2017 Ram 1500 Towing Capacity & Payload

The 2017 Ram 1500 can tow between 4,230 and 10,690 pounds, depending on the engine, drivetrain, cab configuration, and axle ratio.

Quick Answer

• Max Conventional Towing Capacity: 10,690 lbs
• Max Payload Capacity: 1,880 lbs
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): Varies by configuration, typically 6,900 lbs (ranges from 6,700 to 6,900 lbs)
• Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR): Varies by configuration, up to 15,900 lbs
• Curb Weight: Varies significantly by configuration, typically 4,500 - 5,700 lbs
• Hitch Class: Class IV receiver (standard with many tow packages, otherwise Class III for lesser capacities)
• Max Tongue Weight: Typically 10% of the maximum conventional tow rating, so up to 1,069 lbs without a Weight Distribution Hitch (WDH) and potentially higher with a WDH, depending on the specific setup.

Tow Ratings by Engine & Trim

The 2017 Ram 1500 offered three engine options: the 3.6L Pentastar V6, the 5.7L HEMI V8, and the 3.0L EcoDiesel V6. Towing capacities vary significantly based on engine, drivetrain (2WD or 4WD), cab style (Regular Cab, Quad Cab, Crew Cab), bed length, and axle ratio. The following table provides a general overview of maximum towing capacities for common configurations. Always consult your specific vehicle's door jamb sticker for precise ratings.

Note: These figures are based on manufacturer data for the 2017 model year. Actual capacities can vary based on specific options, packages, and the addition of aftermarket equipment. Always refer to your vehicle's owner's manual and door jamb sticker for the most accurate information.

Tow Package Contents

For the 2017 Ram 1500, an available Trailer Tow Group or similar packages typically include several valuable features to enhance towing capability and safety:

• Class IV Receiver Hitch: Provides a stronger, higher-capacity connection point for your trailer, essential for heavier loads.
• 7-Pin Wiring Harness: This harness provides connections for trailer lights (running, brake, turn signals), electric brake control, and auxiliary power, which is necessary for most modern trailers with electric brakes or onboard batteries.
• Integrated Trailer Brake Controller (ITBC): An optional but highly recommended feature that allows you to control the electric brakes on your trailer directly from the truck's dashboard. This provides smoother, more controlled braking and is crucial for safe towing with trailers equipped with electric brakes.
• Heavy-Duty Engine Cooling / Transmission Cooler: Helps prevent overheating of the engine and transmission, especially under heavy loads or in demanding conditions. This is vital for the longevity of your drivetrain when frequently towing.
• Trailer Sway Control (TSC): An electronic stability system feature that helps mitigate trailer sway by applying individual wheel brakes and/or reducing engine power. This greatly enhances stability and safety when encountering crosswinds or making sudden maneuvers.

Some packages might also include upgraded mirrors, a larger fuel tank, or specific axle ratios optimized for towing.

5th-Wheel & Gooseneck

The 2017 Ram 1500 is a half-ton truck and is generally not recommended for 5th-wheel or gooseneck towing. These types of trailers impose significant pin weight directly over the rear axle, which often exceeds the payload capacity of a half-ton truck. 5th-wheel and gooseneck hitches are typically installed in the bed of the truck, and unless the truck is specifically configured as a "heavy-duty half-ton" or similar, it's best left to 3/4-ton (2500 series) or 1-ton (3500 series) trucks that have the robust frames, suspension, and axle ratings designed for these loads.

Attempting to tow a 5th-wheel or gooseneck trailer with a Ram 1500 can quickly lead to exceeding the truck's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and rear Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR), compromising safety and potentially causing damage to the vehicle.

Weight Distribution & WDH Requirements

For most conventional towing applications with the 2017 Ram 1500, especially when approaching the upper limits of its towing capacity or with tongue weights exceeding 500 lbs, a Weight Distribution Hitch (WDH) is highly recommended, and often required. A WDH helps distribute the trailer's tongue weight more evenly across all axles of the tow vehicle and trailer. This restores lost weight to the front axle of the truck, improving steering R&D. and braking performance, and reducing sag at the rear of the truck.

Always check your owner's manual for specific WDH requirements, but generally, if your trailer's loaded tongue weight is more than 10-15% of your truck's payload capacity or if the trailer weighs more than 5,000 lbs, a WDH is a wise investment for safety and stability.

Real-World Towing Tips for this Vehicle

• Know Your Specific Numbers: Never rely solely on general figures. Always check the tire and loading information sticker on your driver's side door jamb for your truck's specific GVWR, GAWRs, and payload capacity. These numbers are unique to your truck as it left the factory.
• Calculate Your Loaded Weight: Don't just guess. Weigh your truck with all passengers and cargo, and your trailer fully loaded, at a public scale (CAT scale). Compare these to your GVWR, GCWR, and axle ratings.
• Proper Trailer Loading: Aim for 10-15% of the trailer's total loaded weight on the tongue. Too little tongue weight can lead to dangerous sway, while too much can overload the rear of your truck.
• Transmission & Engine Management: Utilize your truck's "Tow/Haul" mode if equipped. This adjusts transmission shift points to reduce hunting for gears and provides more engine braking. On long descents, downshift manually to help control speed and reduce brake fade.
• Tire Pressure: Ensure both your truck and trailer tires are inflated to the manufacturer's recommended cold pressures for towing. This is often higher than everyday driving pressures.
• Pre-Trip Check: Before every tow, check all lights, tire pressures, fluid levels, and hitch connections. Make sure safety chains are crossed and securely attached.

Common Towing-Related Issues

Owners of 2017 Ram 1500s might encounter a few common towing-related issues:

• Rear Suspension Sag: Even within payload limits, the coil-spring rear suspension of the Ram 1500 can experience noticeable sag with heavier tongue weights. Airbags or helper springs can be added to the rear suspension to mitigate this, though they do not increase payload capacity. A WDH is the primary solution for distributing this weight.
• Brake Wear: Towing heavier loads, especially in hilly terrain, puts extra strain on the braking system. Regularly inspect brake pads and rotors for wear.
• Transmission Heat: While the tow package includes a cooler, sustained heavy towing, particularly in hot climates, can still generate significant transmission heat. Monitoring transmission fluid temperature, if possible, is a good practice.
• Fuel Economy: Expect a significant decrease in fuel economy when towing, especially with larger or less aerodynamic trailers.

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