Wondering how much your 2025 Ram 1500 can tow? This guide offers ten key insights into its towing capabilities, from engines to trims, perfect for hauling trailers or boats. Learn to maximize your truck’s potential while towing safely for work or adventure.

Safety Warning: Towing is hazardous. Never exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or tow beyond capacity to avoid damage or accidents.

1. Understand Ram 1500 Towing Capacity

The 2025 Ram 1500 tows between 7,730 and 11,580 pounds, depending on engine, trim, and configuration. Knowing your truck’s limit ensures safe towing for various loads.

Capacity varies by setup. Here’s what defines Ram 1500 towing.

• Max capacity is 11,580 lbs. Achieved with 3.0L Hurricane I6, Lone Star 4×2, and Trailer Tow Package.

• Base models tow less. Tradesman with 3.6L V6 tows 7,730–8,110 lbs, ideal for light trailers.

• Check prior models. 2019–2024 with 5.7L HEMI V8 towed up to 12,750 lbs.

• Verify with manual. Confirm your model’s capacity, costing $0, to avoid $500–$2,000 damage.

2. Explore Engine Options

The 2025 Ram 1500 offers three engines: a 3.6L V6 and two 3.0L Hurricane I6 variants. Each delivers distinct towing capacities, impacting trailer choices.

Engines drive towing power. Here’s how they affect capacity.

• 3.6L Pentastar V6 (305 hp). Tows up to 8,110 lbs, suited for jet skis or small trailers.

• 3.0L Hurricane I6 (420 hp). Reaches 11,580 lbs, ideal for boats or campers.

• High-Output 3.0L I6 (540 hp). Tows 9,920–10,740 lbs in RHO or Tungsten trims.

• Match engine to needs. Choose Hurricane for heavy loads, per manual specs.

3. Consider Trim and Configuration

Trim levels (Tradesman, Lone Star, Tungsten) and cab/bed configurations affect towing. Lone Star 4×2 with a Quad Cab maximizes towing capacity.

Trims impact limits. Here’s how configurations influence towing.

• Lone Star 4×2, Quad Cab. Tows 11,580 lbs with 3.0L Hurricane and tow package.

• Tungsten or RHO. Limited to 9,920 lbs due to luxury or off-road features.

• Crew Cab reduces capacity. Drops to 11,000 lbs with 5.7-ft bed, 4×4.

• Check your setup. Review trim details in the manual, costing $0, for accuracy.

4. Utilize Towing Packages

The Trailer Tow Group and HEMI Max Tow Package (pre-2025) boost towing with hitches and technology. The 2025 Trailer Tow Group is key for max capacity.

Packages enhance capability. Here’s how they support towing.

• Trailer Tow Group. Includes Class IV hitch, trailer brake controller, costing $500–$1,500.

• Adds sway control. Stabilizes trailers, standard in package, improving safety.

• Includes wiring. 7-pin/4-pin connector powers lights, costing $0–$50.

• Verify package. Confirm via dealer, taking 2–3 minutes, to maximize towing.

5. Account for Drivetrain Impact

Drivetrain (4×2 or 4×4) affects towing, with 4×2 models often towing more due to lower weight. This influences trailer choices for highway or off-road use.

Drivetrain matters for towing. Here’s its impact on capacity.

• 4×2 maximizes towing. Lone Star 4×2 tows 11,580 lbs with 3.0L Hurricane.

• 4×4 slightly lower. Drops to 11,000 lbs in Crew Cab, 4×4 setups.

• Balance traction. 4×4 adds stability but reduces capacity by 200–500 lbs.

• Confirm drivetrain. Check specs in the manual, costing $0, to match needs.

6. Factor in Payload and GVWR

Payload (up to 2,370 lbs) and Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) limit towing. Cargo in the bed reduces towing capacity to stay within safe limits.

Payload affects towing. Here’s how to manage it.

• Subtract payload. 1,000 lbs of cargo lowers towing by 1,000 lbs, per GCWR.

• Check GVWR. Typically 6,900–7,100 lbs; don’t exceed to avoid $500–$2,000 damage.

• Weigh loads. Use a scale ($5–$20) to stay within limits, ensuring safety.

• Distribute evenly. Balance cargo to maintain stability, costing $0 to adjust.

7. Evaluate Trailer Types

The Ram 1500 tows various trailers, from ATVs to midsize campers, depending on configuration. Matching trailers to capacity ensures safe towing.

Trailer choice is critical. Here’s what a Ram 1500 can tow.

• ATVs or jet skis (1,000–3,000 lbs). Handled by V6 models, ideal for recreation.

• Small campers (5,000–8,000 lbs). Suited for 3.6L V6 or Hurricane engines.

• Midsize boats (up to 11,000 lbs). Requires 3.0L Hurricane with tow package.

• Car haulers. Up to 11,580 lbs with proper setup, per specs.

8. Leverage Towing Technology

Ram 1500’s towing features, like Trailer Reverse Steering Control and air suspension, enhance safety and ease. These are standard or available on most trims.

Technology improves towing. Here’s how it helps.

• Trailer Reverse Steering. Knob controls trailer steering, easing backing up, costing $0 on equipped trims.

• Air suspension. Auto-levels load, standard on upper trims, preventing sag.

• Trailer brake controller. Manages trailer brakes, included in tow package.

• Check features. Confirm availability via Ram’s site, taking 2–3 minutes.

9. Comply with Legal Requirements

Towing regulations vary by state, covering weight, brakes, and lights. Compliance avoids fines and ensures safe towing with your Ram 1500.

Following laws protects you. Here’s how to stay compliant.

• Verify weight limits. Keep loads under 11,580 lbs to meet state rules, avoiding $100–$500 fines.

• Check brake laws. Trailers over 3,000 lbs may need brakes, per DOT regulations.

• Ensure light functionality. Working lights prevent $50–$200 fines, checked in 1–2 minutes.

• Carry registration. Ensure trailer registration is current, avoiding $50–$200 penalties.

10. Maintain the Truck for Towing

Regular maintenance ensures the Ram 1500 tows at maximum capacity. Neglecting upkeep can reduce performance or cause damage during towing.

Maintenance supports reliability. Here’s how to prepare the truck.

• Check cooling system. Ensure radiator and coolant are ready, costing $50–$150, to avoid overheating.

• Inspect brakes. Replace worn pads ($100–$300) to handle trailer weight safely.

• Monitor transmission fluid. Top off ($10–$30) to prevent $500–$2,000 repairs.

• Test performance. Drive briefly to confirm operation, costing $0, taking 5–10 minutes.

Conclusion

The 2025 Ram 1500 tows up to 11,580 pounds with these ten insights, from engine choice to maintenance. Tow safely within limits for any task. For professional towing needs, our 24-hour towing service in Dallas offers 24/7 support, ensuring your Ram 1500 and load are handled with care!