As a heavy-duty pickup truck designed to haul heavy loads, the 2021 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 2021 RAM 3500, including charts, VIN Decoder, and tables for easy reference.
The 2021 RAM 3500 has a maximum Towing Capacity of 37,100 pounds and a maximum Payload Capacity of 7,680 pounds. This can vary depending on factors such as the vehicle’s Curb Weight, Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), Payload, and other factors.
2021 RAM 3500 Towing Capacity & Payload Capacity Chart
| Maximum Towing Capacity | 37,100 lbs |
| Maximum Payload Capacity | 7,680 lbs |
| Maximum GVWR | 14,000 lbs |
| Maximum GCWR | 45,000 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 2021 RAM 3500.
Here I’ve collected all the 2021 RAM 3500 towing and payload capacity information from the official RAM resources including the 2021 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.
Towing and Payload Capacity Charts
2021 RAM 3500 Towing Capacity Chart
2021 RAM 3500 Payload Capacity Chart
Towing Capacity by Engines
As an owner of a 2021 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 | Max. Towing Capacity | Max. Payload Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| 6.4L HEMI V8 | 17,470 lbs | 7,680 lbs |
| 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel | 22,670 lbs | 6,840 lbs |
| 6.7L Cummins High Output Turbo Diesel | 37,100 lbs | 6,570 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.
6.4L HEMI V8
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 17,470 lbs of towing capacity and has a maximum payload capacity of 7,680 lbs.
- Horsepower: 410 hp
- Torque: 429 lb-ft
- Maximum Towing Capacity: 17,470 lbs
- Maximum Payload Capacity: 7,680 lbs
6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel
The 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel (auto) engine is another great option, boasting an impressive 420 horsepower and a whopping 1,075 lb-ft of torque.
This engine can tow up to 22,670 lbs and has a maximum payload capacity of 6,840 lbs.
- Horsepower: 420 hp
- Torque: 1,075 lb-ft
- Maximum Towing Capacity: 22,670 lbs
- Maximum Payload Capacity: 6,840 lbs
6.7L Cummins High Output Turbo Diesel
Finally, the 6.7L Cummins High Output Turbo Diesel engine is the most potent engine option, producing a horsepower of 420 and a torque of 1,075 lb-ft.
With this engine, you can tow up to a whopping 37,100 lbs and carry a maximum payload capacity of 6,570 lbs. Also, RAM 3500 can tow up to 30,000 lbs for fifth-wheel applications and up to 37,100 lbs with a gooseneck.
- Horsepower: 420 hp
- Torque: 1,075 lb-ft
- Maximum Towing Capacity: 37,100 lbs
- Maximum Payload Capacity: 6,570 lbs
Payload Capacity
The table provides information on the maximum payload capacity of the 2021 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 |
|---|---|
| 6.4L HEMI V8 | 7,680 lbs |
| 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel | 6,840 lbs |
| 6.7L Cummins High Output Turbo Diesel | 6,570 lbs |
Gooseneck/Fifth-Wheel Towing
The RAM 3500 is capable of gooseneck towing thanks to the available Fifth-Wheel/Gooseneck Prep Group.
This package includes all the necessary equipment for heavy-duty towing, including gooseneck bolt plates and center castings, 4-/7-pin trailer connector, and a rear in-bed integrated 7-pin connector or 7-/12-pin connector if equipped with the Trailer Camera Prep Group.
With this package, the RAM 3500 is capable of towing up to 37,100 lbs with a gooseneck.
The RAM 3500 is also capable of fifth-wheel towing, thanks to the fully integrated rear-axle cross member on all frames.
The available fifth-wheel hitch-mounting hardware is integrated into the production box floor and includes fifth-wheel pucks.
This setup provides additional strength and stability to the truck, making it easier to tow heavy loads.
2021 RAM 3500 Trims
The 2021 RAM 3500 offers 6 different trim levels to choose from: Big Horn, Lone Star, Longhorn, 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.
