidewalls.
- Nitto Trail Grappler M/T — Strong off-road performance with decent on-road manners for a mud-terrain tire.
- Goodyear Wrangler MT/R with Kevlar — Aggressive tread for extreme off-road grip and durability.
Mudder-terrain tires should be paired with appropriate lift, gearing, and driving style; they’re best for dedicated off-road use rather than daily commuting.
How to choose the right tire size and fit for your Ram
Getting the right fit means matching size, load rating, and speed rating to your truck and how you drive. Here are quick tips to guide your selection.
- Check your OEM tire size and maximum load rating in your owner’s manual or door placard; Ram trucks often use LT (Light Truck) tires for heavier payloads.
- Confirm wheel compatibility and clearance for your chosen size, especially if you plan to go larger than stock.
- Choose a tire with a suitable load index and speed rating for towing and highway use; LT tires typically offer higher load ratings than P-metric tires.
- Consider climate and terrain: more aggressive tread for off-road or winter-specific tires for snow and ice.
Careful selection ensures safety, handling, and performance meet your needs without compromising wear or warranty.
Summary
There isn’t a single best tire for every Dodge Ram. The ideal choice depends on the Ram model, wheel size, and how you drive. For a balanced mix of on-road comfort and off-road capability, all-terrain tires like BFGoodrich KO2 or Goodyear Duratrac are strong contenders. For daily highway driving, consider Michelin Defender LTX M/S or Continental TerrainContact A/S. In winter climates, dedicated snow tires such as Blizzak DM-V2 or Michelin X-Ice Snow SUV deliver the best traction. For serious off-road mud use, mud-terrain tires like KM3 or Goodyear MT/R are best. Always verify fitment with your vehicle’s specifications and choose a tire with appropriate load and speed ratings. Regular maintenance and correct inflation are essential to maximize safety and performance.
