2021 Ram 3500 towing capacity.

The 2021 Ram 3500 tows 19,500 - 37,100 lbs depending on engine, cab, drivetrain, wheel class, axle ratio, GVWR, GCWR, and box configuration.

Find your towing capacity Look up your exact 2021 Ram 3500 configuration → Check towing capacity by VIN Decode your VIN to prefill the 2021 lookup → View full comparison chart Jump to the full rating chart →

Built from official Ram 2021 towing guides. Source pages cited below.

2021 Ram 3500
2021 TOWING RANGE
19,500 - 37,100 LBS
PEAK PAYLOAD
6,840 LBS
MAX GCWR
45,000 LBS
2021 Ram 3500 towing capacity chart

2021 Ram 3500 Diesel HO

Diesel Tune - 1 engine - 23,000 - 37,100 lbs - Peak payload 6,570 lbs

View Diesel SO ↓ Back to chart top ↑
Engine Chart

6.7L I6 Cummins HO Diesel

23,000 - 37,100 lbs Engine page

CREW CAB 4x2 TRADESMAN W BOX 6'4" SRW
3.73 SRW 11,500 lbs 4,090 lbs 32,240 lbs 24,150 lbs Base 7,408 lbs Base F/R 4,463 lbs / 2,945 lbs GAWR F/R 5,500 lbs / 7,000 lbs 6 Spd Auto Aisin AS69RC · TRADESMAN · BOX (unspecified) p.1
CREW CAB 4x2 TRADESMAN W BOX 8'0" DRW
4.10 DRW 14,000 lbs 5,940 lbs 43,000 lbs 34,470 lbs Base 8,059 lbs Base F/R 4,686 lbs / 3,373 lbs GAWR F/R 5,500 lbs / 9,750 lbs 6 Spd Auto Aisin AS69RC · TRADESMAN · BOX (unspecified) p.1
3.73 DRW 14,000 lbs 5,940 lbs 41,600 lbs 33,070 lbs Base 8,059 lbs Base F/R 4,686 lbs / 3,373 lbs GAWR F/R 5,500 lbs / 9,750 lbs 6 Spd Auto Aisin AS69RC · TRADESMAN · BOX (unspecified) p.1
CREW CAB 4x2 TRADESMAN W BOX 8'0" SRW
3.73 SRW 12,000 lbs 4,450 lbs 33,670 lbs 25,560 lbs Base 7,552 lbs Base F/R 4,609 lbs / 2,943 lbs GAWR F/R 5,500 lbs / 7,000 lbs 6 Spd Auto Aisin AS69RC · TRADESMAN · BOX (unspecified) p.1
CREW CAB 4x2 TRADESMAN W RAMBOX 6'4" SRW
3.73 SRW 11,500 lbs 3,950 lbs 32,240 lbs 23,180 lbs Base 7,553 lbs Base F/R 4,485 lbs / 3,068 lbs GAWR F/R 5,500 lbs / 7,000 lbs 6 Spd Auto Aisin AS69RC · TRADESMAN · RamBox p.1
CREW CAB 4x4 TRADESMAN W BOX 6'4" SRW
3.73 SRW 11,800 lbs 4,020 lbs 32,580 lbs 23,650 lbs Base 7,783 lbs Base F/R 4,800 lbs / 2,983 lbs GAWR F/R 6,000 lbs / 7,000 lbs 6 Spd Auto Aisin AS69RC · TRADESMAN · BOX (unspecified) p.2
CREW CAB 4x4 TRADESMAN W BOX 8'0" DRW
4.10 DRW 14,000 lbs 5,590 lbs 43,000 lbs 34,120 lbs Base 8,413 lbs Base F/R 4,989 lbs / 3,424 lbs GAWR F/R 6,000 lbs / 9,750 lbs 6 Spd Auto Aisin AS69RC · TRADESMAN · BOX (unspecified) p.2
3.73 DRW 14,000 lbs 5,590 lbs 41,600 lbs 32,720 lbs Base 8,413 lbs Base F/R 4,989 lbs / 3,424 lbs GAWR F/R 6,000 lbs / 9,750 lbs 6 Spd Auto Aisin AS69RC · TRADESMAN · BOX (unspecified) p.2
CREW CAB 4x4 TRADESMAN W BOX 8'0" SRW
