How big is too big? Monster tires on a pickup truck look genuinely extraordinary. But there’s also a need to look at practical realities. Bigger tires mean higher fuel consumption. A higher center of gravity can also result in tip-overs in an accident. Keeping these factors in mind, let’s look at why it makes sense to have the biggest tires on a Stock Ram 1500 4WD.
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Benefits of Installing Bigger Tires on a Ram 1500 4WD
The advantages of having bigger tires include:
More Miles
Can cover more distance with each revolution. Like longer legs, bigger tires can take you further.
Better Grip
Wider low-profile tires offer more grip. More road surface contact = more traction and better control of the truck.
Lifts the Truck
Avoids under-carriage scrapes/impacts. Higher clearance to ride over speed bumps, potholes, and edges.
Softens the Ride
The ride is less bumpy with these tires, as more air cushions with bigger tires absorb uneven road shocks more effectively
Better Reaction
The change is worth it once the truck is on highways. The ride feels smooth. The driver has a high vantage view lets you see further.
While this may not seem much, the extra microseconds of reaction time can make a huge difference in an emergency.
Superb Off-Road
The more significant gain is when driving off-road on dirt tracks. Bigger tires ‘bite’ better as larger contact surfaces grip more.
The higher displacement also reduces damage to the undercarriage.
Are There Downsides to Installing Bigger Tires on a Ram 1500 4WD?
Less Fuel Efficiency
It takes more energy to move bigger – thus heavier – tires.
More Tire Damage
It offers limited wheel space as the turn radius can get reduced, so tires may be damaged by scrapes.
Requires Vehicle Reset
You will need to reset the odometer, speedometer, brakes, and suspension. Adjusting these settings can be tricky as the truck will be moving faster with bigger tires.
Higher Costs
Changing to bigger tires involves extra costs both upfront and in the longer run.
Upsizing can also mean buying larger wheel rims. Further, bigger tires cost more to replace and typically wear out faster.
Best Big Tires for the Stock Ram 1500 4WD
01. Road One Cavalry RL1359 Mud Tire – Best Big Tire Overall
Highlighted features
- All-terrain use
- 123 high load rating
- Deep 20/32-inch grooves
For work or play, through soft snow or hard clay. These Road One Cavalry all-rounder tires are suitable for both.
So enjoy off-roading on weekends and driving to the city office on weekdays.
Fitting 20-inch rims, these tires are designed for light truck use.
And having among the highest load rating of 123 (maximum = 126), feel free to load up the rear cargo bay.
Got to lug two huge fridges? Looking to tow another truck? No problem – these tires can take the strain.
The 4-tread ribs with deep 20/32-inch grooves make for a great compromise.
When driving on the highway and unpaved roads, noise levels are low – even on rugged and rough surfaces.
As all-terrain tires, these perform super well. You won’t notice any lag on engine power as each tire weighs just 37 pounds.
The outer lugs and inner tread blocks bite well to give traction on uneven roads.
Deep grooves and lateral sipes pump out liquid to keep slipping to the minimum.
They’re backed by Pirelli technology with more affordable pricing. These aggressive-looking all-black tires are easily mounted on stock rims.
At 33-inch diameter, when fully inflated, they stay comfortably within wheel wells for easy maneuvering.
“Speeding will strain these tires as they’re rated ‘Q’ for maximum 99mph/160kph velocity. But they’re fine for normal drives.”
What We Liked
- Suited for highways & off-road
- Easy to install due to light build
- Low noise
- High load rating
What We Didn’t Like
- Low maximum speed
02. Toyo Open Country Mud Tire – Best Big Tire for Durability
Highlighted features
- Rough terrain use
- 35-inch diameter
- Deep 22/32-inch grooves
Hard-core off-roading needs different tires. Otherwise, you can get stuck in really rough terrain.
These tires have to work differently. They can’t simply dig in and chew through loose dirt. And that’s when ‘floating’ tires really shine.
Toyo Open Country flotation tires answer typical queries of what’s the biggest tires for a Stock Ram 1500.
They push the limit on how to still fit within wheel wells without alterations.
Their larger size offers a wider 12.5-inch contact patch. So, these tires can ‘float’ on crumbly terrain.
Hence, driving slowly minimizes disturbing loose soil. This leaves enough grip for vehicles following in the usual convoy travel.
Built tough, each 35-inch diameter tire weighs a hefty 80 pounds.
Packing extra fuel and food for extended camping travel? Loading modern comforts like generators?
With a pretty high 117 load rating and hugging 22-inch rims, these tires really mean business.
