The standard 3.6L Pentastar® V6 with eTorque serves as the reliable base engine, offering up to 7,730 lbs of towing power. Moving up to the legendary 5.7L HEMI® V8 (Standard) increases tow limits up to 11,610 lbs. The 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 delivers massive low-end torque for a 12,560-lb rating, while the top-spec 5.7L HEMI® V8 with eTorque pushes capability to the class-topping 12,750-lb ceiling. Finally, the extreme 6.2L Supercharged HEMI® V8 in the Ram TRX focuses on 702 horsepower rather than maximum trailering, topping out at 8,100 lbs.

The standard 5.7L HEMI V8 relies purely on traditional combustion, generating 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque for a respectable maximum towing rating of 11,610 pounds.

Adding the eTorque Mild Hybrid System replaces the conventional alternator with a 48-volt belt-driven motor generator connected to a 430 watt-hour lithium-ion battery pack. While official horsepower and torque peaks remain 395 hp and 410 lb-ft, eTorque provides up to 130 lb-ft of supplemental launch torque directly to the crankshaft during initial acceleration. This immediate low-end power, combined with refined engine management, increases maximum trailer weight by 1,140 pounds, reaching the 12,750-lb mark.

Planning to buy a pre-owned truck? Check out our Used Vehicle Listings and contact our team for current financing information.

1. Cab & Bed Configuration: Quad Cab models weigh less than spacious Crew Cabs, reserving more Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) for trailer capacity. The 6’4″ bed Quad Cab 4×2 represents the lightest body configuration with maximum tow rating.

2. Drivetrain (4×2 vs. 4×4): Four-wheel-drive transfer cases, front differentials, and driveshafts add approximately 200–300 pounds of curb weight. As a result, 4×4 models typically cap out around 11,240–11,540 lbs maximum tow weight.

3. Trim Level Weight: Premium trims like the Limited or Longhorn feature luxury leather, power running boards, and panoramic sunroofs that reduce net payload capacity.

4. GCWR Limits: Your trailer weight plus vehicle curb weight, passengers, and cargo must never exceed the total Gross Combined Weight Rating limit.

Need genuine Ram towing accessories, brake controllers, or hitch maintenance? Schedule an inspection with our certified technicians at the Service Scheduler or order OEM components directly from our Parts Department.

However, experienced truck owners in Junction City and Manhattan know that paper numbers only tell part of the story. While Ford focuses on maximum tow ratings, Ram offers a different trailering experience thanks to its five-link coil-spring rear suspension and available Active-Level™ Four-Corner Air Suspension.

Instead of harsh, bouncy leaf springs found on competitive trucks, Ram’s air suspension automatically levels heavy trailer loads, reduces sway, lowers drag at highway speeds, and maintains refined ride comfort even when hauling heavy equipment across the Flint Hills.

Thinking about trading in your current truck or SUV for a pre-owned or new Ram 1500? Get an instant market estimate using our online Trade In Evaluation tool, then explore our latest New Vehicle Listings to find your next pickup.

Most routine Ram 1500 maintenance items take under an hour in our Express Lane, while complex diagnostic or brake repairs are handled promptly with genuine OEM Mopar parts.