When it comes to power, performance, and reliability, Ram trucks have built a reputation as some of the best workhorses on the road. Whether you are pulling a boat for a weekend getaway, hauling equipment for a job site, or towing a camper for family adventures, the Ram 1500 and Ram 2500 deliver exceptional towing capabilities. Safe towing is not just about hooking up a trailer. It requires knowing your truck’s limits, understanding towing ratings, and setting up properly.
This Ram Truck Towing Guide will walk you through everything you need to know before you hitch up. You will learn about towing capacity, payload, weight distribution, and trailer brake setups so you can tow with confidence.
Why Towing Knowledge Matters
Towing puts extra strain on your truck, tires, brakes, and transmission. Misjudging your trailer’s weight or skipping safety checks can lead to serious problems, including poor handling, brake failure, or even accidents. With Ram offering trucks designed for both light-duty and heavy-duty jobs, the key is to match the right truck to the right load and follow proper towing practices.
Ram 1500 vs. Ram 2500: Choosing the Right Truck
Before diving into towing numbers, it is important to understand the difference between the Ram 1500 (light-duty) and the Ram 2500 (heavy-duty).
Ram 1500 Towing
- Maximum towing capacity: up to 12,750 lbs (with the 5.7L HEMI® V8 eTorque engine)
- Best for: small to mid-size travel trailers, boats, ATVs, landscaping trailers, and light construction loads
- Daily usability: comfortable ride for commuting and family use, while still capable of handling weekend adventures
Ram 2500 Towing
- Maximum towing capacity: up to 20,000 lbs (with the 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel engine)
- Best for: large campers, horse trailers, heavy equipment, and commercial-grade loads.
- Heavy-duty advantage: reinforced frame, stronger suspension, and larger brakes designed for demanding towing tasks.
Takeaway: If you tow occasionally and need versatility, the Ram 1500 is a strong choice. If you frequently pull heavy trailers or haul for work, the Ram 2500 is the better fit.
Key Towing Terms Every Ram Owner Should Know
Before you hitch up, familiarize yourself with these critical terms:
- GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating): The maximum weight your truck can safely carry, including passengers, cargo, and tongue weight from a trailer.
- GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating): The maximum combined weight of your truck and trailer.
- Payload Capacity: How much weight your truck can carry in its bed and cabin.
- Tongue Weight: The downward force the trailer exerts on the hitch, usually 10 to 15 percent of trailer weight.
- Curb Weight: The weight of your truck without passengers, cargo, or trailer.
Always check the towing chart in your Ram owner’s manual for accurate numbers. These vary based on engine, drivetrain, axle ratio, and trim level.
Expert Tips for Safe Towing with a Ram Truck
1. Know Your Numbers
Weigh your trailer when loaded at a certified scale to ensure it falls within your truck’s limits. Never guess. Exceeding your Ram’s towing rating can damage the truck and may void warranties.
2. Use the Right Hitch Setup
- Class III or IV hitches are typically needed for the Ram 1500 towing
- Weight-distributing hitches are recommended for heavier loads to improve stability and reduce sag
- Gooseneck or 5th-wheel hitches are ideal for Ram 2500 heavy-duty towing
3. Set Up Trailer Brakes
- Federal law requires trailer brakes for loads over 3,000 lbs in most states
- The Ram 1500 and 2500 offer an integrated trailer brake controller that lets you fine-tune braking force from the dashboard
- Properly synced trailer brakes reduce stopping distance and prevent jackknifing
4. Balance the Load
- Load 60 percent of the weight in the front half of the trailer for stability
- Keep the trailer level to avoid sway
- Distribute weight evenly side to side to prevent drifting
5. Check Tires and Suspension
- Inflate truck and trailer tires to the recommended PSI
- Consider heavy-duty suspension upgrades or air suspension, available on Ram trucks, for smoother towing
6. Drive Smart
- Accelerate gradually and leave extra space for braking
- Use Tow/Haul Mode on your Ram, which adjusts transmission shift points for better power delivery
- Avoid sudden lane changes since high winds and uneven loads can increase sway risk
Ram Truck Towing Features You Will Appreciate
Ram trucks are built with towing in mind, offering driver-assist technology and convenience features that make hauling safer and easier.
