A word of advice for Dodge Ram Sport owners
I am trying to upgrade my wheels and tires on my 2014 Dodge Ram Sport. OE size is P275/60R20. I’d like trying to go to P295/35R24 tires. Is this change possible without lifting the truck’s suspension?
Yes, that size of tire will fit without modification to the suspension, if you use the correct 24-inch wheel, made for a Ram. The wheel offset and centre line must match the OE specs or you will have problems.
But the real question is, why would you want to make such a radical change in tire size? You will change most of the best characteristics of your Ram by changing to this size. If you like the low-profile tire look and will not use the truck for cargo, that’s one thing, but if you want your truck to be a workhorse, you are moving in the wrong direction.
As is, the truck can do some serious hauling in weight. Each OE tire is rated for 2,601 pounds, the 35 aspect ratio tire can only carry 2,337 pounds, and so, overall, you lose 1,056 pounds of weight capacity.
Your OE tires are T-rated and 60 aspect ratio, so they provide a reasonably comfortable ride. The 35 aspect ratio tires are V-speed rated (very stiff side wall); your ride will be harsh. That 24-inch tire size is categorized as a “sports” tire, so it will be happiest on smooth pavement, not gravel roads or even bumpy roads.
In your OE size, there are 32 brands/models of tires to choose from, and in 24-inch, there is only one high-quality tire on the market that I can recommend: the Yokohama Parada Spec-X. It is not available in Canada, so you will have order from the U.S.
I’ve just read a Tire Talk question about tire pressure, and you stated to never exceed maximum pressure marked on the side wall. My Nissan Murano recommends 33 psi, which is where I keep them. I have noticed that the pressure regularly jumps to 39-40 psi on hot days when driving. Should I under-inflate, in the expectation that the pressure will increase with driving? What are the risks with overinflation? I assume premature wear, stiffer ride and risk of blowout.
Don’t worry about tire pressures going up as you drive. The manufacturer has taken that into account when they set the cold pressure recommendation. So, you will be well within the guidelines for your tires.
Excessive overinflation can result in premature tire wear in the middle of the tire, and will reduce the size of the contact patch, meaning longer braking distance and less cornering grip. Blowouts are usually caused by heat buildup because of underinflation. The tires on my 2008 Honda CR-V need to be replaced. The current tires are Bridgestone Dueler H/T (P225/65R17), and I’d like something with a smoother ride. I have separate snow tires on rims for winter driving.
If you want a smoother ride, you should consider “Touring” or “Grand Touring” tires, as opposed to “SUV/Crossover” tires. In the Touring class, the smoothest is the Continental TrueContact, and very close behind is the General Altimax RT43. The problem is that these tires are both just T-rated, and your CR-V should have H-rated tires.
In the Grand Touring class, the tires are, in fact, H-rated. The best ride by far is the Goodyear Assurance ComforTred. It is pricey but does stand out. Next would be the Yokohama Ascend H, and at a better price point is the General Altimax RT43 H. Freelance writer John Mahler is a regular contributor to Toronto Star Wheels. Write to him at: thetireguy_1@hotmail.com. He is unable to answer personal inquiries. To reach Wheels Editor Norris McDonald: nmcdonald@thestar.com.