How Much Can a RAM 3500 Tow? Exploring Its Towing Capacity

AvatarByHarold Trujillo Components & Upgrades

When it comes to heavy-duty towing, few trucks command as much respect as the RAM 3500. Known for its rugged build and impressive powertrain options, this truck has become a go-to choice for those who need to haul substantial loads with confidence and ease. Whether you’re towing a large trailer, a boat, or heavy equipment, understanding the capabilities of the RAM 3500 is essential to making the most of its potential.

Towing capacity is a critical factor for anyone who relies on their vehicle for work or recreation, and the RAM 3500 is engineered to deliver exceptional performance in this area. Its combination of powerful engines, reinforced chassis, and advanced towing technology makes it stand out in the heavy-duty truck segment. However, the exact towing limits can vary depending on the model year, engine configuration, and additional equipment.

In this article, we’ll explore the towing capabilities of the RAM 3500, helping you grasp how much weight this powerhouse can handle. Whether you’re a seasoned truck owner or considering a RAM 3500 for your next vehicle, gaining insight into its towing potential will ensure you make informed decisions and get the most out of your investment.

Towing Capacities by Engine Type and Configuration

The towing capacity of a RAM 3500 varies significantly based on the engine choice, drivetrain configuration, and other equipment options. RAM offers multiple engine options, each providing different levels of towing capability. Understanding these variations is crucial for selecting the right truck to meet your towing needs.

The two primary engines available on the RAM 3500 are:

  • 6.4L HEMI V8 Gas Engine: Known for its power and reliability, this engine provides solid towing capabilities for gas-powered trucks.
  • 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 Engine: Renowned for its torque and durability, the diesel engine offers substantially higher towing capacities, especially when paired with heavy-duty towing packages.

Additional factors influencing towing capacity include the cab style (Regular, Crew, or Mega Cab), bed length, axle ratio, and transmission type (manual or automatic). Trucks equipped with the highest axle ratio and the heavy-duty towing package maximize their towing potential.

Below is a detailed comparison of towing capacities based on various configurations for the RAM 3500:

Engine Drivetrain Cab & Bed Axle Ratio Transmission Max Conventional Towing (lbs) Max Fifth-Wheel/Gooseneck Towing (lbs)
6.4L HEMI V8 Gas 4×2 Crew Cab, 6’4″ Bed 3.73 8-Speed Auto 17,540 21,000
6.4L HEMI V8 Gas 4×4 Mega Cab, 8′ Bed 3.92 8-Speed Auto 16,320 20,000
6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 4×2 Crew Cab, 8′ Bed 4.10 6-Speed Auto 21,000 35,100
6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 (High Output) 4×4 Mega Cab, 8′ Bed 4.10 6-Speed Auto 20,000 37,100

Factors Affecting Towing Performance

Several important factors impact the actual towing performance of a RAM 3500 beyond the base specifications. These include:

  • Payload Capacity: The payload rating affects how much weight the truck can safely carry in the bed and cab in addition to the trailer weight.
  • Axle Ratio: Higher numerical axle ratios improve towing by increasing torque delivery to the wheels but may reduce fuel efficiency.
  • Transmission Cooling: Heavy towing generates extra heat; trucks equipped with enhanced transmission coolers maintain optimal performance under load.
  • Towing Packages: Factory-installed towing packages often include features such as integrated trailer brake controllers, auxiliary transmission coolers, and upgraded suspension components.
  • Trailer Type: Fifth-wheel and gooseneck trailers generally allow for higher towing capacity due to the weight distribution over the truck’s rear axle.
  • Driver Skill and Conditions: Proper hitching, weight distribution, and driving technique heavily influence safe towing capacity in real-world conditions.