- Trailer Sway Control: Automatically applies brakes and reduces engine power if sway is detected
- Blind-Spot Monitoring with Trailer Coverage: Expands blind-spot detection to include the length of the trailer
- Reverse Guidance and Camera Systems: Simplify lining up your hitch
- Air Suspension (Ram 1500): Levels the truck for better control when towing
- Powerful Diesel Options (Ram 2500): Provide massive torque for uphill climbs and heavy loads
Common Towing Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring weight ratings. Just because your Ram can tow does not mean it should tow more than it is rated for.
- Skipping safety chains. Always cross safety chains under the hitch for extra security.
- Not checking lights. Trailer brake lights, signals, and running lights must be functional.
- Forgetting about stopping power. More weight means longer stopping distance, so plan accordingly.
- Improper tongue weight. Too little or too much tongue weight causes sway or overloads the hitch.
Towing Checklist Before You Hit the Road
- Verify hitch type and weight rating
- Connect safety chains correctly
- Test trailer brakes and lights
- Check tire pressure on both the truck and the trailer
- Secure all cargo inside the trailer
- Adjust mirrors for visibility
- Activate Tow/Haul mode
Ram 1500 vs. Ram 2500: Which Is Right for You?
If you are still deciding between the Ram 1500 and 2500 for towing, here is a quick comparison:
| Feature | Ram 1500 | Ram 2500 |
| Max Towing Capacity | 12,750 lbs | 20,000 lbs |
| Best For | Weekend towing, light trailers, boats, campers | Heavy-duty loads, horse trailers, and commercial use |
| Ride Comfort | Smoother, family-friendly | More rugged, work-focused |
| Engines | Gas V6, V8, mild hybrid options | Gas V8, Turbo Diesel |
| Hitch Options | Bumper pull, weight distribution | 5th-wheel, gooseneck, bumper pull |
Final Thoughts
Towing with a Ram 1500 or 2500 opens the door to new adventures and work capabilities. Before you hitch up, it is essential to understand your truck’s ratings, prepare your trailer properly, and use the right equipment. By following expert towing practices, you will not only protect your Ram truck but also ensure a safe and stress-free towing experience.
Whether you are pulling a boat for a weekend at the lake or hauling heavy-duty equipment for work, Ram trucks from Wilson Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram are engineered to handle the job with confidence. Take the time to set up correctly, and your Ram will be ready to tow safely for years to come.
FAQs
1. What is the maximum towing capacity of a Ram 1500?
The Ram 1500 can tow up to 12,750 pounds when properly equipped with the 5.7L HEMI® V8 eTorque engine. The exact capacity depends on engine choice, axle ratio, drivetrain, and trim level.
2. How much can a Ram 2500 tow with the Cummins® diesel engine?
The Ram 2500 with the 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel engine can tow up to 20,000 pounds when properly equipped. This makes it a strong choice for heavy-duty trailers, horse trailers, and commercial equipment.
3. Do I need a special hitch for towing with a Ram truck?
For light and medium trailers, a Class III or Class IV hitch is usually sufficient. Heavier trailers may require a weight-distributing hitch, while the Ram 2500 is commonly paired with 5th-wheel or gooseneck hitches for maximum stability.
4. Does my trailer need its own brakes when towing with a Ram?
Yes, most states require trailers over 3,000 pounds to have their own braking system. Ram trucks offer an integrated trailer brake controller that lets you adjust trailer braking force directly from the cab.
5. How can I prevent trailer sway when towing with my Ram?
To reduce sway, make sure the load is balanced with 60 percent in the front half of the trailer, keep tongue weight within 10–15 percent of total trailer weight, and use a weight-distributing hitch if needed. Ram trucks also include Trailer Sway Control technology to improve safety.
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Ram Truck Towing Guide | Safe Towing Tips with Ram 1500 & 2500 | Wilson CDJR
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Learn how to tow safely with your Ram 1500 or Ram 2500. Explore towing capacities, trailer brake setups, hitch options, and expert tips from Wilson Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram to ensure a smooth and secure towing experience.
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