2021 RAM 1500 Towing Capacity & Payload (with Charts)

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the towing capabilities of the 2021 RAM 1500 and provide you with useful charts to help you determine which configuration is right for your needs.

Whether you need to tow a small trailer or a heavy load, we’ve got you covered with all the information you need to make an informed decision.

So, let’s dive in and explore the towing capacity of the 2021 RAM 1500!

The 2021 RAM 1500 has a maximum Towing Capacity ranging between 6,300 – 12,750 lbs. and a maximum payload capacity of 2,300 lbs. This can vary depending on factors such as the vehicle’s Curb Weight, Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), Payload, and other factors.

2021 RAM 1500 Towing and Payload Capacity Chart

EnginesGCWRMax. Towing CapacityMax. Payload Capacity
3.6L Pentastar V6 eTorque12,900 lbs7,750 lbs2,300 lbs
3.0L EcoDiesel V618,200 lbs12,560 lbs2,060 lbs
5.7L HEMI V817,000 lbs11,650 lbs1,940 lbs
5.7L HEMI V8 eTorque18,350 lbs12,750 lbs1,850 lbs
6.2L Supercharge HEMI V815,160 lbs8,220 lbs1,350 lbs
2021 RAM 1500 Towing and Payload Capacity Chart

Here is the 2021 RAM 1500 Towing Capacity with different engines and their corresponding GCWR and maximum towing capacity:

  • 3.6L Pentastar V6 eTorque: GCWR of 12,900 lbs and max towing capacity of 7,750 lbs.
  • 3.0L EcoDiesel V6: GCWR of 18,200 lbs and max towing capacity of 12,560 lbs.
  • 5.7L HEMI V8: GCWR of 17,000 lbs and max towing capacity of 11,650 lbs.
  • 5.7L HEMI V8 eTorque: GCWR of 18,350 lbs and max towing capacity of 12,750 lbs.
  • 6.2L Supercharge HEMI V8: GCWR of 15,160 lbs and max towing capacity of 8,220 lbs.

It’s important to note that the towing capacity of your RAM 1500 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 RAM 1500.

Here I’ve collected all the 2021 RAM 1500 towing and payload capacity information from the official RAM resources including the 2021 RAM 1500 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.

Towing Capacity by Trims

Let’s take a closer look at the various trims available for the 2021 RAM 1500 and what each one offers.

TrimMaximum Towing Capacity
TradesmanUp to 12,750 pounds
RAM 1500 HFEUp to 11,610 pounds
Big Horn7,730-12,750 pounds
LaramieUp to 11,610 pounds
RebelUp to 11,460 pounds
Limited LonghornUp to 12,560 pounds
LimitedUp to 12,560 pounds
Long Star7,730-12,750 pounds
TRXUp to 8,100 pounds
2021 Towing Capacity by Trims

Using VIN Decoder

If you already own a 2021 RAM 1500 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 Engine

The 2021 RAM 1500 comes with five engine options, each offering different levels of towing capacity.

2021 RAM 1500 Towing Capacity Chart

Let’s take a closer look at each of the eninges and their different configurations.

EnginesAxle RatioGCWRMax. Towing Capacity
3.6L Pentastar V6 eTorque3.2111,900 lbs6,530 lbs
3.6L Pentastar V6 eTorque3.5512,900 lbs7,750 lbs
3.0L EcoDiesel V63.2113,900 lbs8,380 lbs
3.0L EcoDiesel V63.9215,600 lbs10,080 lbs
3.0L EcoDiesel V63.9218,200 lbs12,560 lbs
5.7L HEMI V83.2113,900 lbs8,550 lbs
5.7L HEMI V83.9217,000 lbs11,650 lbs
5.7L HEMI V8 eTorque3.2113,900 lbs8,460 lbs
5.7L HEMI V8 eTorque3.9217,000 lbs11,560 lbs
5.7L HEMI V8 eTorque3.9218,350 lbs12,750 lbs
6.2L Supercharge HEMI V83.5515,160 lbs8,220 lbs
2021 RAM 1500 Towing Capacity Chart

3.6L Pentastar V6 eTorque

The 3.6L Pentastar V6 eTorque, with an axle ratio of 3.21, has a GCWR of 11,900 lbs and a maximum towing capacity of 6,530 lbs.

Meanwhile, with an axle ratio of 3.55, the same engine has a GCWR of 12,900 lbs and a maximum towing capacity of 7,750 lbs.

3.0L EcoDiesel V6 engine

The 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 engine, with an axle ratio of 3.21, has a GCWR of 13,900 lbs and a maximum towing capacity of 8,380 lbs.

With an axle ratio of 3.92, it can tow up to 15,600 lbs, and with the same ratio and a maximum GCWR of 18,200 lbs, it can tow up to 12,560 lbs.

5.7L HEMI V8 engine

The 5.7L HEMI V8 engine, with an axle ratio of 3.21, has a GCWR of 13,900 lbs and a maximum towing capacity of 8,550 lbs. With an axle ratio of 3.92, it can tow up to 17,000 lbs.

5.7L HEMI V8 eTorque engine

The 5.7L HEMI V8 eTorque engine, with an axle ratio of 3.21, has a GCWR of 13,900 lbs and a maximum towing capacity of 8,460 lbs.

With an axle ratio of 3.92, it can tow up to 17,000 lbs, while with the same ratio and a maximum GCWR of 18,350 lbs, it can tow up to 12,750 lbs.

