The Dodge Ram 2500 is an excellent option because its towing capacity is 17,540 pounds, or almost 8,000 kg. Isn’t that impressive?

The purpose of a tow truck is to save a car in distress, be it from an accident, a shortage of gasoline, or whatever might cause it to stop functioning.

Well, you’re in luck because today, we’ll prove the functionality of the Ram 2500, considering its towing capacity and other essential factors.

How Much is the Towing & Payload Capacity of 2022 Dodge Ram 2500?

The engine, box length, transmission, and axle ratio influence the RAM 2500’s weight capacity.

When comprehensively configured, it can haul 20,000 pounds. The towing capacity is operational and starts at around 9,500 pounds.

When discussing a vehicle’s towing capacity, we refer to how much weight it can comfortably carry.

Manufacturers can calculate the vehicle’s maximum towing capability by considering various elements, including the vehicle’s design and power.

The total weight of your vehicle’s freight and occupants is known as its payload. We have two engine options for a 2022 Ram 2500.

01) 6.4L Heavy Duty V8 HEMI® With MDS

Attributes	Values
Towing capacity	17540 lbs.
Payload	4010 lbs.
Manufacturer	Chrysler
Number of cylinders	8
Arrangement	V
Power (peak performance)	410 HP (for trucks)
Transmissions	Aisin 6-speed automatic/ 66RFE 6-speed/ G56 6-speed
Torque	475 lb.-ft

02) 6.7L I6 Cummins Turbo Diesel Engine

Attributes	Values
Towing capacity	20000 lbs.
Payload	3150 lbs.
Torque	1075 lb.-ft
Number of cylinders	6
Fuel configuration	Bosch HPCR
Power (peak performance)	420 HP
Transmissions	68RFE 6-speed automatic

A Quick Comparison of Previous Generation Dodge Ram 2500 Towing Capacity

The new EcoDiesel V-6 engine was featured on all 2020 Ram 1500 models, which wasn’t available for the 2019 trim levels.

Some new colors were there to woo the customers. The Night edition had two new models, namely Laramie and Big Horn.

The spec didn’t change much in the 2021 model, and the aesthetic was taken up a few levels via a Power Wagon flourishing.

The 2022 version, however, has an updated version of everything.

From tow-specific navigation (a big part of the modified user interface) to multi-use vast ranges of line-ups, everything in the 2022 models is fresh and modern.

Year	Engine Option Available	Towing Capacity(pounds)	Payload Capacity (pounds)
2022	6.4L Heavy Duty V8 HEMI®	17,540	4,010
6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 engine	20,000	3,160
2021	6.4L Heavy Duty V8 HEMI®	17,540	4,010
6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 engine	19,680	3,160
2020	6.4L Heavy Duty V8 HEMI®	17,540	4,010
6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 engine	19,680	3,160
2019	6.4L Heavy Duty V8 HEMI®	19,580	3,940
6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 engine	19,780	4,050

Range of Towing Features of Dodge Ram 2500

Towing features are nothing but the different aspects that work as a package to make the towing job more cohesive and convenient.

The Dodge Ram 2500 has some of the best towing features a manufacturer can offer.

Assimilation of grommets for the Fifth-Wheel Prep Package is incorporated into the functional back wheel rear subframe.

With the 2022 edition, the technological enhancements will amaze you and take you to the future.

Some of these include a 360-degree surround view camera with a guidance view, a dynamic centerline panel with necessary supports, bed adjusting modes, and a lot more.

01. The Engines

Regarding towing, the 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 engine delivers great agility and thrust force ratings without sacrificing performance.

Designed for the 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6, the six-speed automatic is a high-tech gearbox with digital management. It has a quick response time with minimum disturbance.

6.4L HEMI® V8 uses Variable-Cam Timing (VCT) and gives a horsepower of 410.

When mated with the engine, the 8HP75 eight-speed automatic transmission provides a degree of finesse not often found in heavy-duty vehicles.

The digital guide makes the towing job much more accessible, enabling you to navigate while operating.

