RAM has secured itself as one of the top brands for towing and hauling. Customers can see the difference as the division has worked to increase capabilities over the years. For example, the maximum towing capacity was 19,780 pounds in 2019 and 19,990 pounds in 2022.
This may not seem like much, but a couple hundred pounds is significant for customers looking for a truck that can tow their fifth-wheel camper safely. Let’s take a closer look at the RAM 2500.
About the Ram HD
RAM offers a 2500 and 3500 heavy-duty truck line. The 2500 comes with two different engine options, while the 3500 comes with three. The 3500 line has the additional option of the 6.7L High-Output Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 engine that the 2500 line doesn’t.
Let’s focus on the RAM 2500 line and take a closer look at the different trim packages, specs, and features.
Trims
The most basic trim, the Tradesman, is also the least expensive. Its levels increase in price and luxury from the Big Horn to the Laramie to the Limited Longhorn to the Limited. The Laramie will come with leather-trimmed seats and suede inserts. Meanwhile, the Limited features 100% luxurious leather seats with real wood and aluminum accents. The Power Wagon trim design is for off-road travel with black-coated front and rear bumpers and 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac all-terrain tires.
Specs
When looking at the specs of the RAM 2500 line, they vary dramatically depending on the particular model. A 4×2 truck will have different specs than a 4×4 truck. A short bed truck will have different specs than a long bed truck. Even the axle ratios and cab size will affect the capacities.
For example, The RAM 2500 Tradesman 4×2 with regular cab and 8-foot truck bed and gas engine will have a payload capacity of 4,010 pounds. It will have a towing capacity of 15,040 pounds and a GCWR of 22,000 pounds.
The RAM 2500 Big Horn 4×4 with a crew cab and 6-foot 4-inch truck bed and gas engine will have a payload capacity of 3,230 pounds. Additionally, it will have a towing capacity of 14,760 pounds and a GCWR of 22,000 pounds.
The RAM 2500 Limited 4×2 with crew cab and 8-truck truck bed and gas engine will have a payload capacity of 3,100 pounds. Its towing capacity will measure 14,630 pounds and have a GCWR of 22,000 pounds. A diesel engine will always increase its capacity. So it’s important to know the numbers of your particular model.
Features
The heavy-duty RAM trucks have available features that the light-duty models don’t have. For example, a 2500 can come equipped with Rear Auto-Level Air Suspension, and a 360° Surround View Camera. It will also come with trailer tow mirrors with spotter lamps and an electronic brake controller system.
Additional features can include electronic stability control, trailer sway control, electronic roll mitigation, adaptive cruise control, and trailer tire pressure monitoring.
Pro Tip: Before you buy your RAM truck, find out Are Ram Trucks Reliable?
How Much Can the 2023 Ram HD Tow?
The maximum towing capacity for a RAM 2500 is 19,990 pounds when properly equipped. Not every model will be able to tow this amount of weight. The engine type, cab size, bed length, axle ratio, and other factors will affect each truck’s overall maximum towing capacity. For instance, a 4×2 RAM 2500 Big Horn with the 6.4L V8 Heavy Duty HEMI MDS engine and 8-foot truck bed can tow around 17,740 pounds. The same truck with the 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel engine will have the max towing capacity of 19,990 pounds.
Which Ram Has the Highest Towing Capacity?
The RAM 2500 Big Horn, Tradesman, Limited, Laramie, and Limited Longhorn all have models with the highest towing capacity of 19,990 pounds. They are all equipped with the 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel engine. The 6.7L High-Output Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 engine in the RAM 3500 models increases the towing capacity to 37,090 pounds when properly equipped.
How Much Does the 2023 Ram HD Cost?
The RAM 2500 has a starting MSRP of $43,920. This is for the most basic trim, the Tradesman, and no bells and whistles. The Big Horn trim starts at around $48,000. These two trims are the only options below $50,000. The Laramie trim starts at $59,620, the Limited Longhorn trim starts at $67,190, and the Limited trim starts at $71,855. The off-road Power Wagon trim starts at $63,860.
Join The Debate: We compared GMC vs Ram Towing: The Internet Crowns a Winner. Who do you think will win?
Is the 2023 Ram HD Worth It?
In 2009-2010, Ram, Jeep, Dodge, SRT, and Chrysler were separated to focus on their own identity and brands. Since then, RAM has developed as one of the top brands of trucks. Owners are loyal. All new purchases come with a 5-year/100,000-mile Diesel Powertrain Limited Warranty and Diesel Roadside Assistance or a 5-year/60,000-mile Gas Powertrain Limited Warranty and Gas Roadside Assistance.
When compared to other truck brands like Ford and Chevrolet, the RAM HD models are similar. The most basic Ford Super Duty F-250 XL model starts at just under $40,000, while its most luxurious trim, the Limited, starts at just under $90,000.
The Chevrolet Silverado 2500 has a maximum towing capacity of 17,370 pounds when properly equipped with the 6.6L V8 gas engine. Additionally, it’s 36,000 pounds when properly equipped with the Duramax 6.6L Turbo Diesel V8 engine. So the RAM HD models can hold their own among the top competitors in the industry.
Have you considered a RAM 2500 for your next truck purchase? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!
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