3.73 SRW 12,300 lbs 4,330 lbs 33,610 lbs 25,120 lbs Base 7,967 lbs Base F/R 4,957 lbs / 3,010 lbs GAWR F/R 6,000 lbs / 7,000 lbs 6 Spd Auto Aisin AS69RC · TRADESMAN · BOX (unspecified) p.2
CREW CAB 4x4 TRADESMAN W RAMBOX 6'4" SRW
3.73 SRW 11,800 lbs 3,880 lbs 32,580 lbs 23,000 lbs Base 7,919 lbs Base F/R 4,797 lbs / 3,122 lbs GAWR F/R 6,000 lbs / 7,000 lbs 6 Spd Auto Aisin AS69RC · TRADESMAN · RamBox p.2
MEGA CAB 4x4 BIG HORN W BOX 6'4" DRW
4.10 DRW 14,000 lbs 5,450 lbs 43,000 lbs 33,200 lbs Base 8,550 lbs Base F/R 5,014 lbs / 3,536 lbs GAWR F/R 6,000 lbs / 9,750 lbs 6 Spd Auto Aisin AS69RC · BIG HORN · BOX (unspecified) p.2
3.73 DRW 14,000 lbs 5,450 lbs 41,600 lbs 32,580 lbs Base 8,550 lbs Base F/R 5,014 lbs / 3,536 lbs GAWR F/R 6,000 lbs / 9,750 lbs 6 Spd Auto Aisin AS69RC · BIG HORN · BOX (unspecified) p.2
MEGA CAB 4x4 BIG HORN W BOX 6'4" SRW
3.73 SRW 12,300 lbs 4,140 lbs 32,710 lbs 24,080 lbs Base 8,158 lbs Base F/R 5,006 lbs / 3,152 lbs GAWR F/R 6,000 lbs / 7,000 lbs 6 Spd Auto Aisin AS69RC · BIG HORN · BOX (unspecified) p.2
MEGA CAB 4x4 BIG HORN W RAMBOX 6'4" SRW
3.73 SRW 12,300 lbs 3,980 lbs 32,710 lbs 23,300 lbs Base 8,319 lbs Base F/R 5,042 lbs / 3,277 lbs GAWR F/R 6,000 lbs / 7,000 lbs 6 Spd Auto Aisin AS69RC · BIG HORN · RamBox p.2
REGULAR CAB 4x2 TRADESMAN W BOX 8'0" DRW
4.10 DRW 14,000 lbs 6,570 lbs 45,000 lbs 37,100 lbs Base 7,433 lbs Base F/R 4,322 lbs / 3,111 lbs GAWR F/R 5,500 lbs / 9,750 lbs 6 Spd Auto Aisin AS69RC · TRADESMAN · BOX (unspecified) p.1
3.73 DRW 14,000 lbs 6,570 lbs 41,600 lbs 33,700 lbs Base 7,433 lbs Base F/R 4,322 lbs / 3,111 lbs GAWR F/R 5,500 lbs / 9,750 lbs 6 Spd Auto Aisin AS69RC · TRADESMAN · BOX (unspecified) p.1
REGULAR CAB 4x2 TRADESMAN W BOX 8'0" SRW
3.73 SRW 11,500 lbs 4,490 lbs 34,630 lbs 26,830 lbs Base 7,005 lbs Base F/R 4,283 lbs / 2,722 lbs GAWR F/R 5,500 lbs / 7,000 lbs 6 Spd Auto Aisin AS69RC · TRADESMAN · BOX (unspecified) p.1
REGULAR CAB 4x4 TRADESMAN W BOX 8'0" DRW
4.10 DRW 14,000 lbs 6,130 lbs 43,000 lbs 34,660 lbs Base 7,873 lbs Base F/R 4,693 lbs / 3,181 lbs GAWR F/R 6,000 lbs / 9,750 lbs 6 Spd Auto Aisin AS69RC · TRADESMAN · BOX (unspecified) p.2
3.73 DRW 14,000 lbs 6,130 lbs 41,600 lbs 33,260 lbs Base 7,873 lbs Base F/R 4,693 lbs / 3,181 lbs GAWR F/R 6,000 lbs / 9,750 lbs 6 Spd Auto Aisin AS69RC · TRADESMAN · BOX (unspecified) p.2
REGULAR CAB 4x4 TRADESMAN W BOX 8'0" SRW
3.73 SRW 11,800 lbs 4,370 lbs 34,540 lbs 26,020 lbs Base 7,427 lbs Base F/R 4,630 lbs / 2,797 lbs GAWR F/R 6,000 lbs / 7,000 lbs 6 Spd Auto Aisin AS69RC · TRADESMAN · BOX (unspecified) p.2

