As a heavy-duty pickup truck designed to haul heavy loads, the 2018 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 2018 RAM 3500, including charts, VIN Decoder, and tables for easy reference.
The 2018 RAM 3500 has a maximum Towing Capacity of 31,210 pounds and a maximum Payload Capacity of 7,350 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 3500 Towing Capacity & Payload Capacity Chart
| Maximum Towing Capacity | 31,210 lbs |
| Maximum Payload Capacity | 7,350 lbs |
| Maximum GVWR | 14,000 lbs |
| Maximum GCWR | 39,100 lbs |
It is important to note that the towing and payload capacity may vary depending on the specific model, trim, and additional equipment installed.
Read on to determine the appropriate capacity for your specific vehicle and towing needs.
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 2018 RAM 3500.
Here I’ve collected all the 2018 RAM 3500 towing and payload capacity information from the official RAM resources including the 2018 RAM 3500 Brochure and ramtrucks.com.
Table of Contents
- 2018 RAM 3500 vs. Competitors Towing Capacity
- Towing and Payload Capacity Charts – 2018 RAM 3500
- Towing Capacity by Engines – 2018 RAM 3500
- Fifth Wheel/Gooseneck Towing Capacity
- Towing & Payload Capacity by Trims
- Payload Capacity – 2018 RAM 3500
- Using VIN Decoder
- Other Useful Information
- Useful Resources
- Conclusion
Towing and Payload Capacity Charts – 2018 RAM 3500
Towing Capacity Chart
Payload Capacity Chart
Towing Capacity by Engines – 2018 RAM 3500
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 | Max. Towing Capacity | Max. Payload Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| 5.7L HEMI V8 | 13,910 lbs | 4,480 lbs |
| 6.4L HEMI V8 | 16,480 lbs | 7,350 lbs |
| 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel (auto) | 22,550 lbs | 6,720 lbs |
| 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel (manual) | 18,510 lbs | 6,680 lbs |
| 6.7L Cummins High Output Turbo Diesel | 31,210 lbs | 6,580 lbs |
The RAM 3500 comes in either a 6-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual transmission, with rear-wheel drive as the drivetrain option.
5.7L HEMI V8 Engine
The 5.7L HEMI V8 engine is a standard engine that produces 383 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. With this engine, you can tow up to 13,910 lbs and carry a maximum payload capacity of 4,480 lbs.
- Horsepower: 383 hp
- Torque: 400 lb-ft
- Maximum Towing Capacity: 13,910 lbs
- Maximum Payload Capacity: 4,480 lbs
6.4L HEMI V8 Engine
The 6.4L HEMI V8 engine is the second option that provides an impressive 410 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque. This engine can haul up to 16,480 lbs of towing capacity and has a maximum payload capacity of 7,350 lbs.
- Horsepower: 410 hp
- Torque: 429 lb-ft
- Maximum Towing Capacity: 16,480 lbs
- Maximum Payload Capacity: 7,350 lbs
6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel Engine (auto)
The 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel (auto) engine is another great option, boasting an impressive 385 horsepower and a whopping 930 lb-ft of torque.
This engine can tow up to 22,550 lbs and has a maximum payload capacity of 6,720 lbs.
- Horsepower: 385 hp
- Torque: 930 lb-ft
- Maximum Towing Capacity: 22,550 lbs
- Maximum Payload Capacity: 6,720 lbs
6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel Engine (manual)
The 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel (manual) engine is the fourth option and has a horsepower of 350 and a torque of 660 lb-ft.
With this engine, you can tow up to 18,510 lbs and have a maximum payload capacity of 6,680 lbs.
- Horsepower: 350 hp
- Torque: 660 lb-ft
- Maximum Towing Capacity: 18,510 lbs
- Maximum Payload Capacity: 6,680 lbs
6.7L Cummins High Output Turbo Diesel Engine
Finally, the 6.7L Cummins High Output Turbo Diesel engine is the most potent engine option, producing a horsepower of 385 and a torque of 930 lb-ft.
With this engine, you can tow up to a whopping 31,210 lbs and carry a maximum payload capacity of 6,580 lbs. Also, the 2018 RAM 3500 Fifth-Wheel towing capacity is up to 30,000 pounds.
- Horsepower: 385 hp
- Torque: 930 lb-ft
- Maximum Towing Capacity: 31,210 lbs
- Maximum Payload Capacity: 6,580 lbs
Cummins technology allows for up to 15,000 miles between oil changes, reducing downtime and maintenance costs.
