Towing and Load Capacity: Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500

Towing and Load Capacity: Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500
In this article, Orillia Dodge, your RAM dealership, in Ontario, near Horseshoe Valley, takes you through the ins and outs of what to expect from your RAM truck in terms of capabilities and power.

If you’re thinking of purchasing a full-size RAM Pickup, two of the factors that are probably at the very top of your list when choosing the right model are the towing capacity for the RAM 1500, compared to the 2500 and 3500, along with the load capacity for the RAM 1500, 2500 and 3500.

In this article, Orillia Dodge, your RAM dealership, in Ontario, near Horseshoe Valley, takes you through the ins and outs of what to expect from your RAM truck in terms of capabilities and power.

No matter if you are looking for the perfect pickup to tow your boat, your trailer, your RV or your horse trailer, or the ideal truck to get you through long days on the worksite with ease and comfort, we’ve got the truck for you.

2024 and 2025 RAM 1500 Load and Towing Capacity : up to 12,570 lbs

You might think of the RAM 1500 as the ‘smaller’ of the RAM pickup models, but don’t be fooled by this impression. It is a remarkable truck backed with loads of power, allowing you to get the work done.

In fact, when properly equipped, the RAM 1500 towing capacity reaches up to no less than 12,570 lbs (5,702 kg) with the 2024 model-year and 11,550 lbs (5,239 kg) on the 2025 model. It is the ideal truck if you want to tow your boat, travel trailer, ATV or any other recreational vehicle. Moreover, it’s worth noting that the 2025 RAM 1500 new trims introduce some differences in towing capacity, particularly with the RHO trim, which sees a slightly lower maximum capacity compared to other versions.

This perfect all-purpose truck is also a great companion on the jobsite, as the RAM 1500 max load capacity can reach up to 2,370 lbs (1,075 kg). Furthermore, you will have the choice between a base V6 and a twin-turbo inline six which produces 540 horsepower. You can expect great traction and maneuverability, along with a comfortable interior that can allow you to work long days without tiring.

And to ensure optimal performance and safety for your RAM pickup, thus also ensuring optimal towing capacity, make sure that you respect recommendations regarding RAM 1500 and 2500 wheel nut torque.

2024 Ram 2500 Load and Towing Capacity : 17,740 lbs

With the standard 6.4 L HEMI V8 engine, the RAM 2500 towing capacity reaches an outstanding 17,740 lbs (8,047 kg). As you can imagine, this will allow you to tow things like an RV trailer or a sailboat with ease, so you can head out on your long vacations with complete peace of mind.

Equipped with the same engine the RAM 2500 load capacity reaches up to 4,000 lbs (1,814 kg). This means that if you need to carry around heavier equipment on the worksite or a heavier recreational vehicle, you will be able to do so with ease.

Should you opt for the 6.7 L Cummins Diesel powertrain, you will be able to tow up to 19,990 lbs (9,067 kg). This engine is equipped with a 6- speed automatic transmission.

This model is perfect for heavy-duty needs, no matter if it is for work or recreational purposes and provides you with the traction you need when you need it.

Although you can’t get your hands on a 2025 model just yet, you can visit us and find out more about the 2024 RAM 2500 price and specs, and leave at the wheel of a brand new truck, tailored to your requirements!

2024 Ram 3500 Load and Towing Capacity : 18,210 lbs

With the standard offered engine, a 6.4 L HEMI V8, the RAM 3500 towing capacity already reaches an astounding 18,210 lbs (8,260 kg). But get this: when equipped with the High-Output 6.7 L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 engine, towing capacity reaches an astronomical 37,090 lbs (16,824 kg)!

As for the RAM 3500 maximum load capacity, the first engine (HEMI) allows for a maximum of 7,680 lbs (3,484 kg), while the Cummins provides you with slightly less, for a maximum of 6,560 lbs (kg).

This means that if you are looking for a truck that won’t limit your towing capabilities, you’ll probably want to opt for a heavy-duty RAM 3500. It will tow your RV, your horse trailer, your boat, whatever. The sky’s the limit!

If you’re a lover of the great outdoors, you’ll be able to carry all of your hunting and fishing gear, ATV and more with ease. If you are looking for the perfect pickup for work, this is definitely the ultimate work beast.

Summary of Towing Capacities for Ram Pickup Trucks

As you can see, the choice between a RAM 1500, 2500 and 3500 can really depend on your towing needs.

The RAM 1500 is an excellent all-purpose truck backed up by power and performance, and perhaps a bit more maneuverable than the larger models.

The heavy-duty RAM 2500 and 3500 will allow you to haul large equipment and carry heavy loads thanks higher payloads as well.

If you’re still undecided, don’t hesitate to pop in for a visit at Orillia Dodge, your RAM dealership in Ontario, near Horseshoe Valley. We’ll gladly answer all your questions about any of these trucks, or about any other truck in inventory.

In the meantime, to make it easier for your, here’s a summary table of each truck mentioned above, including towing capacity, payload and other specs:

Specs 2024 RAM 1500 2025 RAM 1500 2024 RAM 2500 2024 RAM 3500
Towing Capacity 12,570 lbs (5,702 kg) 11,550 lbs (5,239 kg) 17,740 lbs (8,047 kg) 18,210 lbs (8,260 kg)
Load Capacity 2,370 lbs (1,075 kg) 2,370 lbs (1,075 kg) 4,000 lbs (1,814 kg) 7,680 lbs (3,484 kg)
Base Engine 3.6 L Pentastar V6 with eTorque 3.6 L Pentastar VVT V6 with eTorque 6.4 L HEMI V8 with MDS 6.4 L HEMI V8
Power 305 HP 269 (+90) lb-ft. 315 HP 269 lb-ft. 420 HP 429 lb-ft. 420 HP 429 lb-ft.
Transmission 8- speed automatic 8- speed automatic 8- speed automatic 8- speed automatic
Fuel Consumption (combined) 10.8 L/100 km 9.7 L/100 km N/A* N/A*

*Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) does not publish fuel efficiency numbers for heavy-duty trucks.