The 2009 Dodge RAM 2500 is more than just a truck. With a heart of steel and power to match, it’s a formidable force on the road, adept at handling tough towing tasks and transporting heavy payloads.
The 2009 RAM 2500 model offers substantial towing and payload capacities that differentiate it from other trucks in its class, demonstrating the versatility and capabilities of this pickup truck.
In this article, we’ll take a deeper look at the towing capacity and payload capacity of the 2009 Dodge RAM 2500, with each engine option explained in detail.
The 2009 Dodge RAM 2500 Towing Capacity ranges between 8,500 – 13,600 pounds and has a maximum payload capacity of 3,650 pounds. These capacities vary depending on factors such as the vehicle’s Curb Weight, Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), Configurations, and other factors.
2009 Dodge RAM 2500 Towing and Payload Capacity Chart
| Engines | GCWR | Max. Towing Capacity | Max. Payload Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.7L Hemi® V8 | 17,000 lbs. | 11,550 lbs. | 3,650 lbs. |
| 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel | 20,000 lbs. | 13,600 lbs. | 2,740 lbs. |
The 2009 Dodge RAM 2500, equipped with a 5.7L Hemi® V8 engine, can tow a maximum of up to 11,550 lbs and carry a payload of 3,650 lbs, while the 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel variant boosts the towing capacity to 13,600 lbs but offers a slightly lower payload of 2,740 lbs.
It’s important to note that the towing and payload capacity of your RAM 2500 will depend on the specific configuration of your vehicle, including the engine, transmission, axle ratio, and other factors.
Don’t forget, it’s super important to keep in mind that the combined weight of your RAM 2500 and trailer can’t exceed the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) that’s specified for your truck.
Here I’ve collected all the 2009 Dodge RAM 2500 towing and payload capacity information from the official RAM resources including the 2009 Dodge RAM 2500 Brochure and ramtrucks.com.
Be sure to consult your owner’s manual or a trusted mechanic to determine the maximum towing capacity for your specific vehicle.
Trims and Cabs
The 2009 Dodge Ram is available in various trim levels and cabs as listed below:
Trim Levels
- ST: The base model, offering a variety of standard features.
- SLT: A step up from the ST, the SLT offers a more refined interior and additional features.
- SXT: The SXT is a mid-range trim level that balances premium features with an affordable price.
- Big Horn: Only available in certain regions, the Big Horn trim includes a host of comfort features and exterior upgrades.
- Laramie: The top-of-the-line Laramie trim provides a luxurious interior and advanced features for an enhanced driving experience.
Cab Options
- Regular Cab: This traditional two-door cab design offers seating for up to three passengers.
- Quad Cab: The Quad Cab offers extra room with four doors and seating for up to six passengers.
- Mega Cab: The Mega Cab is the most spacious option, offering enhanced rear-seat legroom and overall comfort.
Towing Capacity by Engines
The towing capacity of the 2009 Dodge RAM 2500 varies based on the engine type, transmission, and axle ratio. Let’s take a deeper look at these differences in towing capacity:
| Engines | Transmission | Axle Ratio | GCWR | Max. Towing Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.7L Hemi V8 | Automatic | 3.73 | 15,000 lbs | 9,550 lbs |
| 5.7L Hemi V8 | Automatic | 4.10 | 17,000 lbs | 11,550 lbs |
| 5.7L Hemi V8 | Automatic | 4.56 | 17,000 lbs | 10,500 lbs |
| 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I-6 | Automatic | 3.42 | 17,000 lbs | 10,600 lbs |
| 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I-6 | Automatic | 3.73 | 20,000 lbs | 13,600 lbs |
| 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I-6 | Automatic | 4.10 | 20,000 lbs | 13,600 lbs |
| 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I-6 | Manual | 3.42 | 19,000 lbs | 12,500 lbs |
| 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I-6 | Manual | 3.73 | 20,000 lbs | 13,500 lbs |
5.7L Hemi® V8 Towing Capacity
The 5.7L Hemi® V8 engine in the 2009 Dodge RAM 2500 presents three different configurations, each with a unique axle ratio.
The setup with a 3.73 axle ratio offers a Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) of 15,000 lbs and a maximum towing capacity of 9,550 lbs.
If you require more towing capacity, the 4.10 axle ratio increases the GCWR to 17,000 lbs and boosts the maximum towing capacity to 11,550 lbs, ideal for towing medium-sized loads.