TRADESMAN
| Cab Length | Box Length | Drive | Max Payload | Max Towing | Axle Ratio | GVWR | GCWR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular | 8’0″ | 4×2 DRW | 7,680 | 14,710 | 3.73 | 14,000 | 21,500 |
| Regular | 8’0″ | 4×2 DRW | 7,680 | 18,210 | 4.1 | 14,000 | 25,000 |
| Regular | 8’0″ | 4×2 SRW | 4,640 | 14,970 | 3.73 | 10,700 | 21,500 |
| Regular | 8’0″ | 4×2 SRW | 4,640 | 17,470 | 4.1 | 10,700 | 24,000 |
| Crew | 6’4″ | 4×2 SRW | 4,160 | 14,490 | 3.73 | 10,700 | 21,500 |
| Crew | 6’4″ | 4×2 SRW | 4,160 | 16,990 | 4.1 | 10,700 | 24,000 |
| Crew | 6’4″ | 4×2 SRW | 4,280 | 14,610 | 3.73 | 10,700 | 21,500 |
| Crew | 6’4″ | 4×2 SRW | 4,280 | 17,110 | 4.1 | 10,700 | 24,000 |
| Crew | 8’0″ | 4×2 SRW | 4,510 | 14,440 | 3.73 | 11,100 | 21,500 |
| Crew | 8’0″ | 4×2 SRW | 4,510 | 16,940 | 4.1 | 11,100 | 24,000 |
| Crew | 8’0″ | 4×2 DRW | 7,050 | 14,080 | 3.73 | 14,000 | 21,500 |
| Crew | 8’0″ | 4×2 DRW | 7,050 | 17,580 | 4.1 | 14,000 | 25,000 |
BIG HORN
| Cab Length | Box Length | Drive | Max Payload | Max Towing | Axle Ratio | GVWR | GCWR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MEGA CAB | 6’4″ | 4×4 DRW | 6,630 lbs | 13,660 lbs | 3.73 | 14,000 lbs | 21,500 lbs |
| MEGA CAB | 6’4″ | 4×4 SRW | 4,340 lbs | 16,470 lbs | 3.73 | 11,400 lbs | 21,500 lbs |
| MEGA CAB RAMBOX | 6’4″ | 4×4 SRW | 4,280 lbs | 16,410 lbs | 3.73 | 11,400 lbs | 21,500 lbs |
| MEGA CAB | 6’4″ | 4×4 SRW | 4,300 lbs | 19,830 lbs | 3.73 | 12,300 lbs | 28,300 lbs |
| MEGA CAB | 6’4″ | 4×4 DRW | 5,670 lbs | 21,500 lbs | 3.73 | 14,000 lbs | 28,300 lbs |
| MEGA CAB RAMBOX | 6’4″ | 4×4 SRW | 4,120 lbs | 19,650 lbs | 3.73 | 12,300 lbs | 28,300 lbs |
| MEGA CAB | 6’4″ | 4×4 SRW | 4,140 lbs | 24,080 lbs | 3.73 | 12,300 lbs | 32,710 lbs |
| MEGA CAB | 6’4″ | 4×4 DRW | 5,450 lbs | 33,200 lbs | 3.73 | 14,000 lbs | 41,600 lbs |
| MEGA CAB RAMBOX | 6’4″ | 4×4 SRW | 3,980 lbs | 23,300 lbs | 3.73 | 12,300 lbs | 32,710 lbs |
Using VIN Decoder
If you already own a 2021 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.
Max Tow Package
For those who need even more towing capability, RAM offers the Max Tow Package.
This package includes a 30K Fifth-Wheel Hitch, the Fifth-Wheel/Gooseneck Prep Group, Auto-Level Rear Air Suspension, Cargo-View Camera, Trailer Brake Controller, Daytime Running Lamps (DRLs), and DOT Safety Kit.
With this package, the RAM 3500 can tow up to 30,000 lbs for fifth-wheel applications and up to 37,100 lbs with a gooseneck.
Important Notes
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 2021 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 2021 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.
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.
Hitch Requirements:
- A fifth-wheel is required for trailers over 30,000 pounds.
- A gooseneck hitch is required for trailers over 37,100 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
2021 RAM 3500 Towing Capacity PDF
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 2021 RAM 3500 Heavy-Duty Truck is a powerful vehicle with impressive towing and payload capacities. With a towing capacity of 37,100 pounds and a maximum payload capacity of 7,680 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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