02. Digital Tow-Mode Enabled Rearview Mirrors

With the Digital Rearview Mirror and Tow Mode, the driver can see clearly at the rear ends.

A gooseneck camera mounted on the bumper transmits real-time video footage into this Rearview Mirror.

03. Sway Bar

The front sway bar ensures the axle modulation is optimum for maximum heavy-duty performance. Mind you, this feature is only available for the Power Wagon.

04. Even Torque Distribution

The front and rear differentials can stop their action, ultimately resulting in an equal torque distribution in the system.

You can also see the trailer pressure values on your dashboard, which will help an experienced towing driver calculate the next step.

05. Monotube Shocks

Since trucks used for towing must carry and pass a lot of debris and other obstacles and sometimes might even have to face bumpy roads, the Bilstein gas-charged monotube shocks can achieve a smooth experience.

The manufacturer promises to absorb any level of shocks the Dodge Ram 2500 might face.

06. Advanced Air Suspension

Dodge Ram 2500 also offers an auto-level rear air suspension, which allows the bed to be lowered.

This feature makes the path easier for the to-be-towed goodies and ensures there isn’t too much tension on the truck’s wheels.

RAM 2500 Towing Capacity vs. the Competitors

Some of the notable competitors for the RAM 2500 will be the Toyota Tundra, Ford F-250, Nissan Titan, and Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD.

These are all heavy-duty towing trucks. If we compare the towing capacity and ranges between all these trucks, the hype about the Ram 2500 will be justified.

Name of trucks	Drivetrain configurations	Payload capacity(pounds)	Towing capacity(pounds)	Accumulated horsepower from the drivetrain
Dodge Ram 2500	6.4L gas engine	4,010	17,540	410
6.7L turbo-diesel engine	3,160	20,000	370
Toyota Tundra	i-Force Twin Turbo V6 engine	1,885	12,000	389
Nissan Titan	5.6L V8, paired with 9-speed auto-transmission	2,390	9310	400
Ford F-250	7.3L gas V8	4,260	19,300	430
6.2L gas V8, 6-speed auto-transmission	4,260	15,000	385
6.7L diesel turbocharged V8	4,260	20,000	475
Chevrolet Silverado 200HD	6.6L turbo diesel V8	3,715	18,500	445
6.6L gas V8	3,979	14,500	401

Ram 2500 offers the best numbers compared to the competitors in payload capacity.

Although Ford and Chevy are pretty close competitors- there are ways to increase the towing capacity of a Dodge Ram 2500, which will be discussed thoroughly in the next section.

How To Increase the Towing Capacity of Dodge Ram 2500?

The Dodge Ram 2500 towing capacity has various ways to maximize the numbers.

For example, one of the diesel engine users commented that he got the maximum towing capacity using a 4×2 drivetrain, an axle ratio of about 4.00, and an 8-foot box.

Here are some proper ways to try and get the best towing experience.

01. Get a Good Trailer Hitch

A trailer hitch is a wire-like connector that will allow the driver to make a bridge between the trailer and the tow motor.

A good hitch can increase the total gross trailer weight capacity. So you can add as much as necessary without buying new accessories.

But make sure that the hitch ensures weight distribution. Otherwise, it can put more pressure on the Dodge Ram 2500’s suspension instead of removing it.

A weight-distribution hitch also controls sway movements. Simply, it distributes the weight on the truck’s framework rather than just on the hitch-hooked place.

02. Wheels and Brakes

Upgrading a towing truck’s accessories should be calculative and strategic. Some might think that bigger wheels will make the work more accessible, which is wrong.

If you remove the recommended wheel sizes and install the bigger ones, the Ram 2500’s towing capacity and power will decrease.

With time, brake pads get decayed and don’t perform as well as when the truck was bought.

Instead, see if there is any scope for changing the internal strategies, like the brake pads. An instant performance change will be observed with new, standard pairs.

Make sure you do the same thing for the rotors as well. For best results, use a trailer braking system- which works almost like a shock absorber.