Lastly, the 4.56 axle ratio keeps the GCWR at 17,000 lbs, but the maximum towing capacity slightly decreases to 10,500 lbs, offering higher torque at lower speeds, beneficial for towing in hilly terrains.
6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel Towing Capacity
The 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I-6 engine offers more configurations and choices.
With an automatic transmission and a 3.42 axle ratio, the GCWR is 17,000 lbs, and the maximum towing capacity is 10,600 lbs.
Opting for a higher axle ratio of 3.73 increases the GCWR to 20,000 lbs and boosts the towing capacity to a significant 13,600 lbs.
The automatic variant with a 4.10 axle ratio maintains the same GCWR and towing capacity as the 3.73 configurations.
For those preferring a manual transmission, the 3.42 axle ratio offers a GCWR of 19,000 lbs and a maximum towing capacity of 12,500 lbs, while the 3.73 axle ratio elevates the GCWR to 20,000 lbs and the towing capacity to 13,500 lbs. These configurations cater to diverse needs, from daily driving to heavy-duty towing.
Payload Capacity by Engines
The payload capacity of the 2009 Dodge RAM 2500, much like its towing capacity, varies depending on the engine and transmission type. Here is a detailed breakdown:
| Engines | Transmission | GVWR | Max. Payload Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.7L Hemi V8 | Automatic | 8,510 lbs | 2,180 lbs |
| 5.7L Hemi V8 | Automatic | 8,650 lbs | 3,350 lbs |
| 5.7L Hemi V8 | Automatic | 8,800 lbs | 3,650 lbs |
| 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I-6 | Automatic | 9,000 lbs | 2,740 lbs |
| 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I-6 | Manual | 9,000 lbs | 2,670 lbs |
5.7L Hemi® V8 Payload Capacity
The 5.7L Hemi® V8 engine for the 2009 Dodge RAM 2500 comes with three unique configurations based on the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).
The configuration with a GVWR of 8,510 lbs provides a maximum payload capacity of 2,180 lbs, ample for most day-to-day usage.
However, if you have heavier payload requirements, the second configuration, with a GVWR of 8,650 lbs, increases the maximum payload capacity to 3,350 lbs.
For those with the highest payload needs, the third configuration with a GVWR of 8,800 lbs offers the most payload capacity at 3,650 lbs.
6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel Payload Capacity
The 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I-6 engine provides two configurations based on the type of transmission, each with a GVWR of 9,000 lbs.
The automatic transmission variant offers a maximum payload capacity of 2,740 lbs, which is substantial enough to cover both work and leisure use.
If you prefer a manual transmission, the maximum payload capacity is slightly reduced to 2,670 lbs.
While this is marginally lower than the automatic transmission variant, it still comfortably fulfills a wide range of payload needs.
Towing and Payload Capacity by Cabs
2009 Dodge RAM 2500 offers a range of cab options to cater to the diverse needs of truck enthusiasts. The Regular Cab, Quad Cab, and Mega Cab all come with different towing and payload capacities, which vary based on the engine that powers them.
Regular Cab
| Cab Conf. | Engine | Drive | Maximum Towing Capacity | Maximum Payload Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| REGULAR CAB | 5.7L Hemi V8 (Auto) | 4×2 | 11,550 lbs | 3,350 lbs |
| REGULAR CAB | 5.7L Hemi V8 (Auto) | 4×4 | 11,050 lbs | 2,870 lbs |
| REGULAR CAB | 6.7L Cummins (Auto) | 4×2 | 13,600 lbs | 2,740 lbs |
| REGULAR CAB | 6.7L Cummins (Auto) | 4×4 | 13,200 lbs | 2,330 lbs |
| REGULAR CAB | 6.7L Cummins (Manual) | 4×2 | 13,500 lbs | 2,670 lbs |
| REGULAR CAB | 6.7L Cummins (Manual) | 4×4 | 13,100 lbs | 2,260 lbs |
Quad Cab
| Cab Conf. | Engine | Drive | Maximum Towing Capacity | Maximum Payload Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| QUAD CAB | 5.7L Hemi V8 (Auto) | SB 4×4 | 10,800 lbs | 2,180 lbs |
| QUAD CAB | 6.7L Cummins (Auto) | SB 4×2 | 13,400 lbs | 3,650 lbs |
| QUAD CAB | 6.7L Cummins (Auto) | LB 4×2 | 13,250 lbs | 3,070 lbs |
