2008 Dodge RAM 2500 Towing Capacity & Payload (Charts)

Welcome to our detailed guide on the 2008 Dodge RAM 2500 towing and payload capacities, specifically crafted for truck owners.

With detailed charts derived from official resources, you’ll find critical information about Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR), axle ratios, and more.

In the following sections, we’ll break down the specific capacities based on different engine configurations and explore the factors that can impact these capacities. So, let’s dive in.

The 2008 Dodge RAM 2500 Towing Capacity ranges between 8,400 – 13,550 pounds and has a maximum payload capacity of 6,745 pounds.

These capacities can vary depending on factors such as the vehicle’s Curb Weight, Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), Trims, and other factors.

2008 Dodge RAM 2500 Towing and Payload Capacity Chart

The chart above displays detailed capacities for different engine types: the 5.7L HEMI® V8, boasting a maximum towing capacity of 11,500 lbs and a payload capacity of 3,270 lbs, and the 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I-6, showcasing a maximum towing capacity of 13,550 lbs and an unrivaled payload capacity of 6,745 lbs.

Whether towing or carrying a payload, it’s critical to adhere to these capacity limits for safety and to ensure the longevity of the vehicle.

Here I’ve collected all the 2008 Dodge RAM 2500 towing and payload capacity information from the official RAM resources including the 2008 Dodge RAM 2500 Brochure and ramtrucks.com.

Trims and Cabs

The 2008 Dodge RAM 2500 is available in a variety of trims and cab styles, each offering its unique blend of comfort, functionality, and performance. These include:

Trims:

• ST: This base trim provides essential features and capabilities.
• SLT: Offering a step up from the base, the SLT includes additional amenities for added comfort.
• SXT: This trim blends premium features with superior performance.
• Laramie: As the top-tier trim, the Laramie delivers luxury alongside powerful performance.

Cabs:

• Regular Cab: The Regular Cab offers a more compact and practical configuration.
• Quad Cab: The Quad Cab provides more interior space, ideal for those who often have rear-seat passengers.
• Mega Cab: The Mega Cab provides the most interior space and comfort of all cab configurations, ensuring ample space for passengers and cargo alike.

Towing Capacity by Engines

In this section, we’ll delve into the specifics of how the 2008 Dodge RAM 2500’s towing capabilities differ with its two powerhouse engines, the 5.7L HEMI V8, and the 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I-6.

Let’s explore from the charts how these engine types contribute to the overall towing capacity of your 2008 Dodge RAM 2500.

5.7L HEMI V8 Towing Capacity

The 5.7L HEMI® V8 engine in the 2008 Dodge RAM 2500 displays substantial towing capacities across different axle ratios and transmission types.

With an automatic transmission and a 3.73 axle ratio, this configuration can tow up to 9,500 lbs.

Switching to a 4.10 axle ratio, the towing capacity increases to a notable 11,500 lbs.

For those who prefer a manual transmission, the towing capacities remain comparable, peaking at 11,450 lbs with a 4.10 axle ratio.

6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel Towing Capacity

Moving on to the 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I-6 engine, the towing capabilities are indeed impressive.

With an automatic transmission, it can tow up to 13,550 lbs regardless of whether the axle ratio is 3.73 or 4.10.

The manual transmission versions also maintain substantial towing capabilities. With a 4.56 axle ratio, it can handle 10,750 lbs, while with a 3.73 axle ratio, it manages to tow a significant 13,450 lbs, reaching a maximum of 13,450 lbs even at a GCWR of 21,000 lbs.

Payload Capacity by Engines

5.7L HEMI® V8 Payload Capacity

The 5.7L HEMI® V8 engine version of the 2008 Dodge RAM 2500 showcases admirable payload capacities across different cab styles.

The Regular Cab configuration, with both automatic and manual transmission, offers a substantial payload capacity of 3,320 lbs and 3,260 lbs respectively.

The Quad Cab with an automatic transmission can carry up to 3,270 lbs, and with a manual transmission, it can handle 3,210 lbs.

The Mega Cab, ideal for those requiring spacious interiors, still manages a robust payload capacity of 2,770 lbs.

6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel Payload Capacity

Switching to the 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I-6 engine, the payload capacity reaches new heights, especially for the Regular Cab configuration.

With an automatic transmission, this version can handle a maximum payload of a remarkable 6,745 lbs, reducing slightly to 2,620 lbs with a manual transmission.

The Quad Cab version, on the other hand, can haul up to 2,520 lbs with an automatic transmission, dropping slightly to 2,450 lbs with a manual.

Despite its larger interior space, the Mega Cab version can still manage a significant payload capacity of 2,020 lbs with an automatic transmission, and 1,940 lbs with a manual.

2008 Dodge RAM 2500 Towing and Payload Capacity Charts

To facilitate an easier understanding of the 2008 Dodge RAM 2500’s towing and payload capacities, we’ve compiled comprehensive charts drawn from official sources, segmented by cab styles.

These charts provide you with a wealth of information, tailored to every possible configuration of your truck.

From exploring your vehicle’s towing and payload capacities to understanding the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR), Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), and axle ratios, to gaining insights about the engine, transmission type, and base weight, our charts cover it all.

Regular Cab:

Quad Cab:

Mega Cab:

Towing Equipment Required:

To ensure a seamless and safe towing experience with your 2008 RAM 2500, it’s imperative to have the correct tools for the task. Let’s dive into the key pieces of equipment that you’ll need for efficient towing:

• Hitch: Serving as the critical connector between your vehicle and the trailer, the hitch must be chosen with care. The weight and size of your trailer, along with your RAM 2500’s towing capacity, will dictate the appropriate hitch for your needs.
• Trailer Wiring: To facilitate the functioning of essential features like brake lights and turn signals, your trailer should be wired correctly into your vehicle’s electrical system.
• Brake Controller: Should your trailer come equipped with brakes, a brake controller becomes necessary. It allows you to activate the trailer’s brakes from your vehicle, ensuring safe and smooth stops.
• Weight Distribution Hitch: For hefty trailers, a weight distribution hitch can prove beneficial. It helps in evenly spreading the weight across your vehicle and trailer, improving control and stability.
• Towing Mirrors: Standard side mirrors on your RAM 2500 might not suffice in offering an adequate view when towing. Augmenting your vehicle with towing mirrors will enhance your visibility of the trailer and the road behind.
• Sway Control: A sway control device prevents dangerous back-and-forth movement of your trailer while towing, ensuring a safer drive.

In conclusion, the right equipment is essential to tow safely and effectively with your 2008 RAM 2500. Always refer to your owner’s manual or seek professional advice if you have queries regarding towing equipment.

Useful Resources

2008 Dodge RAM 2500 Brochure PDF

Conclusion

The 2008 Dodge RAM 2500 stands as a potent choice for those seeking substantial towing and payload capabilities.

With a maximum towing capacity reaching up to 13,550 pounds and payload capacities peaking at 6,745 pounds, the RAM 2500 accommodates a range of heavy-duty needs.

These capacities can be influenced by numerous factors, including the vehicle’s curb weight, Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), trims, and more.

Specifically, the 5.7L HEMI® V8 engine offers a GCWR of 17,000 lbs, a maximum towing of 11,500 lbs, and a maximum payload of 3,270 lbs.

In contrast, the 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I-6 engine ramps up the capacities with a GCWR of 20,000 lbs, towing capacity of 13,550 lbs, and a notable payload limit of 6,745 lbs.

In essence, the 2008 Dodge RAM 2500 serves as a reliable workhorse, facilitating a variety of challenging hauling tasks with ease.