With a truck big like this, as soon as you hit that brake, the vehicle will automatically go a few more trails forward, according to simple physics.

But with the trailer braking system, you can stop at the exact spot you want to.

Related Brake Pads: How to Change Brake Pads on Dodge Ram 2500?

03. Get Help From The Digital

That means using a vehicle programmer. Just be clever when selecting the settings for towing heavier loads.

That way, you won’t have to adjust to other factors like torque or the overall payload capacity.

04. Update Some Accessories

Consider upgrading the suspension when the hitch doesn’t go as planned. Replace with firm, heavy-duty items.

Even though the Dodge Ram 2500 uses air suspension (the best option for the case suggested), that can weary over time. The thing with air suspension is they use air chambers to receive shocks)

Heat dissipation is another big concern, as more heat generation means less engine efficiency, resulting in lower towing performance.

A big, reliable radiator will ensure frequent and convenient heat dissipation and replace engine liquids like oil and transmission drivers.

If these tips don’t help, you might want to examine your exhaust system, axles, and intake.

05. Know How and What To Tow

Overconfidence while towing more oversized loads might sometimes ruin the Ram 2500’s overall performance. So, you need to know how much you can drag.

A great tip is always to maintain a higher ratio of the truck’s maximum towing capacity to the payload capacity.

For example, the Hemi engine in your Ram 2500 can tow camper vans weighing almost 8,000 pounds.

A diesel engine can easily carry a trailer weighing 15,000 pounds. It’s better not to take the risk and cross-check the numbers.

Towing Accessories That Can Be Added To Ram 2500 For Improving Performance

It will be an extensive list, but don’t worry! You don’t need all of them. For this section, we need you to understand each accessory’s purpose and then rush to the store.

01. Backup Camera and Alarm(downward-facing cams included)

These two assure continued operation when your truck’s mirrors can’t provide enough visibility.

These cameras make correcting the spacing between your vehicle and the trailer possible.

02. Tying Loads

Trailer couplers, trailer brakes, and safety chains are recommended for every towing vehicle so goods remain undamaged.

Ratchet straps can be handy for loading and unloading heavy cargo. In some states, lights and reflectors might be necessary to ensure safety in dark areas.

03. Safety Chains

It is suggested that it be used properly for every towing occurrence. Without appropriate measurements and carefulness, the chains might get acquainted with the road and create short sparks.

Tangling of chains and original system harnesses is also a potential risk. However, chains will effectively deter the detachment if the hitch on your tow vehicle becomes disengaged.

04. Trailer Hitch

A trailer hitch is needed to engage the trailer. It is installed beneath the vehicle’s trunk and features a receiver, where the ball mount connects.

Different classes of hitches depend on the weight capacity and size. For instance, class 4 hitches have receivers of 2″ and can easily take 8,000 pounds. Class 4 can handle 10,000 pounds.

The Ram 2500 has a larger towing capacity, so why don’t you use a Class 5 hitch? It has two modifications.

The heavy-duty (Xtra) can carry 17,000 pounds, and another for commercial duty can tow 20,000 pounds. The first one contains 2′ receivers, while the latter has 2.5′.

Adding a weight-distribution system can make the towing part get done more effectively.

05. Hitching Wires

This depends on your state’s laws and vehicle; however, you’ll need this harnessing to attach the vehicle’s lighting and the trail.

The harness will collect power generation ability from the lights and the brakes.

Even though customized options are available where only a T-connector is needed to draw power, the conventional or universal way is to connect the Ram 2500 with an adapter or a flat connector.

06. Ball Mounts

Ball mounts come in straight or up/down assemblies. You must understand which type to keep the trailer’s height from the ground intact.

Adjustable ball mounts are also available, which are more convenient. The up/down (or, some say, drop/rise) option is available up to 12′.

These ball mounts give the bed or frame a rigid mounting location so everything stays in place.

Made up of a shaft and a spherical structure, the combo works hand in hand.

