Overview
The 2025 Ram 3500 is a heavy-duty pickup truck engineered to dominate the toughest towing and hauling tasks, making it a top contender in the one-ton truck segment. Competing with rivals like the Ford F-350 Super Duty and Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD, the Ram 3500 combines raw power, advanced towing technology, and a refined interior that rivals luxury vehicles. With a maximum towing capacity of up to 36,610 pounds when properly equipped, it’s designed for serious workloads, from towing massive RVs to hauling heavy construction equipment. Its robust build, cutting-edge features, and versatile configurations make it a favorite for contractors, farmers, and outdoor enthusiasts. This blog post, crafted for Antich Auto Eureka, dives into the Ram 3500’s towing capabilities, configurations, and features to help you decide if it’s the right truck for your needs.
Towing Capacity by Configuration
The 2025 Ram 3500’s towing capacity varies based on engine, drivetrain, cab style, bed length, and towing packages. It offers three engine options and multiple configurations to suit diverse towing requirements. Below is a detailed breakdown sourced from Ram’s official website and reputable automotive sites like MotorTrend and Edmunds.
Engine Options
- 6.4L HEMI® V8: Standard across all trims, producing 405 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
- 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 (Standard Output): Optional, delivering 370 horsepower and 850 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.
- 6.7L Cummins® High-Output Turbo Diesel I6: Optional, offering 430 horsepower and 1,075 lb-ft of torque, paired with a TorqueFlite® HD eight-speed automatic transmission for maximum towing capability.
Towing Capacity by Configuration
The maximum towing capacity of 36,610 pounds is achieved with the High-Output Cummins diesel, 4×2 drivetrain, dual rear wheels (DRW), and the Max Tow Package. Conventional towing tops out at 23,000 pounds. The HEMI V8 offers up to 18,150 pounds, suitable for lighter heavy-duty tasks.
| Configuration | Engine | Drivetrain | Towing Capacity (lbs) | Payload Capacity (lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Cab, 8-ft box, SRW | 6.4L HEMI V8 | 4×2 | 18,150 | 7,590 |
| Crew Cab, 8-ft box, SRW | 6.4L HEMI V8 | 4×2 | 17,970 | 7,390 |
| Regular Cab, 8-ft box, DRW | 6.4L HEMI V8 | 4×4 | 17,840 | 7,280 |
| Crew Cab, 8-ft box, SRW | 6.7L Cummins Diesel (Std) | 4×2 | 22,670 | 6,830 |
| Crew Cab, 8-ft box, DRW | 6.7L Cummins Diesel (Std) | 4×4 | 22,430 | 6,590 |
| Regular Cab, 8-ft box, DRW | 6.7L Cummins Diesel (HO) | 4×2 | 36,610 | 6,050 |
| Crew Cab, 8-ft box, DRW | 6.7L Cummins Diesel (HO) | 4×2 | 36,610 | 6,050 |
| Mega Cab, 6-ft 4-in box, DRW | 6.7L Cummins Diesel (HO) | 4×4 | 33,890 | 5,360 |
Note: Maximum towing capacities require the Max Tow Package, including gooseneck/fifth-wheel prep and a 3.42:1 axle ratio for the High-Output Cummins. Always consult the vehicle’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and official tow charts for safe operation.
Trim-Specific Highlights
- Tradesman: A no-frills work truck, offering up to 36,610 pounds towing with the High-Output Cummins and DRW, ideal for budget-conscious buyers needing maximum capability.
- Laramie: Balances luxury and utility, achieving 36,610 pounds towing with the High-Output Cummins, perfect for those wanting comfort alongside power.
- Limited/Limited Longhorn: Premium trims with high-end interiors, offering the same 36,610-pound towing capacity with the High-Output Cummins, catering to buyers seeking luxury.
What Affects Towing Capacity?
Several factors contribute to the Ram 3500’s exceptional towing performance, ensuring it handles heavy loads safely and efficiently.
