When it comes to finding a vehicle that can handle your towing and hauling needs, the 2012 RAM 1500 is one of the best options on the market.
This pickup truck has been designed to deliver impressive power, towing capacity, and payload capacity, making it an ideal choice for anyone in need of a versatile and reliable workhorse.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the 2012 RAM 1500’s towing and payload capabilities, including its maximum towing capacity, payload capacity, and available towing packages.
We’ll also provide some charts and graphs to help you better understand the vehicle’s towing and payload capabilities.
The 2012 RAM 1500 Towing Capacity ranges between 3,300 – 10,450 pounds and has a maximum payload capacity of 1,909 pounds. This can vary depending on factors such as the vehicle’s Curb Weight, Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), Payload, and other factors.
2012 Dodge RAM 1500 Towing Capacity and Payload Capacity Chart
| Engines | GCWR | Max. Towing Capacity | Max. Payload Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.7-liter V6 | 8,500 lbs. | 3,800 lbs. | 1,909 lbs. |
| 4.7-liter V8 | 12,500 lbs. | 7,700 lbs. | 1,773 lbs. |
| 5.7-liter HEMI V8 | 15,500 lbs. | 10,450 lbs. | 1,706 lbs. |
Maximum Towing Capacity:
The 2012 RAM 1500 is capable of towing up to 10,450 pounds when properly equipped.
This impressive towing capacity is thanks in part to the truck’s powerful engine options, which include a 5.7-liter V8 engine that produces 390 horsepower and 407 lb-ft of torque.
Maximum Payload Capacity:
In addition to its impressive towing capacity, the 2012 RAM 1500 also boasts a generous payload capacity.
Depending on the truck’s configuration, it can carry up to 1,909 pounds of payload, making it an ideal choice for anyone who needs to transport heavy equipment, supplies, or other cargo.
It’s important to note that the towing capacity of your RAM 1500 will depend on the specific configuration of your vehicle, including the engine, transmission, axle ratio, and other factors.
Be sure to consult your owner’s manual or a trusted mechanic to determine the maximum towing capacity for your specific vehicle.
Don’t forget, it’s super important to keep in mind that the combined weight of your RAM 1500 and trailer can’t exceed the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) that’s specified for your truck.
Here I’ve collected all the 2012 RAM 1500 towing and payload capacity information from the official RAM resources including the 2012 RAM 1500 Brochure and ramtrucks.com.
Table of Contents
2012 Dodge RAM 1500 Trims
When it comes to towing and payload capacity, the different trims of the 2012 RAM 1500 vary depending on the engine and drivetrain.
The trims available are the ST, Big Horn, Express, Laramie, Laramie Longhorn, Outdoorsman, SLT, Sport, and Tradesman.
Here is a table summarizing the towing and payload capacity for each 2012 RAM 1500 trim:
| Trim Level | Engine | Max Towing Capacity | Max Payload Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| ST | 3.7L V6 | 4,100 lbs | 1,425 lbs |
| Tradesman | 3.7L V6 | 4,100 lbs | 1,425 lbs |
| Express | 5.7L V8 | 10,150 lbs | 1,550 lbs |
| SLT | 5.7L V8 | 10,150 lbs | 1,550 lbs |
| Outdoorsman | 4.7L V8 | 6,300 lbs | 1,360 lbs |
| Outdoorsman | 5.7L V8 | 9,050 lbs | 1,310 lbs |
| Sport | 5.7L V8 | 10,150 lbs | 1,350 lbs |
It’s important to note that these are the maximum towing and payload capacities for each trim level, and actual towing and payload capacity may vary depending on factors such as the specific engine, drivetrain, and equipment.
It’s always best to consult the vehicle’s owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer for specific towing and payload capacity information.
2012 Dodge RAM 1500 Towing Capacity by Engines
The towing and payload capacity for each 2012 RAM 1500 trim varies depending on the specific engine type.
Here is a breakdown of the maximum towing and payload capacity for each engine type:
- 3.7L V6 engine: The ST and Tradesman trims both came equipped with the 3.7L V6 engine. With this engine, the maximum towing capacity was 4,100 pounds and the maximum payload capacity was 1,425 pounds.
- 4.7L V8 engine: The Outdoorsman trim offered the 4.7L V8 engine, which had a maximum towing capacity of 6,300 pounds and a maximum payload capacity of 1,360 pounds.
- 5.7L V8 engine: The Express, SLT, Outdoorsman (with the 5.7L V8 engine option), and Sport trims all came equipped with the 5.7L V8 engine. With this engine, the maximum towing capacity was 10,150 pounds and the maximum payload capacity was 1,550 pounds.
