2008 Dodge RAM 3500 Towing Capacity & Payload (Charts)

Welcome to our detailed guide on the 2008 Dodge RAM 3500 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 3500 Towing Capacity ranges between 10,300 – 16,900 pounds and has a maximum payload capacity of 5,210 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 3500 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 11,050 lbs and a payload capacity of 5,210 lbs, and the 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I-6, showcasing a maximum towing capacity of 16,900 lbs and an unrivaled payload capacity of 4,790 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 3500 towing and payload capacity information from the official RAM resources including the 2008 Dodge RAM 3500 Brochure and ramtrucks.com.

Trims and Cabs

The 2008 Dodge RAM 3500 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 3500’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 3500.

5.7L HEMI V8 Towing Capacity

The 5.7L HEMI® V8 engine equipped in the 2008 Dodge RAM 3500 exhibits formidable towing capabilities across both transmission types and cab styles.

In vehicles with an automatic transmission and regular or quad cab, the towing capacity measures at 11,050 lbs and 10,750 lbs, respectively.

Meanwhile, the same engine paired with a manual transmission offers a slightly reduced towing capacity of 11,000 lbs for the regular cab and 10,700 lbs for the quad cab. All capacities are achieved with a 4.10 axle ratio and GCWR of 17,000 lbs.

6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel Towing Capacity

Moving onto the 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel engine, it offers even greater towing capacities, emphasizing the RAM 3500’s heavy-duty credentials.

With an automatic transmission, a 3.73 axle ratio, and a regular cab, the towing capacity extends to 14,150 lbs.

Even more impressive is the maximum towing capacity of 16,750 lbs, which can be achieved with a regular cab, automatic transmission, 4.10 axle ratio, and a whopping GCWR of 24,000 lbs. The quad cab option with an automatic transmission provides a capacity of 16,350 lbs.

Shifting to manual transmission, the towing capacity ranges from 13,800 lbs in a Mega cab to 14,300 lbs in a Quad cab, all with a 3.73 axle ratio and a 21,000 lbs GCWR.

Payload Capacity by Engines

5.7L HEMI® V8 Payload Capacity

The 5.7L HEMI® V8 engine in the 2008 Dodge RAM 3500 offers an impressive payload capacity, enough to handle heavy loads without compromising performance.

For the Regular Cab models with an automatic transmission, the maximum payload capacity stands at 5,210 lbs with a GVWR of 11,000 lbs.

The Quad Cab models offer a slightly lower payload capacity of 5,030 lbs with a GVWR of 11,500 lbs.

With a manual transmission, the Regular and Quad Cab models yield a payload capacity of 5,150 lbs and 4,960 lbs respectively.

6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel Payload Capacity

The 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel engine elevates the Dodge RAM 3500’s utility status with its substantial payload capacities.

In a Regular Cab with an automatic transmission, the payload capacity is 4,790 lbs, coupled with a GVWR of 10,500 lbs.

Switch to a Quad Cab or Mega Cab, and the payload capacity modifies to 4,480 lbs and 3,200 lbs respectively, both with a GVWR of 11,500 lbs.

With manual transmission, the payload capacities slightly decrease, ranging from 4,720 lbs in a Regular Cab to 3,110 lbs in a Mega Cab.

2008 Dodge RAM 3500 Towing and Payload Capacity Charts

To facilitate an easier understanding of the 2008 Dodge RAM 3500’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 3500, 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 3500’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 3500 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 3500. Always refer to your owner’s manual or seek professional advice if you have queries regarding towing equipment.

Useful Resources

2008 Dodge RAM 3500 Brochure PDF

Conclusion

In conclusion, the 2008 Dodge RAM 3500’s impressive towing and payload capabilities make it a top choice for drivers seeking power, durability, and practicality.

With a towing capacity ranging from 10,300 to 16,900 pounds and a maximum payload capacity of 5,210 pounds, it’s clear that this truck is built to perform.

Whether you’re navigating through a challenging worksite or planning an adventurous road trip, the 2008 RAM 3500 can handle heavy-duty tasks without breaking a sweat.

It’s important to remember that the actual towing and payload capacities can vary based on factors such as the chosen engine, axle ratio, cab configuration, and more.

Always refer to the official Dodge guidelines and your vehicle’s manual when planning to haul or tow heavy loads with your 2008 Dodge RAM 3500.