If you own a 2018 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 2018 RAM 2500, including charts, VIN Decoder, and tables for easy reference.
The 2018 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.
2018 RAM 2500 (Heavy-Duty) Towing and Payload Capacity Chart
| Engine | Power | Torque | Towing Capacity | Payload Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard: 5.7L HEMI® V8 | 383 hp | 400 lb-ft | 13,890 lbs | 3,060 lbs |
| Upgrade: 6.4L HEMI® V8 | 410 hp | 429 lb-ft | 16,320 lbs | 3,990 lbs |
| Diesel: 6.7L Cummins® Turbo | 370 hp | 800 lb-ft | 17,980 lbs | 3,160 lbs |
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 2018 RAM 2500 towing and payload capacity information from the official RAM resources including the 2018 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.
2018 RAM 2500 Trims
The above table shows the seven trim levels available for the 2018 Ram 2500 and their respective standard engines.
The Tradesman, SLT, Lone Star, and Big Horn come equipped with a 5.7L HEMI® V8 engine, while the Laramie, Laramie Longhorn, and Limited have a 6.4L Heavy-Duty HEMI® V8 engine.
All trim levels have the option of upgrading to a 6.7L Cummins® Turbo-Diesel engine. The table also lists the horsepower, torque, and maximum towing capacity for each engine option.
| Trim Level | Standard Engine | Max-Tow Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Tradesman | 5.7L HEMI® V8 | 13,890 |
| SLT | 5.7L HEMI® V8 | 13,890 |
| Lone Star | 5.7L HEMI® V8 | 13,890 |
| Big Horn | 5.7L HEMI® V8 | 13,890 |
| Laramie | 6.4L HEMI® V8 | 16,320 |
| Laramie Longhorn | 6.4L HEMI® V8 | 16,320 |
| Limited | 6.4L HEMI® V8 | 16,320 |
| All Trim Levels | 6.7L Cummins® Turbo-Diesel | 17,980 |
Using VIN Decoder
If you already own a 2018 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
The 2018 RAM 2500 comes with different engine options, each with its own unique towing capacity.
Each engine is available with different axle ratios, which affect the truck’s towing capacity.
| Engine | Power | Torque | Towing Capacity | Payload Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard: 5.7L HEMI® V8 | 383 hp | 400 lb-ft | 13,890 lbs | 3,060 lbs |
| Upgrade: 6.4L HEMI® V8 | 410 hp | 429 lb-ft | 16,320 lbs | 3,990 lbs |
| Diesel: 6.7L Cummins® Turbo | 370 hp | 800 lb-ft | 17,980 lbs | 3,160 lbs |
Here’s the breakdown of the above table:
Standard: 5.7L HEMI® V8
- 383 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque.
- Maximum towing capacity of 13,890 pounds.
- Payload capacity of 3,060 pounds.
Standard: 5.7L HEMI® V8 – With 383 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque, this engine is no slouch.
It’s capable of towing up to 13,890 pounds and has a payload capacity of 3,060 pounds.
Upgrade: 6.4L HEMI® V8
- Best-in-class gas power of 410 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque.
- Maximum towing capacity of 16,320 pounds.
- Payload capacity of 3,990 pounds.
Upgrade: 6.4L HEMI® V8 – If you’re looking for even more power, the upgraded 6.4L HEMI® V8 is for you.
With best-in-class gas power of 410 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque, this engine can tow up to 16,320 pounds and has a payload capacity of 3,990 pounds.
Diesel: 6.7L Cummins® Turbo
- 370 horsepower and 800 lb-ft of torque.
- Maximum towing capacity of 17,980 pounds.
- Payload capacity of 3,160 pounds.
Diesel: 6.7L Cummins® Turbo – For drivers who need a diesel engine, the 6.7L Cummins® Turbo delivers 370 horsepower and a whopping 800 lb-ft of torque.
This engine can tow up to 17,980 pounds and has a payload capacity of 3,160 pounds.
Payload Capacity Chart
The 2018 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 | Power | Torque | Max. Payload Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard: 5.7L HEMI® V8 | 383 hp | 400 lb-ft | 3,060 lbs |
| Upgrade: 6.4L HEMI® V8 | 410 hp | 429 lb-ft | 3,990 lbs |
| Diesel: 6.7L Cummins® Turbo | 370 hp | 800 lb-ft | 3,160 lbs |
Towing and Payload Capacity Charts
Gooseneck and Fifth-Wheel Towing
3 Ways the 2018 RAM 2500 Makes Towing a Breeze
Gooseneck Towing Made Easy: With the Fifth-Wheel/Gooseneck Prep Group, all the necessary components for gooseneck towing are included, making it fast and easy to set up.
The group includes gooseneck bolt plates, center castings, a 4-/7-pin trailer connector, and a rear in-bed integrated 7-pin connector.
Impressive Fifth-Wheel Towing: Thanks to the fully integrated rear-axle cross member on all frames, the RAM 2500 has impressive fifth-wheel towing capabilities.
The production box floor also includes fifth-wheel pucks and integrated fifth-wheel hitch mounting hardware, making it easy to get set up and hit the road.
And, at only 28 pounds, it’s proof that big capability can come in small packages. Plus, it’s the only factory-installed winch available on a heavy-duty pickup truck.
2018 Ram 2500 Towing Safety Features
- Centre High-Mounted Stop Lamp Camera: Say goodbye to the hassle of blind trailer hookups with this available camera that gives you a clear view of your Ram 2500 cargo area on the touchscreen display.
- Standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Trailer Sway Control: With this standard safety feature, you can rest assured that your trailer is monitored for swaying to provide a safer towing experience.
- Smart Diesel Exhaust Brake: The Cummins® Turbo Diesel engine offers superior control when hauling heavy loads around Maple Creek thanks to its smart diesel exhaust brake system.
- Trailer Brake Controller: For additional safety and stability while towing, the available Trailer Brake Controller adapts the braking system in relation to the truck.
- Rear Auto-Level Air Suspension: And with the available Rear Auto-Level Air Suspension, you can easily adjust the ride height to suit your towing and payload needs with just the push of a button.
- Five-Link Coil Rear Suspension System: The RAM 2500 also boasts a Five-Link Coil Rear Suspension System that minimizes friction while towing, resulting in greater maneuverability on the road.
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.
- Tongue weight: 10% of the gross trailer weight for Conventional Hitch, 15% of the gross trailer weight for 5th Wheel or Gooseneck hitch.
- Trailering Equipment Weight: 75 lb for Conventional Hitch, 70 lb for Gooseneck, and 250 lb for 5th Wheel.
- 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 the end of frame.
Maximum Capability
- RAM 2500 boasts a maximum towing capacity of 19,680 pounds with the available 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 engine.
- RAM 2500 has a maximum payload capacity of 4,050 pounds with the standard 6.4L HEMI® V8 engine.
- The RAM 2500 is built for maximum capability and is designed to handle the toughest jobs on the road.
Useful Resources
2018 RAM 2500 Towing Capacity PDF
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 2018 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.
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