2021 Ram 3500 Diesel SO

Diesel Tune - 1 engine - 19,500 - 22,670 lbs - Peak payload 6,840 lbs

Back to chart top ↑
Engine Chart

6.7L I6 Cummins Diesel

19,500 - 22,670 lbs Engine page

CREW CAB 4x2 TRADESMAN W BOX 6'4" SRW
3.73 SRW 11,500 lbs 4,190 lbs 28,300 lbs 20,520 lbs Base 7,313 lbs Base F/R 4,425 lbs / 2,888 lbs GAWR F/R 5,500 lbs / 7,000 lbs 6-Spd Auto 68RFE · TRADESMAN · BOX (unspecified) p.1
CREW CAB 4x2 TRADESMAN W BOX 8'0" DRW
4.10 DRW 14,000 lbs 6,190 lbs 30,300 lbs 22,020 lbs Base 7,814 lbs Base F/R 4,561 lbs / 3,253 lbs GAWR F/R 5,500 lbs / 9,750 lbs 6-Spd Auto 68RFE · TRADESMAN · BOX (unspecified) p.1
3.73 DRW 14,000 lbs 6,190 lbs 28,300 lbs 20,020 lbs Base 7,814 lbs Base F/R 4,561 lbs / 3,253 lbs GAWR F/R 5,500 lbs / 9,750 lbs 6-Spd Auto 68RFE · TRADESMAN · BOX (unspecified) p.1
CREW CAB 4x2 TRADESMAN W BOX 8'0" SRW
3.73 SRW 12,000 lbs 4,540 lbs 28,300 lbs 20,370 lbs Base 7,456 lbs Base F/R 4,562 lbs / 2,894 lbs GAWR F/R 5,500 lbs / 7,000 lbs 6-Spd Auto 68RFE · TRADESMAN · BOX (unspecified) p.1
CREW CAB 4x2 TRADESMAN W RAMBOX 6'4" SRW
3.73 SRW 11,500 lbs 4,040 lbs 28,300 lbs 20,370 lbs Base 7,459 lbs Base F/R 4,447 lbs / 3,011 lbs GAWR F/R 5,500 lbs / 7,000 lbs 6-Spd Auto 68RFE · TRADESMAN · RamBox p.1
CREW CAB 4x4 TRADESMAN W BOX 6'4" SRW
3.73 SRW 11,800 lbs 4,200 lbs 28,300 lbs 20,230 lbs Base 7,598 lbs Base F/R 4,686 lbs / 2,912 lbs GAWR F/R 6,000 lbs / 7,000 lbs 6-Spd Auto 68RFE · TRADESMAN · BOX (unspecified) p.2
CREW CAB 4x4 TRADESMAN W BOX 8'0" DRW
4.10 DRW 14,000 lbs 5,860 lbs 30,300 lbs 21,690 lbs Base 8,142 lbs Base F/R 4,855 lbs / 3,287 lbs GAWR F/R 6,000 lbs / 9,750 lbs 6-Spd Auto 68RFE · TRADESMAN · BOX (unspecified) p.2
3.73 DRW 14,000 lbs 5,860 lbs 28,300 lbs 19,690 lbs Base 8,142 lbs Base F/R 4,855 lbs / 3,287 lbs GAWR F/R 6,000 lbs / 9,750 lbs 6-Spd Auto 68RFE · TRADESMAN · BOX (unspecified) p.2
CREW CAB 4x4 TRADESMAN W BOX 8'0" SRW
3.73 SRW 12,300 lbs 4,500 lbs 28,300 lbs 20,030 lbs Base 7,802 lbs Base F/R 4,849 lbs / 2,953 lbs GAWR F/R 6,000 lbs / 7,000 lbs 6-Spd Auto 68RFE · TRADESMAN · BOX (unspecified) p.2
CREW CAB 4x4 TRADESMAN W RAMBOX 6'4" SRW
3.73 SRW 11,800 lbs 4,060 lbs 28,300 lbs 20,090 lbs Base 7,743 lbs Base F/R 4,684 lbs / 3,059 lbs GAWR F/R 6,000 lbs / 7,000 lbs 6-Spd Auto 68RFE · TRADESMAN · RamBox p.2
MEGA CAB 4x4 BIG HORN W BOX 6'4" DRW
4.10 DRW 14,000 lbs 5,670 lbs 30,300 lbs 21,500 lbs Base 8,328 lbs Base F/R 4,869 lbs / 3,459 lbs GAWR F/R 6,000 lbs / 9,750 lbs 6-Spd Auto 68RFE · BIG HORN · BOX (unspecified) p.2
3.73 DRW 14,000 lbs 5,670 lbs 28,300 lbs 19,500 lbs Base 8,328 lbs Base F/R 4,869 lbs / 3,459 lbs GAWR F/R 6,000 lbs / 9,750 lbs 6-Spd Auto 68RFE · BIG HORN · BOX (unspecified) p.2
MEGA CAB 4x4 BIG HORN W BOX 6'4" SRW
3.73 SRW 12,300 lbs 4,300 lbs 28,300 lbs 19,830 lbs Base 7,999 lbs Base F/R 4,897 lbs / 3,102 lbs GAWR F/R 6,000 lbs / 7,000 lbs 6-Spd Auto 68RFE · BIG HORN · BOX (unspecified) p.2
MEGA CAB 4x4 BIG HORN W RAMBOX 6'4" SRW
3.73 SRW 12,300 lbs 4,120 lbs 28,300 lbs 19,650 lbs Base 8,183 lbs Base F/R 4,946 lbs / 3,237 lbs GAWR F/R 6,000 lbs / 7,000 lbs 6-Spd Auto 68RFE · BIG HORN · RamBox p.2
REGULAR CAB 4x2 TRADESMAN W BOX 8'0" DRW
4.10 DRW 14,000 lbs 6,840 lbs 30,300 lbs 22,670 lbs Base 7,163 lbs Base F/R 4,218 lbs / 2,945 lbs GAWR F/R 5,500 lbs / 9,750 lbs 6-Spd Auto 68RFE · TRADESMAN · BOX (unspecified) p.1
3.73 DRW 14,000 lbs 6,840 lbs 28,300 lbs 20,670 lbs Base 7,163 lbs Base F/R 4,218 lbs / 2,945 lbs GAWR F/R 5,500 lbs / 9,750 lbs 6-Spd Auto 68RFE · TRADESMAN · BOX (unspecified) p.1
REGULAR CAB 4x2 TRADESMAN W BOX 8'0" SRW
3.73 SRW 11,500 lbs 4,610 lbs 28,300 lbs 20,940 lbs Base 6,886 lbs Base F/R 4,220 lbs / 2,666 lbs GAWR F/R 5,500 lbs / 7,000 lbs 6-Spd Auto 68RFE · TRADESMAN · BOX (unspecified) p.1
REGULAR CAB 4x4 TRADESMAN W BOX 8'0" DRW
4.10 DRW 14,000 lbs 6,400 lbs 30,300 lbs 22,230 lbs Base 7,597 lbs Base F/R 4,533 lbs / 3,064 lbs GAWR F/R 6,000 lbs / 9,750 lbs 6-Spd Auto 68RFE · TRADESMAN · BOX (unspecified) p.2
3.73 DRW 14,000 lbs 6,400 lbs 28,300 lbs 20,230 lbs Base 7,597 lbs Base F/R 4,533 lbs / 3,064 lbs GAWR F/R 6,000 lbs / 9,750 lbs 6-Spd Auto 68RFE · TRADESMAN · BOX (unspecified) p.2
REGULAR CAB 4x4 TRADESMAN W BOX 8'0" SRW
3.73 SRW 11,800 lbs 4,520 lbs 28,300 lbs 20,550 lbs Base 7,279 lbs Base F/R 4,545 lbs / 2,734 lbs GAWR F/R 6,000 lbs / 7,000 lbs 6-Spd Auto 68RFE · TRADESMAN · BOX (unspecified) p.2
POWERTRAIN