It’s worth noting that the towing and payload capacity can vary depending on other factors like the drivetrain, cab size, and additional equipment.
For example, the 2012 RAM 1500 with a 5.7L V8 engine and 4WD has a maximum towing capacity of 9,500 pounds, which is slightly lower than the maximum for the same engine with 2WD.
Let’s take a closer look at each engine and what they have to offer in terms of the 2012 RAM 1500 Towing Capacity.
| Engines | Axle Ratio | GCWR | Max. Towing Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.7-liter V6 | 3.55 | 8,500 lbs | 3,800 lbs |
| 3.7-liter V6 | 3.92 | 8,500 lbs | 3,800 lbs |
| 4.7-liter V8 | 3.55 | 11,250 lbs | 6,450 lbs |
| 4.7-liter V8 | 3.92 | 12,500 lbs | 7,700 lbs |
| 5.7L HEMI V8 | 4.10 | 10,000 lbs | 5,050 lbs |
| 5.7L HEMI V8 | 3.21 | 12,000 lbs | 7,100 lbs |
| 5.7L HEMI V8 | 3.55 | 14,000 lbs | 9,100 lbs |
| 5.7L HEMI V8 | 3.92 | 14,000 lbs | 9,100 lbs |
| 5.7L HEMI V8 | 3.92 | 15,500 lbs | 10,450 lbs |
2012 Dodge RAM 1500 Payload Capacity Chart
In this section, we will dive into the details of the 2012 Dodge RAM 1500 Payload Capacity, focusing on the different engine options and cab configurations.
Payload capacity is the maximum amount of weight a vehicle can carry, including passengers, cargo, and other accessories.
It is essential to know the payload capacity of your truck to ensure you do not exceed the limit and cause damage to the vehicle or compromise safety.
| Engine | GVWR Range | Regular Cab Payload Capacity | Quad Cab Payload Capacity | Crew Cab Payload Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.7-liter V6 | 6,025-6,700 lbs. | 1,507 lbs. | 1,810 lbs. | Not Available |
| 4.7-liter V8 | 6,025-6,800 lbs. | 1,773 lbs. | 1,674 lbs. | 1,717 lbs. |
| 5.7L HEMI V8 | 6,200-6,800 lbs. | 1,706 lbs. | 1,614 lbs. | 1,633 lbs. |
2012 RAM 1500 3.7-liter V6 Payload Capacity
The 3.7-liter V6 engine is the standard engine for the 2012 Dodge RAM 1500. It has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 6,025 – 6,700 lbs., has a maximum payload capacity of 1,907 lbs. and varies depending on the cab configuration.
- Regular Cab Payload Capacity: 1,907 lbs.
- Quad Cab Payload Capacity: 1,810 lbs.
- Crew Cab Payload Capacity: Not Available
As you can see, the Regular Cab and Quad Cab configurations have impressive payload capacities, making them suitable for carrying heavy cargo.
However, the Crew Cab configuration has not been provided with a payload capacity.
2012 RAM 1500 4.7-liter V8 Payload Capacity
The 4.7-liter V8 engine when equipped with the 2012 Dodge RAM 1500 has a GVWR of 6,025 – 6,800 lbs., and has a maximum payload capacity of 1,773 lbs. and varies depending on the cab configuration.
- Regular Cab Payload Capacity: 1,773 lbs.
- Quad Cab Payload Capacity: 1,674 lbs.
- Crew Cab Payload Capacity: 1,717 lbs.
While the Regular Cab configuration has a higher payload capacity than the Quad Cab, the difference is not significant.
However, the Quad Cabs configuration has a lower payload capacity than both the Regular and Crew Cab, making it less suitable for carrying heavy cargo.
2012 RAM 1500 5.7L HEMI V8 Payload Capacity
The 5.7L HEMI V8 engine is the most powerful engine option for the 2012 Dodge RAM 1500. It has a GVWR of 6,200- 6,800 lbs., has a maximum payload capacity of 1,706 lbs., and varies depending on the cab configuration.
- Regular Cab Payload Capacity: 1,706 lbs.
- Quad Cab Payload Capacity: 1,614 lbs.
- Crew Cab Payload Capacity: 1,633 lbs.
The difference in payload capacity between the Regular Cab and Crew Cab configurations is relatively small.
However, the Quad Cab configuration has the lowest payload capacity among the three engine options, making it less suitable for carrying heavy cargo.
2012 RAM 1500 Towing and Payload by Cabs
2012 RAM 1500 offers a range of cab options to cater to the diverse needs of truck enthusiasts.
The Regular Cab Short Box, Regular Cab Long Box, Quad Cab, and Crew Cab all come with different towing capacities, which vary based on the engine that powers them.
