Towing capacity Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500

Towing capacity Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500

There are different powertrains, outputs and towing capacities for the 2026 RAM 1500, 2500 and 3500. The 2026 RAM 1500 has a maximum towing capacity of 11,570 lb.

header image - Towing capacities for the 2026 RAM 1500, 2500 and 3500

Summary

There are different powertrains, outputs and towing capacities for the 2026 RAM 1500, 2500 and 3500.

  • The 2026 RAM 1500 has a maximum towing capacity of 11,570 lb.
  • The 2026 RAM 2500 has a towing rating of 20,000 lb.
  • When equipped with the Cummins powertrain, the 2026 RAM 3500 can pull 36,610 lb.

2026 RAM 1500 towing capacity

For 2026, the RAM 1500 brings back the iconic 5.7L HEMI V8 after a notable absence in 2025. The total number of available powertrains on this truck now sits at four.

Starting from $55,790 for the Tradesman trim, the RAM 1500 is a modern truck with a wide range of onboard tech along with several compelling powertrains.

front side view of a 2026 RAM 1500

Each powertrain delivers a slightly different towing capacity. Here is a summary of their respective figures:

2026 RAM 1500 towing ratings

Powertrains Horsepower Torque (lb-ft) Maximum towing capacity (lb.)
3.6L Pentastar V6 305 269 8,110
High-output 3.0L Hurricane twin-turbo inline-six 540 521 9,920
5.7L HEMI V8 395 410 10,170
3.0L Hurricane twin-turbo inline-six 420 469 11,570
front side view of a 2026 RAM 1500

2026 RAM 2500 towing capacity

The RAM 2500 is a heavy-duty truck designed to offer more towing capacity than a full-size truck such as the 2026 RAM 1500.

Beyond working more than the 1500, the RAM 2500 comes in upscale trims like the Laramie and Limited. These add extra comfort such as leather bucket seats.

Even when your truck is pushed to its limit, you will remain comfortable inside its spacious cab.

Here are the 2026 RAM 2500 powertrains and their respective capacities, including the 6.4L HEMI V8 and the Cummins turbodiesel:

2026 RAM 2500 towing ratings

Powertrains Horsepower Torque (lb-ft) Maximum towing capacity (lb.)
6.4L HEMI V8 405 429 17,750
High-output 6.7L Cummins inline-six turbodiesel 430 1,075 20,000

2026 RAM 3500 towing capacity

For 2026, the RAM 3500 offers the same engine choices as the 2026 RAM 2500.

It relies on a reinforced rear suspension, a more robust rear axle and available dual rear wheels to achieve higher towing capacities.

The RAM 3500 is the truck to choose if you regularly handle very heavy jobs that exceed most pickups on the market.

front side view of a 2026 RAM 3500

Here are the strongest RAM towing numbers in 2026, delivered by the 2026 RAM 3500:

2026 RAM 3500 towing ratings

Powertrains Horsepower Torque (lb-ft) Maximum towing capacity (lb.)
6.4L HEMI V8 405 429 18,150
High-output 6.7L Cummins inline-six turbodiesel 430 1,075 36,610

Factors to consider when choosing your RAM for towing

Although it boasts the highest towing figures, the RAM 3500 is not the right choice for every use. It is important to consider your real needs to choose the right pickup.

Trailer weight

Know your trailer weight. If you are an outdoor enthusiast looking for a truck able to tow a midsize camper or a couple of ATVs, a 2026 RAM 1500 should be more than sufficient.

As a rule, heavy-duty trucks such as the 2026 RAM 2500 and 2026 RAM 3500 are better suited to professional needs. They are designed to tow machinery and meet industrial requirements.

Payload vs. towing capacity

Towing capacity represents what can be pulled behind a truck. Payload is a different specification and indicates what the truck can carry in its cargo bed and cab.

These two values are usually quite different. In general, towing capacity is much higher than payload.

For example, on the 2026 RAM 1500, maximum payload is 2,360 lb., while towing capacity starts at 8,110 lb.

In conclusion, here is a quick overview of the towing capacities for the RAM 1500, the RAM 2500 and the RAM 3500 :

Trucks Powertrains Horsepower Torque (lb-ft) Maximum towing capacity (lb.)
2026 RAM 1500 Pentastar V6 305 269 8,110
  Hurricane high-output 540 521 9,920
  HEMI V8 395 410 10,170
  Hurricane 420 469 11,570
2026 RAM 2500 HEMI V8 405 429 17,750
  Cummins 430 1,075 20,000
2026 RAM 3500 HEMI V8 405 429 18,150
  Cummins 430 1,075 36,610

To explore one of the largest RAM inventories in Quebec, visit Rive-Sud Chrysler, your RAM dealership near Montreal.

Towing capacities for the 2026 RAM 1500, 2500 and 3500

3/4 front and side view of Ram 3500 towing a large trailer on a dirt road.

