Dodge Ram 1500 Towing Capacity
The Dodge Ram 1500 has a maximum towing capacity of 12,750 pounds with a 5.7 L Hemi V8 engine.
Written by Jason Tushinski
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
The Dodge Ram 1500’s towing capacity ranges from 7,730 to 12,750 pounds, depending on whether you’re driving a 1500 sporting a 3.6 L PentaStar V6 engine or the powerful 5.7 L Hemi V8 engine with eTorque.
If you’re the type that likes to haul heavy loads across dusty trails or commercial sites (or you’re just a serious camper), you’ll need to know your vehicle’s towing capacity. Pickups are built with towing in mind, but your truck’s engine, transmission, size, and other features will determine how big of a load you’re able to tow.
That’s why the
car insurance
broker and comparison shopping app Jerry
has put together this handy guide to make sure you learn everything there is to know about the Dodge Ram 1500’s towing capacity, including how to achieve that max towing capacity and how to calculate it to meet your needs. As a bonus, we'll show you how to save on your Dodge Ram 1500 insurance costs
!
Make safe driving pay
Get rewarded for safe driving. Earn points and unlock benefits. Totally free.
Start earning now
How much can a Dodge Ram 1500 tow?
Base towing capacity: 7,730 pounds
Maximum towing capacity: 12,750 pounds
Engines: 3.0 L EcoDiesel V6 (260 hp), 3.6 L PentaStar V6 with eTorque (305 hp), 5.7 L Hemi V8 (395 hp), or 5.7 L Hemi V8 with eTorque (395 hp)
The Dodge Ram 1500 is the best of both worlds—a truck capable of towing significant payloads while still operating as a perfectly functional daily vehicle. It has a more luxurious feel and boasts a smoother, more refined ride than its rivals.
The base 3.6 PentaStar engine can tow 7,730 pounds, but your towing capacity will go up significantly if electing for the 3.0 L EcoDiesel, which can tow 12,560 pounds. Upgrading to the 5.7 L Hemi will let you haul even more—12,750 pounds.
Trailer hitches for the Dodge Ram 1500
There are lots of options when it comes to adding a trailer hitch to your Dodge Ram 1500. The top-rated CURT Class 4 Trailer Hitch is very popular and is tested and rated for up to 10,000 pounds gross trailer weight.
How to calculate the towing capacity you need
If you’re wondering how much you can tow with your Dodge Ram 1500, you’re not alone! Do remember to keep the gross weight of your payload lower than your maximum towing capacity. Hitching a full 7,730 pounds to your 3.6 L Pentastar V6 is not a good idea.
While exact weight may differ, here’s what you can expect to safely tow with your Dodge Ram 1500:
With 3.6 L Pentastar V6 with eTorque (7,730-lb. capacity)
- Pop-up camper (2,800 to 4,300 lbs.)
- Some utility trailers (up to 5,000 lbs.)
With a 5.7 L Hemi V8 with eTorque (12,750-lb. capacity)
- 37-foot camper van (7,757 lbs.)
- Sailboats (up to 8,880 lbs.)
Whether your towing needs revolve around taking the boat to the lake or are directed towards more commercial or industrial uses, the Dodge Ram 1500 can fit the bill. While your towing capacity will be limited depending on the type of engine you choose, you’ll definitely be able to meet most needs.
Always remember that every payload is different—check your truck’s towing capacity and the total weight of your truck and hitch when fully loaded. Remember to account for the weight of passengers and cargo, too.
How to increase towing capacity
If you want to increase your Dodge Ram’s towing capacity, you can try the following:
- Add a weight-distribution hitch to limit sway and take pressure off your suspension
- Replace your brake pads and rotors to help handle heavier loads
- Think about adding stronger axles, such as RV axles
Do know that some upgrades can actually lower your towing capacity. For instance, swapping out the Ram’s standard wheels for larger, aftermarket ones can apply more pressure to your engine and reduce your truck’s overall towing power.
If you’re looking for even more towing capacity than what your Ram 1500 offers, you can always opt for the
Ford F-150
, which can tow up to 14,000 pounds, or a Chevrolet Silverado 2500
, which can tow up to 20,000 pounds.
"I’m earning
awesome rewards
every week, just for driving safe!”
Patricia W.
Reviewed on 5/28/2023
How to find affordable car insurance
Whatever you’re planning on hauling with your Dodge Ram 1500, make sure you protect your rig with a car insurance policy—and an affordable one at that.
Signing up with
Jerry
takes just 45 seconds and then this trustworthy insurance super app
will start comparing more than 50 top quotes to ensure you get the best policy at the right price. Once you pick a policy, Jerry signs you up and helps cancels your old one. Jerry will automatically search for better rates on your behalf before each renewal period. And best of all, Jerry users save an average of $887 per year on car insurance!
“A seamless process and a fantastic app!Jerrysaved me over $2000 on car insurance. I would recommend it to anyone and everyone.” —Osvaldo B.
Compare insurance quotes from 50+ insurance companies with Jerry in under 45 seconds
Compare insurance quotes from 50+ insurance companies with Jerry in under 45 seconds
4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ driversFAQ
Is the Dodge Ram 1500 good for towing?
The Dodge Ram 1500 is a great pickup for towing. Your engine size will dictate how much you can tow, but you can always add an aftermarket hitch to up your towing capacity. The Ram 1500’s max towing capacity is 12,750 pounds with the 5.7 L Hemi V8 engine.
Are you overpaying for car insurance?
Compare quotes and find out in 45 seconds.
4.7You might also be interested
