The 2018 Dodge Ram 3500 is built for towing, with impressive capability to haul heavy loads. As a top pickup truck expert at Antich Automotive, I want to provide an in-depth look at the 3500’s towing specs, capacity and features.
Overview of the Ram 3500 for Towing
The Ram 3500 comes standard with a sturdy frame, suspension and powertrain designed for towing and hauling heavy loads. Here are some key highlights:
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Available with three cab configurations: Regular, Crew and Mega. The Regular cab provides seating for 3 and maximum cargo space. The Crew cab seats 5 or 6. The Mega cab is extra spacious with seating for 6.
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Three bed lengths: 6’4″, 8′ and 8’4″. The longer beds provide more cargo space when towing large loads.
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Rear axle ratios ranging from 3.42 to 4.10:1, allowing you to optimize gearing for towing capacity or fuel economy.
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Three powerful engine options:
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5.7L HEMI® V8 – 383 horsepower, 400 lb-ft torque
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6.4L HEMI® V8 – 410 horsepower, 429 lb-ft torque
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6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 – Up to 400 horsepower, 1,000 lb-ft torque
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Heavy duty transmission options such as the Aisin AS69RC 6-speed automatic, designed for big towing jobs.
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Available auxiliary transmission oil cooler and power takeoff capability.
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Up to 23,400 pounds maximum conventional towing capacity when properly equipped.
Towing Capacity by Configuration
The Ram 3500’s max tow rating can vary quite a bit depending on the exact model, cab, drivetrain and equipment. Refer to the towing chart below for specifics:
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| Configuration | Max Towing Capacity |
|---|---|
| Regular Cab, 4×2, SRW | Up to 16,180 lbs |
| Regular Cab, 4×2, DRW | Up to 16,370 lbs |
| Regular Cab, 4×4, SRW | Up to 15,950 lbs |
| Regular Cab, 4×4, DRW | Up to 16,130 lbs |
| Crew Cab Short Box, 4×2, SRW | Up to 15,920 lbs |
| Crew Cab Short Box, 4×4, SRW | Up to 15,620 lbs |
| Crew Cab Long Box, 4×2, SRW | Up to 15,790 lbs |
| Crew Cab Long Box, 4×2, DRW | Up to 17,960 lbs |
| Crew Cab Long Box, 4×4, SRW | Up to 15,440 lbs |
| Crew Cab Long Box, 4×4, DRW | Up to 17,620 lbs |
| Mega Cab, 4×2, SRW | Up to 15,650 lbs |
| Mega Cab, 4×2, DRW | Up to 17,710 lbs |
| Mega Cab, 4×4, SRW | Up to 15,220 lbs |
| Mega Cab, 4×4, DRW | Up to 17,400 lbs |
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As you can see, the Regular Cab 2WD DRW with Cummins diesel can tow over 16,000 pounds properly equipped. Opting for a Crew Cab or Mega Cab does reduce max towing capacity slightly due to increased weight. However, the 4×4 models with diesel can still tow well over 15,000 pounds.
Towing Features
The Ram 3500 comes ready to handle heavyweight towing jobs right from the factory. Some key features include:
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Integrated Trailer Brake Controller – Conveniently located and allows you to adjust braking intensity for your trailer.
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Tow/Haul Mode – Adjusts transmission shifting and throttle response when towing.
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Trailer Sway Control – Detects swaying motions and applies corrective brake and throttle control to stabilize trailer.
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5th Wheel/Gooseneck Preparation – Enables easy hookup for 5th wheel and gooseneck trailers. Includes in-bed wiring harness.
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Heavy Duty Engine Cooling – Oversized radiator, engine oil cooler, transmission cooler and charge air cooler.
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Electric Trailer Brake Connection – 7-pin and 4-pin wiring harness connectors.
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Trailer Hitch Receiver – Class V with 2″ receiver, 4/7-pin connectors. Max tongue weight of 1,800 lbs.
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Available RamBox Cargo System – Lockable, drainable, illuminated cargo bins integrated into the bed sides. Great for storing tie-down straps, hitches, tools and other gear.
Towing Experts You Can Trust
At Antich Automotive, we have over 15 years experience helping customers select the right Ram truck for their towing needs. Our expert sales staff can walk you through all the configuration options and help you build out the perfect 3500. We also have a full service center to help keep your truck running in tip-top shape.
For more towing advice or to schedule a test drive, contact us today! We look forward to helping equip you with the best Ram towing machine.
