2016 Ram 3500 SRW tire size

Cabman 850 wrote:
Looking at new trucks and notice that several new trucks are coming with 18 or 20" tires. I will be hauling a 4000 lb TC. Any preferences on size and why? Thanks in advance!

I'd get whatever you can get the highest load rating LT tires in for a reasonable cost. Right now I think 18" LT tires are a bit more common than 20". You might want to go to 19.5" if you can for commercial truck tires.

Looking at 2016 Ram specs shows the 18" and 20" tires at 3640 lbs
And both wheel sizes at 3500 lbs.

As poster above says check out tire prices/size choices and availability for a 18" and 20" LT E tires.

Both the 275/70R18E and 285/60R20E have a 3,640 lb capacity at 80psi.

Yep, you have cheaper and a larger variety of options at 18" though. It's a far more common size. I think the Ford Superduty uses the same size as well for their 18" option. They have a taller 20" option.

Trying to get them to switch to 18" due to price and selection, but they would not budge. They have a truck for the same price, but it has the air suspension which I know nothing about.

Cabman 850 wrote:
Trying to get them to switch to 18" due to price and selection, but they would not budge. They have a truck for the same price, but it has the air suspension which I know nothing about.

Which weight class? 2500? or 3500? they're different for air suspension.

3500

Cabman 850 wrote:
3500

OK, in the case of the 3500, they use fewer leaves (I think it's only 1) to locate the axle, along with 2 or so "Half-leafs" that prevent axle wrapping. Then the air bags over the axle provide the primary support for a heavy load. So when you are unloaded, the airbags run a lower pressure and should give a softer ride. When laden, the airbags receive more pressure and return to the stock riding height.

I'm sure the airbags will be a maintenance item, but they tend to last a pretty long time.

Found a link to a trailer life forum where a member shows his 3500 air suspension setup: Trailer Life Link Of course it's this website with a different url on it, but this came up on google first and I was too lazy to find it here.

Thank you all for the replies, good stuff.

For me the 20" tires look too big on the ram. The proportions just ain't right, but the 18" look much better. As for load carrying capacity IIRC the 20" is a tad bit higher along with the price tag when replacing them.