Here is the towing and payload capacity for each cab configuration of the 2012 RAM 1500, as well as a table summarizing the information:
- Regular Cab Short Box: This configuration has a maximum towing capacity of 9,100 pounds and a maximum payload capacity of 1,507 pounds.
- Regular Cab Long Box: The Regular Cab Long Box configuration has a higher maximum towing capacity of 10,450 pounds and a maximum payload capacity of 1,909 pounds.
- Quad Cab: The Quad Cab configuration has a maximum towing capacity of 10,250 pounds and a maximum payload capacity of 1,810 pounds.
- Crew Cab: Finally, the Crew Cab configuration has a maximum towing capacity of 10,150 pounds and a maximum payload capacity of 1,717 pounds.
Here is a table summarizing the towing and payload capacity for each cab configuration of the 2012 RAM 1500:
| Cab Conf. | Maximum Towing Capacity | Maximum Payload Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Cab Short Box 4.7L V8 | 9,100 lbs | 1,507 lbs |
| Regular Cab Long Box 3.7L V6 | 10,450 lbs | 1,909 lbs |
| Quad Cab 3.7L V6 | 10,250 lbs | 1,810 lbs |
| Crew Cab 5.7L V8 | 10,150 lbs | 1,717 lbs |
2012 RAM 1500 Regular Cab Short Box Towing & Payload:
2012 RAM 1500 Regular Cab Long Box Towing & Payload:
2012 RAM 1500 Quad Cab Towing and Payload:
2012 RAM 1500 Crew Cab Towing & Payload:
2012 RAM 1500 Available Towing Packages:
For even greater towing capabilities, the 2012 RAM 1500 offers a range of towing packages that can help you get the most out of your vehicle. The available packages include:
- Max Tow Package: This package includes a 3.92 axle ratio, upgraded rear springs, and a class IV receiver hitch, allowing you to tow up to 10,450 pounds.
- Trailer Tow Group: This package includes a class IV receiver hitch, a seven-pin wiring harness, and a trailer brake controller, making it easier to tow large trailers and other heavy loads.
- RamBox Cargo Management System: This innovative system includes built-in cargo bins that are located in the bed walls of the truck, providing additional storage space for your tools, equipment, and other gear.
What you can tow with the 2012 RAM 1500?
The 2012 RAM 1500 has a towing capacity range of 3,300 to 10,450 pounds, depending on the cab and box configuration, as well as other factors like engine type and drivetrain.
With this range of towing capacity, there are various trailers that you can tow with the 2012 RAM 1500.
Here are some categories of trailers and examples of what you can tow with the 2012 RAM 1500:
- Small Trailers: The 2012 RAM 1500 can easily tow small trailers like pop-up campers, teardrop trailers, and lightweight utility trailers. These trailers typically have a weight range of 1,000 to 3,000 pounds, making them well within the towing capacity range of the RAM 1500.
- Mid-Size Trailers: If you’re looking to tow a mid-size trailer like a travel trailer or a small boat, the 2012 RAM 1500 can handle a range of weights from 3,000 to 6,000 pounds. Keep in mind that the weight of your trailer should also include any cargo or gear you plan to bring along.
- Large Trailers: The 2012 RAM 1500 can also tow larger trailers like fifth-wheel trailers or larger boats. These trailers can weigh between 6,000 and 10,000 pounds, so it’s important to ensure that you are within the towing capacity limits of your specific vehicle configuration.
- Heavy Trailers: For heavy-duty towing, the 2012 RAM 1500 can handle trailers weighing up to its maximum towing capacity of 10,450 pounds. This includes larger boats, horse trailers, and even small travel trailers that are fully loaded with gear and equipment.
It’s important to note that when towing a trailer, you should always follow safe towing practices, including using a weight-distribution hitch and trailer brakes if necessary.
Additionally, make sure to always be aware of the weight you are towing and ensure you are within the limits of your specific vehicle configuration to prevent any accidents or damage to your vehicle.
Useful Resources
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 2012 RAM 1500 is a capable and versatile truck with a wide range of towing and payload capacities. Its towing capacity range of 3,300 to 10,450 pounds and maximum payload capacity of 1,909 pounds make it a great choice for a variety of hauling needs.
The different cab and box configurations, as well as engine types and drivetrains, provide even more options for customization and tailoring to specific needs.
The charts and tables presented in this article provide a clear and concise overview of the 2012 RAM 1500’s towing and payload capacities, helping potential buyers make an informed decision on their next truck purchase.
Overall, the 2012 RAM 1500 is a reliable and powerful truck that can handle any towing or hauling task you throw at it.
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