What Is The Towing Capacity Of Dodge Ram?

The Dodge Ram, now called the Ram truck line, is one of America's big three names in the pickup truck segment. As we can expect from vehicles in this segment, Ram trucks excel at carrying cargo and towing heavy loads. So how much weight can the Ram truck carry?

When properly equipped, the 5th-generation (2019 to present) Ram 1500 trucks have towing capacities ranging from 4,350 pounds up to 12,750 pounds. On the other hand, 4th-generation (2009 to 2018) Ram 1500 trucks can tow between 2,900 and 11,500 pounds.

If you need to pull more weight than what the half-ton Ram 1500 can tow, then you need the Ram Heavy Duty trucks (2500 and 3500). When properly equipped, these Heavy-Duty trucks can tow between 17,080 and 37,090 pounds.

Would you like to know more about the Ram trucks' towing capacities? Do read on, because we've also added some interesting information about the different engines, trims, and configurations that determine these trucks' tow ratings.

A Ram 2500 pickup towing a Camplite 16DBS travel trailer at an overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway. - What Is The Towing Capacity Of Dodge Ram?

How Many Pounds Can A Ram Tow?

For several years now, the Ram Truck line has always managed to land a podium spot in the sales of the American pickup truck segment. Although the Ford F-Series has been the segment leader for over 40 years, Ram Trucks have always jockeyed against the Chevrolet Silverado for 2nd place.

Like most modern full-size pickup trucks in the market, Ram Trucks are known for high towing capacities, among other characteristics.

A Ram 2500 pickup towing a Camplite 16DBS travel trailer at an overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

At a maximum towing capacity of 12,750 pounds, the current-generation half-ton Ram 1500 lags behind the Ford F-150 (14,000 pounds towing capacity). However, with a 37,090-pound tow rating, the Ram 3500 leads all one-ton trucks in the pickup segment.

Not all Ram trucks offer the same towing capacity, even if they belong in the same category. For instance, the 2022 Ram 1500 can have a towing capacity that ranges from a mediocre 6,120 pounds up to an amazing 12,750 pounds. A truck line's tow ratings vary greatly depending on several factors:

  • Engine type and size
  • Transmission
  • Suspension
  • Cab type (e.g. single cab, crew cab, quad cab, king cab, etc.)
  • Drive configuration (4x2, 4x4, 6x6)
  • Bed (short bed, regular bed, long bed)

Ram trucks have several options for engines, transmissions, cab type, drive configuration, and bed size. However, the engine plays the most influential role in determining a truck's towing capacity. Hence, we'll simplify the list according to the maximum towing capacity for every engine type.

3.6-Liter Pentastar V6 24V VVT eTorque

The 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 is the base engine for the Ram 1500, and it delivers a decent 305 horsepower and 269 lb.-ft. of torque. This engine is highly suitable if you need a workhorse truck for your home or business.

Ram's eTorque technology is a mild hybrid system that uses a 48-volt battery-powered motor that improves the truck's performance as well as efficiency.

Maximum towing capacity by generation:

  • 5th-generation Ram 1500 (2019 to present) - 7,750 pounds
  • 4th-generation Ram 1500 (2009 to 2018) - 7,600 pounds

3.0-Liter V6 EcoDiesel

Ram's 3.0-liter V6 EcoDiesel engine combines high torque with the best fuel efficiency among all Ram truck engine options. Even at a low 1,600 RPM, this turbocharged diesel powerplant delivers an impressive 480 lb.-ft. of torque.

Moreover, this engine allows the Ram 1500 to travel up to 26 miles per gallon on a combined city and highway setting.

Maximum towing capacity by generation:

  • 5th-generation Ram 1500 (2019 to present) - 12,560 pounds
  • 4th-generation Ram 1500 (2009 to 2018) - 9,210 pounds

5.7-Liter V8 HEMI MDS VVT

Although the entire Hemi engine family enjoys a solid reputation for dependability, the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 stands out for the highest reliability. Under the hood of a Ram 1500, this HEMI powerplant ekes out 395 h.p. and 410 lb.-ft. of torque.

Maximum towing capacity by generation:

  • 5th-generation Ram 1500 (2019 to present) - 11,590 pounds
  • 4th-generation Ram 1500 (2009 to 2018) - 10,650 pounds
  • 4th-generation for Ram 2500 - 13,880 pounds

5.7-Liter V8 HEMI MDS VVT eTorque

If the power and torque output of the standard 5.7-liter HEMI impresses you, then the eTorque-equipped version will impress you even more.

This mild hybrid HEMI engine produces the same horsepower and torque outputs, but the 48-volt motor will help produce the Ram 1500's highest towing capacity.

Maximum towing capacity by generation:

  • 5th-generation (2019 to present) - 12,750 pounds
  • 4th-generation (2009 to 2018) - 10,650 pounds

6.2-Liter Supercharged HEMI V8 SRT

If towing a trailer only comes second to speed among your priorities, then you should look at the Ram 1500 TRX trim. Powering the TRX exclusively is a 6.2-liter twin-screw supercharged V8 HEMI engine that delivers 702 hp. and 650 lb.-ft. of torque.

