If you're thinking about running a Ram 2500 with 35 inch tires, you're definitely not alone because it's probably the most common upgrade for this truck. There's just something about the way a heavy-duty Ram looks when it's sitting on a beefier set of rubber that makes the stock setup look a little bit unfinished. It fills out those massive wheel wells perfectly and gives the truck the aggressive stance it probably should have had from the factory.
But before you go out and drop a few thousand dollars on a fresh set of Nittos or Toyos, there are some things you should know about how it actually changes the truck. It's not just about the looks; it changes how the truck handles, how it tows, and definitely how much you're going to be spending at the pump.
Will 35s fit on a stock Ram 2500?
This is always the first question everyone asks. The short answer is yes, but the long answer is a bit more "it depends." On the newer 5th-gen Ram 2500s (2019 and up), you can technically stuff a 35-inch tire under there on the factory wheels without a lift. However, you might run into some slight rubbing on the radius arms when you're at full lock—like when you're trying to navigate a tight parking lot.
Most guys choose to go with a 2-inch leveling kit anyway. It's a relatively cheap mod that gets rid of that "stinkbug" look where the rear sits higher than the front. Once you level the front end, a Ram 2500 with 35 inch tires looks much more balanced, and you gain that extra clearance to ensure you aren't scrubbing your fender liners every time you hit a bump while turning. If you're planning on going with an aftermarket wheel with a negative offset, though, you're almost certainly going to need that level or even a small lift to avoid trimming your plastic.
The impact on ride quality and handling
Let's talk about how the truck actually feels on the road. The Ram 2500 uses a coil-spring rear suspension (unless you have the factory air bags), which already rides way better than the leaf-spring setups on Fords or Chevys. When you move to a 35-inch tire, you're usually moving to a 10-ply (Load Range E) tire.
Because there's more sidewall compared to a stock tire, you might actually find that the ride gets a little "cushier" over small potholes. The extra rubber absorbs some of that initial road chatter. The downside? You'll feel the weight. These tires are heavy. You might notice the steering feels a bit heavier, and the truck might feel a tiny bit more sluggish when you're trying to merge onto the highway. It's not a dealbreaker, especially if you have the Cummins turbodiesel, but it's something you'll notice in the first five minutes of driving.
Performance and the "Power Loss" factor
If you have the 6.7L Cummins, putting a Ram 2500 with 35 inch tires isn't going to phase it much. That engine has so much torque that it really doesn't care about a few extra pounds of rotating mass. You'll still be able to pull a house off its foundation without breaking a sweat.
However, if you're running the 6.4L Hemi gas engine, you might feel the change a bit more. The Hemi is a great engine, but it relies more on RPMs to get things moving. With 35s, your effective gear ratio changes. The truck might "hunt" for gears a little more often on long highway inclines, and your off-the-line acceleration will feel a bit more relaxed. Is it a huge problem? No. But if you're someone who tows heavy loads frequently, you might notice the transmission shifting more than it used to.
What happens to your fuel economy?
Here is the part where I have to be the bearer of bad news. Your MPGs are going to take a hit. There's no way around it. When you put a Ram 2500 with 35 inch tires, you're increasing rolling resistance and weight.
On average, most owners report losing about 1 to 2 miles per gallon. It doesn't sound like much until you realize these trucks aren't exactly fuel-sippers to begin with. Also, keep in mind that since the tires are taller, your speedometer will be slightly off. It'll show you're going slower than you actually are. This also means your truck thinks it's traveling fewer miles than it really is, which messes up the on-board MPG calculator. To get an accurate reading, you'll want to use a programmer like an AEV ProCal to recalibrate the computer for the new tire height.
Choosing the right tire: AT vs. MT
Once you've decided to go with 35s, you have to choose the tread pattern. This is where you really have to be honest with yourself about how you use your truck.
- All-Terrain (AT): These are the most popular for a reason. They look aggressive enough to let people know you aren't just driving a mall crawler, but they're quiet on the highway. Tires like the BFGoodrich KO2 or the Falken Wildpeak AT3W are legendary for this. They're great in the snow and last a long time.
- Mud-Terrain (MT): These look incredible. If you want that "beast mode" look for your Ram 2500, MTs are the way to go. But be warned: they are noisy. You'll hear that classic "hum" on the highway, and they tend to wear out faster than ATs. They're also usually heavier, which will hurt your fuel economy even more.
For a daily driver, I almost always recommend a high-quality All-Terrain. You get the look of a Ram 2500 with 35 inch tires without the headache of the extra noise and vibrations.
Towing with 35 inch tires
The Ram 2500 is a workhorse, and many people buy them specifically for towing goosenecks or large travel trailers. When you jump up to 35s, you need to pay attention to your load rating. Ensure whatever tire you buy is rated for the weight you plan to carry. Most 35-inch tires come in a Load Range E, which is what you want for a 3/4 ton truck.
One thing to watch out for is your hitch height. Adding taller tires raises the entire truck, which means you might need a drop hitch to keep your trailer level. Also, remember that your braking distance will increase slightly. Stopping a heavy trailer with bigger, heavier tires takes a bit more effort from your brake system, so just give yourself that extra car length of following distance.
Maintenance and long-term costs
Finally, let's talk about the wallet. A Ram 2500 with 35 inch tires is more expensive to maintain. A set of four high-quality 35s can easily run you $1,200 to $1,800 depending on the brand. Because the tires are heavier, they can also put a bit more wear and tear on your front-end components over time—things like ball joints and tie rods might wear out a little sooner than they would with stock tires.
You'll also want to stay on top of your tire rotations. Heavy-duty trucks, especially those with the heavy Cummins engine up front, can chew through front tires if you don't rotate them every 5,000 miles.
Is it worth it?
At the end of the day, putting a Ram 2500 with 35 inch tires is one of the best "bang for your buck" upgrades you can do. It completely transforms the personality of the truck. It looks tougher, performs better off-road, and gives you that commanding view of the road that every truck owner wants.
Yes, you'll spend a bit more on gas, and yes, you might have to buy a leveling kit, but for most people, the trade-off is well worth it. Just make sure you pick a tire that fits your driving style, recalibrate your speedometer, and enjoy the ride. There's nothing quite like a clean Ram 2500 sitting on 35s—it just looks right.