Towing Capacity by Engine

Your engine determines your base towing limit. Start here to see the 2021 ratings for your specific Ram 3500 setup.

Ram publishes separate 2021 diesel tune guide groups for Diesel HO and Diesel SO configurations.

Ram 3500 Diesel HO

23,000 - 37,100 lbs
Highest Capacity
6.7L I6 Cummins HO Diesel Peak payload 6,570 lbs
Range: 23,000 - 37,100 lbs
Max rating 37,100 LBS

Ram 3500 Diesel SO

19,500 - 22,670 lbs
Highest Capacity
6.7L I6 Cummins Diesel Peak payload 6,840 lbs
Range: 19,500 - 22,670 lbs
Max rating 22,670 LBS
TONGUE LOAD CONV / 5TH-WHEEL
10% / 15%
Conventional vs. 5th-wheel/gooseneck
TRAILERING HARDWARE EQUIPMENT WEIGHT
75 / 70 / 250 LBS
Conventional / gooseneck / 5th wheel
HITCH THRESHOLDS TRAILER LIMITS
23k / 30k LBS
5th-wheel / gooseneck required above this weight
RATING METHOD STANDARD
SAE J2807
Industry tow-rating standard
VIEW ALL FINE PRINT
GUIDE FINE PRINT

Ground rules behind every 2021 Ram 3500 Diesel HO / Diesel SO towing rating.

