- 18,150
- Max towing, lbs
- 14,560
- Lowest rating, lbs
- 20
- Configurations
- 36,610
- 5th-wheel max, lbs
Your exact truck
Which 3500 is yours?
Cab / body?
Not sure? The label on your driver's door jamb and your window sticker list these.
So far
14,560 lbs – 18,150 lbs
20 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.
Yes, in every configuration
Across all 20 configurations in the maker's guide.
▲ top rating 18,150 lbs
- Tongue weight ≈ 1,000 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
Same 6.4L HEMI V8 Regular Cab 8' Bed DRW 4x2: the 4.10 axle ratio instead of 3.73 adds 2,400 lbs. p. 1 ↗
The body style counts too: Regular Cab 8' Bed DRW is rated 600 lbs higher than Crew Cab 8' Bed DRW with everything else the same (6.4L HEMI V8 · 3.73 axle · Regular Cab 8' Bed DRW · 4x2 · 8HP75-LCV). p. 1 ↗
The drivetrain counts too: 4x2 is rated 400 lbs higher than 4x4 with everything else the same (6.4L HEMI V8 · 4.10 axle · Regular Cab 8' Bed SRW · 4x2 · 8HP75-LCV). p. 1 ↗
Same top rating as the 2025 model (18,150 lbs).
In real life
What 18,150 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 3500 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 18,150
over 5,000 lbs
Largest travel and 5th-wheel trailers made for recreation.
Real trailers
Can the 3500 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 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)
✓ 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)
✓ Any configuration
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)
✓ Any configuration
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)
✓ Any configuration
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 3500 configuration's rating, and never a dry weight when a GVWR exists.
Fine print, made plain
What the rating assumes
Over 23,000 lbs
For trailers over 23,000 lbs – a 5th-wheel or gooseneck hitch is required.
2026 Ram Heavy Duty Payload & Towing Weight Capacities, p. 1 ↗
Equipment
A Class V receiver hitch is limited to 2,300 lb of tongue weight; the recommended tongue weight for a conventional hitch is 10 percent of the trailer weight.
2026 Ram Heavy Duty Payload & Towing Weight Capacities, p. 1 ↗
Tongue weight limit
Class V receiver hitch
2,300 lbs tongue
2026 Ram Heavy Duty Payload & Towing Weight Capacities, p. 1 ↗
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 ↗
From the maker's table
All 30 configurations
| Engine | Axle | Body | Drive | Max trailer | GCWR | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6.4L HEMI V8 | 4.10 | Regular Cab 8' Bed DRW | 4x2 | 18,1505 | 25,000 | p. 1 ↗ |
| 6.4L HEMI V8 | 4.10 | Regular Cab 8' Bed DRW | 4x4 | 17,7605 | 25,000 | p. 1 ↗ |
| 6.4L HEMI V8 | 4.10 | Regular Cab 8' Bed SRW | 4x2 | 17,7304 | 24,250 | p. 1 ↗ |
| 6.4L HEMI V8 | 4.10 | Crew Cab 8' Bed DRW | 4x2 | 17,5505 | 25,000 | p. 1 ↗ |
| 6.4L HEMI V8 | 4.10 | Crew Cab 6'4" Bed SRW | 4x2 | 17,3404 | 24,250 | p. 1 ↗ |
| 6.4L HEMI V8 | 4.10 | Regular Cab 8' Bed SRW | 4x4 | 17,3304 | 24,250 | p. 1 ↗ |
| 6.4L HEMI V8 | 4.10 | Crew Cab 8' Bed DRW | 4x4 | 17,2005 | 25,000 | p. 1 ↗ |
| 6.4L HEMI V8 | 4.10 | Crew Cab 8' Bed SRW | 4x2 | 17,1703 | 24,240 | p. 1 ↗ |
| 6.4L HEMI V8 | 4.10 | Crew Cab 6'4" Bed SRW | 4x4 | 17,0104 | 24,250 | p. 1 ↗ |
| 6.4L HEMI V8 | 4.10 | Crew Cab 8' Bed SRW | 4x4 | 16,8003 | 24,240 | p. 1 ↗ |
| 6.4L HEMI V8 | 3.73 | Regular Cab 8' Bed DRW | 4x2 | 15,7505 | 22,600 | p. 1 ↗ |
| 6.4L HEMI V8 | 3.73 | Regular Cab 8' Bed SRW | 4x2 | 15,49012 | 22,050 | p. 1 ↗ |
- GVWR (lb): 11,040*/11,040
- * Applies to vehicles produced with sales code Z2K/Z7G/Z3Y
- GVWR (lb): 11,150/11,440
- GVWR (lb): 11,040
- GVWR (lb): 14,000
Weights in lbs. “Not listed” means the maker printed no GCWR for that configuration — we don't estimate one.
