If you own a diesel-powered Ram, chances are you’re towing something—whether it’s a camper, a car hauler, or a trailer loaded with heavy equipment. But knowing what your truck can handle and how to maximize towing performance is key.

Ram trucks, especially diesel models, are built to haul. But Ram towing capacity isn’t just a single number—it depends on engine choice, axle ratio, hitch type, and suspension setup. And if you’re looking to squeeze out more towing capability, the right upgrades can make all the difference.

In this guide, we’ll break down Ram towing capacity by diesel model, the best mods for improved towing performance, and expert tips to help you tow smarter and safer.

Ram Towing Capacity: How Much Can Your Diesel Ram Tow?

Not all Ram trucks tow the same. If you’re running a Ram 1500 EcoDiesel, you’re looking at solid fuel economy with a respectable tow rating. If you’re rolling in a Ram 2500 or 3500 Cummins, you’ve got serious hauling power—especially if you go with the High-Output (HO) Cummins.

But max towing ratings aren’t just about horsepower. Axle ratios, frame construction, and transmission gearing all play a role.

Here’s a quick breakdown of factory towing capacities:

• Ram 1500 EcoDiesel – Max towing up to 12,560 lbs (Best for boats, campers, and small trailers)
• Ram 2500 Cummins – Max towing up to 19,990 lbs (Great for heavy trailers and RVs)
• Ram 3500 Cummins (HO version) – Max towing up to 37,090 lbs (The ultimate hauler for fifth-wheel and gooseneck towing)
• Ram 4500 & 5500 – Max towing over 35,000 lbs (Commercial-grade towing and hotshot trucking)

If you want to pull heavier loads without overworking your truck, mods like upgraded suspension, cooling systems, and hitches can make all the difference. We’ll dive into those later, but first—let’s break down each model’s towing performance and limitations in more detail.

Ram 1500 Towing Capacity – What the EcoDiesel Can Handle

The Ram 1500 EcoDiesel is a solid choice for light-duty towing with impressive fuel efficiency. While it doesn’t have the brute strength of a Cummins-powered 2500 or 3500, it’s still a capable hauler when properly configured.

Ram 1500 Diesel Towing Specs

• Engine: 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 (260 hp, 480 lb-ft torque)
• Max Towing Capacity: Up to 12,560 lbs (properly equipped)
• Max Payload: ~2,000 lbs
• Best For: Boats, campers, and smaller trailers

If fuel economy matters but you still need to tow, the EcoDiesel is a good middle ground. It won’t compete with a Cummins on heavy loads, but if your hauls stay under 12,500 lbs, it’ll get the job done while keeping MPG high.

How to Tow More with a Ram 1500 EcoDiesel

Want to push your EcoDiesel to its max towing capacity? Here’s where the right upgrades come in:

• Airbags or helper springs – Reduce rear sag and improve stability.
• Weight distribution hitch – Helps balance the load and prevent sway.
• Transmission cooler upgrade – Keeps temps in check under heavy loads.
• Performance tuner – A mild tune can improve torque output for towing.

Check out Ram EcoDiesel parts to optimize your truck for hauling.

Ram 2500 Towing Capacity – The Cummins Workhorse

If you need serious towing power without stepping up to a dually, the Ram 2500 with a 6.7L Cummins is one of the best options out there. With high torque output, better payload, and a reinforced frame, this truck can handle larger trailers, RVs, and equipment haulers with confidence.

The Ram 2500 is built to tow—and when properly equipped, its 6.7L Cummins drivetrain allows for a maximum tow rating of 19,680 lbs, according to Out Motorsports.

Ram 2500 Diesel Towing Specs

• Engine: 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel (370 hp, 850 lb-ft torque)
• Max Towing Capacity: Up to 19,990 lbs (properly equipped)
• Max Payload: ~3,150 lbs
• Best For: Heavy trailers, toy haulers, and work applications

Ram continues to refine Cummins-powered towing performance, making each new model year stronger and more durable under load. The 2025 Ram 2500’s 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel delivers even stronger towing performance thanks to a redesigned cast iron block and a bolt-on intake manifold, ensuring long-term durability under heavy loads (Diesel Power Products).

One of the Ram 2500’s biggest advantages is its available rear coil spring suspension, which provides a smoother ride under load compared to traditional leaf springs. While primarily designed for better ride quality under load, it also offers impressive off-road agility—something we proved firsthand in Project Howitzer at Diesel Power Products.

How to Tow More with a Ram 2500

Even though the Cummins-powered 2500 is a towing beast, proper upgrades can help push it further while improving stability, braking, and power delivery.