We all know that full-size trucks can haul numerous equipment, but what is the maximum towing capacity of each of the Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks?

The data collected can better guide us in our choice, especially since it involves a significant expense.

Towing capacity Ram 1500

3/4 front and side view of Ram 1500 towing a trailer with ATV

The Ram 1500 is primarily a full-size truck that has seen a spectacular evolution since 1987.

It offers you three powertrains, and the towing capacity of the Ram 1500 varies notably depending on the power of each of these engines.

Powertrain Power Torque Ram 1500 towing capacity
V6 3.6L + mild hybrid 305 horsepower 269 lb-ft
+ 90 lb-ft on startup
8,100 lb
Hurricane 6L 3.0L biturbo 420 horsepower 469 lb-ft 11,560 lb
Hurricane 6L 3.0L biturbo High Output 540 horsepower 521 lb-ft 10,740 lb

With such capabilities, the Ram 1500 will be able to tow a boat, a good-sized trailer, and all the outdoor or construction equipment. If the towing capacity of the Ram 1500 V6 is 8,100 lb, it climbs to 11,560 lb with the 6L Hurricane. Finally, the Dodge Ram 1500 has a payload capacity of 2,700 lb.

The Hurricane engines replace the V8 Hemi this year, and the TRX model is replaced in the catalog by the RHO version. For 2025, you will also have the new version of the Ram 1500 Tungsten plus new driver assistance systems.

In short, the 2025 Ram 1500 has an impressive technical sheet with innovative features.

Towing capacity Ram 2500

3/4 front and side view of the Ram 2500 towing a shed in a field

At the outset, the Ram 2500, often called the seventh-generation Ram HD (Heavy Duty), is a tough cookie in addition to being versatile.

The Rebel and Power Wagon trims are equipped with reinforced suspension to go play on rougher trails and mud. In contrast, the Limited Longhorn and Limited trims can serve as luxurious companions for family outings on weekends.

In all cases, the Ram 2500 is used to heavy-duty work. It will be your proud partner throughout the year.

The towing capacity of the diesel Ram 2500 is staggering. It is also impressive with its V8 gasoline engine, as shown in the following table:

Powertrain Power Torque Ram 2500 towing capacity
V8 6.4L 410 horsepower 429 lb-ft 17,740 lb
Turbo diesel 6.7L 430 horsepower 1,075 lb-ft 20,000 lb

Towing capacity Ram 3500

3/4 front and side views of the Ram 3500 on a dirt road towing a trailer

With its exceptional capabilities, unmatched comfort, and technologies, the full-size Ram 3500 is ready for hard work.

It excels on construction sites, but be aware that the towing capacity of the Ram 3500 is beyond comprehension. There is no doubt that it is the most muscular in the Ram HD category.

The following table shows the towing capacities of the 2025 Ram 3500:

Powertrain Power Torque Ram 3500 towing capacity
V8 6.4L 410 horsepower 429 lb-ft 18,210 lb
3500 Cummins 370 horsepower 850 lb-ft 22,660 lb
3500 Cummins High Output 420 horsepower 1,075 lb-ft 37,090 lb

Factors to consider when choosing your Ram based on towing

Trailer weight

First of all, it will be important to know the weight of your trailer before choosing your full-size truck.

For example, a classic trailer and a boat can be towed with the Ram 1500 truck. On the other hand, a horse trailer will require purchasing a Ram 2500 truck, while the Ram 3500 will be your best friend for heavy loads.

Payload vs towing capacity

While a truck's payload refers to the maximum weight that can be carried inside the vehicle, towing capacity refers to the maximum weight that can be towed behind the full-size truck.

As we have seen, the towing capacity far exceeds the payload capacity.

It is good to keep this distinction in mind when you have to shop for a full-size Ram truck.

The data listed helps you better understand the capabilities of the best pickups Ram. The following table highlights some key points:

Truck Powertrain Horsepower Torque (lb-ft) Towing capacity
Ram 1500 V6 eTorque 305 269 lb-ft + 90 lb-ft on startup 8,100 lb
Ram 1500 6L Hurricane 420 469 11,560 lb
Ram 1500 6L Hurricane High Output 540 521 10,740 lb
Ram 2500 V8 6.4L 410 429 17740
Ram 2500 Turbo diesel 6.7L 430 1075 20000
Ram 3500 V8 6.4L 410 429 18,210 lb
Ram 3500 Cummins 370 850 22,660 lb
Ram 3500 Cummins High Output 420 1075 37,090 lb

Come discover all the capabilities of the 2025 Rams at your Rive-Sud Chrysler dealer in Brossard near Montreal. Take advantage of Ram financing as well as current promotions.

Rear view of Ram 3500 Heavy Duty Limited Longhorn in front of a beef pen