Engine Specs
- 6.4L HEMI V8: With 405 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque, this gasoline engine is ideal for mid-range towing tasks, offering better fuel efficiency and lower maintenance costs than diesel options. It’s paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission for smooth power delivery.
- 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel (Standard Output): Delivers 370 horsepower and 850 lb-ft of torque, providing strong towing capability for trailers up to 22,670 pounds, suitable for moderate heavy-duty tasks.
- 6.7L Cummins High-Output Turbo Diesel: The star of the lineup, with 430 horsepower and 1,075 lb-ft of torque, this engine enables the 36,610-pound maximum towing capacity, ideal for massive trailers or equipment. The TorqueFlite® HD eight-speed transmission enhances durability and reduces noise.
Transmission and Axle Ratio
- The eight-speed automatic transmission (HEMI and High-Output Cummins) ensures seamless shifting and efficient power delivery, while the standard-output Cummins uses a six-speed automatic for robust performance.
- Axle ratios (3.42:1, 3.73:1, or 4.10:1) significantly impact towing. The 3.42:1 ratio, new for 2025, improves fuel efficiency while maintaining the 36,610-pound towing capacity with the High-Output Cummins. A 4.10:1 ratio provides maximum low-end torque for heavy loads.
Max Tow Package and Tow/Haul Modes
- Max Tow Package: Includes gooseneck/fifth-wheel prep, a 3.42:1 axle ratio, and a 14,000-pound GVWR, essential for achieving the 36,610-pound towing capacity.
- Tow/Haul Mode: Optimizes transmission performance by maintaining lower gears, enhancing engine braking and reducing transmission heat during towing.
- Automatic Smart Exhaust Brake: Available on diesel models, it slows the truck by supplying negative torque, reducing brake wear when towing heavy loads.
Suspension, Chassis, and Braking System
- Class-Exclusive Link Coil Rear Suspension: Unlike competitors’ leaf spring setups, this system provides a smoother ride and better stability when towing.
- Available Auto-Level Rear Air Suspension: Adjusts ride height automatically for stability and simplifies trailer hookup with Bed Lowering Mode.
- Heavy-Duty Braking System: Features large four-wheel disc antilock brakes and an integrated trailer brake controller for confident stopping power.
Smart Towing Technology
- Trailer Reverse Steering Control: Allows drivers to steer the trailer using a dashboard knob, simplifying backup maneuvers.
- 360-Degree Trailer Surround-View Camera: Provides a bird’s-eye view of the trailer and surroundings, reducing blind spots.
- Trailer Tire Pressure Monitoring: Displays real-time tire pressure for up to four trailers on the 14.4-inch infotainment screen.
- Telescopic Trailer Tow Mirrors: Extend and retract for enhanced visibility when towing wide trailers.
- Towing Technology Group: Includes Blind-Spot Monitoring with Tag-Trailer, Rear Cross-Path Detection, and Trailer Tow Pages for monitoring trailer health.
Payload Capacity and Its Impact
Payload capacity refers to the maximum weight a truck can carry in its bed, including passengers, cargo, and the trailer’s tongue or pin weight (typically 10–15% of the trailer’s weight). The 2025 Ram 3500 offers a maximum payload of 7,590 pounds with the 6.4L HEMI V8, while diesel models range from 6,050 to 6,830 pounds due to their heavier engines. Payload and towing capacities are interdependent, as both contribute to the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR). Exceeding payload limits reduces towing capacity to stay within safe GCWR boundaries.
For example:
- A Crew Cab, 8-foot box, 4×2 with the HEMI V8 can tow 17,970 pounds and carry 7,390 pounds. Loading 5,000 pounds in the bed reduces towing capacity to approximately 12,970 pounds.
- A High-Output Cummins DRW towing a 36,610-pound gooseneck trailer (with a 5,492-pound pin weight) leaves little room for additional payload, requiring careful weight management.
Always check the GVWR on the driver’s side door pillar or consult the owner’s manual to ensure safe loading and towing.
