Ever found yourself scratching your head when it comes to bolt patterns? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Bolt patterns can be confusing, especially if you’re new to the world of custom wheels and tires. That’s why in this article, we’ll provide a quick rundown of bolt patterns (specifically focusing on the 2018 Ram 2500 lug pattern) to help clear up any confusion you may have. By the end of this guide, you’ll be a bolt pattern expert!
Key Points
- Bolt patterns are a set of numbers that indicate the number of lugs and the distance between them on a wheel.
- Dual drilled wheels have two bolt patterns, allowing them to fit multiple vehicles and saving manufacturers time and money.
- The 2018 Ram 2500 has a bolt pattern of 5 on 150 and 5 on 5.5, making it compatible with Toyota Tacomas and Ram 1500s.
- Chevy uses inches to denote bolt patterns, while other manufacturers may use millimeters or decimals.
- To measure a bolt pattern, find the center of the far right corner and measure the distance to the center of the far across corner. For example, 5 on 5.5 means the lug distance is 5 lugs, with 5.5 inches across.
- Center caps can either be covered or exposed, depending on the design and manufacturer.
- American Force wheels have exposed lug nuts because they are custom made per order, while other wheels may have covered center caps.
Understanding Bolt Patterns
When it comes to custom wheels and tires, one important factor to consider is the bolt pattern. A bolt pattern is a set of numbers that indicates the number of lugs on a wheel and the distance between them. This information is crucial when selecting wheels that will correctly fit your vehicle.
Dual Drilled Wheels: Saving Time and Money
A common feature in the wheel industry is the use of dual drilled wheels. These wheels have two bolt patterns, allowing them to fit multiple vehicles. This saves manufacturers time and money since they don’t need to create separate molds for each bolt pattern.
Taking the 2018 Ram 2500 as an example, its bolt pattern is 5 on 150 and 5 on 5.5. This means the wheel has 5 lugs with a distance of 150 millimeters and 5.5 inches across. Consequently, this particular wheel can be installed on a variety of vehicles, including Toyota Tacomas and Ram 1500s.
Inches vs Millimeters: Unraveling the Mystery
One common source of confusion is the use of measurement units to denote bolt patterns. For example, Chevy typically uses inches, while other manufacturers may use millimeters or decimals. It’s important to note that despite the difference in units, the bolt pattern remains the same. For instance, Chevy’s 6-lug bolt pattern of 6 on 5.5 in inches is equivalent to 6 on 139.7 millimeters.
Measuring Bolt Patterns Made Easy
Measuring a bolt pattern is a fairly straightforward process. For dual drilled wheels, locate the center of the far right corner and measure the distance to the center of the far across corner. This measurement represents the second portion of the bolt pattern. In the case of the 2018 Ram 2500 with a bolt pattern of 5 on 5.5, the bolt pattern is 5 lugs, with a distance of 5.5 inches across.
Covered or Exposed Center Caps: The Design Choice
Wheel manufacturers have different design choices when it comes to center caps. Some wheels feature covered center caps, while others have exposed lug nuts. Covered center caps, which are the more common option, hide the lug nuts and create a sleek appearance. On the other hand, exposed lug nuts are a popular choice for custom wheels, such as those made by American Force. These wheels are forged and custom-built, allowing for customization and the use of spike lug nuts.
Final Thoughts
Understanding bolt patterns is vital when it comes to choosing the right wheels for your vehicle. By familiarizing yourself with the key points discussed in this article, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the world of bolt patterns and make informed decisions. Remember, if you encounter any difficulties or have further questions, our team at Custom Offsets is here to assist you. Happy wheel shopping!
