Are you interested in a powerful truck for heavy towing? If so, the RAM 3500 might be on your radar. Before you start towing, it’s important to understand how much weight the RAM 3500 can handle.
In this article, we’ll explain the truck’s towing capacity, providing you with the essential information to make the right choice.
How Much Can a RAM 3500 Tow?
The towing ability of a RAM 3500 relies on a handful of key factors. First, you need to consider which type of RAM 3500 you have. A regular cab can tow less than a crew cab, for instance. You also need to think about the engine, axle ratio, and towing package. To give you a rough estimate, the maximum towing capacity for a RAM 3500 is approximately 37,090 pounds. [1] That’s a substantial weight, no doubt.
Now, you might be curious about how the RAM 3500 compares to other trucks in its category. Well, I can tell you, it’s a strong competitor. The Ford F-350 can tow up to 27,000 pounds, [2] and the Chevy Silverado 3500HD can handle up to 36,000 pounds. [3] So, the RAM 3500 holds its own when it comes to towing.
Engine Options
If you’re looking to tow some serious weight, your choice of engine is a big deal. The RAM 3500 gives you three options: the 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel, the 6.4-liter HEMI V8, and the 6.7-liter High-Output Cummins Turbo Diesel. [4] Each engine has its own strengths and weaknesses when it comes to towing capacity.
The 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel is the standard engine for the RAM 3500. It can pull up to 22,670 pounds, which is nothing to scoff at. But if you’re aiming for even heavier loads, you might want to check out the 6.7-liter High-Output Cummins Turbo Diesel. This engine can handle up to 37,100 pounds, and that’s seriously impressive.
If you prefer a gasoline engine and don’t want the hassles that can come with a diesel, the 6.4-liter HEMI V8 is a solid choice. It can tow up to 18,210 pounds, which is still a pretty respectable number.
Towing Packages
When it comes to towing with the RAM 3500, you have a few choices. The Max Tow Package is a popular one and includes a strong High-Output Cummins Turbo Diesel engine, a 4.10 axle ratio, and a fifth-wheel/gooseneck prep package. This package can handle heavy loads, up to 37,100 pounds.
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, consider the Tradesman Level 2 Equipment Group. It comes with a Class V hitch receiver, a trailer brake controller, and trailer tow mirrors. This package is good for towing smaller loads, up to 22,670 pounds, and it’s a smart choice for those with smaller trailers.
Safety Considerations
When you’re using your RAM 3500 for towing, safety is the most important thing to think about. Making sure the weight is distributed correctly is a big part of keeping things safe and steady. You should load your trailer evenly and put the heavier stuff in the front. It’s also a good idea to use a weight distribution hitch to help spread the weight out evenly.
Another thing to be really careful about is the brakes. The RAM 3500 has strong brakes, but it’s still really important to make sure your trailer has good brakes too. To do that, you’ll need a brake controller – it’s something you should definitely have if you’re serious about towing.
Lastly, you want to avoid some common towing mistakes, like putting too much stuff in your trailer or not securing your load properly. If you take a little extra time and effort, it’ll make your towing experience safe and worry-free.
Can a RAM 3500 Tow More Than a 2500?
Absolutely! RAM 3500 can pull heavier stuff than RAM 2500. Here’s why:
RAM 3500 is built for super strong towing. It has a more powerful engine than RAM 2500, with 420 horsepower and 1075 pound-feet of power. That means it’s got a lot of muscle under the hood. The 3500 comes with a 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel engine, which is tougher than the 2500’s 6.4-liter HEMI V8 engine.
But it’s not just about the engine. RAM 3500 has a sturdier drivetrain and suspension system to handle big loads. It has a bigger rear axle, larger brakes, and can carry more weight than the 2500. You can even get it with dual rear wheels (sometimes called “dually”), which makes it even better at towing heavy stuff.
Now, don’t get me wrong – RAM 2500 is still a great choice for towing. It can handle up to 19,680 pounds when set up correctly, which is impressive. But if you need to tow very heavy things often, RAM 3500 is the one. It can tow up to a huge 37,100 pounds with the right setup.
Conclusion
To sum it up, the RAM 3500 is a great choice for towing, whether it’s a little trailer or a big RV. It’s got the power and options to handle your towing needs. Just remember to prioritize safety and do your homework before you start your journey. Safe towing!