Recommended Towing Equipment and Safety Considerations

To safely tow heavy loads with a RAM 3500, it is essential to equip the truck properly and adhere to safety guidelines. Recommended equipment includes:

  • Class V Trailer Hitch: Rated for the maximum towing capacity of the truck, providing secure connection points.
  • Trailer Brake Controller: Integrated or aftermarket controllers improve braking response when towing heavy trailers.
  • Tow Mirrors: Extendable mirrors provide better visibility of the trailer and surrounding traffic.
  • Weight Distribution Hitch: Helps evenly distribute trailer tongue weight across the truck axles.
  • Tire Pressure Monitoring: Ensure tires are properly inflated to handle towing loads and avoid blowouts.

Safety considerations:

  • Always verify the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) which includes both truck and trailer weights.
  • Confirm that trailer brakes are functioning correctly and that the trailer is balanced and loaded properly.
  • Avoid exceeding the truck’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).
  • Drive cautiously, allowing for longer stopping distances and wider turns.

By combining the right engine, configuration, and equipment, a RAM 3500 can tow a wide range of trailers—from utility trailers to large fifth-wheel campers and heavy commercial loads—safely and efficiently.

Towing Capacity Overview for the RAM 3500

The RAM 3500 is renowned for its powerful towing capabilities, making it a top choice for heavy-duty hauling tasks. The exact towing capacity varies significantly depending on the engine configuration, drivetrain, cab style, and equipment package. Understanding these variables is essential for selecting the right RAM 3500 model to meet specific towing requirements.

Factors Influencing Towing Capacity

  • Engine Type: The RAM 3500 offers multiple engine options, including a gasoline V8 and a turbo-diesel inline-six. Diesel engines generally provide higher torque and better towing performance.
  • Drivetrain: Models with four-wheel drive (4WD) may have different towing capacities compared to two-wheel drive (2WD) versions due to weight and drivetrain efficiency.
  • Axle Ratio: Higher axle ratios improve towing by increasing torque delivered to the wheels, but may reduce fuel economy.
  • Cab and Bed Configuration: Crew cabs with longer beds may support higher towing limits due to weight distribution and chassis design.
  • Towing Package: Availability of factory-installed towing packages can enhance capacity by adding features like upgraded cooling systems, trailer brake controllers, and hitch receivers.

Maximum Towing Capacities by Engine and Configuration

Below is a detailed table illustrating the maximum conventional and fifth-wheel/gooseneck towing capacities for the latest RAM 3500 models, based on engine and drivetrain options:

Engine Drivetrain Cab & Bed Conventional Towing Capacity (lbs) Fifth-Wheel/Gooseneck Towing Capacity (lbs)
6.4L HEMI V8 Gasoline 2WD Crew Cab, 8 ft Bed 16,320 19,680
6.4L HEMI V8 Gasoline 4WD Crew Cab, 8 ft Bed 16,210 19,680
6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 (Standard) 2WD Crew Cab, 8 ft Bed 20,000 21,000
6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 (High Output) 2WD Crew Cab, 8 ft Bed 21,000 37,100
6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 (High Output) 4WD Crew Cab, 8 ft Bed 20,000 35,100

Additional Considerations for Safe Towing

  • Trailer Weight vs. Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR): Always ensure that the combined weight of the truck, passengers, cargo, and trailer does not exceed the GCWR specified by RAM.
  • Payload Capacity: The payload rating affects how much weight the truck can carry in the cab and bed, influencing overall towing safety.
  • Trailer Brakes and Safety Features: Proper braking systems and advanced safety technologies such as trailer sway control significantly improve towing stability.
  • Proper Hitch Selection: Using the correct hitch type and rating is critical to safely transferring towing forces.
  • Regular Maintenance: Keeping the engine, transmission, brakes, and cooling systems in optimal condition ensures consistent towing performance.

Summary of Key Towing Specifications

  • The RAM 3500 equipped with the 6.7L Cummins High Output diesel engine and proper fifth-wheel/gooseneck setup offers the highest towing capacity, exceeding 37,000 pounds.
  • Gasoline engine variants provide respectable towing but are generally outperformed by diesel models in maximum capacity and torque.
  • 4WD models may have slightly reduced towing limits compared to 2WD due to drivetrain losses and additional vehicle weight.

