The Ram 1500 towing capacity reaches 11,530 pounds when properly equipped with the 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged Hurricane engine.
With the standard 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6, the Ram 1500 can still tow up to 8,100 pounds.
The Ram 1500 has a maximum payload limit of 2,340 pounds with the standard V-6.
To maximize the towing capacity of your Ram 1500, consider a larger axle ratio, smaller body, and a lower trim level.
Any Ram 1500 you choose offers dozens of safe-towing features, such as Trailer Tow Mirrors and Trailer Hitch Lineup Assist.
Ram 1500 Tow Capacity: What Can This Full-Size Truck Handle?
With a Ram 1500 towing capacity of 11,530 pounds, the 2027 Ram 1500 is the perfect companion for work and play. Bring your large fishing boat to the docks, tow a small dump trailer for home DIY projects, or help a friend out of a ditch with your full-size truck. But which configurations can achieve this excellent tow rating, and what can you do to maximize your truck's capability?
We at DARCARS CDJR of Rockville know how crucial your Ram truck is for day-to-day operations, be it on the worksite or on your commute. Let's explore how this tow rating is achieved so you can plan your next purchase accordingly.
What Goes Into Ram 1500 Towing Capacity?
Several components work together to deliver optimal towing performance. When building your next truck, consider the following:
Engine: The Ram 1500 has four engines to pick from. The 3.0-liter twin-turbo I-6 has the highest towing capacity, with a maximum of 11,530 pounds. The other engines have slightly lower tow ratings, reducing your capability but potentially offering other benefits, like more responsive acceleration or higher payload ratings.
Configuration: While any Ram 1500 can tow plenty of weight, the Quad Cab with the 6-foot-4-inch bed is the most capable by a decent margin. The body puts less weight on the engine, so you can tow a bit more behind the truck. Crew Cab models can still tow a lot, but if you need the maximum possible towing capability, consider a Tradesman or Express.
Axle Ratio: A higher axle ratio means your truck is more stable and does fewer rotations, meaning it can tow slightly more effectively at the cost of fuel efficiency.
Add-Ons & Accessories: While higher trim levels can tow plenty, extra features will only increase the truck's curb weight, reducing what you can tow safely. Accessories like roof rails or bed lamps can also limit your trailer options.
Once you've settled on your preferred mix of features and capability, be sure to talk with our team and finance your new Ram 1500.
Ram 1500 Towing Capacity Chart: Engines, Compared
As mentioned above, the Ram 1500 has four engines with different specifications and tow ratings.
Engine
Horsepower
Torque
Maximum Towing Capacity
Maximum Payload Capacity
3.6L PentaStart V-6
305
269 lb-ft
8,100 lbs
2,340 lbs
3.0L Hurricane Twin-Turbo I-6
420
469 lb-ft
11,530 lbs
1,880 lbs
H.O. 3.0L Hurricane Twin-Turbo I-6
540
521 lb-ft
9,480 lbs
1,530 lbs
5.7L HEMI V-8
395
410 lb-ft
11,470 lbs
1,760 lbs
6.2L Supercharged V-8
777
680 lb-ft
8,330 lbs
1,510 lbs
How Do Trims Adjust the Ram 1500 Towing Capacity?
Depending on your selected trim, you'll have access to different engines, axle ratios, and configurations, all of which affect towing ability. Here's how each trim level starts, with its standard towing capacity.
Trim Level
Standard Engines
Standard Towing Capacity
Available Engines
Axle Ratios
Tradesman
3.6L V-6 (Quad Cab, Crew Cab 5' 7" Box)
3.0L Twin-Turbo I-6 (Crew Cab 6' 4" Box)
7,660 lbs (Quad Cab, 4x2)
6,570 lbs (Crew Cab 5' 7" Box, 4x2)
8,320 lbs (Crew Cab 6' 4" Box, 4x2)
N / A
3.55
3.21
3.92
Express
3.6L V-6 (Quad Cab, Crew Cab 5' 7" Box)
3.0L Twin-Turbo I-6 (Crew Cab 6' 4" Box)
7,660 lbs (Quad Cab, 4x2)
6,570 lbs (Crew Cab 5' 7" Box, 4x2)
8,320 lbs (Crew Cab 6' 4" Box, 4x2)
N / A
3.55
3.21
3.92
Big Horn
3.6L V-6 (Quad Cab, Crew Cab 5' 7" Box)
3.0L Twin-Turbo I-6 (Crew Cab 6' 4" Box)
6,680 lbs (Quad Cab, 4x2)
6,550 lbs (Crew Cab 5' 7" Box, 4x2)
8,380 lbs (Crew Cab 6' 4" Box, 4x2)
N / A
3.21
3.55
3.92
Warlock
3.6L V-6
6,370 lbs (Crew Cab 5' 7" Box, 4x4)
3.0L Twin-Turbo I-6
5.7L V-8
3.21
3.55
3.92
Laramie
3.0L Twin-Turbo I-6
8,300 lbs (Crew Cab 5' 7" Box, 4x2)
8,050 lbs (Crew Cab 6' 4" Box, 4x4)
N / A
3.21
3.92
Rebel
3.0L Twin-Turbo I-6
11,140 lbs (Crew Cab 5' 7" Box, 4x4)
5.7L V-8
3.92
RHO
H.O. 3.0L Twin-Turbo I-6
8,330 lbs (Crew Cab 5' 7" Box, 4x4)
N / A
3.92
Limited
H.O. 3.0L Twin-Turbo I-6
9,120 lbs (Crew Cab 5' 7" Box, 4x4)
10,000 lbs (Crew Cab 6' 4" Box, 4x4)
5.7L V-8
3.92
Limited Longhorn
H.O. 3.0L Twin-Turbo I-6
9,120 lbs (Crew Cab 5' 7" Box, 4x4)
10,000 lbs (Crew Cab 6' 4" Box, 4x4)
5.7L V-8
3.92
Tungsten
H.O. 3.0L Twin-Turbo I-6
9,150 lbs (Crew Cab 5' 7" Box, 4x4)
N / A
3.92
TRX SRT
6.2L Supercharged HEMI V-8
8,330 lbs (Crew Cab 5' 7" Box, 4x4)
N / A
3.55
Rumble Bee
5.7L V-8
8,890 lbs (Crew Cab 5' 7" Box, 4x4)
6.2L Supercharged HEMI V-8 (392 / SRT)
3.92
While this chart does discuss standard towing capacity, it can't predict maximum towing capacity. For example, the Tradesman can reach the lineup's maximum 11,530-pound limit, but only with an available engine, cabin, and bed configuration. For more information on the maximum each trim can handle, please contact DARCARS CDJR of Rockville.
