2017 Ram 3500 Towing Capacity & Payload

A 2017 Ram 3500 can tow up to 31,210 pounds when properly equipped with the 6.7L Cummins High-Output diesel engine and a fifth-wheel/gooseneck hitch. Conventional towing capacity maxes out at 20,000 pounds.

Quick answer

• Max Towing Capacity: 13,990 to 31,210 pounds
• Max Payload Capacity: 3,990 to 7,390 pounds
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): 10,700 to 14,000 lbs
• Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR): 21,200 to 39,100 lbs
• Curb Weight: Approximately 6,056 to 9,076 lbs, depending on configuration.
• Hitch Class: Class V receiver hitch. Tongue weight should be 10-15% of the trailer weight for conventional towing, and pin weight should be 15-25% for 5th-wheel/gooseneck towing.

Tow ratings by engine & trim

The 2017 Ram 3500's towing capability is heavily influenced by your choice of engine, axle ratio, cab size, and bed length. All ratings listed are SAE J2807 compliant. Note: These are maximum ratings for specific configurations. Always confirm your specific vehicle's ratings on the driver-side door jamb sticker.

Tow package contents

To achieve these maximum tow ratings, the Ram 3500 typically needs to be equipped with a factory towing package. Key components include:

• Class V Receiver Hitch: Standard on most models, allowing for heavy conventional trailers.
• 7-Pin and 4-Pin Trailer Wiring Harness: Provides the necessary connections for trailer lights and electric brakes.
• Integrated Trailer Brake Controller (ITBC): A factory-installed controller that allows you to adjust and activate the trailer's electric brakes from the cab for smoother, safer stops.
• Heavy-Duty Transmission Cooler: An auxiliary cooler helps prevent the automatic transmission from overheating during strenuous towing.
• Trailer Sway Control: This system uses the truck's electronic stability control to detect trailer sway and selectively applies the truck's (and sometimes trailer's) brakes to bring it back under control.
• Tow/Haul Mode: Adjusts transmission shift points to hold gears longer, reducing hunting for gears and improving engine braking.

5th-wheel & gooseneck

The 2017 Ram 3500 achieves its highest tow ratings with a fifth-wheel or gooseneck hitch. The standout rating of 31,210 pounds requires a Regular Cab, 4x2, dually (DRW) configuration with the High-Output 6.7L Cummins and 4.10 axle ratio. Ram offered a factory-installed fifth-wheel/gooseneck prep package that included a 5-puck mounting system integrated into the bed floor, making installation of a hitch much simpler.

Weight distribution & WDH requirements

For any conventional trailer exceeding 5,000 pounds, Ram requires the use of a weight-distributing hitch (WDH). A WDH helps to level the truck and trailer combination by distributing a portion of the tongue weight from the rear axle to the truck's front axle and the trailer's axles. This improves steering control, braking, and overall stability. Always set up your WDH according to the manufacturer's instructions to ensure proper weight distribution and a safe towing experience.

Real-world towing tips for this vehicle

• Know Your Weights: The single most important factor is knowing your actual weights. Load your truck and trailer as you would for a trip and visit a CAT scale to get your Gross Combined Weight (GCW), individual axle weights, and trailer weight. Ensure you are under your GVWR, GCWR, and axle ratings.
• Tire Pressure: Check and adjust the tire pressure on both the truck and the trailer before every trip. The correct pressures, listed on the door jamb and trailer placard, are crucial for stability and safety.
• Engine Braking: The 6.7L Cummins features a "smart" exhaust brake with two modes (Auto and Full). Use it, especially on downgrades. It dramatically reduces wear on your service brakes and provides excellent vehicle control.
• Dual Rear Wheels (DRW): If you plan on frequently towing heavy fifth-wheels, a "dually" is the superior choice. The extra set of rear wheels provides a wider, more stable platform that is less susceptible to crosswinds and passing trucks.

Common towing-related issues

While the 2017 Ram 3500 is a robust platform, some owners have reported issues when towing at the vehicle's limits. Pay attention to transmission temperatures, even with the factory cooler, on long, steep grades in hot weather. Ensure the cooling system is properly maintained, as the massive power from the diesel engines generates significant heat. Finally, always verify that your specific truck's payload capacity can handle the pin weight of a large fifth-wheel trailer; it's often the first limit you will exceed.

Your truck's capability is only as good as its maintenance. Find a trusted shop on Repairius to keep your Ram 3500 ready for the long haul.