• Upgrade your suspension – Airbags or heavy-duty leaf or coil springs (depending on model year) prevent rear sag.
• Install a better exhaust brake – Helps control downhill speeds under heavy loads. The 6.7L Cummins has an integrated factory exhaust brake, which there are several methods of improving its performance. For those 5.9L trucks without a factory exhaust brake, upgrading with one can make a huge positive impact on your towing experience
• Use a performance tuner – More low-end torque for improved towing.
• Reinforce your transmission – A torque converter upgrade improves power delivery.

Check out more Cummins performance upgrades to push your Ram 2500’s towing capacity to the max.

Ram 3500 Towing Capacity – The Max Tow Rig

If you need even more towing capacity than the Ram 2500, the Ram 3500 steps it up with an available High-Output (HO) Cummins and reinforced suspension for handling massive loads.

The Ram 3500’s heavy-duty construction is what allows it to handle massive payloads and fifth-wheel trailers. Its frame is engineered for the job, built with 98.5% high-strength steel, six crossmembers, hydroformed main rails, and fully boxed rear rails— Off-Road.com calls it ‘up to the task’ of towing up to 35,100 lbs.

Ram 3500 Diesel Towing Specs

• Standard Cummins: 370 hp, 850 lb-ft torque, 22,660 lbs max towing
• High-Output (HO) Cummins: 420 hp, 1,075 lb-ft torque, up to 37,090 lbs max towing (dually required for max rating)
• Best For: Fifth-wheel, gooseneck, and commercial towing

If you’re towing a 35,000+ lb fifth-wheel, the Ram 3500 HO Cummins dually is the only way to go. The extra torque, reinforced frame, and upgraded transmission components help keep this truck stable and reliable under extreme towing loads.

Best Upgrades to Increase Ram 3500 Towing Capacity

• Fifth-wheel or gooseneck hitch – Maximize towing stability and weight capacity.
• Upgraded torque converter – Transfers power more efficiently for heavy loads.
• High-flow lift pumps – Improve fuel delivery to handle the extra strain of towing.
• Heavy-duty transmission cooler – Prevents overheating when pulling extreme loads.

More Dodge Ram Towing Capacity Specs: 4500 and 5500 Models

If you’re hauling serious weight—we’re talking commercial loads, heavy equipment, or oversized trailers—the Ram 4500 and 5500 are built for the job. Unlike the Ram 3500, these trucks skip the pickup bed in favor of a reinforced chassis designed for flatbeds, service bodies, and tow rigs.

These models aren’t about daily driving comfort—they’re about getting the job done. You’ll see them on hotshot routes, utility fleets, and commercial towing yards because they prioritize max towing and payload over everything else.

Ram 4500 & 5500 Diesel Towing Specs

• Ram 4500 Cummins (6.7L Turbo Diesel):
  • Max towing: Up to 35,220 lbs (gooseneck hitch setup)
  • GVWR: 16,500 – 19,500 lbs (varies by configuration)
  • Best for: Hotshot trucking, flatbed towing, and heavy equipment transport
• Ram 5500 Cummins (6.7L Turbo Diesel):
  • Max towing: Over 35,000 lbs, depending on upfit.
  • GVWR: 18,000 – 19,500 lbs.
  • Best for: Commercial tow rigs, utility fleets, and high-GVWR setups.

These trucks don’t have standard bed options—they come as chassis cabs, allowing businesses to install custom beds, heavy-duty hitches, and work-ready configurations.

Best Upgrades for Ram 4500/5500 Towing Performance

Even though these trucks are built for heavy-duty work, the right mods can make them even more reliable under max loads:

• Heavy-duty air suspension systems – Improve load leveling and ride quality under extreme weight.
• Upgraded torque converter & transmission tuning – Keep shifting smooth under full load, reducing transmission wear.
• High-flow fuel systems – Provide consistent power delivery for long-haul towing.
• Commercial-grade cooling systems – Keep EGTs and transmission temps in check when hauling for hours on end.

How to Increase Towing Capacity on a Ram Diesel Truck

Want to push your Ram’s towing limits without compromising safety or reliability? Whether you’re hauling at max capacity or just want more stability and control, the right upgrades make all the difference.

1.) Reinforce Your Suspension

Your suspension takes the brunt of heavy towing, and stock setups only go so far. Upgrades like:

• Airbags or helper springs – Prevent rear sag and improve weight distribution.
• Heavy-duty shocks (Bilstein, Fox, King) – Reduce trailer bounce and improve control.
• Upgraded leaf springs or coilovers – Provide better stability under extreme loads.