They’re designed to work hard on rugged terrain with 22/32-inch grooves, inter-locking lugs, and lateral sipes.
Such features also let these tires shrug off mud and snow on paved roads within town limits.
“While Q-rated for speeds up to 99mph/160kph, these tires can be quite noisy. They also wear out quickly.”
What We Liked
- Built tough for offroad use
- They feel soft on crumbly terrain
- Still okay on paved roads
- Last a long time
What We Didn’t Like
- Noisy during use
03. Nexen Roadian HP 15452NXK All Use Tire – Best Big Tire for Any Use
Highlighted features
- Speedy V-rating
- 118 load rating
- Single-direction 5-rib tread
Built to ride high, it just adds more joy to have the biggest tires on a Stock Ram 1500 4WD.
Go cruising along highways. Or just drive up to the house porch or office lobby. Bigger tires ensure this classic truck simply looks impressive.
Fit on 22-inch rims, these Nexen Roadian tires are meant for both comfort and speed.
They’re rated ‘V’ for velocities usually reserved for sporty cars. The maximum performance speed is 149mph/240kph.
So feel free to let loose on clear straight roads with the music blasting loud.
Despite their size, these 33-inch tires leave enough room in the wheel well for a tight turning radius.
Looking to move heavy equipment? Got a large group of friends or staff?
With the 118 load rating for these tires, your truck can handle being a moving machine with ease.
The treads are a variation on the 5-ribs street tire. Inner treads are consolidated into a single-direction design with lateral grooves and stripes.
These squeeze out water and cut through puddles efficiently.
The 10/32-inch groove depth makes for a relatively manageable 47-pound weight. It helps keep noise levels down when rolling down paved roads.
“Going offroad isn’t advisable with these tires. They lack ‘biting’ lug treads and shallower grooves.”
What We Liked
- Good for speed
- Comfort on paved roads
- High load rating
- Thread doesn’t wear out fast
What We Didn’t Like
- Unsuited for off-road use
04. Venom Power Terra Hunter X/T Radial Tire – Best Big Tire for All-Terrain
Highlighted features
- All-season design
- 114 load rating
- 50,000 miles tread life
An all-terrain tire ready to give you the extra grip on any surface, the Terra Hunter from Venom Power doesn’t ever disappoint.
You get a superb self-cleaning thread that prevents any kind of debris from getting stuck. This increases grip and prevents unwanted objects from damaging your ride.
A flat footprint design adds up to the quality of the tire, improving the grip and handling.
The responsiveness is so great that you will barely feel these new tires were installed.
Alongside the all-season design so you can drive on dry, wet, or frozen roads – there’s no limit to its quality.
But if there’s something to love about this tire is the long tread life. It is designed to distribute pressure evenly so it lasts over 50,000 miles.
You won’t have to replace the tires sooner than you think, as it is actually likely to last way more than that.
And despite all that, you can still enjoy a decently quiet performance.
Despite its high-level tread, you will barely feel the tire on the road – whether you’re on asphalt or dirt.
Did we mention how gorgeous it is? Your truck will look undoubtedly cooler with these tires.
“The treads may produce a lot more sound at high speeds (over 80 MPH). So, you may get a bit annoyed if you’re expecting the quietest performance.”
What We Liked
- Works well on any terrain
- Promotes great handling
- Doesn’t wear out fast
- Looks stunning on any truck
What We Didn’t Like
- May increase road noise at high speeds
05. Nitto Terra Grappler G2 Tire – Most Attractive Big Tire
Highlighted features
- Decent speed at H rating
- Over 50,000 miles tread life
- 144 load rating
You can give your truck a change of shoes that look awesome, last a lifetime, and promote better performance with the Terra Grappler G2.
There’s almost no downside to this tire.
It comes with an all-weather capacity, despite being a perfect choice for dry roads.
A combination of depth sipes with shoulder lugs add up to the capacity to increase grip, allowing you to take on any road with decent bite.
The tread quality is outstanding as well. While a typical big tire can handle 20,000 to 40,000 miles, the Terra Grappler G2 can offer 50,000 miles.
In the right environment, it may last over 65,000 miles with ease.
And that’s without even mentioning how quiet the tread is.
You won’t have to wear noise blockers when driving your truck equipped with these tires, as they keep it all down regardless of speed (the H speed rating helps with that).
Nitto offers an additional benefit you may overlook: the tire is one of the most attractive.
If you want to boost your truck’s appeal to the next level, adding an aggressive yet casual look – this one would be the perfect choice.
