- 20,000
- Max towing, lbs
- 10,440
- Lowest rating, lbs
- 32
- Configurations
- 5
- Model years
Your exact truck
Which 2500 is yours?
Engine?
Not sure? The label on your driver's door jamb and your window sticker list these.
So far
10,440 lbs – 20,000 lbs
32 configurations still match. Answer to narrow it down.
Check your trailer →Try it
Will it pull your trailer?
Use the trailer's GVWR (on its VIN sticker) if you don't know what it weighs loaded — the dry weight leaves out water, propane and gear.
Only 30 of 32 configurations
It takes the 6.4L V8 Gas MDS or 6.7L I6 Cummins Diesel — pick your configuration below to be sure.
▲ top rating 20,000 lbs
- Tongue weight ≈ 1,100 lbs — 10% of the loaded trailer, the figure Ford's towing guide uses (no more than 200 lbs up to 2,000 lbs). It counts against your payload, together with passengers and cargo.
- ✓ up to 90% of the rating · ! 90–100% (little room for cargo, hills, wind — common advice, not a Ram rule) · ✕ over the rating.
Read this before you buy
Why the numbers differ
Engine choice moves the top rating from 17,540 lbs (6.4L V8 Gas MDS) to 20,000 lbs (6.7L I6 Cummins Diesel).
Same 6.4L V8 Gas MDS Regular Cab w/ Box 8'0" 4x2: the 4.10 axle ratio instead of 3.73 adds 2,500 lbs. p. 1 ↗
The body style counts too: Regular Cab w/ Box 8'0" is rated 6,780 lbs higher than Crew Cab PW w/ RamBox 6'4" with everything else the same (6.4L V8 Gas MDS · 4.10 axle · Regular Cab w/ Box 8'0" · Tradesman · 4x4 · 8-Spd Auto 8HP75-LCV). p. 1 ↗
The drivetrain counts too: 4x2 is rated 1,770 lbs higher than 4x4 with everything else the same (6.7L I6 Cummins Diesel · 3.73 axle · Crew Cab w/ Box 8'0" SRW · Tradesman · 4x2 · 6-Spd Auto 68RFE). p. 4 ↗
Up 320 lbs from the 2020 model's top rating of 19,680 lbs.
In real life
What 20,000 lbs means in trailers
Ford's towing guide sorts trailers into four weight classes; the classes describe the trailer, so they apply to any tow vehicle. With the right configuration the 2500 reaches:
- Class I✓ Yes
up to 2,000 lbs
Small folding camping trailers and trailers for small boats, motorcycles and snowmobiles.
- Class II✓ Yes
2,001–3,500 lbs
Large folding camping trailers, single-axle, small- to medium-length (up to 18-ft.) trailers.
- Class III✓ Yes
3,501–5,000 lbs
Dual-axle or large single-axle travel trailers.
- Class IVUp to 20,000
over 5,000 lbs
Largest travel and 5th-wheel trailers made for recreation.
Real trailers
Can the 2500 pull these?
Similar boat package, not this model.Photo: Airman Nicole Sikorski, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
G3 Boats · boat package · 23 ft
Sportsman 1710 (boat + motor + trailer package)
1,865 lbs boat + motor + trailer, before fuel and gear
✓ Any configuration
Similar utility, not this model.Photo: Xaver X. Dreißig, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Carry-On Trailer · utility · 11.54 ft
5' x 8' GW2K Series 5X8GW2K (open utility, wood floor, gate)
2,000 lbs GVWR (max loaded)
✓ Any configuration
nuCamp · teardrop · 15.5 ft
TAB 320 (Boondock)
2,069 lbs dry weight only — loaded will be more
✓ Any configuration
Similar cargo, not this model.Photo: DiamondBack Covers, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Flickr
Carry-On Trailer · cargo · 12 ft
5' x 8' CG3K Series 5X8CG (enclosed cargo, single rear door)
2,990 lbs GVWR (max loaded)
✓ Any configuration
Similar travel trailer, not this model.Photo: Olgierd Rudak, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Airstream · travel trailer · 20.17 ft
Basecamp 20X
4,300 lbs GVWR (max loaded)
✓ Any configuration
Similar travel trailer, not this model.Photo: Anshamblen15, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Jayco · travel trailer · 20.17 ft
Jay Feather Air 16RB
4,995 lbs GVWR (max loaded)
✓ Any configuration
Similar travel trailer, not this model.Photo: Olgierd Rudak, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Airstream · travel trailer · 20.58 ft
Bambi 20FB
5,000 lbs GVWR (max loaded)
✓ Any configuration
Similar travel trailer, not this model.Photo: Anshamblen15, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Jayco · travel trailer · 29.42 ft
Jay Flight SLX 260BH
6,500 lbs GVWR (max loaded)
✓ Any configuration
