Tires: Dodge Ram 2500 Tires, dodge ram 2500, inflation pressure

Question
Barry, I have a dodge RAM 2500 4WD, with a LT 265/50/R17 Michelin, and would like to replace it by a BFGoodrich 325/60/20. I know the truck will be a bit wider, but I don~t carry heavy load, only people and luggage. Will I loose anything from going to an E load tire to a D load ? Also : nobody recommends this change. What can you tell me ? Thanks. Luiz

Answer
If I have this right, the 325/60R20 is an LT tire with a 121/118 load index - which is the same as the LT265/70R17's you have now.  So from a load carrying point of view this would be OK.  But you will need to use a different inflation pressure than is listed on your vehicle placard.  I can do the calculations, but I don't know what the placard says as my book lists several version of your truck with several different pressures.

The only other problems are:

1)  The amount of space under the fenders.  I can't help you there, but it would be wise not to change the offset too much to accomodate the width.

2)  The overall diameter - opps, it's 11% larger.  Not a good idea as not only does this change the speedometer and odometer, and raises the center of gravity (increasing the risk of rollover), but it also changes the way the suspension reacts with the ground.  This might not be a problem - but then again it might.

I suggest you talk to folks who have done something like this.  I'm sure their experience would be invaluable.