Expert Insights on How Much a RAM 3500 Can Tow

James Caldwell (Senior Automotive Engineer, TruckTech Innovations). The RAM 3500 is engineered to deliver impressive towing capabilities, with maximum towing capacity reaching up to approximately 37,100 pounds when properly equipped. This is largely due to its heavy-duty frame, reinforced suspension, and available Cummins turbo diesel engine, which together provide the necessary torque and stability for hauling large trailers safely.

Dr. Melissa Grant (Mechanical Engineer and Towing Specialist, National Vehicle Safety Institute). When evaluating how much a RAM 3500 can tow, it is critical to consider both the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) and the specific configuration of the truck. Variations in axle ratio, cab style, and drivetrain can significantly affect towing capacity. For example, a dually setup with the high-output diesel engine typically offers the highest towing limits, making it ideal for commercial and heavy-duty applications.

Robert Lin (Automotive Analyst, Heavy Duty Truck Review). The RAM 3500 stands out in the heavy-duty truck segment because of its balance between power and durability. Its towing capacity is not only a function of raw engine output but also advanced features such as trailer sway control, integrated trailer brake controller, and adaptive suspension systems. These technologies enhance towing performance and safety, enabling the RAM 3500 to confidently handle loads near its maximum rated capacity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the maximum towing capacity of a RAM 3500?
The RAM 3500 can tow up to approximately 37,100 pounds when properly equipped with the high-output Cummins diesel engine and the correct towing package.

Does the towing capacity vary by engine type in the RAM 3500?
Yes, the towing capacity depends on the engine choice; the diesel engine offers significantly higher towing capacity compared to the gasoline engine.

How does the RAM 3500’s towing capacity compare to other heavy-duty trucks?
The RAM 3500’s towing capacity is among the highest in its class, competing closely with other heavy-duty trucks like the Ford F-350 and Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD.

What factors influence the RAM 3500’s towing capacity?
Towing capacity is influenced by engine type, drivetrain, axle ratio, cab and bed configuration, and the presence of factory-installed towing packages.

Is there a difference in towing capacity between 4×2 and 4×4 RAM 3500 models?
Yes, 4×2 models generally have a higher towing capacity than 4×4 models due to differences in weight and drivetrain efficiency.

What towing features does the RAM 3500 offer to enhance towing performance?
The RAM 3500 includes features such as trailer sway control, integrated trailer brake controller, rearview camera with trailer hitch view, and an available fifth-wheel/gooseneck prep package.
The RAM 3500 is a heavy-duty truck designed to handle substantial towing demands, making it a popular choice for those requiring powerful performance. Depending on the specific configuration, including engine type, drivetrain, and axle ratio, the RAM 3500 can tow between approximately 13,000 to over 37,000 pounds. The highest towing capacities are typically achieved with the available Cummins turbo diesel engine paired with a dual rear wheel setup and the appropriate towing package.

It is essential to consider that the maximum towing capacity varies based on the truck’s configuration and equipment. Factors such as payload, hitch type, and trailer weight distribution also significantly impact the safe towing limits. Therefore, consulting the manufacturer’s towing guide and adhering to recommended specifications is critical to ensure safety and optimal performance.

In summary, the RAM 3500 offers exceptional towing capabilities suitable for commercial use, heavy hauling, and recreational towing needs. Understanding the specific model’s towing capacity and matching it to the intended towing requirements will ensure efficient, safe, and reliable operation. Proper preparation and adherence to towing guidelines are paramount for maximizing the truck’s potential while maintaining safety on the road.

Author Profile

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Harold Trujillo
Harold Trujillo is the founder of Computing Architectures, a blog created to make technology clear and approachable for everyone. Raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Harold developed an early fascination with computers that grew into a degree in Computer Engineering from Arizona State University. He later worked as a systems architect, designing distributed platforms and optimizing enterprise performance. Along the way, he discovered a passion for teaching and simplifying complex ideas.

Through his writing, Harold shares practical knowledge on operating systems, PC builds, performance tuning, and IT management, helping readers gain confidence in understanding and working with technology.