| Engine | Body | Drive | Max trailer | GCWR | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6.7L Cummins I6 High-Output Turbo Diesel | Regular Cab 8' Bed DRW | 4x4 | 36,61072 | 45,000 | p. 1 ↗ |
| 6.7L Cummins I6 High-Output Turbo Diesel | Crew Cab 8' Bed DRW | 4x2 | 34,49072 | 43,040 | p. 1 ↗ |
| 6.7L Cummins I6 High-Output Turbo Diesel | Crew Cab 8' Bed DRW | 4x4 | 33,89072 | 42,800 | p. 1 ↗ |
| 6.7L Cummins I6 High-Output Turbo Diesel | Mega Cab 6'4" Bed DRW | 4x4 | 32,89072 | 41,950 | p. 1 ↗ |
| 6.7L Cummins I6 High-Output Turbo Diesel | Regular Cab 8' Bed SRW | 4x4 | 26,08042 | 34,000 | p. 1 ↗ |
| 6.7L Cummins I6 High-Output Turbo Diesel | Crew Cab 8' Bed SRW | 4x2 | 25,49052 | 33,530 | p. 1 ↗ |
| 6.7L Cummins I6 High-Output Turbo Diesel | Crew Cab 8' Bed SRW | 4x4 | 25,18062 | 33,610 | p. 1 ↗ |
| 6.7L Cummins I6 High-Output Turbo Diesel | Mega Cab 6'4" Bed SRW | 4x4 | 24,08062 | 32,720 | p. 1 ↗ |
| 6.7L Cummins I6 High-Output Turbo Diesel | Crew Cab 6'4" Bed SRW | 4x2 | 23,95012 | 31,850 | p. 1 ↗ |
| 6.7L Cummins I6 High-Output Turbo Diesel | Crew Cab 6'4" Bed SRW | 4x4 | 23,55032 | 31,820 | p. 1 ↗ |
- GVWR (lb): 11,500
- For Ram 3500 (4x2/4x4)A 5th-wheel or gooseneck hitch is required for trailers over 23,000 lb.
- GVWR (lb): 11,800
- GVWR (lb): 11,830
- GVWR (lb): 12,000
- GVWR (lb): 12,300
- GVWR (lb): 14,000
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 2026 Ram 3500?
From 14,560 lbs to 18,150 lbs, depending on engine, axle ratio, body and drive. The 18,150 lbs top rating is for the 6.4L HEMI V8 · 4.10 axle · Regular Cab 8' Bed DRW · 4x2 · 8HP75-LCV (GVWR (lb): 14,000).
Does the 2026 Ram 3500 need a tow package?
For trailers over 23,000 lbs – a 5th-wheel or gooseneck hitch is required. A Class V receiver hitch is limited to 2,300 lb of tongue weight; the recommended tongue weight for a conventional hitch is 10 percent of the trailer weight.
How much tongue weight can the 2026 Ram 3500 handle?
Class V receiver hitch: 2,300 lbs.
Citing these numbers?
Can Tow That. "2026 Ram 3500 Towing Capacity." From 2026 Ram Heavy Duty Payload & Towing Weight Capacities, PDF modified 2025-10-22. https://cantowthat.com/ram/3500
Source: 2026 Ram Heavy Duty Payload & Towing Weight Capacities (FCA US LLC (Ram), PDF modified 2025-10-22; retrieved 2026-09-28). Page links open the PDF at the page each number is printed on.
30 ratings checked against the PDFHow we verify