2012 RAM 3500 Towing Capacity & Payload (with Charts)
As a heavy-duty pickup truck designed to haul heavy loads, the 2012 RAM 3500 has an impressive towing capacity and payload.
However, before you start hitching trailers to your RAM 3500, it’s essential to understand its towing capacity and payload to ensure safe and efficient use of the vehicle.
In this article, we will provide a detailed guide on the towing and payload capacity of the 2012 RAM 3500, including charts, VIN Decoder, and tables for easy reference.
The 2012 RAM 3500 has a maximum Towing Capacity of 22,750 pounds and a maximum Payload Capacity of 5,180 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 3500 (HD) Towing and Payload Capacity Chart
| Engine | Horsepower | Torque | Max. Towing | Max. Payload |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6.7L Cummins® Diesel (manual) | 350 hp | 650 lb-ft | 14,000 lbs. | 5,100 lbs. |
| 6.7L Cummins® Diesel (auto) | 350 hp | 650 lb-ft | 22,750 lbs. | 5,180 lbs. |
The Cummins® Diesel engine offers the choice between a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission.
It’s important to keep in mind that the combined weight of the truck and trailer should not exceed the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) set for the 2012 RAM 3500.
Here I’ve collected all the 2012 RAM 3500 towing and payload capacity information from the official RAM resources including the 2012 RAM 3500 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 3500 Towing and Payload Capacity Charts
Fifth Wheel/Gooseneck Towing Capacity
If you’re planning on towing a trailer with your 2012 RAM 3500, it’s important to know the fifth wheel and gooseneck towing capacity.
The maximum weight that can be towed using a weight-carrying hitch is 5,000 pounds. However, for trailers over 5,000 pounds, it’s recommended to use a weight-distributing system to ensure proper weight distribution and stability.
If you’re planning on towing trailers over 12,000 pounds, you’ll need a fifth-wheel or gooseneck hitch.
These types of hitches are designed to distribute the weight of the trailer more evenly across the truck, providing better stability and control while towing.
The 2012 RAM 3500 has a fifth-wheel towing capacity of up to 17,000 pounds and a gooseneck towing capacity of up to 22,750 pounds when properly equipped.
2012 RAM 3500 Trims
The 2012 RAM 3500 offers different trim levels to choose from: ST, SLT, Lone Star, Big Horn, Outdoorsman, Laramie, and Laramie Longhorn.
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 3500 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 3500 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 3500, along with their corresponding horsepower, torque, maximum towing capacity, and maximum payload capacity.
| Engine | Horsepower | Torque | Max. Towing | Max. Payload |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6.7L Cummins® Diesel (manual) | 350 hp | 650 lb-ft | 14,000 lbs. | 5,100 lbs. |
| 6.7L Cummins® Diesel (auto) | 350 hp | 650 lb-ft | 22,750 lbs. | 5,180 lbs. |
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 650 lb-ft of torque. It has a maximum towing capacity of 14,000 lbs and a maximum payload capacity of 5,100 lbs.
- Horsepower: 350 hp
- Torque: 650 lb-ft
- Maximum Towing Capacity: 14,000 lbs.
- Maximum Payload Capacity: 5,100 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 350 horsepower and an impressive 650 lb-ft of torque. It has a maximum towing capacity of 22,750 lbs and a maximum payload capacity of 5,180 lbs.
- Horsepower: 350 hp
- Torque: 650 LB-ft
- Maximum Towing Capacity: 22,750 lbs.
- Maximum Payload Capacity: 5,180 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 table provides information on the maximum payload capacity of the 2012 RAM 3500 for different engine options.
One of the most important factors to consider when loading up your RAM 3500 is the maximum payload capacity of the vehicle.
This refers to the weight that the truck can carry without causing any safety or performance issues.
It’s important to know the payload capacity of your RAM 3500 to ensure that you are operating within its limits.
| Engine | Max. Payload |
|---|---|
| 6.7-liter Cummins (manual) | 5,100 lbs. |
| 6.7-liter Cummins (auto) | 5,180 lbs. |
Important Notes
Drivetrain Options:
The 2012 RAM 3500 offers two drivetrain options:
- 4×2 – Lower towing capacity than 4×4
- 4×4 – Higher towing capacity than 4×2
Cab Configuration:
The 2012 RAM 3500 offers three cab configurations:
- Regular Cab – Higher towing capacity than Crew Cab and Mega Cab
- Crew Cab – Lower towing capacity than Regular Cab and Mega Cab
- Mega Cab – Lower towing capacity than Regular Cab and higher than Crew Cab
Payload and Maximum Trailer Weights:
- The payload is an estimated value and is rounded to the nearest 10 lbs. To calculate the payload, subtract the curb weight from the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).
- Maximum trailer weights are also estimated and rounded to the nearest 50 lbs. To calculate the maximum trailer weight, subtract the curb weight and a 150 lb. allowance for the driver from the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR).
Recommended Tongue Weight:
- The recommended tongue weight for a trailer is between 10% and 15% of the gross trailer weight.
- However, for Class III bumper ball hitches, the maximum tongue weight is limited to 500 pounds, and for Class IV receiver hitches, it’s limited to 1,200 pounds.
- It’s important to note that the Gross Axle Weight Ratings (GAWRs) and GVWRs should never be exceeded to ensure safe towing.
Weight Limits for Different Hitches:
- The maximum weight for a weight-carrying hitch is 5,000 pounds.
- For trailers over 5,000 pounds, a weight-distributing system is recommended.
- Trailers over 12,000 pounds require a fifth-wheel or gooseneck hitch.
Useful Resources
2012 RAM 3500 Towing Capacity PDF
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 2012 RAM 3500 Heavy-Duty Truck is a powerful vehicle with impressive towing and payload capacities. With a towing capacity of 22,750 pounds and a maximum payload capacity of 5,180 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 3500 is a reliable and capable vehicle that won’t disappoint.
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