2020 Ram 3500 Towing Capacity & Payload

The 2020 Ram 3500 is a heavy-duty truck designed for serious towing and hauling, with a maximum towing capacity that can reach up to an astonishing 35,100 pounds.

Quick Answer

• Max Towing Capacity: 35,100 lbs (conventional) / 35,100 lbs (5th-wheel/gooseneck)
• Max Payload: 7,680 lbs
• GVWR: 10,000 to 14,000 lbs (varies by configuration)
• GCWR: Up to 43,000 lbs
• Curb Weight: 6,068 to 8,367 lbs (varies by configuration)
• Hitch Class: Class V

Tow Ratings by Engine & Trim

The 2020 Ram 3500 offers a range of engine and drivetrain combinations, each contributing to its impressive towing capabilities. It's crucial to note that specific capacities can vary greatly based on cab style, bed length, axle ratio, and other optional equipment. Always consult the sticker on your truck's door jamb for the definitive ratings for your specific vehicle.

Note: These figures are general ranges and can vary significantly. Always verify with your specific vehicle's documentation.

Tow Package Contents

Ram understands the demands of heavy-duty towing, and the 2020 Ram 3500 offers several features to enhance the towing experience. While specific contents can vary by trim and optional packages, common elements include:

• Integrated Trailer Brake Controller: Allows for seamless synchronization of the trailer and truck brakes, adjustable from the dash.
• Trailer Tow Mirrors: Larger mirrors, often with power-folding and telescoping functions, providing better visibility with a trailer attached.
• Trailer Sway Control (TSC): An electronic system that detects trailer sway and applies individual wheel braking to help stabilize the trailer and truck.
• Auxiliary Transmission Oil Cooler: Helps maintain optimal transmission temperatures under heavy loads, crucial for longevity.
• Heavy-Duty Engine Cooling: Enhanced cooling systems to manage the increased heat generated when towing.
• 7-Pin Wiring Harness: Provides power for trailer lights, electric brakes, and auxiliary functions.
• Class V Receiver Hitch: A robust hitch designed to handle the 3500's substantial towing capacities.

5th-Wheel & Gooseneck Towing

As a heavy-duty truck, the 2020 Ram 3500 excels in 5th-wheel and gooseneck towing. These setups distribute the trailer's tongue weight directly over the rear axle of the truck, significantly increasing stability and allowing for much greater towing capacities compared to conventional bumper pulling. The Ram 3500, especially with the High Output Cummins engine, is capable of handling fifth-wheel and gooseneck trailers weighing up to 35,100 lbs.

Ram offers a factory-installed 5th-wheel/gooseneck prep package, which includes mounting provisions for a gooseneck hitch and a fifth-wheel hitch, integrated in-bed wiring harness, and a standard 7-pin connector in the bed.

Weight Distribution & WDH Requirements

For conventional bumper-pull towing, a Weight Distribution Hitch (WDH) is generally recommended for trailers exceeding 5,000 pounds or for any trailer where the tongue weight causes excessive sag in the rear of the vehicle. A WDH helps to distribute the tongue weight more evenly across all axles of the tow vehicle and trailer, improving stability, braking, and steering control.

Always consult your owner's manual for specific WDH requirements and recommendations for your 2020 Ram 3500. Proper setup of a WDH is critical for safe and effective towing.

Real-World Towing Tips for This Vehicle

• Know Your Weights: Never exceed your truck's GCWR, GVWR, GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating), or max tongue weight. These are listed on your truck's door jamb sticker.
• Proper Loading: Distribute the trailer load evenly, aiming for 10-15% of the trailer's total weight to be on the tongue for conventional towing. For 5th-wheel/gooseneck, aim for 15-25% of the trailer's weight as kingpin/gooseneck weight.
• Pre-Trip Inspection: Check tire pressure (on both truck and trailer), lights, brakes, fluid levels, and securement of the hitch and safety chains before every tow.
• Adjust Driving Style: Allow for increased braking distances, wider turns, and slower acceleration. Avoid sudden maneuvers.
• Monitor Temperatures: Keep an eye on engine and transmission temperatures, especially on long hauls or in hilly terrain. The Ram 3500's advanced gauges can help with this.
• Trailer Brakes: Ensure your integrated trailer brake controller is properly adjusted for optimal braking performance.

Common Towing-Related Issues

Even with a robust truck like the Ram 3500, towing can present challenges:

• Overloading: Exceeding any weight rating (GVWR, GCWR, GAWR, etc.) can lead to premature wear and tear on components, reduced braking performance, and unstable handling.
• Tire Issues: Improperly inflated or worn tires on either the truck or trailer are a common cause of sway and blowouts. Heavy loads demand correct tire pressure.
• Brake Wear: Towing heavy loads significantly increases brake wear. Regular inspection and maintenance of both truck and trailer brakes are essential.
• Transmission Overheating: While the Ram 3500 has robust cooling, extreme towing conditions can still stress the transmission. Monitoring temperatures and proper fluid maintenance are key.
• Suspension Sag: While the 3500's heavy-duty suspension is designed for loads, excessive sag could indicate an overloaded condition or an improperly distributed load. Air springs or helper springs can be aftermarket solutions if continually pushing payload limits (within actual capacity).

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