The Ultimate Guide to Towing Capacity with the Ram 1500

The Ultimate Guide to Towing with the Ram 1500

  

Can the Ram 1500 tow your trailer, boat, or equipment? Let's break it all down-no fine print, no guesswork. Just facts.

If you've ever searched for towing specs on a new truck, you've probably run into an avalanche of disclaimers like:

"Up to 12,750 lbs when properly equipped…"
"Depending on bed length and axle ratio…"
"Only with the 3.92 rear and available Max Tow Package…"

It's enough to make your head spin.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about towing with the 2025 Ram 1500, from bed length to axle ratio-and yes, we'll tell you exactly what kind of trailer or gear you can haul confidently.

2025 Ram 1500 Towing Capacity: At a Glance

  • Maximum Towing Capacity: Up to 12,750 lbs (when properly equipped)

  • Maximum Payload: Up to 2,300 lbs

  • Top Tow Configuration: 5.7L HEMI® V8 with eTorque, 3.92 axle ratio, Quad Cab, 6'4" bed, 4x2

✅ Best-in-class V8 towing when equipped with available Max Tow Package.

 

Key Factors That Affect Your Ram 1500's Towing Ability

1. Cab Size (More Room vs. More Tow)

Your choice of cab-Regular, Quad, or Crew-affects towing due to curb weight and distribution of payload.

  • Regular Cab: Lightest, highest towing potential (only available on Ram 1500 Classic)

  • Quad Cab: Seats 6 with decent towing ability and solid rear storage

  • Crew Cab: Most interior space; heavier, slightly reduced towing compared to Quad

📝 TIP: If maximum towing is your goal, go with the Quad Cab paired with the 6'4" box.

2. Bed Length (Box Size)

Bed LengthDescriptionTowing Impact
5'7" BoxStandard on Crew CabsSlightly lighter, but limits payload
6'4" BoxAvailable on Quad & Crew CabsBest balance of towing & payload
8' BoxAvailable on Ram 1500 ClassicLarger volume, heavier curb weight

3. Engine Options and Powertrains

EngineMax TowingNotes
3.6L Pentastar® V6 eTorque~7,730 lbsBest for light-duty hauling
5.7L HEMI® V8~11,610 lbsClassic towing power
5.7L HEMI® V8 eTorque12,750 lbsTop-tier tow rating
3.0L EcoDiesel V6 (discontinued in 2023)~12,560 lbsEfficient torque, but now phased out

4. Transmission & Gear Control

All Ram 1500s come with an 8-speed automatic transmission and Electronic Range Select (ERS). ERS lets you limit top gear while towing-ideal for controlling performance and downhill engine braking.

5. 4x2 vs 4x4: Which One's Best for You?

Drive Type                Towing ProsUse Case
4x2 (Two-Wheel Drive)                                                Lighter weight, higher towing capacity                                    Highway & flat terrain towing
4x4 (Four-Wheel Drive)                                More control on slick terrain                                Off-road or winter towing

🧭 Choose 4x2 for max towing specs, 4x4 for all-terrain versatility.

6. Axle Ratio: Why It Matters

The axle ratio directly affects towing capability and fuel economy.

    Axle Ratio                Tow Rating                Efficiency
            3.21                            Standard towing                                    Best for daily driving
            3.55                            Balanced                                    Good for moderate loads
            3.92                            Max towing                                    Best for heavy-duty jobs

🛠️ If you're serious about towing, opt for the 3.92 rear axle with Max Tow Package.

📦 Common Items & Their Towing Weights (Just to Give You an Idea)

Knowing your trailer or cargo weight is critical. Here's a reference list of commonly towed loads:

🔩 Trailers

  • Small box trailer (6x4): ~430 lbs

  • Car trailer: ~2,800 lbs

  • Horse trailer (empty): ~2,400 lbs

  • Enclosed utility trailer (loaded): 4,000 - 8,000 lbs

  • Equipment trailer (aluminum, 24'): ~1,600 lbs

🚤 Boats

  • Kayak: ~50 lbs

  • Jet ski + trailer: ~1,000 lbs

  • Motorboat + trailer: ~3,000 lbs

  • Sailboat + trailer: ~7,000 lbs

🚙 Vehicles

  • Compact car: ~3,000 lbs

  • SUV: ~4,500 lbs

  • Full-size truck: ~5,500 lbs

  • Racecar: 1,600 - 3,500 lbs

🏕️ RVs & Campers

  • Teardrop trailer: ~1,200 lbs

  • Pop-up camper: ~3,000 lbs

  • Travel trailer: 5,000 - 8,000 lbs

  • Fifth-wheel trailer: 10,000 - 19,000 lbs (not recommended for Ram 1500)

🔍 What You Need to Know Before You Tow

🧮 Step-by-Step Towing Checklist:

  1. Know your trailer's total weight (including gear, fuel, water, etc.)

  2. Add passenger + payload weight

  3. Check the GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating) for your truck's spec

  4. Match your hitch and trailer class accordingly

  5. Use proper weight distribution & trailer brake controls

🛑 Never exceed your Ram 1500's max tow rating-it can damage your vehicle, compromise safety, and void your warranty.

🏁 Final Thoughts: Is the Ram 1500 Right for Your Towing Needs?

Absolutely-if you spec it right.

The 2025 Ram 1500 remains one of the most capable light-duty trucks on the market. Whether you're towing a fishing boat for the weekend, hauling a trailer for your business, or road-tripping with a camper, there's a Ram 1500 configuration that fits your life.

🛻 Looking for a Truck That's Built to Tow?

Explore our Ram 1500 inventory in Watertown, CT to find models equipped with:

  • 5.7L HEMI® eTorque

  • 3.92 axle ratio

  • Trailer Tow Group

  • Max Tow Package