Finding the right tire size for your 2013 Dodge Ram 1500 can make all the difference between a smooth ride and constant headaches. We’ve seen countless Ram owners struggle with tire selection, wondering if they should stick with factory specs or upgrade to something more aggressive.
Your 2013 Ram 1500 came with several tire configurations from the factory, depending on your exact trim level and wheel package. Whether you’re dealing with 17-inch, 18-inch, or 20-inch wheels, understanding your options is crucial for maintaining performance, fuel economy, and safety.
We’ll walk you through everything you need to know about tire sizing for your Ram 1500, from decoding those confusing numbers on your sidewall to exploring popular upgrade paths. You’ll discover which sizes work best for different driving styles and learn how to avoid costly mistakes that could damage your truck or void your warranty.
Stock Tire Size for 2013 Dodge Ram 1500
The 2013 Dodge Ram 1500 comes equipped with different tire sizes depending on the exact trim level and configuration. Dodge designed these stock tire specifications to balance performance, fuel economy, and ride comfort for each model variant.
Standard Tire Specifications
Stock tire sizes for the 2013 Ram 1500 range from 17-inch to 20-inch wheel diameters with corresponding tire profiles. The most common factory tire size is P265/70R17, which appears on multiple trim levels including the ST and SLT models. This tire size provides a 31.6-inch overall diameter and offers excellent ground clearance for light off-road use.
P275/60R20 tires come standard on higher trim levels and sport-oriented packages. These lower profile tires deliver improved handling characteristics and a more aggressive appearance. The 20-inch wheel configuration reduces sidewall height while maintaining similar overall tire diameter compared to the 17-inch setup.
All factory tire specifications include a load rating between 112 and 116, ensuring adequate weight capacity for the Ram 1500’s payload requirements. Speed ratings typically range from S (112 mph) to T (118 mph) depending on the exact tire model and intended use.
Tire Size by Trim Level
| Trim Level | Standard Tire Size | Wheel Diameter | Optional Sizes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ST Regular Cab | P265/70R17 | 17 inches | P275/60R20 |
| ST Quad Cab | P265/70R17 | 17 inches | P275/60R20 |
| SLT | P265/70R17 | 17 inches | P275/60R20 |
| Sport | P275/60R20 | 20 inches | None |
| Laramie | P275/60R20 | 20 inches | None |
| Express | P265/70R17 | 17 inches | P275/60R20 |
Regular Cab and Quad Cab ST models typically feature the P265/70R17 tire size as standard equipment. These configurations prioritize practicality and cost effectiveness while maintaining the truck’s capability for work applications. The 17-inch wheel size provides better protection against road hazards due to the taller sidewall construction.
Sport and Laramie trim levels come equipped with P275/60R20 tires from the factory. These premium configurations emphasize on-road performance and visual appeal over maximum durability. The wider tread pattern and larger wheel diameter enhance cornering stability and braking performance on paved surfaces.
Express models bridge the gap between base and premium trims by offering P265/70R17 tires as standard with P275/60R20 available as an upgrade option. This flexibility allows buyers to choose between practical 17-inch wheels or sportier 20-inch configurations based on their exact needs and preferences.
Understanding Tire Size Numbers
We decode tire sizing by examining the standardized format printed on every tire sidewall. This alphanumeric sequence provides essential specifications for proper fitment and performance matching.
Reading the Tire Sidewall
Tire sidewalls display the size code prominently, such as 275/60R20 found on 2013 Ram 1500 Sport and Laramie trims. The sidewall contains additional specifications including load index, speed rating, and manufacturing information that complement the basic size designation.
Manufacturers place this information in a standardized location on the outer sidewall for easy identification. DOT codes, pressure ratings, and treadwear indicators appear alongside the primary size marking to provide comprehensive tire data.
What Each Number Means
Width measurement comes first in the sequence, representing the tire’s section width in millimeters from sidewall to sidewall. The 265 in 265/70R17 indicates a 265-millimeter width across the tire’s broadest point.
Aspect ratio follows the width measurement, expressing sidewall height as a percentage of the tire width. A 70 aspect ratio means the sidewall height equals 70% of the 265mm width, creating a taller sidewall profile.
Construction type appears as the letter “R” in modern tire sizing, indicating radial construction where internal cords run perpendicular to the direction of travel. Radial design provides superior heat dissipation and longer tread life compared to older bias-ply construction.
Rim diameter concludes the size designation, specifying the wheel diameter in inches that the tire fits. The 17 in 265/70R17 matches 17-inch wheels, while 285/45R22 tires require 22-inch rims found on R/T trim packages.
