Ram 2500 Towing Capacity

September 8th, 2022 by

Towing capacity is one of the most important features of a pickup truck. If you need a strong truck for your upcoming jobs and excursions around Louisville, the 2022 Ram 2500 is a great heavy-duty choice. Most trucks have a varying maximum towing capacity based on the model you choose. Check out this Bachman CDJR guide to the towing capabilities of the 2022 Ram 2500 to help you decide whether this is the truck for you.

RAM 2500 Engines and Towing Capacity

Dodge 2500 towing a boat

Image by Stellantis

 

When fully equipped with the optional 6.7-liter Cummins turbo diesel I-6 engine, the 2022 RAM 2500 offers a maximum towing capability of 20,000 pounds. This number appears on diesel Ram 2500 models in rear-wheel drive with the 8-foot cargo box, and you’ll need to choose the lower of the two axle ratios. Even with the gasoline Ram 2500, which uses a 6.4-liter V-8 engine, you’ll get 17,540 pounds of maximum towing to start, rising slightly depending on your choice of build.

The latest Ram 2500 offers a choice between a diesel engine with 410 horsepower and 850 lb-ft of torque or the gasoline version with 370 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque. While both engines offer fantastic power levels, it’s the Cummins turbo diesel I-6 and its humongous torque rating that lift the towing capacity to a potential 20,000 pounds.

2022 Ram 2500 Weight Ratings and Performance Numbers

The latest Ram 2500 ranges from 17,540 to 20,000 pounds of maximum towing, but there are other measurements to note regarding carrying weight and towing. These values are important for safer heavy-duty work, general driving, and the vehicle’s health. Some examples are:

Payload Capacity

Payload capacity is how much weight a truck can carry inside it, including the weight of any passengers. If you are towing while also carrying gear in the cabin or cargo bed, all this weight counts toward the payload. The maximum payload capacity of the Ram 2500 is higher for the gasoline V-8, offering a 4,010-pound capacity compared with 3,160 pounds for the turbo diesel.

Curb Weight

Also called “gross vehicle weight rating” or “GVWR,” this is the total weight of an empty vehicle using standard equipment with no upgrades. It also includes the weight of a full tank of fuel and proper engine fluid levels but excludes the weight of any passengers. The Ram 2500’s curb weight is 10,000 pounds on any trim level and cab style, excluding the Power Wagon at 8,565 pounds.

Gross Combined Weight Rating

The gross combined weight rating (GCWR) is the maximum weight a vehicle can carry, factoring in full use of the cargo bed, passengers, and a fully loaded trailer if applicable. You should never exceed this number while driving the vehicle or even when parked with the engine off. Your combined curb, payload, and trailer weights should always add up to less than your vehicle’s GCWR. The 2022 Ram 2500 has a GCWR of 22,000 pounds, with the one exception being the Power Wagon’s 18,000-pound rating.

Axle Ratio

Axle ratio refers to the proportion of the axle shaft revolutions per minute (rpm) to the driveshaft rpm. A higher ratio usually leads to better highway driving and middle-speed acceleration, while lower ratios help draw out every bit of engine power. The 2022 Ram 2500 comes with either a 4.1 or 3.73 axle ratio. Ram 2500 models with the highest towing capacity of 20,000 pounds require the lower 3.72 axle ratio, as well as the 4×2 drivetrain, the diesel engine, and the 8-foot cargo box.

Which Ram 2500 Should I Choose?

The gasoline versions of this Ram truck start at 17,540 pounds of towing capacity, while the diesel model offers 20,000 pounds or close to it, depending on your configuration. The gasoline engine has best-in-class horsepower and starts at a lower price, while the turbo diesel maximizes the tow rating.

On either engine, the latest Ram 2500 has enough strength to pull some of the largest towable objects and perform impressive combinations of towing and hauling. Under proper weight limits and safe driving procedures, you can pull a heavier recreational boat, horse trailers, and larger campers. The RAM 2500’s towing capacity makes it a useful companion on all your adventures. There’s little this truck couldn’t pull, from flatbeds, utility trailers, dump trailers, and pontoon boats to multiple ATVs, motorcycles, and jet skis.

Ram 2500 Towing Feature Highlights

This truck has additional capabilities and handy features that make any towing and trailer hookup easier than ever. Here are just a few examples of recent Ram truck features that directly help with towing or let you make further use of the RAM 2500.

  • Dynamic Centerline Display with Hook-Up Assist: This feature shows guides on the backup camera trailer view mode to make hooking up your trailer easier than ever.
  • Bed Lowering Mode: This is one of the functions of the auto-leveling rear air suspension. With a touch on your smartphone or the infotainment screen, your Ram 2500 can lower the truck bed by up to 3 inches. This is a useful feature if your trailer is slightly lower than the height of your hitch ball, ensuring it can be easily and properly installed.
  • 360-degree Surround View Camera with Trailer Reverse Guidance: If equipped, this Ram truck safety feature will show you the vehicle’s surroundings on all sides, including the roof. When entering reverse, you can turn on the guides to help direct your path and back up toward a trailer connection. The camera can also zoom in with one touch on the screen.

Get a Ram 2500 at Backman CDJR

To review, the Ram 2500 gets up to 20,000 pounds of towing capacity and has a starting gasoline towing capacity of 17,540 pounds. When you factor in the high range between both powertrains and the handy towing and hauling features, the latest Ram 2500 is sure to hold up to every challenge. Get the best prices, discounts, and benefits on your next Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, or Ram vehicle at Bachman CDJR in Louisville, Kentucky.