Ram Truck Towing Capacity: Guide

August 16th, 2026 by

 

 

When towing is the priority, choosing the right Ram truck means looking beyond the biggest number. The Ram truck towing capacity varies by model, engine, axle ratio, cab configuration, drivetrain, and equipment. 

Ram Truck Towing Capacity at a Glance

  • Best Ram Truck for Towing: Ram 3500. When properly equipped, the Ram 3500 reaches a maximum towing capacity of 36,610 pounds with the available High-Output 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel I-6.
  • Best Ram Truck for Everyday Towing: Ram 1500. Its available 3.0-liter Hurricane I-6 provides up to 11,610 pounds of towing capability when properly equipped.
  • Best Heavy-Duty Balance: Ram 2500. With the available High-Output 6.7-liter Cummins, it can tow up to 20,000 pounds.
  • Highest Ram Truck Towing Capacity: 36,610 pounds with a properly equipped Ram 3500.
  • Highest Ram Truck Payload Capacity: The 2026 Ram 3500 can carry up to 6,050 pounds, depending on configuration.

What Is the Ram Truck Max Towing Capacity?

The maximum Ram truck towing capacity for 2026 reaches 36,610 pounds with a properly equipped Ram 3500 and its available High-Output 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel I-6. However, the Ram 1500 and Ram 2500 offer substantial towing capability for drivers who don’t need the maximum capacity of a heavy-duty truck.

Several factors determine how much a specific Ram can tow:

  • Engine: Power and torque play a major role in towing performance.
  • Axle Ratio: The right gearing can increase a truck’s available towing capability.
  • GCWR: Gross Combined Weight Rating establishes the maximum combined weight of the truck, trailer, passengers, and cargo.
  • Configuration: Cab style, bed length, drivetrain, and equipment can change the final rating.

For 2026, maximum towing figures include:

  • Ram 1500: Up to 11,610 pounds
  • Ram 2500: Up to 20,000 pounds
  • Ram 3500: Up to 36,610 pounds

Always check the towing guide and your specific truck’s ratings before towing.

Ram Truck Towing Capacity Chart

Ram Model Engine Max Towing Capacity Max Payload
Ram 1500 3.6L Pentastar V-6 7,470 lbs. 1,790 lbs.
Ram 1500 3.0L Hurricane I-6 11,610 lbs. 1,930 lbs.
Ram 1500 3.0L H.O. Hurricane I-6 10,000 lbs. 1,490 lbs.
Ram 1500 5.7L HEMI V-8 9,590 lbs. 1,630 lbs.
Ram 2500 6.7L H.O. Cummins I-6 20,000 lbs. 2,740 lbs.
Ram 3500 6.7L H.O. Cummins I-6 36,610 lbs. 6,050 lbs.

These are maximum ratings and aren’t representative of every configuration. For example, the 2026 Ram 2500 with the 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 reaches up to 17,740 pounds of towing, while the 3500 with that engine reaches up to 17,760 pounds.

What Is the Ram Truck Payload Capacity?

Payload is different from towing capacity. It represents how much weight the truck itself can carry, including passengers and cargo. The 2026 Ram lineup reaches a maximum payload of 6,050 pounds in the Ram 3500.

The Ram 1500 can carry up to 1,930 pounds with the standard-output Hurricane I-6, while the 2500 reaches up to 2,740 pounds with its available High-Output Cummins.

Remember that passengers, tools, cargo, and trailer tongue weight all count toward your available payload.

What Ram Towing Accessories Are Important?

A capable engine is only part of the towing equation. Available Ram towing technologies can make hitching, monitoring, and maneuvering a trailer easier.

Important features include:

  • Trailer brake controller: Helps manage trailer braking.
  • Digital Rearview Mirror: Provides a camera-based view behind the truck and trailer.
  • Trailer camera technology: Helps improve visibility around a connected trailer.
  • Trailer sway control: Helps maintain stability while towing.
  • Tow-focused equipment: Proper hitches, mirrors, and trailer connections help ensure the truck and trailer work together as intended.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum Ram truck towing capacity?

The Ram 3500 reaches a maximum towing capacity of 36,610 pounds when properly equipped.

How much can a Ram 1500 tow?

The Ram 1500 can tow up to 11,610 pounds with the 3.0-liter Hurricane I-6 and the appropriate configuration.

How much can a Ram 2500 tow?

A properly equipped Ram 2500 can tow up to 20,000 pounds with the available High-Output 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel I-6.

What affects Ram truck towing capacity?

Engine choice, axle ratio, cab and bed configuration, drivetrain, payload, and available towing equipment can all affect the final towing rating. Always verify the rating for your specific configuration before towing.

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