If you own a 2012 RAM 2500 and are planning to tow a trailer or haul a heavy payload, it’s essential to know the maximum towing capacity and payload capacity of your vehicle.
In this article, we will provide a detailed guide on the towing and payload capacity of 2012 RAM 2500, including charts, VIN Decoder, and tables for easy reference.
The 2012 RAM 2500 has a maximum Towing Capacity of 15,500 pounds and a maximum Payload Capacity of 3,190 pounds. This can vary depending on factors such as the vehicle’s Curb Weight, Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), Payload, and other factors.
2012 RAM 2500 (Heavy-Duty) Towing and Payload Capacity Chart
| Engine | Horsepower | Torque | Max. Towing | Max. Payload |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.7L Hemi® V8 | 383 HP | 400 LB-FT | 14,400 lbs. | 3,190 lbs. |
| 6.7L Cummins® Diesel (manual) | 350 HP | 660 LB-FT | 13,400 lbs. | 2,550 lbs. |
| 6.7L Cummins® Diesel (auto) | 370 HP | 800 LB-FT | 15,500 lbs. | 2,650 lbs. |
The 5.7L HEMI® engine comes with a 6-speed automatic transmission, while the Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 offers the choice between a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission.
It’s important to note that the towing capacity of your RAM 2500 will depend on the specific configuration of your vehicle, including the engine, transmission, axle ratio, and other factors.
It is also crucial to remember that the total weight of the vehicle and the trailer should not surpass the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) specified for the 2500 RAM.
Here I’ve collected all the 2012 RAM 2500 towing and payload capacity information from the official RAM resources including the 2012 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.
2012 RAM 2500 Trims
The 2012 RAM 2500 offers 8 different trim levels to choose from: Big Horn, Laramie, Laramie Limited, Laramie Longhorn, Laramie Power Wagon, Lone Star, Outdoorsman, Power Wagon, SLT, ST, and ST Power Wagon.
These trims can be customized with either a 2-wheel or 4-wheel drive, and are available in 2-door Regular-cab, 4-door Crew-cab, or 4-door Mega cabs.
Using VIN Decoder
If you already own a 2012 RAM 2500 truck and want to know the towing capacity, payload capacity, trim, curb weight, axle ratio code, and other information about your truck, you can use a VIN decoder.
A VIN decoder is an online tool that allows you to decode the unique Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of your vehicle and provides you with detailed information about its specifications and history.
One of the popular VIN decoders is the Dodge VIN Decoder. It’s free and easy to use. Just type your vehicle VIN and get most of the information about your specific model.
Towing Capacity by Engines
As an owner of a 2012 RAM 2500 Heavy-Duty truck, it is important to understand the towing and payload capacity of your vehicle.
The chart above displays the three different engine options available for the RAM 2500, along with their corresponding horsepower, torque, maximum towing capacity, and maximum payload capacity.
| Engine | Horsepower | Torque | Max. Towing | Max. Payload |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.7-liter HEMI V8 | 383 HP | 400 LB-FT | 14,400 lbs. | 3,190 lbs. |
| 6.7-liter Cummins (manual) | 350 HP | 660 LB-FT | 13,400 lbs. | 2,550 lbs. |
| 6.7-liter Cummins (auto) | 370 HP | 800 LB-FT | 15,500 lbs. | 2,650 lbs. |
5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine
The first engine option is a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine that delivers 383 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque.
This engine has a maximum towing capacity of 14,400 lbs and a maximum payload capacity of 3,190 lbs.
- Horsepower: 383 HP
- Torque: 400 LB-FT
- Maximum Towing Capacity: 14,400 lbs.
- Maximum Payload Capacity: 3,190 lbs.
This engine is a good option for those who need to tow light to medium loads.
6.7-liter Cummins engine (manual transmission)
The second engine option is a 6.7-liter Cummins engine with a manual transmission.
This engine delivers 350 horsepower and an impressive 660 lb-ft of torque. It has a maximum towing capacity of 13,400 lbs and a maximum payload capacity of 2,550 lbs.
- Horsepower: 350 HP
- Torque: 660 LB-FT
- Maximum Towing Capacity: 13,400 lbs.
- Maximum Payload Capacity: 2,550 lbs.
This engine is a good option for those who need to tow heavy loads on a regular basis.
6.7-liter Cummins engine (automatic transmission)
The third engine option is also a 6.7-liter Cummins engine, but with an automatic transmission.
This engine delivers 370 horsepower and an impressive 800 lb-ft of torque. It has a maximum towing capacity of 15,500 lbs and a maximum payload capacity of 2,650 lbs.
