What is the maximum wheel size for a Dodge Ram 1500?
The largest factory wheel diameter offered for the Ram 1500 is 22 inches. Most Ram 1500s ship with 17–20 inch wheels, and 22-inch wheels have been made available on select high-end trims in recent years. Larger wheels (24 inches and above) are not factory options for the 1500, though aftermarket options exist and can affect fitment, warranty, and ride quality.
This article explains how Ram has varied wheel sizes across the Ram 1500 lineup, which trims offered the 22-inch option, and what to consider if you’re thinking about upgrading to the largest factory wheels or considering aftermarket alternatives.
Factory wheel sizes available on the Ram 1500
To understand the maximum possible wheel size, consider the typical factory wheel diameters offered over the Ram 1500’s recent generations. The core options have ranged from 17 inches on baseline configurations up to 22 inches on limited/high-end setups. The following list summarizes the common factory sizes you’ll encounter.
- 17-inch wheels: standard on many base trims and earlier model years.
- 18-inch wheels: a common upgrade on mid-range trims and some configurations across several generations.
- 20-inch wheels: an available option on higher-end trims and certain packages in recent years.
- 22-inch wheels: available as a factory option on select high-end trims in newer model years.
In practice, the 22-inch option represents the ceiling for factory wheel sizes on the Ram 1500. If you’re shopping for a 1500 with the largest possible factory wheels, look for those high-end trim levels or packages that include 22-inch alloys. Always verify the exact wheel size for the specific year and trim, as options can change between model years and may require specific tire sizes to clear brakes and suspension components.
Special cases: TRX and aftermarket considerations
TRX and other Ram 1500 variants
Not all Ram 1500 variants pursue large-diameter wheels. The Ram 1500 TRX, for example, uses 18-inch wheels paired with very large off-road tires to accommodate its performance and ground clearance goals. This contrast highlights how wheel size in the Ram 1500 lineup can vary widely by purpose and model variant.
Aftermarket wheels
For customers seeking sizes beyond 22 inches, aftermarket wheels and tires are common. These upgrades can impact ride comfort, speedometer accuracy, warranty coverage, braking performance, and ground clearance. If you’re considering non-factory sizes, consult the dealer or a qualified tire/wheel shop to ensure proper fitment, offset, and load ratings.
Bottom line
The Ram 1500’s maximum factory wheel size is 22 inches, a option that appears on select high-end trims in recent model years. For larger diameters, aftermarket wheels are available but come with trade-offs. If you’re set on the largest factory wheel option, verify the exact year and trim to confirm availability and fitment.
Summary
In short, 22-inch wheels mark the upper limit of factory wheel sizes for the Ram 1500, with 17–20 inches covering the majority of configurations. The TRX uses smaller wheels for different performance goals, and aftermarket routes exist for sizes above 22 inches. Always confirm fitment for your specific model year, trim, and intended tire pairing before purchasing.
How big of a tire can I put on a RAM 1500?
The largest tires you can fit on a Ram 1500 without modification depend on the truck's configuration, but generally, 33-inch tires fit on most models without rubbing. Some 4WD models can fit up to 34 inches, while some trims like the Rebel can accommodate up to 34-inch tires without rubbing, and the TRX can fit up to 37-inch tires. For larger sizes beyond these, you may need to consider a lift kit, leveling kit, or aftermarket wheels.
Without modifications
- Standard models (2WD and 4WD): 33-inch tires typically fit without rubbing.
- Some 4WD models: May be able to fit up to 34-inch tires.
- Stock wheels: The widest tire you can typically fit is a 285.
- Aftermarket wheels with lower negative offset: Can allow for wider tires up to 305 or even 315, but this can increase the chance of rubbing the inner fender.
With modifications
- Leveling kit: A 2-inch leveling kit can allow for a 33x12.50R17, 33x12.50R18, or 33x12.50R20 tire on stock wheels.
- Lifts: A 3-inch lift kit can allow for a 35x12.5x20 tire, especially with aftermarket wheels and a negative offset rim, as shown in this YouTube video.
