2018 Ram 2500 Towing Capacity & Payload

The 2018 Ram 2500 can tow a maximum of 17,980 pounds when properly equipped.

Quick Answer

• Max Towing Capacity: 17,980 lbs
• Max Payload Capacity: 3,060 lbs
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): Up to 10,000 lbs
• Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR): Up to 25,300 lbs
• Curb Weight: Approximately 6,396 lbs to 7,651 lbs (varies by configuration)
• Hitch Class: Class IV or Class V (depending on configuration)

Tow Ratings by Engine & Trim

The 2018 Ram 2500 offers impressive towing capabilities across its engine and trim levels. It's important to note that specific tow capacities can vary based on cab style, bed length, drivetrain, axle ratio, and other optional equipment. Always consult your vehicle's door jamb sticker for precise ratings.

Note: These are maximums for specific configurations. Lower trims, different cab/bed combinations, and higher axle ratios may result in different figures. Always check your specific vehicle's ratings.

Tow Package Contents

To maximize towing performance and safety, the 2018 Ram 2500 offers several features, many of which are included in various towing packages or can be added as standalone options:

• Integrated Trailer Brake Controller: Allows for seamless control of trailer brakes directly from the truck's dash, enhancing braking performance and stability.
• Trailer Tow Mirrors: Larger mirrors, often with power-adjust and heating, to provide a better view of wide trailers.
• Trailer Sway Control (TSC): Uses the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system to detect and counteract trailer sway, improving stability and safety.
• 7-Pin Wiring Harness: Provides electrical connections for trailer brakes, turn signals, running lights, and auxiliary power.
• Heavy-Duty Engine Cooling: Upgraded radiator and fan to help maintain optimal engine temperatures during demanding towing conditions.
• Automatic Transmission Oil Cooler: Helps keep the transmission fluid at proper operating temperatures, extending the life of the transmission when towing heavy loads.

5th-Wheel & Gooseneck Towing

Being a heavy-duty truck, the 2018 Ram 2500 is well-suited for 5th-wheel and gooseneck towing. The maximum 5th-wheel/gooseneck towing capacity will often be the same as or very close to the conventional towing capacity due to GVWR limitations. For example, a 2018 Ram 2500 with the 6.7L Cummins diesel engine can also handle up to 17,980 pounds with a 5th-wheel or gooseneck hitch when properly equipped. These types of hitches offer superior stability for larger and heavier trailers by distributing the tongue weight directly over the rear axle of the truck.

To safely tow with a 5th-wheel or gooseneck, you will need a factory or aftermarket preparation package that includes bed-mounted hitch points and the necessary wiring.

Weight Distribution & WDH Requirements

For conventional towing, especially with heavier trailers, a Weight Distributing Hitch (WDH) is often recommended or required. A WDH helps to distribute the tongue weight of the trailer more evenly across all axles of the tow vehicle and trailer, restoring lost weight from the front axle and improving steering, braking, and overall stability. While specific requirements can vary, for trailers exceeding 5,000 pounds or those that cause significant sag in the truck's rear, a WDH is generally advised. Always consult your owner's manual for specific weight distribution hitch requirements and tongue weight limits for your Ram 2500.

Real-World Towing Tips for This Vehicle

• Know Your Weights: Always weigh your truck and loaded trailer at a certified weigh station to ensure you are within your GVWR, GCWR, GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating), and tire limits.
• Proper Trailer Loading: Distribute the trailer's cargo to achieve approximately 10-15% of the total trailer weight as tongue weight for conventional hitches (or 15-25% for 5th-wheel/gooseneck). Incorrect tongue weight can lead to dangerous sway.
• Tire Pressure: Maintain proper tire pressure in both the truck and the trailer as recommended by the manufacturers. This is crucial for stability and safety.
• Pre-Trip Inspection: Before each tow, check lights, brakes, tire pressure, fluid levels, and all hitch connections.
• Drive Conservatively: Allow for increased braking distances, accelerate gradually, and maintain lower speeds, especially in adverse weather or hilly terrain.
• Trailer Brakes: Ensure your integrated trailer brake controller is properly adjusted for responsive and adequate trailer braking.

Common Towing-Related Issues

• Overloading: Exceeding any of the weight ratings (GVWR, GCWR, GAWR, max tow, max payload) can lead to premature wear on components, reduced handling, increased stopping distances, and potential legal issues.
• Transmission Overheating: Heavy towing, especially in hot weather or mountainous areas, can stress the automatic transmission. The factory transmission cooler helps, but it's still important to monitor transmission temperatures.
• Trailer Sway: Improper tongue weight, crosswinds, or sudden maneuvers can induce trailer sway. The Trailer Sway Control system can mitigate this, but proper loading is the first line of defense.
• Brake Wear: Towing significantly increases the demands on your truck's braking system. Regularly inspect brake pads and rotors and ensure the trailer brakes are functioning correctly to share the load.
• Suspension Sag: Heavy tongue weight without a WDH can cause the rear of the truck to sag, affecting handling and headlight aim. Airbags or helper springs can assist with leveling, but payload limits must still be respected.

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