Spartanburg Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
Compare Ram 1500 vs. Ram 2500 vs. Ram 3500 towing capacity ratings to see what your next truck can do. The Spartanburg CDJR team is ready to help local motorists explore our lineup of new Ram trucks, learn more about their towing capabilities, and find the perfect fit for your lifestyle. Our detailed towing and payload chart provides an in-depth look at the performance of each model, helping you make a confident and informed decision. Read on to discover Ram 1500 vs. Ram 2500 vs. Ram 3500 tow capacity figures and specifications – then stop by our Ram dealership in Spartanburg to test-drive your ideal pickup.
The Ram 1500 vs. Ram 2500 vs. Ram 3500 towing capacity comparison highlights each truck's advantages across the collection. The Ram 1500 boasts up to 11,610 pounds1 of towing for light-duty capability, while the Ram 2500 increases stamina to a maximum of 20,000 pounds1 while providing available HEMI and Cummins® engines. At the top, the Ram 3500 leads with a jaw-dropping 36,610-pound towing capacity1 for serious hauling. Ram Chassis Cab models add greater flexibility for commercial needs, though with slightly lower towing metrics. Together, these trucks showcase the balance of strength, efficiency, and adaptability that defines the Ram truck brand.
We've placed the Ram 1500 vs. Ram 2500 vs. Ram 3500 towing capacity and payload capacity ratings against each other in a convenient chart, along with the peak power outputs for each truck. We've also included the Ram Chassis Cab and Ram 1500 RHO to make our Ram trucks towing capacity chart more exhaustive – these are great choices for drivers who are looking for a heavy-duty work truck, great value, and thrilling exploration, respectively.
| 2026 Ram 1500 | 2026 Ram 1500 RHO | 2026 Ram 2500 | 2026 Ram 3500 | 2026 Ram Chassis Cab | |
| Maximum Towing Capacity: | 11,610 lbs1 | 8,360 lbs1 | 20,000 lbs1 | 36,610 lbs1 | 34,540 lbs1 |
| Maximum Payload Capacity: | 2,360 lbs2 | 1,490 lbs2 | 3,930 lbs2 | 7,590 lbs2 | 12,260 lbs2 |
| Maximum Horsepower Output: | 540 | 540 | 430 | 430 | 375 |
| Maximum Torque Output: | 521 lb-ft | 521 lb-ft | 1,075 lb-ft | 1,075 lb-ft | 800 lb-ft3 |
The 2026 Ram 1500 can tow up to 11,610 pounds when properly equipped. To go into more detail, the available 469-horsepower 3.0-liter Hurricane twin-turbo inline-six engine is necessary for achieving this towing capacity. Although the HEMI V-8, which is making a return on select 2026 Ram 1500 models, isn't far behind with a max towing benchmark of 11,320 pounds.1
The highest Ram 1500 payload weight can only be reached when you select the standard 3.6-liter V-6 engine with eTorque, able to haul a minimum of 2,360 pounds1 in the back of the truck. This efficient motor delivers 305 horsepower, 269 pound-feet of torque, and an 8,130-pound top towing capacity.1
Finally, there's the high-output version of the Hurricane engine, which harnesses the most output at 540 horsepower and 521 pound-feet of torque, and can be found in the highest Ram 1500 trim, as well as the specialized Ram 1500 RHO.
The specialized off-road Ram 1500 RHO, in exchange for all of its all-terrain performance upgrades, does end up with the lowest towing and payload figures in the Ram 1500 vs. Ram 2500 vs. Ram 3500 towing capacity comparison, with a max towing of 8,360 pounds1 and a 1,490-pound2 payload score. But with that in mind, its metrics are enough for what it's designed for: off-road adventure. Usually, a smaller camper is necessary to squeeze through those forested trails and crest dunes at speed.
However, the High-Output 3.0-liter Hurricane engine on the Ram 1500 RHO, as mentioned above, is also available in upper trims, including the 2026 Ram 1500 Tungsten. When this high-output engine is paired with those models, it yields notable gains – providing more than 1,500 pounds of additional towing potency compared to the RHO when properly equipped. In fact, this powertrain earns a maximum Ram 1500 towing capacity of 10,000 pounds in trims other than the RHO when properly equipped.
Shoppers can expect the 2026 Ram 1500 to start at a price of $41,025 MSRP.3 Pricing for the 2026 Ram 1500 RHO starts at $69,995 MSRP.3 See our Ram 1500 vs. Jeep Gladiator comparison guide to learn more about the Ram 1500 and a potential all-terrain alternative.