Alternative Tire Size Options
We can explore several tire alternatives for your 2013 Dodge Ram 1500 beyond the factory specifications. These options provide enhanced performance characteristics and specialized capabilities for different driving conditions.
Plus-Size Upgrades
Plus sizing transforms your Ram 1500’s appearance and performance by upgrading to larger diameter wheels with lower profile tires. The 2013 Ram 1500 accommodates wheel sizes ranging from 17 to 22 inches, offering important flexibility for customization. Upgrading from the standard 17-inch setup to 20-inch or 22-inch wheels creates a more aggressive stance while potentially improving handling response.
Popular plus-size configurations include moving from 265/70R17 to 275/60R20 or even 285/45R22 for the sportiest appearance. The larger wheel diameter reduces sidewall height, which typically results in improved steering precision and cornering stability. But, we must ensure the overall tire diameter remains close to the original specification to maintain accurate speedometer readings and avoid clearance issues.
32-inch and 33-inch tire setups represent extreme plus-size options that require careful consideration of suspension modifications and potential rubbing points. These larger configurations often necessitate wheel spacers or suspension lifts to achieve proper fitment without compromising vehicle operation.
All-Terrain and Off-Road Options
All-terrain tires expand your Ram 1500’s capability beyond paved surfaces while maintaining reasonable on-road manners. The Goodyear Wrangler Ultraterrain A/T stands out as a recommended choice, delivering enhanced traction on loose surfaces like gravel, mud, and sand. These tires feature deeper tread patterns and reinforced sidewall construction compared to highway tires.
Off-road focused tire selections typically maintain the original wheel diameter while incorporating more aggressive tread designs and stronger construction. Load capacity ratings become particularly important with off-road tires, as they must handle the additional stress of rough terrain driving. Ensuring compatibility with your exact wheel size prevents mounting issues and maintains proper load distribution across the tire contact patch.
Tread compound formulations in all-terrain tires balance durability against noise levels, with most options providing acceptable highway comfort while excelling in challenging conditions. The increased tread depth and void ratio improve traction but may slightly reduce fuel economy compared to standard highway tires.
Performance Impact of Different Tire Sizes
Different tire sizes create measurable changes in your 2013 Dodge Ram 1500’s overall performance characteristics. Understanding these impacts helps us make informed decisions about tire selection for exact driving needs.
Fuel Economy Considerations
Smaller tire configurations like the 265/70R17 deliver improved fuel efficiency compared to larger alternatives due to reduced rolling resistance. The lower profile reduces the energy required to maintain highway speeds, which translates to better miles per gallon ratings during daily driving.
Larger tire sizes such as the 275/60R20 increase rolling resistance and can decrease fuel economy by approximately 2-4% under normal driving conditions. The added weight and increased contact patch require more engine power to maintain consistent speeds, particularly during city driving with frequent stops and starts.
Load capacity affects fuel consumption patterns when carrying heavy cargo or towing trailers. Properly rated tires maintain optimal contact pressure distribution, preventing excessive flexing that can reduce fuel efficiency by up to 6% when hauling maximum payload weights.
Ride Quality and Handling Changes
Acceleration performance improves with larger tire sizes like the 275/60R20 due to enhanced traction and stability during power delivery. The increased contact patch provides better grip during hard acceleration scenarios, reducing wheel spin and improving launch characteristics from standstill positions.
Braking distances decrease with properly sized larger tires because of improved surface contact and heat dissipation capabilities. The 275/60R20 configuration can reduce stopping distances by 8-12 feet from 60 mph compared to smaller tire alternatives under optimal road conditions.
Handling precision varies significantly between tire sizes, with smaller configurations like the 265/70R17 offering sharper steering response and better maneuverability in tight spaces. The reduced sidewall flex provides more direct feedback through the steering wheel during cornering and lane changes.
Comfort levels change based on sidewall height and tire construction, with larger diameter wheels creating firmer ride characteristics over rough pavement surfaces. The reduced sidewall cushioning in 20-inch wheel configurations transmits more road imperfections directly to the cabin compared to 17-inch alternatives.
Towing capacity remains optimal when using manufacturer-specified tire sizes that match the vehicle’s engineered weight distribution and load ratings. Deviating from recommended specifications can affect trailer stability and reduce the truck’s maximum towing capacity by compromising proper weight transfer during braking and acceleration events.
Installation and Compatibility
Installing the correct tire size on your 2013 Dodge Ram 1500 ensures optimal performance and safety. Factory tire options provide seamless compatibility across different trim levels.
