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Campteacher's avatar
Campteacher
Explorer
Feb 13, 2018

Tire Aspect Ratio Question

Hello friends,

So I have my new Ram 3500, and it came with Firestone TransForce HT tires, size LT 275 70R18. I'm not loving them, they don't feel as planted as they could be. I'd like to get LT285 70R18s, but I'm not seeing very many examples in this tire size at all.

I'm liking the look of Wrangler Duratracs, but the closest I can find online is LT285 65R18. Load range E.

Would these fit ok? Would the difference of 5 on the aspect ratio (70 vs. 65) be any issue at all?

Thanks!

Kevin
Tow Vehicles
  • theoldwizard1's avatar
    theoldwizard1
    Explorer II
    Feb 14, 2018
    Campteacher wrote:
    Hello friends,

    So I have my new Ram 3500, and it came with Firestone TransForce HT tires, size LT 275 70R18. I'm not loving them, they don't feel as planted as they could be.

    Not exactly sure what you mean but it sounds like what you really want is a stiffer sidewall. Look for replacement tires with a higher load rating. Forget the ply and letter ratings for load. Go by the weight rating on the sidewall.
  • ksss's avatar
    ksss
    Explorer
    Feb 14, 2018
    I am running Nitto EXO Grapplers in 285-70-18 if your open to something else. Not a lot of tires in that size, but this my third set of these Nitto's and I really like them. It is my first in this size, the others were 275's.

    Guess I should have waited to the end of the thread to rely, I see you ordered the GY's.
  • Campteacher's avatar
    Campteacher
    Explorer
    Feb 14, 2018
    Thanks, guys. I think I should just stay with the stock size, I've ordered a new set of Duratracs, load range E
  • Mike_LeClair's avatar
    Mike_LeClair
    Explorer
    Feb 14, 2018
    You will like the Duratrac if you are hard set on losing the Firestone tires. I had good experiences with the Duratrac on our old RAM 3/4T

    Cheers!

    Mike
  • drsteve's avatar
    drsteve
    Explorer
    Feb 14, 2018
    Campteacher wrote:
    Old-Biscuit wrote:
    What air pressures are you running front and rear tires?
    Do you change air pressures on rear tires when towing/not towing?

    How many miles on current OEM Tires?
    They will begin 'feeling' better with more mileage.


    I haven't towed anything, as I just got this truck three days ago. I'm in a northern climate, with ice and snow, and the TransForce HTs just don't feel like they are getting a lot of traction.


    Your feeling is likely correct--Tire Rack reviewers only give them a 5.4 out of ten for snow traction.
  • blt2ski's avatar
    blt2ski
    Moderator
    Feb 13, 2018
    A 285-65 will be about the same diameter, but wider.
    I've had the firestone HT. As you note, not the greatest in adverse conditions. Rain and dry roads, no issues.
    I would also give them a few more miles. I would buy another set, even tho a lot of folks don't like. If just doing highway hard surface work, it's not that bad of a tire.

    Marty
  • dodge_guy's avatar
    dodge_guy
    Explorer II
    Feb 13, 2018
    You need to give them some time and run them through a few heat cycles. Run them at the proper pressures for a few weeks with some highway time. New tires always feel squirrelly until they are “seasoned”.
  • Campteacher's avatar
    Campteacher
    Explorer
    Feb 13, 2018
    So it sounds like it'd be best just to go with the Duratrac in this size, which is the same as what came with it.

    https://www.fountaintire.com/tires/details/All-Weather-Goodyear-Wrangler-DuraTrac-Heavy-Loads-LT275-70R18-312012142

    I've always had an AT tire anyway, the Firestones are definitely going.

    Kevin
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Feb 13, 2018
    Hi Hinton. Been there a few times in past life. Personally I would stick with a stock size tire. Changing speedo cwn be a real pain. Dealer can do it, but.....
  • IdaD's avatar
    IdaD
    Explorer
    Feb 13, 2018
    What pressure are you running them at? Also bear in mind that the stock Firestones suck. If you're going to change to another size I would keep an eye on the weight rating so you don't lower your capacity on accident. Also don't forget your spare tire if you change sizes.

    Edit - Agree that the traction is awful with the Firestones on snow/ice or offroad. The only good thing I can say about them is they're quiet going down a dry highway.

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