2.) Upgrade Your Transmission & Cooling

Heat is the biggest killer of automatic transmissions under load. A few key upgrades can prevent overheating and premature wear:

• Performance transmission coolers (Mishimoto, BD Diesel) – Keep temps down on long pulls.
• Heavy-duty torque converters – Reduce slippage and improve power transfer.
• Valve body and shift kit upgrades – Improve firmness and longevity of shifts.

3.) Install the Right Hitch Setup

Your hitch setup is just as important as your truck’s towing capacity.

• Gooseneck & fifth-wheel hitches – Allow for higher towing capacity and better weight distribution.
• Weight distribution hitches – Help balance the load on conventional trailer setups.
• Adjustable drop hitches – Ensure the trailer sits level, reducing sway and instability.

4.) Tune Your Diesel for More Power & Torque

Stock tuning limits performance for emissions compliance, but safe tuning solutions can unlock towing power without compromising reliability.

• Edge, SCT, Bully Dog, Smarty, or EFI Live tuners – Optimize power delivery for towing.
• High-flow intakes (S&B, AFE, Banks) – Improve airflow for better throttle response.
• Emissions-compliant exhaust upgrades – Reduce backpressure and improve efficiency.

5.) Monitor Temps & Towing Data

Towing heavy? You need to know your truck’s vitals:

• EGT gauges – Monitor exhaust gas temps to prevent turbo damage.
• Transmission temp gauges – Keep an eye on heat buildup under load.
• Boost & fuel pressure gauges – Ensure your turbo and fuel system are running efficiently.

Common Ram Towing Mistakes to Avoid

Even the most capable Ram diesel can’t compensate for bad towing habits. Get these wrong, and you could stress your drivetrain, overheat your transmission, or end up in a dangerous situation.

Here are some of the biggest towing mistakes diesel truck owners make—and how to avoid them.

1.) Overloading Your Truck

Every truck has a max towing capacity and payload rating for a reason. Exceeding those limits stresses your drivetrain, suspension, and brakes, leading to costly repairs (or worse, an accident).

• Know your Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) before you tow.
• Don’t just rely on “it feels fine”—check axle weights and tongue weight to prevent overload.

2.) Ignoring Payload Capacity

Towing capacity gets all the attention, but payload is just as important. If your payload rating is too low, your truck won’t sit level, even if the engine can handle the weight.

• Upgrade your suspension with airbags or heavy-duty leaf springs if you’re near max payload.
• Use a weight distribution hitch to balance load weight properly.

3.) Using the Wrong Hitch Setup

A cheap or improperly rated hitch is a disaster waiting to happen. If you’re hauling over 12,000 lbs, a basic receiver hitch isn’t going to cut it.

• Gooseneck or fifth-wheel hitches are a must for heavy trailers.
• Adjustable drop hitches help ensure a level trailer to reduce sway.
• Check your hitch’s weight rating—never assume it’s “strong enough.”

4.) Not Monitoring Transmission Temps

Towing generates heat—especially in automatics—and heat kills transmissions. If your transmission temps creep over 220°F regularly, you’re asking for trouble.

• Install a transmission cooler to prevent overheating.
• Use a trans temp gauge—if you’re in the red, you need to back off.
• Consider a heavy-duty torque converter if you tow frequently.

5.) Running Stock Tires Under Load

Not all tires are built for towing. Stock all-season tires aren’t designed for heavy loads, and using them while hauling at max capacity can lead to blowouts, poor braking, and trailer instability.

• Upgrade to Load Range E (or higher) tires for heavy-duty towing.
• Check tire pressures before every trip—underinflation causes overheating.
• Consider all-terrain tires for off-road towing stability.

Maximize Your Ram Towing Capacity with Diesel Power Products!

Whether you’re hauling a weekend camper or pulling 35,000+ lbs for work, having the right setup makes all the difference. Ram’s diesel lineup is built for towing, but smart upgrades can make your truck stronger, safer, and more reliable.

• Need better stability? – Upgrade your suspension & hitch setup.
• Want to protect your transmission? – Install a cooler & better torque converter.
• Looking for more power under load? – Try a tuner, intake, or fuel upgrade.

For the best towing performance parts for Ram 1500 EcoDiesel, 2500, 3500, and 4500/5500 models, check out Diesel Power Products—we’ve got the parts and expertise to keep your truck hauling for the long haul.

IMPORTANT FOOTNOTE: You should never exceed the manufacturer stated maximum weight ratings. The recommendations mentioned in this article are designed to improve the driving characteristics of your vehicle when towing or hauling up to the maximum stated amount.