.webp)
Last Updated: August 2026
RAM 3500 Towing Capacity & RAM Truck Guide
Based on the latest available 2026 specifications, the RAM 3500 towing capacity reaches 36,610 pounds when properly equipped. For commercial buyers, the RAM 4500 can tow up to 29,440 pounds, while the RAM 5500 reaches 34,540 pounds.
Your actual limit depends on the model year, engine, cab, axle ratio, drivetrain, hitch, options, payload, and trailer type.
RAM Towing Capacity by Model
Quick Answer: Choose the RAM 1500 for lighter recreational towing and the RAM 2500 or 3500 for heavy trailers. Choose a Chassis Cab for specialized commercial bodies.
The following figures reflect the latest available 2026 RAM specifications.
| Model | Maximum Towing | Maximum Payload | Best Fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 RAM 1500 | 11,610 lb | 2,360 lb | Daily driving, boats, utility trailers, and lighter campers |
| 2026 RAM 2500 | 20,000 lb | 3,930 lb | Work trailers, larger campers, and frequent towing |
| 2026 RAM 3500 | 36,610 lb | 7,590 lb | Heavy fifth-wheel, gooseneck, equipment, and fleet use |
| 2026 RAM 3500 Chassis Cab | 25,680 lb | 7,710 lb | Service bodies and lighter commercial upfits |
| 2026 RAM 4500 Chassis Cab | 29,440 lb | 9,390 lb | Flatbeds, utility bodies, and medium-duty work |
| 2026 RAM 5500 Chassis Cab | 34,540 lb | 12,370 lb | Heavy upfits, municipal equipment, and maximum payload needs |
| 2026 RAM ProMaster | 7,130 lb | Up to 4,750 lb | Delivery, mobile service, and enclosed cargo work |
These figures are maximum advertised ratings, not universal limits. A lower-rated component can reduce how much a truck can safely carry or tow.
Check the truck's certification label, owner's manual, towing chart, hitch rating, and trailer documentation before towing. Specifications can also change between model years.
What Do Towing Capacity, Payload, GVWR, and GCWR Mean?
Quick Answer: Towing capacity covers the trailer, while payload covers weight carried by the truck. Both limits apply at the same time.
- Towing capacity is the maximum trailer weight a properly equipped vehicle can pull.
- Payload capacity is the weight the truck can carry, including people, cargo, accessories, and trailer tongue or pin weight.
- GVWR means Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. It is the maximum allowed weight of the loaded truck.
- GCWR means Gross Combined Weight Rating. It covers the loaded truck and loaded trailer together.
- GAWR means Gross Axle Weight Rating. It limits how much weight each axle can support.
- Curb weight is the vehicle's weight before passengers and most cargo are added.
When estimating available towing capacity, account for GCWR, curb weight, payload, passengers, and cargo.
What Is the RAM 3500 Towing Capacity?
Based on 2026 specifications, the RAM 3500 can tow up to 36,610 pounds with the available High-Output 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel I6. That engine produces up to 430 horsepower and 1,075 pound-feet of torque.
The 2026 gas configuration can tow up to 18,150 pounds and carry up to 7,590 pounds.
The diesel model leads in maximum towing, while the gas model leads in maximum payload. Choose based on loaded trailer weight, hitch type, cargo, and duty cycle instead of one headline number.
Ratings can differ between model years and configurations. Confirm the specifications for the exact RAM 3500 you are considering.
How Much Can a RAM 4500 Tow and Haul?
Based on 2026 specifications, the RAM 4500 Chassis Cab can tow up to 29,440 pounds with the available diesel engine. Its maximum gas payload is 9,390 pounds.
These ratings apply only when the truck is properly configured.
A RAM 4500 is a commercial chassis cab. It leaves the factory without a standard pickup bed so an upfitter can install a service body, flatbed, dump body, or other equipment.
The completed body's weight reduces the truck's remaining payload capacity.
Is a RAM 4500 a One-Ton Truck?
No. “One-ton” is an informal light-duty truck class commonly associated with 3500-series pickups.
