Last Updated on March 16, 2025
When it comes to heavy-duty trucks, the Ram 2500 stands out as a true titan of towing. This robust vehicle combines raw power with sophisticated engineering to deliver impressive towing capabilities that cater to both work and play. Whether you’re hauling equipment to a job site or towing a large RV for a family vacation, the Ram 2500 is designed to handle the task with ease and confidence.
Gas Engine Towing Specs
At the core of the Ram 2500’s towing prowess is its standard 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 engine. This powerhouse delivers an impressive 410 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque, providing the muscle needed for demanding towing tasks. The engine is paired with a refined eight-speed automatic transmission, offering smooth shifts and optimal power delivery. Built for strength and capability, the Ram 2500 excels in both towing and payload capacity, making it a top choice for heavy-duty performance:
Towing Capacity: With the gas engine, the Ram 2500 can tow up to 17,730 pounds when properly equipped. This capability puts it at the top of its class for gas-powered heavy-duty trucks.
Payload Capacity: The 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 engine allows for a maximum payload of 4,000 pounds. This impressive figure ensures that the Ram 2500 can handle heavy weight loads in the bed while still maintaining its towing capabilities.
Diesel Engine Towing Specs
For those seeking even more towing power, the Ram 2500 offers a 6.7-liter Cummins® turbo-diesel inline-six engine. This diesel option is a favorite among those who frequently tow heavy loads due to its immense torque output. Built for heavy hauling, this diesel powerhouse enhances the truck’s towing and payload capacities, making it ideal for the toughest jobs:
Engine Specs: The Cummins® diesel generates 370 horsepower and a staggering 850 pound-feet of torque. This engine is paired with a robust six-speed automatic transmission, specially optimized for heavy towing duties.
Towing Capacity: When equipped with the Cummins® diesel engine, the Ram 2500 can tow up to 19,990 pounds. This represents the pinnacle of the Ram 2500’s towing capabilities, making it an ideal choice for those who need to move extremely heavy loads.
Payload Capacity: The diesel-powered Ram 2500 offers a maximum payload of 3,150 pounds. While slightly less than its gas counterpart, this is still a substantial figure that allows for significant cargo-carrying abilities alongside its impressive towing capacity.
Towing Capacity Across Trims and Years
The Ram 2500’s towing capacity has remained consistently high over recent years, with some variations across different trims and model years. Here’s a breakdown of the maximum towing capacities from 2020 to 2025:
| Year | Max Towing Capacity (Gas) | Max Towing Capacity (Diesel) |
| 2025 | 17,730 lbs | 19,990 lbs |
| 2024 | 17,730 lbs | 19,990 lbs |
| 2023 | 17,740 lbs | 20,000 lbs |
| 2022 | 17,540 lbs | 20,000 lbs |
| 2021 | 17,540 lbs | 19,780 lbs |
| 2020 | 17,540 lbs | 19,780 lbs |
The exact towing capacity can vary depending on the specific trim level, cab configuration, and equipment package chosen.
Tow Packages: Enhancing Capability
To ensure you get the most out of your Ram 2500’s towing potential, the truck offers several optional tow packages designed to enhance both its performance and safety when hauling heavy loads. These packages are tailored to specific towing needs, allowing you to customize your truck based on what you plan to tow. By choosing the right package, you can ensure your vehicle is equipped with the necessary features for a smoother, more controlled towing experience. These packages offer advanced technology and modifications that further boost towing efficiency and ease.
Towing Tech Group
The Towing Tech Group is designed to make towing safer and more convenient by offering a suite of advanced features. This package enhances the driving and towing experience, providing additional support when towing heavy loads or maneuvering in tight spaces. The package includes:
Trailer-capable blind-spot warning
360-degree surround-view camera
Trailer reverse guidance
LED taillights for improved visibility
Advanced mirror system with auto-folding, power-adjustable, heated, auto-dimming features, and integrated signals
Center stop lamp with cargo-view camera
Forward and reverse utility lights
5th-Wheel/Gooseneck Towing Prep Group
This package is specifically designed to modify the bed of the Ram 2500 to accommodate both 5th-wheel and gooseneck hitches, enabling the truck to have some of the highest towing capacities available. By providing an integrated, factory-installed setup, it ensures a secure and stable connection for towing large, heavy trailers. This package is essential for those who frequently tow the heaviest loads, such as large campers, livestock trailers, or construction equipment, as it enhances the truck’s overall towing performance and makes it easier to hitch and unhitch from heavy loads.