The AISIN Heavy-Duty 6-speed automatic transmission is equipped to handle the power of the Cummins High Output Turbo Diesel and Features a Transmission Control Module and ramped-up Tow/Haul Mode.
Fifth Wheel/Gooseneck Towing Capacity
If you are looking to tow heavy loads with your 2018 Ram 3500, it’s important to keep in mind the recommended tongue weight and hitch requirements.
For a conventional hitch, it is recommended that the tongue weight be 10-15% of the gross trailer weight, while for a gooseneck or fifth wheel hitch, the recommended tongue weight is higher, at 20-25% of the gross trailer weight.
Additionally, the maximum tongue weight for the Ram 3500’s gooseneck hitch is limited to 6000 pounds, while the fifth wheel hitch is limited to 5000 pounds.
It’s also important to note that a fifth-wheel or gooseneck hitch is required for trailers over 17,000 pounds, while a gooseneck hitch is required for trailers over 25,000 pounds.
Keeping these guidelines in mind can help ensure safe and successful towing with your 2018 Ram 3500.
Towing & Payload Capacity by Trims
The 2018 RAM 3500 offers 8 different trim levels to choose from: Big Horn, Lone Star, Laramie Longhorn, SLT, Tradesman, Laramie, and Limited
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.
Laramie
| Model | Towing Capacity | Payload Capacity | GVWR | Curb Weight | Drive Type | Wheelbase |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laramie 4×2 Crew Cab SRW | 12000 lb | 3948 lb | 10500 lb | 6552 lb | RWD | 149.5 in. |
| Laramie 4×2 Crew Cab | 12000 lb | 4452 lb | 11100 lb | 6648 lb | RWD | 169.5 in. |
| Laramie 4×2 Mega Cab | 12000 lb | 4420 lb | 11200 lb | 6780 lb | RWD | 160.5 in. |
| Laramie 4×4 Crew Cab SRW | 12000 lb | 3875 lb | 10800 lb | 6925 lb | 4WD | 149.5 in. |
| Laramie 4×4 Crew Cab 169.5 in. WB | 12000 lb | 4329 lb | 11400 lb | 7071 lb | 4WD | 169.5 in. |
| Laramie 4×4 Mega Cab | 12000 lb | 4291 lb | 11400 lb | 7109 lb | 4WD | 160.5 in. |
Laramie Longhorn
| Model | Towing Capacity | Payload Capacity | GVWR | Curb Weight | Drive Type | Wheelbase |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laramie Longhorn 4×2 Crew Cab SRW | 12000 lb | 3914 lb | 10500 lb | 6586 lb | RWD | 149.5 in. |
| Laramie Longhorn 4×2 Crew Cab | 12000 lb | 4354 lb | 11100 lb | 6746 lb | RWD | 169.5 in. |
| Laramie Longhorn 4×2 Mega Cab | 12000 lb | 4303 lb | 11200 lb | 6897 lb | RWD | 160.5 in. |
| Laramie Longhorn 4×4 Crew Cab SRW | 12000 lb | 3795 lb | 10800 lb | 7005 lb | 4WD | 149.5 in. |
| Laramie Longhorn 4×4 Crew Cab | 12000 lb | 4249 lb | 11400 lb | 7151 lb | 4WD | 169.5 in. |
| Laramie Longhorn 4×4 Mega Cab | 12000 lb | 4183 lb | 11400 lb | 7217 lb | 4WD | 160.5 in. |
SLT
| Model | Towing Capacity | Payload Capacity | GVWR | Curb Weight | Drive Type | Wheelbase |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SLT 4×2 Crew Cab | 11000 lb | 4042 lb | 10500 lb | 6458 lb | RWD | 149.5 in. |
| SLT 4×2 Crew Cab | 11000 lb | 4445 lb | 11000 lb | 6555 lb | RWD | 169.5 in. |
| SLT 4×2 Mega Cab | 11000 lb | 4339 lb | 11000 lb | 6661 lb | RWD | 160.5 in. |
| SLT 4×2 Regular Cab | 11000 lb | 4047 lb | 10100 lb | 6053 lb | RWD | 140 in. |
| SLT 4×4 Crew Cab SRW | 11000 lb | 3916 lb | 10700 lb | 6784 lb | 4WD | 149.5 in. |
| SLT 4×4 Crew Cab | 10000 lb | 4349 lb | 11300 lb | 6951 lb | 4WD | 169.5 in. |
| SLT 4×4 Mega Cab | 10000 lb | 4355 lb | 11300 lb | 6945 lb | 4WD | 160.5 in. |
| SLT 4×4 Regular Cab | 11000 lb | 3916 lb | 10300 lb | 6384 lb | 4WD | 140 in. |
Tradesman
| Model | Towing Capacity | Payload Capacity | GVWR | Curb Weight | Axle Ratio | Wheelbase |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tradesman 4×2 Crew Cab | 11000 lb | 4088 lb | 10500 lb | 6412 lb | RWD | 149.5 in. |
| Tradesman 4×2 Crew Cab | 11000 lb | 4476 lb | 11000 lb | 6524 lb | RWD | 169.5 in. |
| Tradesman 4×2 Regular Cab | 11000 lb | 4078 lb | 10100 lb | 6022 lb | RWD | 140 in. |