Similar travel trailer, not this model.Photo: DanTD, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Grand Design · travel trailer · 26.08 ft
Imagine XLS 22MLE
6,995 lbs GVWR (max loaded)
✓ Any configuration
Similar cargo, not this model.Photo: DiamondBack Covers, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Flickr
Carry-On Trailer · cargo · 16 ft
6' x 12' CG7K Series 6X12CGR7K (enclosed cargo, tandem axle, ramp door)
7,000 lbs GVWR (max loaded)
✓ Any configuration
Similar car hauler, not this model.Photo: Strubbl, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Big Tex Trailers · car hauler
70CH-18 Tandem Axle Car Hauler (wood deck, 18' bed)
7,000 lbs GVWR (max loaded)
✓ Any configuration
Similar travel trailer, not this model.Photo: Olgierd Rudak, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Airstream · travel trailer · 31.17 ft
Flying Cloud 30FB Bunk
8,800 lbs GVWR (max loaded)
✓ Any configuration
Similar travel trailer, not this model.Photo: DanTD, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Grand Design · travel trailer · 35.42 ft
Reflection 317RSTS
10,995 lbs GVWR (max loaded)
! 30 of 32 configurations
Needs the 6.4L V8 Gas MDS or 6.7L I6 Cummins Diesel.
Similar travel trailer, not this model.Photo: Anshamblen15, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Jayco · travel trailer · 35.5 ft
Eagle Travel Trailer 312BHOK
11,995 lbs GVWR (max loaded)
! 30 of 32 configurations
Needs the 6.4L V8 Gas MDS or 6.7L I6 Cummins Diesel.
Similar fifth wheel, not this model.Photo: Cullen328, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Grand Design · fifth wheel · 29.83 ft
Reflection 150-Series 260RD
9,995 lbs GVWR (max loaded)
✕ No 5th-wheel rating
Similar fifth wheel, not this model.Photo: Anshamblen15, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Jayco · fifth wheel · 28.17 ft
Eagle Fifth Wheel 28RLT
11,400 lbs GVWR (max loaded)
✕ No 5th-wheel rating
Weights are what each trailer maker publishes (retrieved 2026-09-27). We compare the trailer's GVWR — the most it may weigh loaded — with each 2500 configuration's rating, and never a dry weight when a GVWR exists.
Compare
Towing capacity by engine
10 configurations
22 configurations
Orange = the range across that engine's configurations. Bars start at zero.
Fine print, made plain
What the rating assumes
Over 23,000 lbs
For trailers over 23,000 lbs – a fifth-wheel hitch is required.
2021 Ram 2500 (DJ) Base Weight GCW Trailer Tow — Body Builder Instruction, p. 3 ↗
Over 30,000 lbs
For trailers over 30,000 lbs – a gooseneck hitch is required.
2021 Ram 2500 (DJ) Base Weight GCW Trailer Tow — Body Builder Instruction, p. 3 ↗
Every rating assumes a 150-lb driver and passenger and no other cargo. Add people, gear or accessories and the trailer you can tow goes down by the same amount.
New to towing?
The five weights, in one picture
- Loaded trailer weight — must stay under the towing rating
- The rating “It assumes a towing vehicle with any mandatory options, no cargo, tongue load of 10% (conventional trailer) or king pin weight of 15% (5th-wheel trailer), and driver and passenger (150 lbs. each).” Weight of additional options, passengers, cargo and hitch must be deducted from this weight. p. 7 ↗
- Tongue weight — the part of the trailer pressing on the hitch
- “For trailers up to 2,000 lbs., tongue load not to exceed 200 lbs. For conventional trailers over 2,000 lbs., tongue load is 10% of loaded trailer weight. For 5th-wheel trailers, king pin weight is 15% of loaded trailer weight.” p. 7 ↗
- Payload — people and cargo the truck can carry
- “Payload is the combined maximum allowable weight of cargo and passengers that the vehicle is designed to carry. It is the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating minus the Base Curb Weight.” And: “When towing, trailer tongue load or king pin weight is also part of the Cargo Weight.” p. 6 ↗
- GVWR and GCWR — the two ceilings
- “Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is the maximum allowable weight of the fully-loaded vehicle (including passengers and cargo).” “Gross Vehicle Weight PLUS Loaded Trailer Weight EQUALS Gross Combination Weight (GCW) GCW must not exceed GCWR.” Your GVWR is on the label on the driver's door jamb. p. 6 ↗
Towing it behind a motorhome?
