2023 Ram 2500 Towing Capacity & Payload

The 2023 Ram 2500 is a heavy-duty pickup truck renowned for its formidable towing and hauling capabilities. How much can this vehicle tow? The 2023 Ram 2500 can tow a maximum of 20,000 pounds when properly equipped.

Quick answer

• Max Conventional Towing Capacity: 20,000 lbs
• Max 5th-Wheel/Gooseneck Towing Capacity: 19,980 lbs
• Max Payload Capacity: 4,000 lbs
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): Varies by configuration, typically ranges from 10,000 lbs to 10,600 lbs
• Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR): Varies by configuration, up to 27,200 lbs
• Curb Weight: Varies significantly by configuration (engine, cab, bed, drivetrain, options), typically ranges from 6,000 lbs to 8,500 lbs. Always check your specific vehicle's door jamb sticker.
• Hitch Class: Class V receiver hitch is standard for heavy-duty towing, with a conventional tongue weight capacity of up to 2,000 lbs (without a Weight Distribution System).

Tow ratings by engine & trim

The 2023 Ram 2500 offers two powerful engine options, each contributing to its impressive towing and payload figures. It's important to remember that actual capacities can vary based on cab style, bed length, drivetrain (2WD or 4WD), axle ratio, and specific options. Always consult your truck's door jamb sticker for the most accurate information.

Note: The Power Wagon trim, while incredibly capable off-road, has a lower maximum towing capacity due to its unique off-road suspension and equipment. For the 2023 Ram 2500, all towing capacities are generally reported using SAE J2807 towing standards, ensuring consistent and comparable ratings across manufacturers.

Tow package contents

Ram understands that serious towing requires serious equipment. The 2023 Ram 2500 comes with many standard and available features designed to enhance towing safety and capability:

• Included Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package: While specific contents can vary, key components often include a Class V receiver hitch, a 7-pin wiring harness, and a 4-pin wiring harness. Many configurations also include a transmission cooler as standard, especially with the diesel engine.
• Integrated Trailer Brake Controller: An essential feature for safely towing trailers equipped with electric brakes. This system allows you to adjust and activate the trailer brakes from within the truck's cabin, providing smooth and controlled stopping.
• Trailer Sway Control (TSC): This safety feature is often integrated into the electronic stability control system. TSC detects trailer sway and automatically applies individual brakes and/or reduces engine power to help bring the trailer back into alignment.
• Trailer Light Check: Available feature that allows you to easily check your trailer's lights (turn signals, brake lights, running lights) from the comfort of the driver's seat.
• Trailer Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS): An available system that helps monitor the tire pressure of compatible trailers, displaying the information in the vehicle's Uconnect touchscreen.
• Surround View Camera (with Trailer Reverse Guidance): An available system that provides a 360-degree view around the truck and trailer, making hitching and maneuvering much easier, especially in tight spaces.

5th-wheel & gooseneck towing

The 2023 Ram 2500, being a heavy-duty truck, is exceptionally well-suited for 5th-wheel and gooseneck towing. These setups distribute the trailer's tongue weight directly over the rear axle of the truck, offering greater stability and often higher towing capacities compared to conventional hitches. Most Ram 2500 models can be equipped with a factory-installed puck system for easy integration of a 5th-wheel or gooseneck hitch.

As seen in the table above, the 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 engine often achieves the highest 5th-wheel/gooseneck towing capacities, reaching up to 19,980 pounds.

Weight distribution & WDH requirements

For conventional towing, a Weight Distribution Hitch (WDH) is highly recommended and often required for trailers exceeding a certain tongue weight or gross weight. While the Ram 2500 has a robust suspension, a WDH helps to:

• Distribute the trailer's tongue weight more evenly across all axles of both the truck and the trailer.
• Restore proper steering and braking control.
• Reduce sag in the rear of the towing vehicle.
• Improve overall stability and reduce sway.

Always consult your owner's manual and the WDH manufacturer's guidelines. For the 2023 Ram 2500, a WDH is generally recommended for any trailer approaching or exceeding 5,000 lbs GVWR or 500 lbs tongue weight, though specific requirements can vary. Your Class V receiver hitch has a maximum conventional tongue weight capacity of 2,000 lbs without a WDH.

Real-world towing tips for this vehicle

• Know Your Weights: Always know the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR), Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR), and Tongue Weight of your setup. Never exceed these ratings for your specific truck or trailer.
• Pre-Trip Inspection: Before every tow, check tires (pressure, tread), lights, brakes, fluid levels, and ensure all connections are secure.
• Load Distribution: Distribute the trailer's cargo evenly, generally aiming for 10-15% of the trailer's total weight on the tongue for conventional towing (or 15-25% for 5th-wheel/gooseneck).
• Adjust Driving Style: Allow for increased braking distances, accelerate gradually, and take turns wider. Avoid sudden maneuvers.
• Monitor Temperatures: Keep an eye on your engine oil temperature and transmission fluid temperature, especially when climbing grades or in hot weather.
• Check Tire Pressure: Ensure both your truck