The shaft is inserted into the receiver with a supporting pin, while the sphere (ball) ensures the mount is robust.

07. Attaching Appliances

Pins and locks may seem like a moot discussion, but they are just as important as any other more significant parts because they are the equipment that keeps everything in place.

For example, hitching pins keep those ball mounts working seamlessly, whereas the pin locks ensure that the pin is locked in one place.

Another overlooked purpose of these is to be safe from theft. You can also use coupler locks to establish a feeling of security.

08. Plates and Bars

Tow bars can be more securely attached to the trail and towed with the assistance of baseplates.

Baseplates are affixed to the truck’s frame where the core, for example, could potentially receive maximum pressure.

Tow bars are supported by baseplates, and the trail is drawn from behind the Dodge Ram 2500.

Two types of configurations are possible: the vehicle-mounted and the motor-home-mounted.

09. Sway Control

With heavy loads to carry and even heavier than the size of a Dodge Ram 2500, the swaying problem is universal.

Unfavorable truck movement, almost like a shimmy or even an imbalance of weight distribution, can cause an accident.

Yes, weight distribution hitches help, but do you know what will be more helpful? Antisway bars.

These bars connect themselves to the undercarriage framework and give supplementary support.

10. Brake Controllers

The impelling energy accumulated in the vehicle for quite some time will always push it forward, even if you hit the brake pads.

Brake controllers are necessary to control that. You might find these in the stores as ‘inertia brakes,’ a subtly modified version. Brake controllers are affixed to a place near the driver.

When you hit the brakes in your tow vehicle for a lengthy period, the time-based controller applies considerable force to them.

Manual adjustment is required, and a gain lever is the tool of choice.

Unlike the first one, the inertia-based one is electrical, uses an accelerometer to apply more force to the brakes, and is proportional to the speed of the downshift.

Based on what your Dodge Ram 2500 can offer, we will ask you to look at these accessories and understand what your Ram 2500 needs.

Tips For Dodge RAM 2500 Diesel Towing Capacity

Here are some short, quick, and practical tips to make the towing work more straightforward and not make you sweat!

# Don’t overload the Ram 2500; check the payload and towing capacity. Ensure you have applied the thumb rule of the limits you can’t exceed.

# Check each of the towing accessories if you have any. Check the fluids of your engine. Make sure all the tools are greased enough. Don’t forget the harnesses.

# Since you will be carrying loads with a truck, don’t make any haste while driving.

Make your turns spread spaciously. Be extra cautious while going in reverse, and always go for turns with wide radiuses.

# There will be frequent transmission shifts while towing, so turn the TOW MODE on.

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Sharing these last pieces of information for a more precise insight!

What Are The Odds of Over-Loading?

Well, there is a reason there is a maximum towing capacity for all vehicles. It will put extra pressure on your engine, directly affecting the transmission shifts.

The framework might even be decayed if this continues for a long time.

Does Higher Horsepower Mean Higher Towing Capacity?

Not necessarily, as many factors influence the degree of towing; if so, torque should be considered. The higher the torque, the better.

Because torque determines the low-end rpm, the engine can easily carry heavier loads.

How Do I Calculate How Much My Ram 2500 Can Tow?

Do a simple subtraction. Before that, you should know that GCVWR (gross combined vehicle weight rating) is the weight your truck can achieve while loaded, along with the trailer weight.

You have to subtract the truck’s bare weight from the GCVWR.

Are GCVWR and GCVR The Same?

Nope. Simply put, GVWR is your truck’s weight capacity to reach its fullest without the trailer attached.

GCVWR is the combined value of the truck and trailer. It also includes the weight allowance of the trailer the truck can tow.

Final Words

Towing is a tough job, but the Dodge Ram 2500 offers some impressive readings, so it shouldn’t be a worry about how much you can tow; instead, that’s the last thing you should worry about.

What’s important is improving your towing job and getting it done effectively without mishaps. But we’re sure you’ll be able to tackle those objectives with the help of our content today.