Hey guys, I'm new to this forum and have a quick question. I have a 2011 Ram 1500 with the 20" wheels and tires. I was thinking of winter tires because the factory goodyears are not very aggressive, but my buddy offered to sell me his aftermarket 17 inch Ram wheels with like new snow tires on them for an amazing price so he doesn't lose out when he trades his truck in for new. If the 17's have the tpms in the stem like my 20's, can I just stick 'em on the truck? What do I do about the different tire size -- how do I let the truck know there are smaller wheels on it?

Sorry for being long-winded, and thanks ahead of time.

 

Two stage process: stage one telling the truck about the new TPMS sensors. I am not sure on the procedure on that one, but I am sure that it is through the EVIC. Read the manual.

Step two is telling the ECU (probably actually the BCM) about your new tire sizes. As it appears you have a 2011 the only way to do that is to go to Mopar and have them hookp starscan. Should run about 40-80 bucks. If you wait or had an older truck, programmers will do it for you as a bonus.

 

What is the width/profile of your current 20"s and what is the width /profile of your buddy's 17"? They may be closer than you think.

 

I went to a tire website and the 17s are 4.2% smaller (275-50 R20 vs 265-60 R17). I put them on anyway and the tpms system read the new tires and wheels correctly. I drove the truck to Pep Boys to see if they could adjust the computer re the wheel size, and I was told it probably didn't matter... I think I'll see how it goes -- 17 inch snow tires are a lot cheaper!