| QUAD CAB | 6.7L Cummins (Auto) | SB 4×4 | 12,950 lbs | 2,750 lbs |
| QUAD CAB | 6.7L Cummins (Auto) | LB 4×4 | 12,800 lbs | 2,590 lbs |
| QUAD CAB | 6.7L Cummins (Manual) | SB 4×2 | 13,300 lbs | 2,450 lbs |
| QUAD CAB | 6.7L Cummins (Manual) | LB 4×2 | 13,200 lbs | 2,330 lbs |
| QUAD CAB | 6.7L Cummins (Manual) | SB 4×4 | 12,850 lbs | 2,020 lbs |
| QUAD CAB | 6.7L Cummins (Manual) | LB 4×4 | 12,700 lbs | 1,860 lbs |
Mega Cab
| Cab Conf. | Engine | Drive | Maximum Towing Capacity | Maximum Payload Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MEGA CAB | 5.7L Hemi V8 (Auto) | 4×2 | 10,850 lbs | 3,350 lbs |
| MEGA CAB | 5.7L Hemi V8 (Auto) | 4×4 | 10,500 lbs | 2,820 lbs |
| MEGA CAB | 6.7L Cummins (Auto) | 4×2 | 12,950 lbs | 2,080 lbs |
| MEGA CAB | 6.7L Cummins (Auto) | 4×4 | 12,600 lbs | 1,760 lbs |
| MEGA CAB | 6.7L Cummins (Manual) | 4×2 | 12,850 lbs | 2,010 lbs |
| MEGA CAB | 6.7L Cummins (Manual) | 4×4 | 12,550 lbs | 1,690 lbs |
2009 Dodge RAM 2500 Towing and Payload Capacity Charts
Below I’ve attached the charts that I found from the official resource and categorized them based on the 2009 Dodge RAM 2500 Cab styles.
From these charts, you can find every configuration of your truck and a bunch of information regarding Towing and Payload capacity, GCWR, GVWR, Axle Ratios, Trans Type, Engines, Transmission, and Base Weight.
Regular Cab:
Quad Cab:
Mega Cab:
Towing Equipment Required:
When it comes to towing, regardless of your vehicle, you’ll need some additional equipment to ensure a safe and successful tow. Here are some of the essential pieces of equipment you’ll need:
- Hitch: The hitch serves as the connection between your trailer and your vehicle. Choosing the right hitch is crucial, as it must match your trailer’s weight and size and your vehicle’s towing capacity.
- Trailer Wiring: This allows your trailer to connect to your vehicle’s electrical system, ensuring the brake lights, turn signals, and other necessary functions work in sync with your vehicle.
- Brake Controller: If your trailer is equipped with its own braking system, a brake controller will be necessary to activate them from your vehicle. This ensures that your trailer will stop smoothly and safely when you apply your vehicle’s brakes.
- Weight Distribution Hitch: For heavy trailers, a weight distribution hitch can help distribute the weight more evenly across your vehicle and trailer, thereby enhancing stability and control.
- Towing Mirrors: Standard side mirrors on your vehicle may not provide sufficient visibility when towing. In such instances, you can add towing mirrors to ensure a better view of your trailer and the road behind you.
- Sway Control: This device helps prevent your trailer from swaying side to side while you’re towing, contributing to a safer and more controlled drive.
To sum up, it’s crucial to equip your vehicle correctly to ensure safe and successful towing. Always refer to your owner’s manual and consult with a professional if you have any doubts or questions about the appropriate towing equipment for your vehicle.
Useful Resources
2009 Dodge RAM 2500 Brochure PDF
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 2009 Dodge RAM 2500 offers impressive towing and payload capacities, making it an exceptional choice for truck owners who demand both performance and practicality.
With its 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel engine, it can tow a maximum of 13,600 lbs and has a Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) of 20,000 lbs. On the other hand, if payload is a priority, the 5.7L Hemi® V8 engine offers a maximum payload capacity of 3,650 lbs.
These figures showcase the RAM 2500’s capability to handle tough tasks and heavy loads while maintaining its durability and efficiency.
Whether you need a workhorse for commercial applications, a reliable vehicle for towing a trailer or boat, or a truck for everyday use, the 2009 Dodge RAM 2500 proves to be a flexible and robust option.
Its power, versatility, and robustness make it a standout in its class, ensuring it continues to be a popular choice for truck enthusiasts.
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