| Tradesman 4×4 Crew Cab | 11000 lb | 3968 lb | 10700 lb | 6732 lb | 4WD | 149.5 in. |
| Tradesman 4×4 Crew Cab | 11000 lb | 4391 lb | 11300 lb | 6909 lb | 4WD | 169.5 in. |
| Tradesman 4×4 Regular Cab | 11000 lb | 3930 lb | 10300 lb | 6370 lb | 4WD | 140 in. |
Payload Capacity – 2018 RAM 3500
The table provides information on the maximum payload capacity of the 2018 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 Capacity |
|---|---|
| 5.7L HEMI V8 | 4,480 lbs |
| 6.4L HEMI V8 | 7,350 lbs |
| 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel (auto) | 6,720 lbs |
| 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel (manual) | 6,680 lbs |
| 6.7L Cummins High Output Turbo Diesel | 6,580 lbs |
Using VIN Decoder
If you already own a 2018 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.
Other Useful Information
Gross Axle Weight Ratings (GAWRs), Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings (GVWRs), and Gross Combined Weight Ratings (GCWRs) are crucial for safe towing. You should never exceed these ratings to prevent accidents and damage to your vehicle.
Drivetrain Options:
The 2018 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 2018 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 Calculation:
- Payload is calculated by subtracting the Curb Weight from the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). (Payload = GVWR – Curb Wt.)
- Note that in some cases, the payload value may be rounded down to the nearest 10 pounds.
- In the case of the 3500 Regular Cab, 4×2, 6.4L with 4.10 axle ratio, the GVWR of 13,800 lb applies to the Tradesman and ST packages only.
- For all other price classes for this configuration (Reg Cab, 4×2, 6.4L with 4.10 axle ratio), the GVWR is 13,700 lb.
Maximum Trailer Weight:
- The maximum trailer weight is the weight that can be safely towed by the vehicle.
- Note that in some cases, the maximum trailer weight may be rounded down to the nearest 50 pounds.
- Payload and maximum trailer weight are mutually exclusive, meaning that if the maximum payload weight is reached, the maximum trailer weight should not be exceeded.
GCWR Calculation:
- Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) is a defined value in pounds.
- Base weights may change due to a production audit or product change.
- GCW can be calculated by adding the base weight, driver weight (150 pounds), maximum trailer weight, and 20 pounds. (GCW = Base weight + 150 lbs (Driver weight) + Max Trailer + 20 lbs)
Recommended Tongue Weight:
- For a conventional hitch, the recommended tongue weight is 10-15% of the gross trailer weight.
- The maximum tongue weight for Class V (the receiver hitch) is limited to 1700 pounds.
- For a Gooseneck and Fifth wheel hitch, the recommended tongue weight is 20-25% of the gross trailer weight.
- The maximum tongue weight for Ram 3500 Gooseneck Hitch is limited to 6000 pounds, and for the fifth wheel hitch is limited to 5000 pounds.
Hitch Requirements:
- A fifth-wheel or gooseneck hitch is required for trailers over 17,000 pounds.
- A gooseneck hitch is required for trailers over 25,000 pounds.
GVWR and GAWR Limitations:
- It is important to note that the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and Gross Axle Weight Ratings (GAWR) should never be exceeded.
- The GVWR is the maximum weight that the vehicle can carry, including passengers, cargo, and fuel.
- The GAWR is the maximum weight that each axle can support.
Useful Resources
2018 RAM 3500 Towing Capacity PDF
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 2018 RAM 3500 Heavy-Duty Truck is a powerful vehicle with impressive towing and payload capacities. With a towing capacity of 31,210 pounds and a maximum payload capacity of 7,350 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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