See what your next truck can do by comparing the Ram 1500 vs. Ram 2500 vs. Ram 3500 towing capacity ratings. The Spartanburg CDJR team is here to help you explore the new Ram trucks, towing capabilities, and more. This model towing and payload chart offers more details about each powerful truck so you can make an informed decision.
Read on to compare Ram 1500 vs. Ram 2500 vs. Ram 3500 towing capacity figures and specs, then visit our Ram dealership to test-drive the ideal model for your needs.
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 maximum 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 options for drivers who are looking for a heavy-duty work truck, unbelievable value, and thrilling exploration, respectively.
| 2025 Ram 1500 | 2025 Ram 1500 RHO | 2025 Ram 2500 | 2025 Ram 3500 | 2025 Ram Chassis Cab | |
| Maximum Towing Capacity: | 11,550 lbs1 | 8,380 lbs1 | 20,000 lbs1 | 36,610 lbs1 | 34,540 lbs1 |
| Maximum Payload Capacity: | 2,370 lbs2 | 1,520 lbs2 | 4,420 lbs2 | 7,590 lbs2 | 11,190 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 2025 Ram 1500 can tow up to 11,550 pounds when properly equipped. To go into more detail, the available 3.0-liter Hurricane twin-turbo inline-six engine is necessary for achieving this towing capacity – it’s also quite efficient and powerful, outdoing the prior HEMI V-8 for both horsepower and MPGs. However, the highest Ram 1500 payload rating can only be achieved when you select the standard 3.6-liter V-6 engine with eTorque. This efficient motor delivers 305 horsepower, 269 pound-feet of torque, and an 8,110-pound1 maximum towing capacity. Finally, there’s the high-output version of the Hurricane engine, which makes 540 horsepower and can be found in the highest-trim Ram 1500 trucks, as well as the specialized Ram 1500 RHO.
The Ram 1500 RHO, in exchange for all of its all-terrain performance upgrades (which also help achieve a 4.6-second 0-60 mph time), does end up with the lowest towing and payload ratings in the Ram 1500 vs. Ram 2500 vs. Ram 3500 towing capacity comparison. But with that in mind, its ratings 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 Ram 1500 RHO engine can, as mentioned, be found in high-trim Ram 1500 trucks like the Ram 1500 Tungsten. If you put this high-output engine into one of those models, you can get over 1,000 pounds of extra capacity over the Ram 1500 RHO: the high-output Hurricane engine results in a 9,920-pound maximum Ram 1500 towing capacity when properly equipped in trims other than the RHO.
Find the 2025 Ram 1500 for a low starting price of $40,275 MSRP.4 Pricing for the 2025 Ram 1500 RHO starts at $69,995 MSRP.4 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 offer the luxury and style of a Ram 1500 in a much larger, more capable package.
First up is the Ram 2500, which has a starting price of $45,565 MSRP.4 As seen in the Ram trucks tow capacity chart, the Ram 2500 can tow 20,000 pounds1 or carry up to 4,420 pounds2 of payload in its bed. As with the Ram 1500, the higher towing capacity corresponds with the more powerful available engine, while the higher payload capacity belongs to the standard engine.
The standard Ram 2500 engine is a 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 engine that delivers 405 horsepower and 429 pound-feet of torque. This gasoline V-8 enables the Ram 2500 towing capacity to reach 17,750 pounds.1 The maximum payload rating listed above is achieved with this engine. Learn more about these specs in our Ram 2500 vs. Chevy Silverado comparison, and get ready for more good news: A high-output 6.7-liter Cummins® turbo-diesel inline-six engine is also available.
Primed for smooth operation and significant pulling power, the diesel Ram 2500 towing capacity is backed by 430 horsepower and 1,075 pound-feet of torque. You can reach the maximum towing capacity of 20,000 pounds when properly equipped with all this torque on tap. This diesel engine also achieves a maximum payload capacity of 2,740 pounds.2
As you already know from the chart revealing each model’s maximum towing capacity, Ram 1500 vs. Ram 2500 vs. Ram 3500 towing strength 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 maximum towing capacity of 36,610 pounds when properly equipped and a maximum payload rating of 7,590 pounds.2
A Ram 3500 with a standard 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 boasts a maximum towing capacity of 18,150 pounds1 and achieves the maximum payload rating of 7,590 pounds.2 The 6.7-liter Cummins® engine bestows a maximum towing capacity of 36,610 pounds1 and a maximum payload rating of 6,050 pounds.2
Put the Ram 3500 towing capacity to work today for a starting price of $46,570 MSRP.4
Ram Chassis Cab models are designed for commercial use. They’re clean slates 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 pounds1 lower than the rating of the Ram 3500, their maximum payload is 3,600 pounds2 higher, which enables them to handle service bodies, cherry pickers, and other job-site upfits.
We hope this close look at the towing and performance differences of Ram 1500 vs. 2500 vs. 3500 trucks has helped guide you toward your ideal truck. Whether it’s the lineup’s heaviest hauler or its most affordable member, our team is here to help get you into your next Ram vehicle. Visit our Ram dealership today to take a test drive and explore more than just the Ram 1500 vs. Ram 2500 vs. Ram 3500 towing capacity, then ask about our purchase or lease deals to take your truck home for less.
For the 2025 model year, the maximum towing capacity of the Ram 1500 is an impressive 11,550 pounds.1 The Ram 2500 boosts this maximum to 20,000 pounds,1 and the most powerful Ram truck of all, the Ram 3500, can haul up to 36,610 pounds.1 For comparison’s sake, the Ram 3500 Chassis Cab offers a robust maximum towing capacity of 34,540 pounds.1
The best Ram model for towing depends on your needs. The 11,550-pound maximum towing capacity1 offered 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 achieve 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.
3Maximum torque output is achieved separately from the model’s maximum horsepower.
4MSRP 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.