- Horsepower: 370 HP
- Torque: 800 LB-FT
- Maximum Towing Capacity: 15,500 lbs.
- Maximum Payload Capacity: 2,650 lbs.
This engine is the best option for those who need to tow heavy loads frequently and want the most power available.
Payload Capacity
The 2012 RAM 2500 is a workhorse when it comes to payload capacity.
Let’s take a look at the different engine options and their corresponding payload capacities.
| Engine | Max. Payload |
|---|---|
| 5.7-liter HEMI V8 | 3,190 lbs. |
| 6.7-liter Cummins (manual) | 2,550 lbs. |
| 6.7-liter Cummins (auto) | 2,650 lbs. |
Towing and Payload Capacity Charts
Weight Ratings
The Dead Weight Hitch of the RAM 2500 can support a maximum tongue weight of 500 pounds and a maximum trailer weight of 5000 pounds.
On the other hand, the RAM 2500’s Weight Distributing Hitch has a higher maximum trailer weight capacity of 11,400 pounds and a maximum tongue weight of 1,710 pounds.
These towing capacities allow for a wide range of towing options for various trailers, boats, and other heavy-duty equipment.
Additionally, the RAM 2500’s maximum trailering capacity of 15,500 pounds further solidifies its position as a heavy-duty truck capable of handling even the most challenging of towing tasks.
Important Notes
Payload and Trailer Weight Information
- Payload and Max Trailer Weights are estimated values.
- All values are shown in pounds unless otherwise stated.
- Payload and Max Trailer Weight values are rounded to the nearest 10lb.
- Payload = GVWR – Base Weight.
- Payload and Trailer Weight Ratings are mutually exclusive.
- GAWRs, GVWRs and GCWRs should never be exceeded.
- Trailer Weight Rating and Tow Vehicle Trailering Weight are calculated as specified in SAE J2807.
Weight Factors for Trailering
- Passenger Weight = 300 lb.
- Options Weight = 100 lb.
- Trailering Equipment Weight: 75 lb for a conventional hitch, 70 lb for a gooseneck, and 250 lb for the 5th-wheel.
- Tongue weight: 10 percent of the gross trailer weight for a conventional hitch, 15 percent of the gross trailer weight for a 5th-wheel or gooseneck hitch.
- Payload and GAWR should never be exceeded and must account for all of the above weights, including the appropriate trailering equipment and tongue weight.
- Box-Off Body Completion Weight = 80 lb per foot from end of cab to end of frame.
Maximum Capability
- RAM 2500 boasts a maximum towing capacity of 15,500 pounds with the available 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 engine.
- RAM 2500 has a maximum payload capacity of 3,190 pounds with the standard 6.4L HEMI® V8 engine.
- The maximum tongue weight for Class V (hitch receiver) is limited to 1,800 lb.
- A 5th-wheel or gooseneck hitch is required for trailers over 18,000 lb.
- Regular and Crew cab vehicles with diesel engines and 17” wheels have GCWR of 23,000 lb for conventional trailers only.
2012 Ram 2500 Towing Safety Features
- Anti-lock brakes: This safety feature increases the vehicle’s ability to turn while braking. ABS brakes automatically sense when a tire has stopped rotating under extreme braking and modulates brake pressure.
- Stability control: It senses when the vehicle’s handling limits have been exceeded and reduces engine power and/or applies brakes to prevent the driver from losing control of the vehicle.
- Front-impact airbags: Designed to protect the head during a frontal crash, these airbags are located on the driver and passenger sides.
- Side impact airbags: These airbags protect the torso during a side impact collision and are located in the front seats.
- Overhead airbags: Used to protect the occupant’s heads in the event of a side collision or rollover.
- Pretensioners: Seatbelt pretensioners automatically tighten seatbelts to place the occupant in the optimal seating position during a collision.
- Security system: Equipped with an ignition disable device that prevents the engine from starting if the correct original manufacturer key is not used.
Useful Resources
2012 RAM 2500 Towing Capacity PDF
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 2012 RAM 2500 Heavy-Duty Truck is a powerful vehicle with impressive towing and payload capacities. With a towing capacity of 15,500 pounds and a maximum payload capacity of 3,190 pounds, this truck is capable of handling a variety of heavy-duty tasks.
However, it’s essential to keep in mind that these capacities can vary depending on several factors, so it’s essential to consult the charts and consider all relevant factors before towing.
Whether you’re hauling a trailer or transporting heavy equipment, the RAM 2500 is a reliable and capable vehicle that won’t disappoint.
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