Maximum towing capacity:

  • 5th-generation (2019 to present) - 8,100 pounds

4.7-Liter PowerTech High-Output Corsair V8

From 2009 to 2013, the 4th-generation Ram 1500 included the Corsair engine among its powerplant options. This was the final update of Chrysler's 4.7-liter Powertech V8 engine. At that time, the Corsair's output of 310 hp. and 334 lb.-ft. of torque were considered impressive.

In its last year of production for the 2013 Ram 1500, the Corsair gave the truck a maximum towing capacity of 6,100 pounds.

6.4-Liter HEMI V8

Available as the base engine for the 3/4-ton Ram 2500 as well as the one-ton Ram 3500 is the 6.4-liter naturally-aspirated 392 HEMI engine. Capable of running on 87-octane gasoline, this engine puts out 410 hp. and 429 lb.-ft. of torque.

Maximum towing capacity by generation:

  • 5th-generation Ram 2500 (2019 to present) - 17,740 pounds
  • 4th-generation Ram 2500 (2009 to 2018) - 16,320 pounds
  • 5th-generation Ram 3500 (2019 to present) - 18,210 pounds
  • 4th-generation Ram 3500 (2009 to 2019) - 16,370 pounds

6.7-Liter Cummins Turbo Diesel I6

Optional as the high-end engine for the Ram 2500 as well as the mid-level engine for the Ram 3500 is the 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel Engine. This powerful diesel engine churns out 370 hp. and 850 lb.-ft. of torque

Maximum towing capacity by generation:

  • 5th-generation Ram 2500 (2019 to present) - 20,000 pounds
  • 4th-generation Ram 2500 (2009 to 2018) - 17,980 pounds
  • 5th-generation Ram 3500 (2019 to present) - 22,660 pounds
  • 4th-generation Ram 3500 (2009 to 2018) - 22,550 pounds

6.7-Liter High Output Cummins Turbo Diesel I6

To achieve the best payload and towing performance out of the engine, Cummins tuned the 6.7-liter Turbo Diesel engine to make a "High Output" version. The resulting in-line 6-cylinder "H.O." powerplant can put out 420 hp. and a staggering 1,075 lb.-ft. of torque.

This engine is responsible for giving the current-generation RAM 3500 the highest towing capacity in its class.

Maximum towing capacity by generation:

  • 5th-generation Ram 3500 (2019 to present) - 37,090 pounds
  • 4th-generation Ram 3500 (2009 to 2018) - 31,210 pounds

Why Are Ram Trucks So Popular?

Dodge RAM 1500 on the road leading through the volcanic landscape of Lanzarote

In recent years, pickup trucks have become America's most popular vehicles by sales volume. In fact, in 2021, the three best-selling vehicles in the U.S. are all pickup trucks. The Ford F-Series is the undisputed leader, with Ram Trucks and the Chevrolet Silverado grabbing 2nd and 3rd place, respectively.

Ram trucks have several selling points that keep it first in mind among many American truck owners. Aside from having impressive towing and payload capacities, some trims have passenger comfort and luxury features that can rival even some premium crossovers and SUVs.

A certain car review also hails Ram trucks as America's longest-lasting pickups. Because of the vehicles' build quality, overall performance, and reliability, Ram trucks have gained a loyal customer base. Current Ram truck owners are highly likely to trade in their old trucks for newer Ram models.

Finally, Ram trucks offer a lot of options and configurations for almost any truck buyer. Be it for business, family use, or recreation, there's a Ram truck that you can choose or build.

How Much Do Ram Pickup Trucks Cost?

Car keys and money on table with man using calculator. Buyer counting savings and gas cost or salesman calculating sales price, vehicle value or road taxes.

If you're in the market for a new truck, then we're here to help you with your online window shopping. Below are the starting prices of the different trims of the RAM 1500, 2500, and 3500.

1500 Starting Prices

  • Tradesman - $ 37,090
  • Tradesman HFE - $ 38,727
  • Big Horn - $ 42,405
  • Laramie - $ 50,830
  • Rebel - $ 51,975
  • Limited Longhorn - $ 58,560
  • Limited Crew Cab - $ 63,275
  • TRX - $ 83,890

1500 Classic Starting Prices

  • Tradesman - $ 30,235
  • Express - $ 30,235
  • Warlock - $ 41,825

2500 Starting Prices

  • Tradesman - $ 44,205
  • Big Horn - $ 48,325
  • Laramie - $ 59,905
  • Power Wagon - $ 64,145
  • Limited Long Horn - $ 67,475
  • Limited Crew Cab - $ 72,395

3500 Starting Prices

  • Tradesman - $ 46,310
  • Big Horn - $ 50,530
  • Laramie - $ 61,925
  • Limited Long Horn - $ 69,500
  • Limited Crew Cab - $ 74,315

These Ram Truck prices are accurate as of November 2022.

Wrapping Up

A Ram 2500 pickup towing a Camplite 16DBS travel trailer at an overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Depending on the year model, engine, trim, and configuration, Ram 1500 trucks of the past decade can tow anywhere between 2,900 and 12,750 pounds. Ram Heavy Duty trucks, on the other hand, can tow up to 37,090 pounds.

Thank you very much for reading. We hope we were able to give you an easy reference regarding the towing capacity of Ram trucks.

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