What’s the Ram 2500 Towing Capacity?
Why should you care about the Ram 2500 towing capacity?
You’ve finally found the camper of your dreams! It has all the options you’ve ever wanted. The problem is that it’s enormous, but you don’t have a truck capable of towing it. So, it’s time to start the daunting task of finding the perfect tow rig – one that can handle your new RV.
We looked at the 2021 RAM 2500 and have included nearly everything you need to know about it, including engine options, features, reliability, and price. Most importantly, we get into the Ram 2500 towing capacity.
Let’s get to it!
Ram 2500 Towing Capacity
Many things can affect towing capacity. Things such as the engine, drive type, cab and bed configuration, and trim level change the towing capacity. The Ram 2500 towing capacity is no exception.
The 2021 RAM 2500 towing capacity ranges from 9,470 pounds to 20,000 pounds with a maximum 4,380 pounds payload capacity.
On the low end is the 2021 Ram 2500 Power Wagon coming in at 9,470 pounds towing capacity and 1,420 pounds of payload.
At the high end, the regular cab, 2wd, long bed with the 6.7L Cummins Turbo diesel engine. It has 20,000 pounds of towing and 3,060 pounds payload capacity.
Let’s take a look at a typical configuration and see where it falls for towing capacity.
Pro Tip: If you’re considering a smaller truck, here are the the best 1/2 ton pickup trucks.
Crew Cab, 6.7 Turbo Diesel, 4×4, 6’4″ Bed, Auto Transmission
Tradesman – 18,290 pounds towing capacity and 2,300 pounds payload.
Big Horn and Lone Star – 17,040 pounds towing capacity and 2,180 pounds payload.
Laramie – 15,740 pounds towing capacity and 2,050 pounds payload.
Laramie Longhorn – 15.050 pounds towing capacity and 1,980 pounds payload.
Limited – 14,030 pounds towing capacity and 1,880 pounds payload.
In the examples above, you can easily see that trim levels affect the capacities. As you go up in trim level, it adds weight to the base vehicle, therefore reducing cargo and towing capabilities.
About the Ram 2500
Now in its 5th generation, the RAM 2500 was introduced in 1981 as the Dodge Ram D250. Then, in the 1994 model year, the truck experienced a drastic design change that gave the truck its unique muscular look. This was also the first time the ¾ ton model was dubbed 2500.
In 2010, Chrysler LLC split the truck from the Dodge brand, and they became Ram Trucks.
Subsequently, Ram has continued to improve the Ram 2500 to be more competitive with its GM and Ford counterparts. As a matter of fact, the Ram 2500 was awarded MotorTrend Truck of the Year in 2020!
Ram Gas vs Diesel Engine
The 2021 Ram 2500 offers two engine configurations. On one hand is a gas-powered HEMI V8, and the Cummins I6 Turbo Diesel on the other.
The HEMI comes standard and is a whopping 6.4 liters. In addition, it features 410 horsepower and 426 lb-ft of torque. With numbers like this, the 6.4L HEMI certainly has impressive capability.
The Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel is optional and boasts 370 horsepower with an incredible 850 lb-ft of torque. Backed by a six-speed automatic transmission, you can realize the highest Ram 2500 towing capacity with this combo.
Additional Specs and Features
The RAM 2500 has a plethora of options available. However, we’ll concentrate on a few specific to towing.
Hooking up and backing a trailer has never been easier while utilizing the available power tow mirrors and the 360-degree camera system. Also available is a trailer camera package that allows up to two additional cameras to be mounted on the trailer.
We all worry about our trailer tires, and many opt for an aftermarket tire monitoring system so we can keep an eye on your trailer tires. The RAM 2500 gives you the option to monitor your trailer tires right on the dash display! The Trailer Tire Pressure Monitoring systems allow you to keep an eye on pressures of up to twelve trailer tires per trailer and four different trailers.
How many times have you been hooking up your 5th wheel or gooseneck and find that the trailer is too low? Then you have to get out of the truck and raise the trailer. Getting out of the truck can surely be aggravating, and believe me, we’ve all been there.
The Ram 2500 allows you to hook up with ease. The Auto Level Rear Air Suspension will enable you to bring the rear suspension to its lowest point for easy hookup. No more getting out of the truck to raise the nose of the trailer!
Also available is a fifth-wheel/gooseneck prep package that integrates a factory-installed rear axle structural cross member for hardware attachment.
Pro Tip: A complete list of options available for towing can be found on the Ram Truck website.
Are Ram 2500 Trucks Reliable?
As we talked about earlier in the article, Ram trucks have been around for a long time. Subsequently, they’ve gone through many design changes and improvements over the years. Overall, the Ram 2500 is a reliable option.
The 2021 Ram 2500 is ranked 84/100 in quality and reliability according to J.D. Power. In fact, this ranking is considered ‘great’ and measures the level of defects. Additionally, it includes issues reported by actual vehicle owners.
Ram 2500 Truck Pricing
The 2021 Ram 2500 starts at $33,485 for a 2wd Tradesman regular cab with the 6.4L HEMI engine.
A top-of-the-line Mega Cab 4wd Limited with a 6.7L Turbo Diesel fully loaded can run upwards of $91,000.
As you can see, Ram has 2500 trucks available in a wide budget range. Of course, if new doesn’t fit your budget, you can always purchase a quality used truck.
How Big of a Fifth Wheel Can a Ram 2500 Pull?
The Ram 2500 towing capacity gives you a good choice of campers you can safely tow, including fifth-wheels. So, how big of a fifth wheel you can pull? More requirements have to be taken into account other than towing capacity.
The towing capacity is critical; cargo capacity, GCVWR, and GAWR also have to be considered.
GCVWR = Gross Combined Vehicle Weight Rating is the maximum weight of your loaded truck and attached trailer.
GAWR = Gross Axle Weight Rating is the maximum weight a given axle can safely handle.
Not only that, but all fifth-wheel trailers have different weights and pin weights. Two units of the same size may weigh drastically differently.
Pro Tip: Several towing calculators are available to help determine if your truck can safely tow your RV.
Ram 2500 Towing
The 2021 Ram 2500 is a capable tow rig. The Ram 2500 towing capacity has a wide range from 9,470 to 20,000 pounds. From the base level Tradesman to a top-of-the-line Limited, Ram 2500 is sure to please most everyone no matter your budget or towing requirements.
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