Ram 1500 Towing Capacity at a Glance
- Best Ram 1500 Engine for Towing: The 3.0-liter Hurricane I-6. This potent engine contains the highest towing capacity across all available configurations, capping out at 11,610 pounds when properly equipped. For 2024 and earlier, the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 is your best choice.
- Best Ram 1500 Trim for Towing: Big Horn. The Big Horn is the highest trim level with the Quad Cab configuration. It also includes a 12-Way/1-Way Trailer Connector and wiring prep package, a feature that's not available on all Quad Cab trims.
- Best Ram 1500 Year for Towing: 2021. In 2021, the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 still had its 12,750-pound tow rating1 while other engines (like the 3.0-liter turbo diesel and 6.2-liter V-8) reached heights of their capability.
- Highest Ram 1500 Towing Capacity: 12,750 pounds.1 Before 2025, this rating was the consistent metric of the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 with the Quad Tradesman trim. Nowadays, the 3.0-liter I-6 is the workhorse of choice.
- Highest Ram 1500 Payload Rating: 2,370 pounds.2 The standard 3.6-liter V-6 has been the pinnacle of payload for quite a while. In 2025, it achieved an extremely competitive payload capacity, though this year's is only 10 pounds less, at 2,360 pounds.2
The Ram 1500 towing capacity of 11,610 pounds1 is versatile and hard-working. But, does your Ram 1500 have the configuration you're looking for? Let's explore what goes into towing ability before your test drive at Autostar CDJRF of Waynesville.
What is the Ram 1500 Max Towing Capacity?
The max towing capacity of 11,610 pounds when properly equipped is for a specific engine in the Ram 1500 lineup: 3.0-liter Hurricane I-6. However, the new Ram 1500 trucks capable? Four primary factors go into your truck's towing ability:
- Engine: The most important and impactful element.
- Axle Ratio: The higher the axle ratio, the more weight the hitch can support.
- Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR): The higher your vehicle's GCWR, the bigger the trailers (and payload) it can control.
- Configuration: Between Quad Cab and Crew Cab (as well as 5-foot-7-inch or 6-foot-4-inch bed), your engine may have more stability (or less weight) to handle.
As a result, the towing capacity may not exactly match the max capacities as shown below. Before hitching up, we recommend checking your owner's manual.
- 3.6-Liter Pentastar V-6: 8,130 pounds.1
- 3.0-Liter Twin-Turbo I-6: 11,610 pounds.1
- 3.0-Liter High-Output Twin-Turbo I-6: 10,000 pounds.1
- 5.7 HEMI V-8: 11,320 pounds.1
Ram 1500 Towing Capacity Chart: 2018 – 2026
Wonder how the 2025 Ram 1500 towing capacity stacks up against 2026 or an older model? Thinking about purchasing a 2020 model and want to see which one has the best capability? Below are the OEM stats for the recent lineup.
What Is the Ram 1500 Payload Capacity?
Similarly, the engine has a major impact on the truck's overall payload capacity. However, unlike with tow rating, the standard engine ends up having the most capability for payload.
- 3.6-Liter Pentastar V-6: 2,360 pounds.2
- 3.0-Liter Twin-Turbo I-6: 1,930 pounds.2
- 3.0-Liter High-Output Twin-Turbo I-6: 1,490 pounds.2
- 5.7 HEMI V-8: 1,650 pounds.2
Again, your chosen trim level, configuration, and Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) will have a significant impact on what can be stored in the bed. Please read your owner's manual and carefully estimate the weight of your passengers and interior cargo before trying to carry too much.
What Ram 1500 Towing Accessories Are Important?
While having the highest towing or payload capacity is critical to ensuring the health and well-being of your truck and its passengers, it's not the only way that the Ram 1500 keeps you safe on the worksite. Here's a glimpse of the Ram 1500 tow package options you should keep your eye on.
- Towing Technology Group: Advanced symptoms like the Trailer Hitch Line-Up Assist help you back into your trailer without needing human assistance.
- Trailer Tow Group: An expansive upgrade package to the Ram 1500. It includes Trailer-Tow mirrors, Trailer Brake-Controller, Trailer Reverse Steering Control, and a Trailer Tire Pressure Monitor.
- Trailer Camera Wiring Prep Package: A toolset designed to give you better sight behind and around your trailer.
- Configurable Drive Modes: Tow Mode is one of the five drive mode options you can add to your Ram 1500. It helps keep drivers stable while handling a large trailer.
- 12-Way/1-Way Trailer Connector: More camera ports for the cautious driver.
Explore the 2026 Ram 1500 Towing Capacity Yourself at Autostar CDJRF of Waynesville
Ready to tackle the worksite, family project, or day-to-day commute? Our Ram 1500 specials ensure you have a truck with as much versatility as it has style and safety features.
Alternatively, if you're looking for even more towing potential, our representatives will happily show you our all-new Ram inventory and introduce you to a heavy-duty model.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum towing capacity of the 2026 Ram 1500?
The 2026 Ram 1500 towing capacity can reach a maximum of 11,610 pounds with the 3.0-liter twin-turbo Hurricane engine.1 The standard 3.6-liter V-6 can reach a maximum of 8,130 pounds, the high-output I-6 can achieve up to 10,000 pounds, and the returning 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 gets close to the top, at 11,320 pounds.1
Which engine and configuration are required to reach the maximum towing capacity?
The 3.0-liter I-6 engine (not the high-output variant) with the Quad Cab configuration achieves the maximum possible towing capacity. You will also need the 3.92 axle ratio and a GCWR of 17,000 pounds. The 3.0-liter powertrain does provide the highest overall towing capacity across all configurations, including for all Crew Cab variations, though the 5.7-liter V-8 is close behind.
What safety or driver-assist technologies help when towing with the new Ram 1500?
Fantastic standard and available features are ready to assist your towing journey. For instance, the available Tow Mode adjusts your traction with a trailer. An integrated trailer health monitor keeps an eye on your haul's balance, while Trailer Reverse Guidance and Digital Rearview Mirror (with Tow Mode) keep an eye on your surroundings. Additional comforts, like Trailer Auto Hitch Assist, simplify the setup so you can focus on the ride.
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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.