Advanced Towing Features
The Ram 2500 is equipped with a range of features designed to enhance the towing experience, including:
Auto-leveling Rear Air Suspension: This system keeps the truck level when towing, improving stability and ride comfort. It also includes a bed-lowering function for easier loading and unloading.
Trailer Tire Pressure Monitoring: Available through the 12-inch Driver Informational Digital Cluster, this feature allows you to keep an eye on your trailer’s tire pressure while driving.
Digital Rearview Mirror with Tow Mode: This feature provides an unobstructed view behind the vehicle, even when towing a large trailer.
360-degree Trailer Surround-View Camera System: This system offers a bird’s-eye view of the truck and trailer, making maneuvering in tight spaces much easier.
Driver Assistance Features: The Ram 2500 offers a suite of advanced driver assistance features, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keeping assistance, and forward collision warning, all of which contribute to safer towing experiences.
Get a Reliable Truck at a Great Price on Municibid
If you’re in the market for a vehicle that boasts exceptional towing capabilities like the Ram 2500, exploring online auctions can be a great way to find the right truck at a competitive price while skipping the dealership experience. Municibid has a large inventory and is a user-friendly online auction platform selling government agency surplus vehicles and equipment. This means you can bid on well-maintained trucks, such as the Ram 2500, often at prices below traditional dealership listings- no matter where you live. With 24/7 online access, Municibid provides a convenient and transparent bidding process, allowing you to secure a heavy-duty truck that meets your towing needs. Start your search today on Municibid and discover the potential savings on your new Ram truck.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re considering a Ram 2500 for your towing needs, you might have some questions about its performance, features, and capabilities. We’ve compiled answers to some of the most common questions to help you make an informed decision.
When should you use Tow/Haul Mode in a Ram 2500?
Tow/Haul Mode should be engaged whenever you’re towing a trailer or carrying heavy loads. This mode optimizes the transmission’s shift points, provides stronger engine braking, and helps maintain lower gears for better control and reduced transmission wear.
What can a Ram 2500 tow?
With its impressive towing capacity, a properly equipped Ram 2500 can tow a wide variety of equipment, including:
Large travel trailers and fifth-wheel RVs
Horse or boat trailers
Construction equipment
Car haulers
Large utility trailers
The exact towing capacity depends on the specific configuration of the truck, so it’s important to consult the owner’s manual and adhere to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Ram 2500 vs. The Competition
When it comes to towing capacity, the Ram 2500 holds its own against its main competitors:
Ford F-250: The F-250 offers a maximum towing capacity of 15,000 pounds with its 7.3L V8 engine, which falls short of the Ram 2500’s capabilities.
Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD: The Silverado 2500HD, with its 6.6L V8 Duramax® Diesel engine, can tow up to 18,500 pounds, which is impressive but still less than the Ram 2500’s maximum of 19,990 pounds.
What sets the Ram 2500 apart is not just its towing specs, but its combination of power, technology, and comfort features. The available 12-inch Uconnect® touchscreen, class-exclusive RamBox® Cargo Management System, and superior interior comfort give the Ram 2500 an edge in overall user experience.
Conclusion
The Ram 2500 stands as a formidable option in the heavy-duty truck segment, offering class-leading towing capacity, advanced towing features, and a range of powertrain options to suit various needs. If you are considering buying a new Ram and are wondering about the Dodge Ram towing capacity- whether you’re a professional who relies on your truck for work or an enthusiast who needs serious towing power for recreational purposes- the Ram 2500 delivers the capability, comfort, and technology to get the job done with confidence.