The 2009 Dodge RAM 3500 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 3500 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 3500, with each engine option explained in detail.
The 2009 Dodge RAM 3500 Towing Capacity ranges between 9,700 – 17,000 pounds and has a maximum payload capacity of 5,130 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 3500 Towing and Payload Capacity Chart
| Engines | GCWR | Max. Towing Capacity | Max. Payload Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel | 24,000 lbs. | 17,000 lbs. | 5,130 lbs. |
The 2009 Dodge RAM 3500, equipped with a 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel engine, can tow a maximum of up to 17,000 lbs and carry a payload of 5,130 lbs.
It’s important to note that the towing and payload capacity of your RAM 3500 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 3500 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 3500 towing and payload capacity information from the official RAM resources including the 2009 Dodge RAM 3500 Brochure and ramtrucks.com.
Trims and Cabs – 2009 Dodge RAM 3500
The 2009 Dodge Ram is available in various trim levels and cabs as listed below:
Trim Levels: ST, SLT, SXT, and Laramie
Cab Options: Regular Cab, Quad Cab, and Mega Cab
Towing Capacity by Engines – 2009 Dodge RAM 3500
The towing capacity of the 2009 Dodge RAM 3500 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I-6 | Automatic | 3.42 | 17,000 lbs | 10,350 lbs |
| 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I-6 | Automatic | 3.73 | 21,000 lbs | 14,350 lbs |
| 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I-6 | Automatic | 4.10 | 23,000 lbs | 16,350 lbs |
| 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I-6 | Automatic | 4.10 | 24,000 lbs | 17,000 lbs |
| 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I-6 | Manual | 3.73 | 19,000 lbs | 12,300 lbs |
| 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I-6 | Manual | 3.73 | 21,000 lbs | 14,300 lbs |
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 10,350 lbs.
Opting for a higher axle ratio of 3.73 increases the GCWR to 21,000 lbs and boosts the towing capacity to a significant 14,350 lbs.
The automatic variant with a 4.10 axle ratio, has a GCWR of 23,000-24,000 lbs and boosts the towing capacity to a significant 16,350-17,000 lbs.
For those preferring a manual transmission, the 3.73 axle ratio offers a GCWR of 19,000-21,000 lbs and a maximum towing capacity of 12,300-14,300 lbs. These configurations cater to diverse needs, from daily driving to heavy-duty towing.
Payload Capacity Chart – 2009 Dodge RAM 3500
The payload capacity of the 2009 Dodge RAM 3500, much like its towing capacity, varies depending on the engine and transmission type. Here is a detailed breakdown:
| Engines | Transmission | GVWR | Max. Payload Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I-6 | Automatic | 9,000 lbs | 3,620 lbs |
| 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I-6 | Automatic | 10,100 lbs | 3,300 lbs |
| 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I-6 | Automatic | 10,500 lbs | 4,820 lbs |
| 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I-6 | Automatic | 11,500 lbs | 5,130 lbs |
| 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I-6 | Manual | 12,200 lbs | 3,540 lbs |
| 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I-6 | Manual | 10,500 lbs | 3,230 lbs |
| 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I-6 | Manual | 11,500 lbs | 4,740 lbs |
| 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I-6 | Manual | 12,200 lbs | 5,070 lbs |
6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel Payload Capacity
The 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I-6 engine provides several configurations based on the type of transmission, each with its own GVWR rating.
The automatic transmission variant offers a maximum payload capacity of 5,130 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 5,070 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 3500 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 | 6.7L Cummins (Auto) | 4×2 | 16,150 lbs | 4,820 lbs |
| REGULAR CAB | 6.7L Cummins (Auto) | 4×4 | 16,800 lbs | 5,130 lbs |
| REGULAR CAB | 6.7L Cummins (Manual) | 4×2 | 14,100 lbs | 4,740 lbs |
| REGULAR CAB | 6.7L Cummins (Manual) | 4×4 | 13,700 lbs | 5,070 lbs |
Quad Cab
| Cab Conf. | Engine | Drive | Maximum Towing Capacity | Maximum Payload Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| QUAD CAB | 6.7L Cummins (Auto) | SB 4×2 | 16,350 lbs | 3,620 lbs |
| QUAD CAB | 6.7L Cummins (Auto) | LB 4×2 | 16,250 lbs | 4,480 lbs |
| QUAD CAB | 6.7L Cummins (Auto) | SB 4×4 | 17,000 lbs | 3,230 lbs |
| QUAD CAB | 6.7L Cummins (Auto) | LB 4×4 | 16,900 lbs | 4,850 lbs |
| QUAD CAB | 6.7L Cummins (Manual) | SB 4×2 | 14,300 lbs | 3,540 lbs |
| QUAD CAB | 6.7L Cummins (Manual) | LB 4×2 | 14,150 lbs | 4,410 lbs |
| QUAD CAB | 6.7L Cummins (Manual) | SB 4×4 | 13,900 lbs | 3,170 lbs |
| QUAD CAB | 6.7L Cummins (Manual) | LB 4×4 | 13,750 lbs | 4,780 lbs |
Mega Cab
| Cab Conf. | Engine | Drive | Maximum Towing Capacity | Maximum Payload Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MEGA CAB | 6.7L Cummins (Auto) | 4×2 | 16,050 lbs | 3,310 lbs |
| MEGA CAB | 6.7L Cummins (Auto) | 4×4 | 16,700 lbs | 2,970 lbs |
| MEGA CAB | 6.7L Cummins (Manual) | 4×2 | 14,000 lbs | 3,240 lbs |
| MEGA CAB | 6.7L Cummins (Manual) | 4×4 | 13,650 lbs | 2,900 lbs |
More Useful Charts – 2009 Dodge RAM 3500
Below I’ve attached the charts that I found from the official resource and categorized them based on the 2009 Dodge RAM 3500 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 3500 Brochure PDF
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 2009 Dodge RAM 3500 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 17,000 lbs and has a Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) of 24,000 lbs. On the other hand, the maximum payload capacity is 5,130 lbs.
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