5.7L HEMI V8 eTorque engine

Finally, the 6.2L Supercharge HEMI V8 engine, with an axle ratio of 3.55, has a GCWR of 15,160 lbs and a maximum towing capacity of 8,220 lbs.

In my opinion, the 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 engine is the best option for those who plan to do a lot of towing.

It offers the highest maximum towing capacity of up to 12,560 lbs with a 3.92 axle ratio, making it ideal for hauling heavy loads.

Plus, the diesel engine provides better fuel efficiency than gas engines, which can save money on fuel costs in the long run.

However, for those who don’t plan on doing a lot of towing, the 3.6L Pentastar V6 eTorque engine is a solid choice with its decent towing capacity and improved fuel efficiency with the eTorque system.

Towing Capacity Charts

The 2021 RAM 1500 offers impressive towing capabilities across all cab configurations. The towing capacity varies depending on the cab and engine combination you choose.

2021 RAM 1500 4×2 Towing Capacity Chart
2021 RAM 1500 4x4 Towing Capacity Chart
2021 RAM 1500 4×4 Towing Capacity Chart

Overall the maximum Towing Capacities offered by each 2021 RAM 1500 cab style are given in the below table.

EngineQuad Cab
6′ 4″ Box
Crew Cab
5′ 7″ Box
Crew Cab
6′ 4″ Box
5.7L HEMI V811,650 lbs11,450 lbs11,500 lbs
5.7L HEMI V8 eTorque12,750 lbs11,370 lbs11,410 lbs
3.0L EcoDiesel V612,560 lbs9,930 lbs9,950 lbs
3.6L Pentastar V6 eTorque7,750 lbs7,530 lbs7,600 lbs
2021 RAM 1500 Towing Capacity by Cabs

Payload Capacity

The 2021 RAM 1500 is a great pickup truck that is designed to handle heavy payloads with ease.

EnginesGVWRMax. Payload Capacity
3.6L Pentastar V6 eTorque7,100 lbs2,300 lbs
3.0L EcoDiesel V67,200 lbs2,060 lbs
5.7L HEMI V87,100 lbs1,940 lbs
5.7L HEMI V8 eTorque7,100 lbs1,850 lbs
6.2L Supercharge HEMI V87,800 lbs1,350 lbs
2021 RAM 1500 Payload Capacity Chart

The 3.6L Pentastar V6 eTorque engine offers a maximum payload capacity of 2,300 pounds, making it a reliable choice for those who need to transport equipment or materials.

The 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 engine offers a maximum payload capacity of 2,060 pounds, making it a great choice for those who need to tow heavy loads.

2021 RAM 1500 Payload Capacity Chart
2021 RAM 1500 Payload Capacity Chart

The 5.7L HEMI V8 and 5.7L HEMI V8 eTorque engines have a maximum payload capacity of 1,940 pounds and 1,850 pounds respectively, making them great options for those who need a balance of power and payload capacity.

The 6.2L Supercharge HEMI V8 engine offers a maximum payload capacity of 1,350 pounds, making it a great choice for those who need a lot of power and towing capacity but don’t necessarily need to carry a lot of weight in the bed of the truck.

Payload Capacity by Cabs

When it comes to payload capacity, the truck’s capability varies depending on the cab size and engine choice.

EngineQuad Cab
6′ 4″ Box
Crew Cab
5′ 7″ Box
Crew Cab
6′ 4″ Box
5.7L HEMI V81,940 lbs1,860 lbs1,820 lbs
5.7L HEMI V8 eTorque1,860 lbs1,800 lbs1,710 lbs
3.0L EcoDiesel V62,060 lbs1,800 lbs1,740 lbs
3.6L Pentastar V6 eTorque2,300 lbs2,020 lbs1,990 lbs
2021 RAM 1500 Payload Capacity by Cabs
2021 RAM 1500 Cab Configurations Chart (Towing and Payload Capacity)

Towing Equipment required:

To tow with a 2021 RAM 1500, you will need the following towing equipment:

  1. Hitch Receiver: The hitch receiver is mounted to the frame of the truck and provides a secure connection point for the trailer.
  2. Trailer Wiring Harness: A wiring harness is needed to connect the trailer’s lighting system to the truck’s electrical system.
  3. Trailer Brake Controller: If your trailer has electric brakes, a brake controller is required to operate them. This device is installed inside the cab of the truck and sends signals to the trailer’s braking system.
  4. Weight Distribution Hitch: A weight distribution hitch helps distribute the weight of the trailer evenly across the truck’s frame and suspension, improving handling and stability.
  5. Sway Control: Sway control devices can help prevent trailer sway, which can be dangerous and difficult to control. These devices can be built into the weight distribution hitch or installed separately.
  6. Tow Mirrors: Extended mirrors are necessary to ensure that you have a clear view of your trailer while towing. RAM 1500 offers available Trailer Tow Mirrors.

It’s essential to make sure that all your towing equipment is rated for the weight of your trailer and properly installed before towing.

Useful Resources

2021 RAM 1500 Brochure PDF

Conclusion

In conclusion, the 2021 RAM 1500 offers a wide range of towing capacity options, ranging from 6,300 – 12,750 lbs, depending on factors such as engine size, transmission, axle ratio, and other configuration factors.

The maximum towing capacity of the RAM 1500 depends on the specific model and trim you choose.

However, it’s essential to ensure that the total weight of your vehicle and the trailer does not exceed the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) specified for the RAM 1500.

If you’re not sure about your vehicle’s towing capacity, always consult the owner’s manual or a trusted mechanic. Overall, the RAM 1500 is an excellent option for those looking for a powerful and capable vehicle for their towing needs.

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