Welcome to another episode of “I Never Knew” with Custom Offsets! In this episode, we will be discussing everything you need to know about the bolt pattern for the 2018 Ram 2500. We often receive questions about this topic, so we will provide a step-by-step breakdown to help you understand the concept of bolt patterns and what to expect when purchasing wheels and tires.
Understanding Bolt Patterns
When browsing through the Custom Offsets website for wheels, you may come across terms like “6x5.5” and “6x135” in the product descriptions. These numbers indicate the bolt pattern of the wheel. One might wonder why there are two different bolt patterns listed for the same wheel.
To make manufacturing more cost-effective, wheel manufacturers often create dual-drilled wheels, like the ones used for the Ram 2500. For example, a wheel might have a 5-lug bolt pattern of 5x150 and also be dual-drilled with a 5-lug bolt pattern of 5x5.5. This allows the same wheel to fit different vehicles, such as Toyota Tacomas and Ram 1500s, without the need for separate molds or part numbers.
If you own a Chevy 1500, you might be confused when you see the bolt pattern listed as 6x139.7 instead of the expected 6x5.5. This discrepancy arises from manufacturers using either inches or millimeters to denote bolt patterns. In the case of Chevy, they use inches, while other manufacturers might use millimeters. Although it may seem confusing, the bolt patterns are the same, and the wheels will fit your vehicle correctly.
Measuring Bolt Patterns
If you encounter fitment issues when mounting your wheels, it’s important not to force them onto your vehicle. Instead, there is a simple method to measure the bolt pattern to ensure proper fitment. For dual 5-lug wheels, measure the distance from the center of the far-right corner to the center of the far across corner. This distance will give you the bolt pattern in inches, in this case, 5x5.5. For 5x150, measure the bolt pattern in millimeters, which would be 150mm.
Covered Center Caps vs. Exposed Lug Nuts
Some wheels come with covered center caps, while others have exposed lug nuts. The reason for these differences lies in the manufacturing process. Forged wheels, like those made by American Force, are custom-built and do not require molds. Therefore, they have exposed lug nuts, allowing for the installation of spike lug nuts. On the other hand, cast wheels, like the dual-drilled wheels, are made from molds and often come with covered center caps to maintain their aesthetic appeal.
Troubleshooting Fitment Issues
If you experience fitment issues and the shop is unsure why, it could be because they have not encountered a dual-drilled bolt pattern before. In such cases, try using the other set of holes on the wheel. If the issue persists, reach out to Custom Offsets customer service for assistance. They can check the part number and provide guidance to ensure you have the correct fitment.
In conclusion, understanding the bolt pattern for your 2018 Ram 2500 is crucial when purchasing new wheels. By grasping the concept of bolt patterns and knowing how to measure them, you can avoid fitment issues and make an informed decision about your wheel purchase.
If there is anything we missed or any other topics you would like to see covered in our next video, please let us know. We are here to help. Stay tuned for more helpful videos from Custom Offsets!
