Review RAM 3500 towing capacity by year, trim, engine, and drivetrain.
Towing guide
RAM 3500 Towing Overview
The RAM 3500 is a truck with towing capacity that varies by model year, trim, engine, drivetrain, axle ratio, payload, and factory towing equipment. Towlytics lists the RAM 3500 with a maximum towing capacity of up to 22,500 lbs when properly equipped.
What Towing Features Does the RAM 3500 Have?
- Integrated trailer brake controller
- heavy-duty receiver hitch equipment
- tow/haul mode
- available diesel engine braking
- trailer sway control
- available tow mirrors
- available camera views or trailer guidance technology depending on year and trim.
What Comes With the RAM 3500 Towing Package?
The RAM 3500 towing package is generally tied to heavy-duty trailering equipment such as the receiver hitch, wiring harness, integrated brake controller, tow/haul mode, available tow mirrors, and powertrain or axle configurations needed to reach the highest tow ratings.
What can the RAM 3500 tow?
The RAM 3500 is best suited for large fifth-wheel or gooseneck trailers, heavy equipment trailers, livestock trailers, and commercial hauling setups when properly configured. Always confirm the exact rating on the vehicle certification label, owner's manual, and manufacturer towing guide before towing.
RAM 3500 Towing FAQ
How much can the RAM 3500 tow?
Towlytics lists the RAM 3500 with a maximum towing capacity of up to 22,500 lbs when properly equipped. Actual capacity depends on the specific year, trim, engine, drivetrain, payload, and towing package.
Does the RAM 3500 need a towing package?
Some RAM 3500 configurations may require a factory towing package or specific equipment to reach the highest tow rating. Check the exact year and trim because hitch, wiring, cooling, axle ratio, and brake-controller availability can change by configuration.
Can the RAM 3500 tow a camper?
The RAM 3500 may be able to tow a camper depending on the camper's loaded weight, tongue weight, passengers, cargo, and the vehicle's payload rating. Compare the loaded trailer weight against the exact tow rating and keep tongue weight within payload limits.
Trailer parts guide
Recommended Trailer Parts for the RAM 3500
This vehicle class is intended for heavy towing, so the part decision should be based on the trailer type: bumper pull, gooseneck, fifth wheel, or equipment trailer. Payload, hitch rating, and GCWR matter more than a single max-tow number. For the RAM 3500, start with fitment-specific parts and confirm all ratings against the owner’s manual, door-jamb payload label, hitch label, and trailer manufacturer specs.
Recommended profile: Heavy-duty truck towing kit
1. Hitch Receiver
Class V receiver for bumper-pull towing, or properly rated gooseneck/fifth-wheel hardware if the trailer uses bed-mounted coupling.
2. Trailer Wiring
7-pin wiring is essential; bed-mounted 7-pin wiring is useful for gooseneck and fifth-wheel trailers.
3. Ball Mount
Heavy-duty adjustable ball mount for bumper pull; gooseneck ball or fifth-wheel hitch matched to truck and trailer ratings.
4. Brake Controller
Brake controller is effectively mandatory for heavy trailers with electric brakes; confirm integrated controller compatibility.
5. Sway Control
Weight distribution may be needed for heavy bumper-pull campers; gooseneck/fifth-wheel trailers require different setup checks.
6. Useful Extras
Tow mirrors, trailer TPMS, bed camera, breakaway battery tester, heavy-duty wheel chocks, and a payload checklist.
Best trailer types for the RAM 3500
Large campers, equipment trailers, livestock trailers, gooseneck trailers, fifth wheels, and heavy enclosed trailers are the most logical starting points. The final answer depends on loaded trailer weight, tongue weight, passenger weight, cargo, drivetrain, tow package, and whether the trailer has brakes.
RAM 3500 Towing Capacity by Year
Year Summary
| Year | Max Towing | Engine options listed | Configs |
| 2021 |
22,500 lbs |
6.7L Cummins High Output |
1 |
All RAM 3500 Configurations
| Year | Trim | Engine | Drivetrain | Max Towing | Payload | Tow Package | GCWR | Generation |
| 2021 |
Laramie |
6.7L Cummins High Output |
4x4 |
22,500 lbs |
4,000 lbs |
Yes |
31,000 lbs |
Gen5 |
Before you tow
RAM 3500 Pre-Tow Checklist
Confirm the exact rating
Match the year, trim, engine, drivetrain, axle ratio, and tow package against the owner’s manual and manufacturer towing guide.
Check payload first
Add passengers, cargo, accessories, and estimated tongue weight. Payload is often the real limit for campers and enclosed trailers.
Verify wiring and brakes
Use 4-pin wiring for simple light trailers and 7-pin wiring plus a brake controller for many heavier trailers with brakes.
Leave a safety margin
Avoid planning at the absolute max rating, especially for highway trips, hills, heat, wind, and long-distance towing.
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Safety note: Towlytics towing data is a planning aid. Always verify the final rating against your owner’s manual, door-jamb label, hitch label, and manufacturer towing guide before towing.