2019 Ram 3500 Towing Capacity & Payload

The 2019 Ram 3500 is a heavy-duty truck designed for serious towing and hauling, with a maximum towing capacity that can reach up to an impressive 35,100 pounds.

Quick answer

• Max Towing Capacity: Up to 35,100 lbs (conventional) / Up to 35,100 lbs (5th-wheel/gooseneck)
• Max Payload: Up to 7,680 lbs
• GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating): 10,700 - 14,000 lbs
• GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating): 23,000 - 43,000 lbs
• Curb Weight: 6,056 - 8,581 lbs (varies significantly by configuration)
• Hitch Class: Class V receiver standard on most towing-equipped models (2-inch or 2.5-inch receiver, dependent on configuration). Max conventional tongue weight typically 10% of max conventional tow rating, up to 1,750 lbs without a Weight Distributing Hitch (WDH) and up to 2,500 lbs with a WDH.

Tow ratings by engine & trim

The 2019 Ram 3500 offers substantial towing and payload capabilities across its engine and drivetrain configurations. Ratings can vary significantly based on cab style, bed length, axle ratio, and specific trim level. Always consult your vehicle's door jamb sticker for the most accurate and specific ratings for your truck.

*Values are estimates and can vary. The higher tow ratings for the Cummins diesel often depend on specific axle ratios (e.g., 3.73 or 4.10) and the Aisin heavy-duty 6-speed automatic transmission. The highest ratings are typically achieved with a Regular Cab, Long Box, Dually (dual rear wheel) 4x2 configuration.

Tow package contents

Ram offers several features to enhance towing performance and safety for the 2019 3500. While specific packages and standard equipment can vary by trim and configuration, here are common components:

• Integrated Trailer Brake Controller: Allows for adjustments and activation of trailer brakes directly from the truck's dashboard, ensuring synchronized braking between the truck and trailer.
• Trailer Sway Control (TSC): An extension of the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system, TSC helps detect and counteract trailer sway by applying individual wheel braking and/or reducing engine power.
• Transmission Cooler: Heavy-duty trucks like the Ram 3500 typically come standard with robust cooling systems, including transmission coolers, to manage the increased heat generated during towing.
• 7-Pin Trailer Wiring Harness: Provides electrical connections for trailer lights, electric brakes, and auxiliary power.
• Upgraded Alternator: Often included, providing increased electrical output to handle trailer electrical loads.
• Factory-installed Hitch Receiver: Class V receiver, often with options for 2-inch or 2.5-inch sizes depending on capacity requirements.

5th-wheel & gooseneck

For heavy-duty applications, the 2019 Ram 3500 is engineered to handle 5th-wheel and gooseneck trailers. The maximum 5th-wheel/gooseneck towing capacity can be up to 35,100 lbs on properly equipped models (typically Regular Cab, 4x2, Dually with the High-Output Cummins diesel and Aisin transmission). These types of hitches distribute weight more evenly over the truck's rear axle, often allowing for higher towing capacities than conventional bumper-pull hitches.

Ram offers a factory-installed 5th-wheel/gooseneck prep package that includes mounting pucks in the bed and a 7-pin/12-pin connector for easy installation of compatible hitches.

Weight distribution & WDH requirements

For conventional trailers, a Weight Distributing Hitch (WDH) is highly recommended and often required for trailers exceeding 5,000 lbs to 6,000 lbs total weight. Always refer to your truck's owner's manual for specific WDH requirements, as they may vary. A WDH helps distribute the trailer's tongue weight more evenly across the tow vehicle's axles and the trailer's axles, improving stability, handling, and braking performance. Without proper weight distribution, excessive tongue weight can lead to squatting, reduced steering control, and uneven tire wear.

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 all GVWR, GCWR, GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating), and tire limits.
• Tire Pressure: Maintain proper tire pressure in both the truck and trailer according to manufacturer recommendations for towing.
• Pre-Trip Inspection: Before each tow, check all lights, brakes, tire pressure, fluid levels, and hitch connections.
• Load Distribution: Distribute the cargo within your trailer to achieve the recommended tongue weight (typically 10-15% of the total trailer weight for conventional trailers, and 15-25% for 5th-wheel/gooseneck).
• Drive Conservatively: Allow for increased braking distances, avoid sudden maneuvers, and maintain a safe speed.
• Engine Braking: Utilize the Ram 3500's exhaust brake (on Cummins diesel models) to assist in slowing down, especially on descents, reducing wear on your service brakes.

Common towing-related issues

• Overloading: Exceeding any of the vehicle's weight ratings (tow capacity, payload, GVWR, GCWR) is dangerous and can lead to premature wear of components, reduced handling, and potential legal issues.
• Improper Load Distribution: Incorrect tongue weight or unbalanced trailer loading can cause dangerous trailer sway, reduced steering control, and increased tire wear.
• Brake Wear: Heavy towing places significant stress on braking systems. Regularly inspect and maintain your brakes, and utilize trailer brakes and the truck's exhaust brake (if equipped) to mitigate wear.
• Transmission Heat: While the 3500 has robust cooling, extreme towing in hot conditions or mountainous terrain can still generate excessive transmission heat. Monitor your transmission temperature gauge.
• Suspension Sag: Heavy tongue weight without proper weight distribution can cause the rear of the truck to sag, affecting headlight aim and ride quality. Airbag helper springs can be a beneficial upgrade for mitigating sag with heavy loads.

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