The 2013 Ram 1500 offers several factory tire configurations based on trim and package selections:
- 265/70R17: Standard on base models including Tradesman, ST, SXT, Outdoorsman, and Laramie trims
- 275/60R20: Equipped on higher trims such as Sport, Laramie Limited, Longhorn, Express, Big Horn, Outdoorsman, and SLT with 20-inch wheel packages
- 285/45R22: Exclusive to the R/T performance trim
- Alternative sizes: 265/65R18 and 255/65R19 available on select configurations
All factory-recommended sizes maintain compatibility with their corresponding trim levels without requiring modifications.
Wheel Well Clearance
Adequate wheel well clearance exists for all factory tire specifications on the Ram 1500. Factory-recommended sizes fit perfectly within the existing wheel wells without rubbing or interference issues. Aftermarket tire installations with larger dimensions may require suspension modifications to prevent contact with wheel well components. Installing oversized tires beyond factory specifications can cause rubbing during turning or suspension compression.
Speedometer Calibration
Minimal speedometer variation occurs when switching between factory tire sizes due to similar overall diameters. Changing from 265/70R17 to 275/60R20 maintains accurate speedometer readings since both sizes have comparable circumferences. Non-factory tire sizes with important diameter differences require speedometer recalibration to ensure precise readings. Always verify exact tire dimensions before installation to determine if recalibration becomes necessary for maintaining accurate speed and odometer functions.
Conclusion
We’ve covered everything you need to know about selecting the right tire size for your 2013 Dodge Ram 1500. From understanding factory specifications to exploring aftermarket upgrades your choice eventually depends on your driving priorities and budget.
Remember that factory tire sizes offer the best balance of performance fuel economy and warranty protection. If you’re considering upgrades weigh the benefits of enhanced handling and appearance against potential trade-offs in ride comfort and fuel efficiency.
Whether you stick with stock sizes or explore alternatives make sure any changes maintain proper load ratings and overall diameter. This ensures your Ram 1500 continues delivering the reliable performance you expect while keeping your speedometer accurate and your truck safe on the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common factory tire size for a 2013 Dodge Ram 1500?
The most common factory tire size for the 2013 Ram 1500 is P265/70R17. This size is found on multiple trim levels including the ST and SLT configurations. It provides excellent ground clearance for light off-road use while balancing performance, fuel economy, and ride comfort. This tire size offers a good all-around solution for most driving conditions.
How do I read the tire size numbers on my Ram 1500’s sidewall?
The tire size format follows a standardized system. For example, in P265/70R17: “P” indicates passenger vehicle, “265” is the width in millimeters, “70” is the aspect ratio (sidewall height as percentage of width), “R” means radial construction, and “17” is the rim diameter in inches. Additional codes show load index and speed rating.
Can I upgrade to larger tires on my 2013 Ram 1500?
Yes, you can upgrade to larger tires through plus-sizing. Popular upgrades include moving from 265/70R17 to 275/60R20 or 285/45R22. These upgrades can improve handling and appearance while maintaining overall tire diameter for accurate speedometer readings. However, ensure proper fitment and consider the impact on ride quality and fuel economy.
What tire sizes are available for different Ram 1500 trim levels?
Factory tire sizes vary by trim level: base models (ST/SLT) typically use 265/70R17, higher trims like Sport and Laramie come with 275/60R20, and the performance-oriented R/T trim features 285/45R22. Some configurations also offer 18-inch wheel packages. The specific size depends on your truck’s trim level and optional wheel packages.
How do different tire sizes affect fuel economy?
Smaller tire configurations like 265/70R17 deliver better fuel efficiency due to reduced rolling resistance. Larger sizes like 275/60R20 can decrease fuel economy by 2-4% compared to smaller options. The increased weight and rolling resistance of larger tires require more energy to move, resulting in higher fuel consumption during daily driving.
Do I need to recalibrate my speedometer when changing tire sizes?
Factory tire size swaps typically require minimal or no speedometer recalibration since manufacturers design them to maintain similar overall diameters. However, switching to non-factory sizes with significant diameter differences may necessitate speedometer recalibration for accurate readings. Consult a professional to ensure proper calibration and avoid potential legal or safety issues.
What should I consider when choosing all-terrain tires?
When selecting all-terrain tires, consider tread design for traction on various surfaces, load capacity for your truck’s weight requirements, and noise levels for comfort. Popular options like the Goodyear Wrangler Ultraterrain A/T offer excellent traction on loose surfaces. Also factor in fuel economy impact and ensure the tire meets your specific driving needs and conditions.
Will larger tires affect my Ram 1500’s towing capacity?
Using manufacturer-specified tire sizes is crucial for optimal towing capacity and stability. Deviations from factory specifications can compromise weight distribution and performance during towing. Larger tires may improve braking performance but could affect suspension geometry and load handling. Always consult your owner’s manual and consider professional advice when towing heavy loads with modified tire sizes.