Can you flat tow a 2021 Ram 2500? Some versions
Ram allows it for: 4WD.
From the maker's table
All 32 configurations
| Engine | Axle | Body | Trim | Drive | Trans. | Max trailer | GCWR | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6.7L I6 Cummins Diesel | 3.73 | Regular Cab w/ Box 8'0" SRW | Tradesman | 4x2 | 6-Spd Auto 68RFE | 20,000 | 27,320 | p. 4 ↗ |
| 6.7L I6 Cummins Diesel | 3.73 | Crew Cab w/ Box 6'4" SRW | Tradesman | 4x2 | 6-Spd Auto 68RFE | 20,000 | 27,700 | p. 4 ↗ |
| 6.7L I6 Cummins Diesel | 3.73 | Crew Cab w/ Box 8'0" SRW | Tradesman | 4x2 | 6-Spd Auto 68RFE | 20,000 | 27,840 | p. 4 ↗ |
| 6.7L I6 Cummins Diesel | 3.73 | Crew Cab w/ Box 6'4" SRW | Tradesman | 4x4 | 6-Spd Auto 68RFE | 20,000 | 27,980 | p. 4 ↗ |
| 6.7L I6 Cummins Diesel | 3.73 | Regular Cab w/ Box 8'0" SRW | Tradesman | 4x4 | 6-Spd Auto 68RFE | 19,990 | 27,650 | p. 4 ↗ |
| 6.7L I6 Cummins Diesel | 3.73 | Crew Cab w/ RamBox 6'4" SRW | Tradesman | 4x2 | 6-Spd Auto 68RFE | 19,240 | 27,700 | p. 4 ↗ |
| 6.7L I6 Cummins Diesel | 3.73 | Crew Cab w/ RamBox 6'4" SRW | Tradesman | 4x4 | 6-Spd Auto 68RFE | 18,920 | 27,980 | p. 4 ↗ |
| 6.7L I6 Cummins Diesel | 3.73 | Crew Cab w/ Box 8'0" SRW | Tradesman | 4x4 | 6-Spd Auto 68RFE | 18,230 | 26,400 | p. 4 ↗ |
| 6.4L V8 Gas MDS | 4.10 | Regular Cab w/ Box 8'0" | Tradesman | 4x2 | 8-Spd Auto 8HP75-LCV | 17,540 | 24,000 | p. 1 ↗ |
| 6.4L V8 Gas MDS | 4.10 | Regular Cab w/ Box 8'0" | Tradesman | 4x4 | 8-Spd Auto 8HP75-LCV | 17,220 | 24,000 | p. 1 ↗ |
| 6.4L V8 Gas MDS | 4.10 | Crew Cab w/ Box 6'4" | Tradesman | 4x2 | 8-Spd Auto 8HP75-LCV | 17,190 | 24,000 | p. 1 ↗ |
| 6.4L V8 Gas MDS | 4.10 | Crew Cab w/ RamBox 6'4" | Tradesman | 4x2 | 8-Spd Auto 8HP75-LCV | 17,070 | 24,000 | p. 1 ↗ |
Weights in lbs. “Not listed” means the maker printed no GCWR for that configuration — we don't estimate one.
More Ram towing capacities
Questions people ask
What is the towing capacity of the 2021 Ram 2500?
From 10,440 lbs to 20,000 lbs, depending on engine, axle ratio, body and drive. The 20,000 lbs top rating is for the 6.7L I6 Cummins Diesel · 3.73 axle · Regular Cab w/ Box 8'0" SRW · Tradesman · 4x2 · 6-Spd Auto 68RFE.
Does the 2021 Ram 2500 need a tow package?
For trailers over 23,000 lbs – a fifth-wheel hitch is required. For trailers over 30,000 lbs – a gooseneck hitch is required.
How much tongue weight can the 2021 Ram 2500 handle?
Not listed in the maker's guide.
Can you flat tow a 2021 Ram 2500?
Only some versions: 4WD.
Citing these numbers?
Can Tow That. "2021 Ram 2500 Towing Capacity." From 2021 Ram 2500 (DJ) Base Weight GCW Trailer Tow — Body Builder Instruction, PDF modified 2021-04-29. https://cantowthat.com/ram/2500/2021
Source: 2021 Ram 2500 (DJ) Base Weight GCW Trailer Tow — Body Builder Instruction (FCA US LLC (Ram), PDF modified 2021-04-29; retrieved 2026-09-28). Page links open the PDF at the page each number is printed on.
32 ratings checked against the PDFHow we verify