Specific trim levels
- TRX: The Ram 1500 TRX can fit up to 37-inch tires, though tires over 35 inches may have limitations, especially off-road, according to WheelSetGo.
- Rebel: Can accommodate up to 34-inch tires without rubbing (with air suspension) and some slim 35-inch tires without suspension modification.
Before you buy
- Check your specific vehicle: It's best to check the driver's side door jamb or the owner's manual for your exact truck model and year, as tire sizes can vary by trim and options.
- Factor in speed and odometer changes: Installing larger tires can affect your speedometer and odometer readings. You may need to calibrate them after the upgrade, notes Reddit and this YouTube video.
- Be aware of potential issues: Even if a tire fits, it could cause issues like rubbing, especially at full steering lock, particularly with aftermarket wheels that have a lower offset.
What size rims fit a Dodge Ram 1500?
Dodge Ram 1500 rims typically fit a 5x139.7mm (5x5.5-inch) bolt pattern, though modern models (2019 and newer) have switched to a 6x139.7mm (6x5.5-inch) pattern. Common rim diameters for the Ram 1500 range from 17 to 22 inches. The specific rim size will depend on your truck's model year and trim level.
Key fitting information
- Bolt Pattern:
- Older models (e.g., 2018 and earlier): 5x139.7mm (5x5.5")
- Newer models (e.g., 2019 and later): 6x139.7mm (6x5.5")
- Diameter:
- Stock rim diameters generally range from 17 to 22 inches.
- Some models may have 17-inch rims on lower trims like the ST, while higher trims like the Laramie can accommodate 20-inch rims.
- Width and Offset:
- Wheel width and offset are critical for fitment and can vary by model year and trim.
- Always consult your owner's manual or a parts specialist to confirm the exact specifications for your vehicle to ensure the best fit.
Important considerations
- Tire size: The rim size you choose can affect the largest tire you can fit. Bigger tires often require a lift kit or other modifications.
- Lugs: If changing wheel styles, ensure the new wheels use the correct lug nut type for your truck year to ensure proper fitment and safety.
- Modifications: Be prepared for potential modifications, such as suspension lifts or fender adjustments, depending on how large you want to go with your wheels and tires.
Are 33 tires the same as 285?
No, "33" is the overall tire diameter in inches, while "285" is the tire's width in millimeters. A "285" tire is not always a "33," as the overall height depends on the tire's aspect ratio and rim diameter. For example, a common tire size of 285/70R17 is approximately 32.7 inches tall, while a 285/75R16 is closer to 32.8 inches tall.
Tire size components
- 285: The width of the tire's tread in millimeters.
- 70: or 75 (Aspect Ratio): The height of the tire's sidewall as a percentage of the width. For a 285/70R17, the sidewall height is 70% of 285mm.
- R: Indicates the tire is "Radial" construction.
- 17: or 16 (Rim Diameter): The diameter of the wheel in inches.
Calculating the overall diameter
To determine the overall height, you can use this formula:
- (Width x Aspect Ratio / 25.4) x 2 + Rim Diameter = Overall Diameter
- For example, a 285/70R17 is: (285×0.70/25.4)×2+17≈32.7 inchesopen paren 285 cross 0.70 / 25.4 close paren cross 2 plus 17 is approximately equal to 32.7 inches(285×0.70/25.4)×2+17≈32.7 inches.
Key takeaways
- "33" is a marketing term for the overall height, while "285" is a metric measurement of the tread width.
- A 285 tire is not necessarily a 33-inch tire; it depends on the other numbers in the size designation.
- Many tires marketed as "33s" are metric sizes like 285/70R17 or 285/75R16 because their calculated diameter is very close to 33 inches.
Will 35s rub on a stock RAM 1500?
So I can show you where we need to trim. And pull. Back. So as you guys can see the rub marks right there and there that's where it's rubbing. But I'm not too concerned about the rub up here.