These guide rules define the payload, trailering hardware, and limits behind every 2021 Ram 3500 Diesel HO / Diesel SO towing rating on this page.

FIG. 2021 LOAD Baseline Weights

Weights Ram already counted in every rating

  • Passenger weight: 300 lbs counted for driver + passengers.
  • Options weight: 100 lbs counted for factory-installed options.
  • Conventional tongue: 10% of gross trailer weight.
  • 5th-wheel / gooseneck tongue: 15% of gross trailer weight.
FIG. 2021 CALC Payload Formula

How Ram derives payload from base weight

  • Formula: Payload = GVWR - Base Weight
  • Values: Published as estimated values.
  • Rounding: nearest 10 lbs.
FIG. 2021 HITCH Hitch Loading

Hardware weight deducted from payload

  • Conventional hitch: 75 lbs of equipment weight.
  • Gooseneck: 70 lbs of equipment weight.
  • 5th wheel: 250 lbs of equipment weight.
FIG. 2021 LIMIT Commercial / Hitch Limits

Chassis-cab and heavy-trailer thresholds

  • Body-completion weight: 80 lbs per foot from end of cab to end of frame.
  • 5th-wheel required over: 23,000 lbs trailer weight.
  • Gooseneck required over: 30,000 lbs trailer weight.
FIG. 2021 STD Rating Standard

SAE J2807 compliance

  • Trailer Weight Rating and Tow Vehicle Trailering Weight are calculated as specified in SAE J2807.
FIG. 2021 WARN Warnings

Manufacturer safety warnings

  • Payload and Trailer Weight Rating are mutually exclusive.
  • GAWRs, GVWRs and GCWRs should never be exceeded.
  • Payload and GAWR should never be exceeded and must account for all of the above weights, including the appropriate trailering equipment and tongue weight.
FIG. 2021 NOTES Policy Notes

All published notes from the 2021 towing guides

  • Payload and Max Trailer Weights are ESTIMATED values. p.3 - Diesel HO, Diesel SO
  • All values are shown in pounds unless otherwise stated. p.3 - Diesel HO, Diesel SO
  • Payload and Max Trailer Weight values are rounded to the nearest 10lb. p.3 - Diesel HO, Diesel SO
  • Payload = GVWR - Base Weight p.3 - Diesel HO, Diesel SO
  • Payload and Trailer Weight Rating are mutually exclusive. p.3 - Diesel HO, Diesel SO
  • GAWRs, GVWRs and GCWRs should never be exceeded. p.3 - Diesel HO, Diesel SO
  • Trailer Weight Rating and Tow Vehicle Trailering Weight are calculated as specified in SAE J2807. p.3 - Diesel HO, Diesel SO
  • Passenger Weight = 300 lb p.3 - Diesel HO, Diesel SO
  • Options Weight = 100 lb p.3 - Diesel HO, Diesel SO
  • Trailering Equipment Weight: 75 lb for Conventional Hitch, 70 lb for Gooseneck and 250 lb for 5th Wheel. p.3 - Diesel HO, Diesel SO
  • Tongue weight: 10 percent of the gross trailer weight for Conventional Hitch, 15 percent of the gross trailer weight for a 5th Wheel or Gooseneck hitch. p.3 - Diesel HO, Diesel SO
  • Payload and GAWR should never be exceeded and must account for all of the above weights, including the appropriate trailering equipment and tongue weight. p.3 - Diesel HO, Diesel SO
  • Box Off Body Completion Weight = 80 lb per foot from end of cab to end of frame p.3 - Diesel HO, Diesel SO
  • A fifth-wheel hitch is required for trailers over 23,000 lbs. p.3 - Diesel HO, Diesel SO
  • A Gooseneck hitch is required for trailers over 30,000 lbs. p.3 - Diesel HO, Diesel SO
  • Maximum Capability p.3 · Diesel HO
NOTES: These ground rules apply to every published towing and payload rating. Your specific truck configuration may have additional constraints.
Technical Audit

Data sources

These citations show the Ram guide pages used to build the 2021 Ram 3500 overview and guide-policy notes.

Show source pages for the 2021 guide
DOC_ID: ram-3500 DOCUMENT BASIS

2021 Ram 3500 Diesel HO Towing Guide

Audit Scope PAGES: 1-3
DOC_ID: ram-3500 DOCUMENT BASIS

2021 Ram 3500 Diesel SO Towing Guide

Audit Scope PAGES: 1-3