What Can Ram 1500 Towing Capacity Handle?
Even with configurations towing between 6,550 and 11,530 pounds, the Ram 1500 expands your horizons with undeniable strength. Depending on the vehicle's overall capability, it can haul:
Small vehicles
Fiberglass fishing boats
Some motor-powered boats
Small to medium campers
Tow dolly
Small to large utility trailers
Small to medium open or enclosed travel trailers
Livestock trailers
Enclosed car trailer
Before hauling any of these options, it's critical to weigh them after you've properly loaded all equipment. Also, keep tongue weight to no more than 10% of the trailer's total weight to avoid stressing the hitch too much.
Ram 1500 Tow Package Options
While capability is a major part of safe towing, automated guides can serve as a further bolster to your confidence while handling large loads. Some standard and available tech features you can look forward to when you sit behind the wheel of the Ram 1500 include:
360-Degree Surround View Camera
Integrated Trailer Health Monitor
Trailer Reverse Guidance w/ Dynamic Gridlines
Digital Rearview Mirror w/ Tow Mode
Trailer Hitch Line-Up Assist
Telescopic Trailer Tow Mirror
Plus, the Ram 1500 includes over 100 standard and available sensor and driver-assistance features, including Hands-Free Active Driving Assist, Evasive Steering Assist, and Drowsy Driver Detection. Whether you're pulling a large trailer or commuting to the worksite, our all-Ram inventory will keep your drive truly extraordinary. When you visit our showroom for a test drive, our representatives will be happy to showcase the versatility and veracity of the Ram full-size truck.
Harness the Ram 1500 Towing Capacity at DARCARS CDJR of Rockville
With over 11,000 pounds of towing capacity, the 2027 Ram 1500 promises to be a companion for any hard-working member of our community. At our Ram dealer in Rockville, MD, you can test out these powertrains and more. Make your appointment today!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can a Ram 1500 tow?
A Ram 1500 can tow up to 11,530 pounds when properly equipped with the 3.0-liter turbocharged I-6 engine. This capacity also requires a Tradesman with the Quad Cab and Long Bed, as it has the fewest add-ons or accessories and focuses entirely on towing capacity. However, even the standard engine can tow over 8,000 pounds, which is enough for small trailers and fishing boats.
How can I increase the towing capacity for the Ram 1500?
Besides buying a model with a larger axle ratio, smaller body, or smaller engine, you can increase your model's towing capacity by removing excess weight, keeping your tires inflated, and using trailers with more wiring help. While aftermarket parts can technically improve capability, towing more than what your model is officially recommended for can damage the engine and frame over time.
When should the Tow/Haul mode be used with the Ram 1500?
As the name suggests, use Tow/Haul mode only when towing a heavy trailer, climbing difficult terrain, or hauling a lot of gear in the bed. This mode reduces fuel efficiency to put more power to your engine, which is great for steep inclines or if you're handling more weight than normal. However, it's unnecessary for normal driving or for smaller trailers.
Ram 1500 Owner Service Review
Tyler Ward
8/11/2023
My family and I are from SC and were traveling through the area to visit family in Maryland. When on the way up a prior repair conducted to the rear end on my 2022 Ram 1500 by the Hoover Dodge Ram dealership in Summerville SC failed due to faulty workmanship by that dealership. The people at Darcars CJDR were there to help! They were friendly, courteous, empathetic, and pulled every string to get documentation for me proving the failure was caused by faulty workmanship from the prior repair. They even contacted that dealership to go to bat for me on sealing reimbursement for the repair. To top it all off, they found the parts and had the rear end rebuilt within 24 hours so I was on the road the next day!! I can’t express my gratitude enough for these folks. They were amazing every step of the way! Highly recommend!