Insights From the Web and Social Media
Real-world feedback from automotive experts and owners underscores the Ram 3500’s towing prowess:
- MotorTrend tested the 2025 Ram 3500 HD Laramie dually towing 19,000 pounds, reporting a steady 10 mpg and praising the High-Output Cummins’ quiet operation and ability to handle the Davis Dam grade with ease. They noted, “The truck thrums along quietly with none of the drone or clatter found in old diesel engines.”
- Edmunds highlighted the Ram 3500’s luxury-level interior and advanced towing tech, stating, “The huge variety of exterior cameras makes towing a cinch, and the configurable digital cluster simplifies monitoring engine and transmission temperatures.”
- On X, an owner shared, “Towed a 30,000-pound gooseneck trailer with my 2025 Ram 3500 Cummins. The exhaust brake and Trailer Reverse Steering Control made it feel effortless, even on steep grades.” Another user noted, “The 14.5-inch touchscreen is a game-changer for checking trailer tire pressure on the go.” Some owners mentioned the diesel’s higher maintenance costs as a drawback compared to the HEMI V8.
These insights confirm the Ram 3500’s capability for extreme towing tasks, with technology that enhances safety and ease.
Best Configurations for Towing
Choosing the right Ram 3500 configuration depends on your towing needs:
- Mid-Range Towing (Under 20,000 lbs): The Tradesman or Big Horn with the 6.4L HEMI V8 and 4×2 drivetrain offers up to 18,150 pounds of towing capacity at a lower cost, ideal for smaller trailers or equipment. The HEMI’s lower maintenance costs suit occasional towing.
- Heavy-Duty Towing (20,000–36,610 lbs): Opt for the Tradesman, Laramie, or Limited with the High-Output 6.7L Cummins diesel, 4×2, DRW, and Max Tow Package to achieve the maximum 36,610-pound towing capacity. This setup is perfect for large RVs, heavy machinery, or gooseneck trailers.
- Essential Towing Packages:
- Max Tow Package: Includes gooseneck/fifth-wheel prep, a 3.42:1 axle ratio, and a 14,000-pound GVWR for maximum towing.
- Towing Technology Group: Features Trailer Reverse Steering Control, 360-Degree Surround-View Camera, and Trailer Tire Pressure Monitoring.
- Auto-Level Rear Air Suspension: Enhances stability and simplifies trailer hookup.
- Safety Tips:
- Verify towing and payload weights against the truck’s GVWR and GCWR using official tow charts.
- Engage Tow/Haul Mode and the Automatic Smart Exhaust Brake (diesel) to reduce transmission and brake stress.
- Regularly inspect trailer tire pressure, hitch connections, and brake settings for safe operation.
- Use a weight-distributing hitch or gooseneck setup for heavy trailers to ensure stability.
Conclusion
The 2025 Ram 3500 is a heavy-duty powerhouse, boasting a maximum towing capacity of 36,610 pounds and a payload capacity of up to 7,590 pounds, making it a top choice for the most demanding towing and hauling tasks. Its robust engine options, advanced towing technology, and class-exclusive features like the link coil rear suspension set it apart from competitors like the Ford F-350 and Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD. Whether you’re hauling massive construction equipment, towing a fifth-wheel RV for family adventures, or tackling rugged worksites, the Ram 3500 delivers unmatched capability and comfort. For Antich Auto Eureka customers, this truck is the ultimate solution for serious towing and heavy-duty workloads. Visit our dealership to explore the 2025 Ram 3500 and find the perfect configuration for your needs.
MAX TOW TEST! Towing 37,000lbs 2023 RAM 3500 HIGH OUTPUT CUMMINS
FAQ
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Reference
https://www.ramtrucks.com/ram-3500/capability.html
https://www.ramtrucks.com/content/dam/fca-brands/na/ramtrucks/en_us/towing/towing-capacity-guide/brochure/my24_Ram_HD_Customer_TowPayChart_3.2.pdf