The RAM 4500 belongs to a higher commercial class. Its actual GVWR and configuration matter more than the nickname.
How Much Can a RAM 5500 Tow and Haul?
Based on 2026 specifications, the RAM 5500 Chassis Cab can tow up to 34,540 pounds. It also offers a maximum gas payload of 12,370 pounds when properly equipped.
That makes the 2026 RAM 5500 the strongest payload option in the current RAM Chassis Cab range.
RAM 1500 and RAM 2500 Towing Capacity
Based on 2026 specifications, the RAM 1500 can tow up to 11,610 pounds and carry up to 2,360 pounds. It offers the easiest everyday-driving experience in this lineup.
The RAM 1500 can suit many boats, utility trailers, and travel trailers when properly configured.
The 2026 RAM 2500 can tow up to 20,000 pounds with the available High-Output 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel I6. The 6.4-liter HEMI V8 configuration provides the maximum 3,930-pound payload.
RAM Chassis Cab vs. Pickup: Which Should You Choose?
Choose a RAM 3500 pickup when you need a factory bed, high towing capacity, and everyday usability.
Choose a RAM 3500, 4500, or 5500 Chassis Cab when your work requires a specialized body or power take-off equipment.
The latest 2026 RAM Chassis Cab lineup offers the 6.4-liter HEMI V8 or the available 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel I6. Available PTO access can support equipment such as pumps, generators, and hydraulic systems.
How to Choose the Right RAM Towing Configuration
Quick Answer: Start with the trailer's loaded weight, then confirm the truck's payload, axle, hitch, and combined-weight limits.
- Find the trailer's loaded weight. Include cargo, water, fuel, tools, and installed accessories.
- Estimate tongue or pin weight. This weight presses on the truck and counts against payload.
- Calculate truck payload. Include passengers, cargo, aftermarket equipment, and the hitch.
- Choose the towing method. Conventional, fifth-wheel, and gooseneck ratings may differ.
- Match the configuration. Engine, cab, bed, axle ratio, drivetrain, wheels, and options can change the rating.
- Check every limit. Do not exceed towing capacity, payload, GVWR, GCWR, GAWR, hitch rating, or trailer ratings.
- Verify the exact vehicle. Use the door labels, owner's manual, official towing chart, and dealer documentation.
Obtain the trailer manufacturer's fully loaded tongue-weight information and compare it with the tow vehicle's axle ratings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can a RAM 3500 tow?
Based on 2026 specifications, a properly equipped RAM 3500 can tow up to 36,610 pounds with the available High-Output 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel I6. Confirm the rating for the exact model year, cab, bed, axle, and drivetrain.
How much can a RAM 4500 tow?
Based on 2026 specifications, the RAM 4500 Chassis Cab can tow up to 29,440 pounds when properly equipped. Upfit weight, cargo, passengers, hitch load, and configuration can lower its usable limit.
How much can a RAM 5500 tow?
Based on 2026 specifications, the RAM 5500 Chassis Cab can tow up to 34,540 pounds with the available diesel engine. It also offers up to 12,370 pounds of gas payload in the correct configuration.
Is payload the same as towing capacity?
No. Payload is the weight carried by the truck, including passengers, cargo, and tongue or pin weight. Towing capacity is the trailer weight the truck can pull.
Does adding an upfit reduce RAM Chassis Cab payload?
Yes. A service body, flatbed, crane, tools, and other installed equipment use part of the chassis cab's payload. Calculate the remaining capacity after the completed upfit is weighed.
Which RAM truck is best for towing?
The best model depends on your loaded trailer and how often you tow. The RAM 1500 suits lighter trailers, while the RAM 2500 and 3500 handle heavier recreational and work loads. Chassis Cab models are better suited to specialized commercial applications.
Find a RAM Truck for Your Work or Trailer
The right RAM is the truck that handles your loaded trailer and cargo without exceeding any rating. Bring your trailer details, expected payload, and preferred hitch type when you shop.
David Corry Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM serves drivers and businesses around Corry, Erie, Warren, Meadville, and Jamestown.
Browse New RAM Trucks in Corry, PA