I have a 2003 Dodge Ram with the 4.7L engine. I'm looking at a new tires/wheel setup but I tow a lot so I have to take that into consideration. I have the stock 17" rims right now and I'm wondering what size tires those can handle. How would bigger tires affect my towing capacity and what not? How about bigger rims?

 

Any Load C tire is fine for what type of truck you have. Or you could bump up to a D-load which has 8-plies instead of 6. The more plies, the stiffer the ride! Just remember you can only haul what the truck is capable of so getting a beefier tire won't help much. Size of tire depends on the width of the rim. I think the 17's have a 7" or 7.5" wide rim. That would limit you to a 275 or 285.
Bigger rims would just cause a little stiffer of a ride because you will have less sidewall for bump cushion. Any wheel tire combo will tow fine if your within the same diameter. The bigger tire you go, the more it changes your gearing ratio. Bigger tires are slower off the line. I don't think it would be all that noticeable unless you got really big tires coming from stock size. You should buy what you can afford to replace for a blow-out or if they wear down faster than anticipated.

 

Thanks, one more question:

What can I do to get less squat in the rear end? Can I switch to 2500 series springs or anything like that?

 

This was just discussed in another thread this afternoon. Airbags! Only pump'em up when you need them. Spring helpers are a rough ride even when you don't need the support

 

The 17 inch wheel is a 17x8. 20 is 20x9. My truck has standard load tires. But Load range C would be a good upgrade.

 

anything load ranger D to E and prefferably 10 ply. Do not buy mud tires