“Considering the tread is quiet and it looks fantastic may give you an idea of how grippy it is. While not a problem in most situations, it may lack a strong bite that makes it ideal for off-road environments.”
What We Liked
- Feels quiet at high speeds
- Outstanding tread life
- Excitingly beautiful tread pattern
- Extra handling capacity
What We Didn’t Like
- Not perfect for off-road use
How to Install Tires on a Ram 1500 4WD?
You can DIY install new tires on rims – but it takes a bit of grunt work. The critical factor is to first make sure the tires and rims are the same sizes.
Otherwise, you’ll either have to swap for right-sized tires or get new rims.
Tools needed
- Screwdriver (s)
- Prying bar (s)
- Vise grips (optional)
- Truck jack & wrench
- Electric air pump
- Tire pressure gauge
- Rags and detergent
Removing the tire
- You have to first remove each tire, one at a time. Raise the truck using the jack, loosen the lug nuts with the wrench, then gently pull off the wheel.
- Place the wheel flat on the ground to deflate the tire. Unscrew the cap, then gently press the pin within with the screwdriver to release the pressurized air. This can take a while.
- Before removing the tire from the rim, apply some detergent around the tire edges (or beads). Wipe clean. Then use the prying bar to push down the tire edge from the wheel rim.
- Insert vise grips to keep the tire edges away all around the rim. Alternatively, you can use screwdrivers or extra prying bars.
- Now insert a prying bar under the edge and pull it off the wheel rim. Do this every few inches apart till the tire edge is off the wheel rim.
- Turn over the wheel and proceed to pry the other tire edge off the rim. Remember that you’re removing the tire, not loosening it. Once the entire edge is pried off, the rim can be lifted off the old tire.
Fitting new tire
Fitting on the new tire is just a reverse process. Before you start, make sure the air pressure valve is fitted correctly.
- Place the tire on the wheel and gently pry the edge into the rim well, inch-by-inch.
- Once one tire edge is fully fitted onto the rim, turn the wheel over. Repeat with the other tire edge.
- When the tire is entirely within the rim well, inflate with the air pump. The tire edges will snap into place.
- Use the pressure gauge to ensure the tire is inflated correctly. Then fit back on the truck, tighten the lug nuts with the wrench and release the jack.
What’s next?
This process has to be done for all 4 tires. Since you’ve now gone for what’s the biggest tires for a Stock Ram 1500, you should also replace the spare.
Otherwise, the spare will get old and start cracking. The truck’s drive will be uneven if the defunct spare is used when stuck with a flat tire.
Once all new tires have been installed on the truck, it will be good to visit a workshop for the wheels to be appropriately balanced.
This will ensure a smooth and comfortable drive and reduce tire wear.
Major (FAQs) of Biggest Tires on Stock Ram 1500 4WD
What is the biggest tire size for my Dodge Ram 1500?
Without any modifications, 35-inch tires fit well on 22-inch rims. Raising the truck’s suspension can use 37-inch tires. Getting any larger will result in a monster-tire truck.
How often should I change tires on my Dodge Ram 1500?
Most tires last around 40,000 – 50,000 miles, typically about 2 years. Use the penny test.
Can you see the wording from the side when a coin has placed the channel between treads? It’s then time to change the tires.
Do tires have expiry dates?
Yes, this is set at 6 years from the manufacturing date. To avoid possible failures, don’t get tires sitting on shelves overlong. It’s best to get tires that are still within 2 years of the manufacturing date.
Should bigger tires have higher pressure?
No. Bigger tires need more air volume to inflate. But the pressure should be what the truck manufacturers recommend.
- Over-inflated tires reduce the road contact patch area. This affects braking and drive control.
- Under-inflated tires heat up fast. Sidewalls have to work harder to retain their shape during a drive. When a tire wall is weakened too much, it collapses, and the tire explodes.
Is on-vehicle wheel balancing necessary?
It is highly recommended to reduce tire wear. There will also be less ‘vibrating’ when driving at higher speeds, giving a more comfortable ride.
Why do my tires squeal when driving around corners?
They may be underinflated. If the tire pressure is acceptable, consult a nearby workshop. The squealing could indicate a possible suspension problem.
Conclusion
Always pay attention to the biggest tires on Stock Ram 1500 4WD. They are the only contact between the vehicle and the road.
Remember, size isn’t the only critical point. Choosing the correct type of tire to match your driving habits can often be essential to avoid accidents.
Another good habit is to regularly check tires. Make sure they’re adequately inflated. See if there’s any unusual wear.
Do the same with the spare. Maintenance isn’t just about washing tires, so they look good. You take care of them, and they’ll take care of you.