2017 RAM 2500 Towing Capacity & Payload (with Charts)

If you own a 2017 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 the 2017 RAM 2500, including charts, VIN Decoder, and tables for easy reference.

The 2017 RAM 2500 has a maximum Towing Capacity of 17,980 pounds and a maximum Payload Capacity of 3,990 pounds. This can vary depending on factors such as the vehicle’s Curb Weight, Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), Payload, and other factors.

2017 RAM 2500 (Heavy-Duty) Towing and Payload Capacity Chart

The 5.7L and 6.4L HEMI® engines come 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 2017 RAM 2500 towing and payload capacity information from the official RAM resources including the 2017 RAM 2500 Brochure and ramtrucks.com.

Trims – 2017 RAM 2500

The 2017 Ram 1500 offers a diverse range of customization options to cater to the needs of truck buyers.

Its body styles include the Regular Cab, Quad Cab, and Crew Cab, with bed lengths of 8-foot, 6-foot-4-inch, and 5-foot-7-inch.

The truck is also available in eight distinct trim levels, namely Tradesman, Express, Big Horn, Sport, Rebel, Laramie, Laramie Longhorn, and Limited.

The table shows the different trims of the RAM 2500, along with their corresponding engines, maximum payload capacity, and maximum towing capacity.

The Tradesman trim with a 6.4-liter V8 Mid Duty Hemi MDS engine has the highest payload capacity at 3,907 lbs, while the Tradesman trim with a 6.7-liter I6 Cummins Turbo Diesel engine has the highest towing capacity at 17,750 lbs.

All models listed have Quad Cab, 6’4″ box, Automatic Transmission, and 4×2 Wheel Drive.

Towing Capacity Charts – 2017 RAM 2500

The 2017 RAM 2500 comes with different engine options, each with its unique towing capacity. Each engine is available with different axle ratios, which affect the truck’s towing capacity.

Here’s the breakdown of the above table:

5.7-liter HEMI V8:

• Horsepower: 383 HP
• Torque: 400 LB-FT
• Maximum Towing Capacity: 13,900 lbs.
• Maximum Payload Capacity: 3,060 lbs.

The 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine produces 383 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. It has a maximum towing capacity of 13,900 lbs and a maximum payload capacity of 3,060 lbs.

6.4-liter HEMI V8:

• Horsepower: 410 HP
• Torque: 429 LB-FT
• Maximum Towing Capacity: 16,300 lbs.
• Maximum Payload Capacity: 3,990 lbs.

With 410 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque, the 6.4-liter HEMI V8 engine is a powerful option. It can tow up to 16,300 lbs and has a maximum payload capacity of 3,990 lbs.

6.7-liter Cummins (manual):

• Horsepower: 350 HP
• Torque: 660 LB-FT
• Maximum Towing Capacity: 16,700 lbs.
• Maximum Payload Capacity: 3,060 lbs.

The 6.7-liter Cummins (manual) engine produces 350 horsepower and 660 lb-ft of torque, making it a strong option for towing. It can tow up to 16,700 lbs and has a maximum payload capacity of 3,060 lbs.

6.7-liter Cummins (auto):

• Horsepower: 370 HP
• Torque: 800 LB-FT
• Maximum Towing Capacity: 17,980 lbs.
• Maximum Payload Capacity: 3,160 lbs.

The 6.7-liter Cummins (auto) engine is a high-performance option, producing 370 horsepower and 800 lb-ft of torque. It has a maximum towing capacity of 17,980 lbs and a maximum payload capacity of 3,160 lbs.

Payload Capacity Charts – 2017 RAM 2500

The 2017 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.

Other Useful Charts

Regular Cab

Crew & Mega Cab

Gooseneck and Fifth-Wheel Towing – 2017 RAM 2500

The 2017 Ram 2500 has a towing capacity of up to 17,980 pounds but may require a heavy-duty gooseneck/fifth-wheel hitch for towing standard semi-trailers.

These hitches are designed explicitly for heavier loads and attach to the bed of the truck, allowing for heavier towing and hauling gooseneck trailers.

Towing Capacity by VIN Decoder – 2017 RAM 2500

If you already own a 2017 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.

2017 Ram 2500 Towing Safety Features

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Front-impact airbags: Designed to protect the head during a frontal crash, these airbags are located on the driver and passenger sides.
4. Side impact airbags: These airbags protect the torso during a side impact collision and are located in the front seats.
5. Overhead airbags: Used to protect the occupant’s heads in the event of a side collision or rollover.
6. Pretensioners: Seatbelt pretensioners automatically tighten seatbelts to place the occupant in the optimal seating position during a collision.
7. Security system: Equipped with an ignition disable device that prevents the engine from starting if the correct original manufacturer key is not used.

Other Useful Information

Payload and Trailer Weight Information

1. Payload and Max Trailer Weights are estimated values.
2. All values are shown in pounds unless otherwise stated.
3. Payload and Max Trailer Weight values are rounded to the nearest 10lb.
4. Payload = GVWR – Base Weight.
5. Payload and Trailer Weight Ratings are mutually exclusive.
6. GAWRs, GVWRs, and GCWRs should never be exceeded.
7. Trailer Weight Rating and Tow Vehicle Trailering Weight are calculated as specified in SAE J2807.

Weight Factors for Trailering

1. Passenger Weight = 300 lb.
2. Options Weight = 100 lb.
3. Trailering Equipment Weight: 75 lb for conventional hitch, 70 lb for gooseneck, and 250 lb for 5th-wheel.
4. Tongue weight: 10 percent of the gross trailer weight for conventional hitch, 15 percent of the gross trailer weight for a 5th-wheel or gooseneck hitch.
5. Payload and GAWR should never be exceeded and must account for all of the above weights, including the appropriate trailering equipment and tongue weight.
6. Box-Off Body Completion Weight = 80 lb per foot from end of cab to end of frame.

Maximum Capability

1. RAM 2500 boasts a maximum towing capacity of 17,980 pounds with the available 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 engine.
2. RAM 2500 has a maximum payload capacity of 3,990 pounds with the standard 6.4L HEMI® V8 engine.
3. The maximum tongue weight for Class V (hitch receiver) is limited to 1,800 lb.
4. A 5th-wheel or gooseneck hitch is required for trailers over 18,000 lb.
5. 13,800 lb GVWR stated for Regular Cab, 4×2, 6.4L V8 with 4.10 axle ratio applies to Tradesman® and ST packages only.
6. All other price classes for this configuration (Regular Cab, 4×2, 6.4L V8 with 4.10 axle ratio) is 13,700 lb.

Useful Resources

2017 RAM 2500 Towing Capacity PDF

Conclusion

In conclusion, the 2017 RAM 2500 Heavy-Duty Truck is a powerful vehicle with impressive towing and payload capacities. With a towing capacity of 17,980 pounds and a maximum payload capacity of 3,990 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.