2019 Ram 1500 Towing Capacity & Payload Specs

The 2019 Ram 1500 can tow a maximum of 12,750 pounds when properly equipped with the 5.7L HEMI V8 eTorque engine, 4x2 drivetrain, Quad Cab, and the Max Tow Package. Completely redesigned for the 2019 model year (also known as the DT generation), the Ram 1500 shed weight while increasing its capabilities and adopting SAE J2807 compliance across the board to ensure standardized, real-world towing metrics. Whether you are hauling a lightweight utility trailer or a heavy travel trailer, it is essential to understand your specific truck's limits.

Quick answer

Here are the maximum capabilities and key specifications for the 2019 Ram 1500 lineup. Keep in mind that these represent the absolute highest ratings; your specific vehicle's capacity will vary based on cab, bed, engine, and trim.

• Max Towing Capacity: Up to 12,750 lbs (5.7L V8 eTorque, Quad Cab 4x2, Max Tow Package)
• Max Payload Capacity: Up to 2,320 lbs (3.6L V6 eTorque, Quad Cab 4x2)
• GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating): Ranges from 6,800 lbs to 7,100 lbs
• GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating): Up to 18,200 lbs
• Curb Weight: 4,798 lbs to 5,374 lbs (varies by trim and configuration)
• Hitch Class & Tongue Weight: Standard Class III or IV receiver; maximum tongue weight is generally 10% of the max tow rating (up to 1,275 lbs with weight distribution).

Always check the tire and loading information sticker on your driver-side door jamb for your exact payload and GVWR.

Tow ratings by engine & trim

The 2019 Ram 1500 offers three primary engine choices (the EcoDiesel was briefly paused for the early 2019 DT launch). Towing capacities heavily depend on axle ratio (3.21, 3.55, or 3.92) and the presence of the Max Tow Package.

(Note: The numbers above reflect SAE J2807 standards. Always verify your truck's specific axle ratio, as a 3.21 gear ratio significantly lowers maximum towing compared to the 3.92 ratio.)

Tow package contents

To reach the maximum 12,750-pound rating, you need the Max Tow Package, but Ram offers several towing-related groups. Here is what you will typically find equipped on a tow-ready 2019 Ram 1500:

• Class IV Hitch Receiver: Upgraded from the standard bumper pull or Class III.
• 7-Pin and 4-Pin Wiring Harness: Factory integrated into the rear bumper.
• Integrated Trailer Brake Controller: Allows you to adjust trailer brake gain from the dashboard.
• Trailer Sway Control: Integrated into the truck's Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system to automatically apply brakes and reduce engine power if trailer sway is detected.
• Upgraded Cooling: The Max Tow Package and V8 models include enhanced engine cooling and a heavy-duty transmission oil cooler to handle sustained loads on steep grades.
• 3.92 Axle Ratio: Essential for the highest tow ratings (standard on Max Tow package).
• Tow-specific Mirrors: Available trailer-tow mirrors that flip outward for a wider field of view.

5th-wheel & gooseneck

Because the 2019 Ram 1500 is a half-ton (light-duty) pickup, it is generally not recommended for 5th-wheel or gooseneck towing. While it has a high max tow rating, the heavy pin weight of a 5th-wheel trailer (typically 15-20% of the trailer weight) will quickly exceed the truck's rear gross axle weight rating (GAWR) and payload capacity. If you plan to tow a 5th-wheel, you should step up to a Ram 2500 or 3500 HD.

Weight distribution & WDH requirements

Ram strictly recommends using a Weight Distribution Hitch (WDH) for trailers weighing over 5,000 pounds. A WDH leverages spring bars to distribute the tongue weight evenly across all four of the truck's wheels, as well as the trailer's wheels. This restores steering geometry, prevents the rear suspension from bottoming out, and keeps the headlights pointed at the road instead of the sky. Ensure your WDH is rated properly for your trailer's loaded tongue weight.

Real-world towing tips for this vehicle

• Mind the Air Suspension: If your 2019 Ram 1500 is equipped with the Active-Level Four-Corner Air Suspension, put the system into "Tire Jack" or "Alignment" mode before setting up your weight distribution hitch to ensure the truck doesn't actively try to compensate while you are tensioning the spring bars.
• Use Tow/Haul Mode: Always engage Tow/Haul mode when pulling heavy loads. This alters the 8-speed automatic transmission's shift schedule, holding gears longer to prevent hunting, and provides engine braking on downhill grades.
• Watch Your Payload: Options like panoramic sunroofs, RamBoxes, and the 12-inch Uconnect screen add physical weight to the truck, directly subtracting from your available payload. Four passengers and a bed full of gear can easily consume 800+ pounds of payload before you even drop a trailer on the hitch.

Common towing-related issues

• Exhaust Manifold Bolts: The 5.7L HEMI is notorious for snapping rear exhaust manifold bolts, causing a ticking sound when cold. Heavy towing exacerbates this due to extreme heat cycling.
• Air Suspension Sag in the Cold: The available air suspension is known to struggle in freezing temperatures, sometimes failing to maintain ride height. If you tow heavily in the winter, a traditional coil-spring Ram might be more reliable.
• Transmission Temps: While the ZF-sourced 8-speed (8HP75) is incredibly robust, towing near the 12,000-lb limit on hot summer days up steep inclines can cause temperatures to creep up. Monitor your EVIC gauge cluster and slow down if the transmission temp approaches 240°F.

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