As you likely already know, the Ram 1500 vs. Ram 2500 vs. Ram 3500 towing capacity comparison is simple: a larger number in the model name means the truck will have more strength. The Ram 1500 is better for relatively light loads, while the Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 are both heavy-duty trucks that provide the luxury and style of a Ram 1500 in a much larger, more capable package.
Here, we'll cover the Ram 2500, which has a starting price of $45,680 MSRP.3 As seen in the Ram trucks towing chart, the Ram 2500 can tow up to 20,000 pounds1 and haul nearly 4,000 pounds2 of max payload in its bed. As with the Ram 1500, the higher towing capacity corresponds with the more powerful and available High-Output 6.7-liter Cummins® engine, while the higher payload capacity belongs to the standard 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 powertrain.
The 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 engine delivers 405 horsepower and 429 pound-feet of torque and enables the 2026 Ram 2500 to secure a towing capacity of 17,750 pounds1 and a max payload weight of 3,930 pounds.2 The second is the High-Output 6.7-liter Cummins® turbo-diesel inline-six engine, primed for smooth operation and significant pulling power. This beast is backed by an impressive 430 horsepower and 1,075 pound-feet of torque. You can reach the ultimate towing capacity of 20,000 pounds when properly equipped with all this torque on tap, plus an impressive payload capacity of up to 3,600 pounds.2
See how these numbers and specs compare to similar pickups in the heavy-duty segment, like our Ram 2500 vs. Chevy Silverado review.
As you already know from the chart revealing each model's maximum towing capacity, Ram 1500 vs. Ram 2500 vs. Ram 3500 towing muscle is dominated by the Ram 3500. It's the strongest model in our new Ram inventory.
The same 6.4-liter HEMI and 6.7-liter Cummins® engines as the Ram 2500 are available in the Ram 3500. These engines also have the same power outputs as they do in the Ram 2500, but the frame and several driveline components of the Ram 3500 are beefier, strengthening the truck and its capacities.
As a result, the Ram 3500 has a max towing capacity of 36,610 pounds and a maximum payload rating of 7,590 pounds when properly equipped.
A Ram 3500 with a standard 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 boasts a maximum towing capacity of 18,150 pounds1 and attains the top payload of 7,590 pounds.2 The 6.7-liter Cummins® engine bestows a towing capacity of up to 36,610 pounds1 and a payload ranking of 6,050 pounds.2 Put the Ram 3500 towing capacity to work today for a starting price of $46,880 MSRP.3
Ram Chassis Cab models are designed for commercial use. They're clean slats that remove the bed in preparation for work-related upfits, forming a basis for the Ram 3500, Ram 4500, or Ram 5500. Ram Chassis Cab models also offer the 6.4-liter HEMI and 6.7-liter Cummins®. While the HEMI V-8 has the same power outputs as the Ram 2500 and Ram 3500, the Cummins® is a lower-output version with 800 pound-feet of torque.
While the Ram Chassis Cab models have a towing capacity that's 2,070 pounds lower than the rating of the Ram 3500,1 their maximum payload is 3,600 pounds higher,2 which enables them to handle service bodies, cherry pickers, and other job-site upfits.
For the 2026 model year, the maximum towing capacity of the Ram 1500 is an impressive 11,610 pounds.1 The Ram 2500 boosts this max to 20,000 pounds,1 and the most powerful Ram truck of all, the Ram 3500, can haul 36,610 pounds when properly equipped. For comparison's sake, the Ram 3500 Chassis Cab has a robust towing capacity of up to 34,540 pounds.1
The best Ram model for towing depends on your needs. The 11,610-pound maximum towing capacity1 achieved by the Ram 1500 may be more than enough for your hauls. However, if you're looking for the highest towing capacity, the Ram 3500 is the way to go, pulling up to 36,610 pounds.1 Our team is here to walk you through your options based on your preferences.
Towing capacity is impacted by several factors, including engine, drivetrain, and equipment, but primarily the engine. For the Ram 1500, the available 3.0-liter twin-turbo Hurricane gets the highest towing capacity. For the Ram 2500, it's the available 6.7-liter Cummins® turbo-diesel powerhouse. The Ram 3500 uses the same 6.7-liter Cummins® engine, which also helps it accomplish its maximum towing capacity.
1When properly equipped. See dealer for details.
2When properly equipped. Max payload ratings shown for base configuration. Additional options, equipment, passengers, and cargo weight may affect payload weights. Contact dealer for details.
3MSRP excludes destination, taxes, title and registration fees. Starting at price refers to the base model, optional equipment not included. A more expensive model may be shown. Pricing and offers may change at any time without notification. To get full pricing details, see your dealer.
