2021 Ram 3500 Towing Capacity & Payload
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The 2021 Ram 3500 is a heavy-duty truck designed for serious towing and hauling, with a maximum towing capacity of up to 37,100 pounds.
Quick Answer
- Max Towing Capacity: 37,100 lbs
- Max Payload: 7,680 lbs
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): 14,000 lbs
- Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR): 43,000 lbs
- Curb Weight: 6,056 lbs – 8,500 lbs (varies significantly by configuration)
- Hitch Class: Class V
Tow Ratings by Engine & Trim
| Engine | Drivetrain | Trim/Package | Max Tow (lbs) | Payload (lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6.4L HEMI V8 | 4x2 | Tradesman, Big Horn | 18,210 | 7,680 |
| 6.4L HEMI V8 | 4x4 | Tradesman, Big Horn | 17,680 | 7,200 |
| 6.7L Cummins Turbo I6 (Standard Output) | 4x2 | Tradesman, Big Horn | 22,290 | 6,830 |
| 6.7L Cummins Turbo I6 (Standard Output) | 4x4 | Tradesman, Big Horn | 21,790 | 6,430 |
| 6.7L Cummins Turbo I6 (High Output) | 4x2 | Tradesman, Lone Star | 37,100 | 6,000 |
| 6.7L Cummins Turbo I6 (High Output) | 4x4 | Tradesman, Lone Star | 35,010 | 5,600 |
Note: These are maximum ratings for specific configurations (e.g., Regular Cab 4x2 with certain axle ratios). Actual towing and payload capacities will vary based on cab style, bed length, drivetrain, trim level, optional equipment, and axle ratio. Always consult your vehicle's door jamb sticker for precise figures.
Tow Package Contents
The 2021 Ram 3500 offers various towing enhancements to maximize its capability and safety. Key components often found in towing packages or available as standalone options include:
- Heavy-Duty Engine Cooling: Essential for maintaining optimal engine temperatures when under heavy load.
- Transmission Oil Cooler: Helps prevent transmission overheating, extending the life of the transmission.
- Integrated Trailer Brake Controller: Allows for precise control of trailer brakes directly from the truck's cab, improving safety and stability.
- Trailer Sway Control: Utilizes the vehicle's electronic stability control system to detect and counteract trailer sway, providing a more stable towing experience.
- Trailer Light Check: A system to easily check trailer lights from the cab.
- Trailer Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS): Displays trailer tire pressure on the vehicle's infotainment screen.
- 7-Pin Wiring Harness: Provides necessary power and connections for trailer lights, brakes, and other electrical functions.
5th-Wheel & Gooseneck Towing
Being a heavy-duty truck, the 2021 Ram 3500 is exceptionally well-suited for 5th-wheel and gooseneck towing. The highest towing capacities for the Ram 3500 are achieved using these methods due to the direct connection over the rear axle, which distributes weight more effectively than a conventional bumper pull. The maximum 37,100 lbs rating is specifically for 5th-wheel/gooseneck applications with the High Output Cummins diesel engine.
Ram offers a factory-installed 5th-wheel/gooseneck prep package, which includes mounting hardware and a bed-mounted 7-pin connector to simplify the installation of these towing setups.
Weight Distribution & WDH Requirements
For conventional towing, especially with heavier trailers, a Weight Distribution Hitch (WDH) is highly recommended, and often required, to maintain proper vehicle dynamics and safety. A WDH helps to distribute the trailer
More specs for the 2021 Ram 3500
Oil Capacity & Filter
Capacity, weight, filter PN, drain plug torque, change interval.
Fluid Type Specs
Engine oil, coolant, ATF, diff, brake, PS, DEF — with OEM spec numbers.
Coolant Capacity & Type
Total system capacity, OEM coolant spec, flush interval, bleed tips.
Transmission Fluid & Service
Trans model, fluid spec, capacity, filter PN, service interval.
Torque Specifications
Lug nuts, drain plug, caliper, axle nut, plug, key fasteners.
Brake Pad & Rotor Specs
Pad PNs, rotor size, min thickness, caliper torque.
Tire Size & Pressure
OEM size, cold psi, bolt pattern, wheel size, TPMS.
Battery Size & Group
Group size, CCA, AGM/flooded, dimensions, reset note.
A/C Refrigerant & Oil
R-134a or R-1234yf, charge oz, PAG oil spec.
Bulb Sizes (Headlight, Tail, Fog)
Headlight, fog, tail, turn, reverse, interior.
Factory Maintenance Schedule
Service intervals by mileage, severe-duty notes, known issues.
Fuse Box Diagram & Amperage
Fuse box locations, layout, amps, and what each fuse controls.
Serpentine Belt Routing & Length
Belt routing, length, rib count, OEM + aftermarket PNs.
Wheel Alignment Specifications
Camber, caster, toe ranges (front & rear), adjustability notes.
Paint Color Codes
All factory colors with paint codes, sticker location, touch-up tips.
Wiper Blade Sizes
Driver/passenger/rear blade size, attachment, OEM + cross-refs.
Spark Plug Type & Gap
Plug PN, gap, torque, interval by engine.
Transmission & Axle Gear Ratios
Trans gear ratios, axle ratios, RPO codes, tow vs MPG impact.
Key Fob Programming
DIY programming steps, FCC ID, fob PN, battery, transponder.
Same spec — other model years
Maintenance & repair guides
2021 Ram 3500 Maintenance Schedule →
Available maintenance guidance; confirm the manufacturer schedule.
Repair planning references →
Plan the scope of work; detailed procedures need configuration-matched evidence.
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Values can vary by engine, trim and build date; check your VIN-specific service information. Updated 2026-06-24.