Ram 2500 Towing Capacity (by Engine & Year)
TL;DR
Base gas-engine 4x2 Ram 2500 trucks are verified at about 15,000-15,620 lb max trailering across recent model years. Cummins diesel with the Max Tow Package rates higher, but the figure varies by cab, bed and axle ratio, so always confirm on your own door placard.
How Ram 2500 towing capacity works
The Ram 2500 is a heavy-duty pickup sold with two engines - a 6.4L HEMI gasoline V8 and an optional 6.7L Cummins turbo-diesel inline-six - across Regular, Crew and Mega Cab bodies, multiple bed lengths, 4x2 or 4x4 drivetrains, several axle ratios and an optional Max Tow Package. Because of that spread, a single headline number cannot describe the whole model line. The figures below are the ones we could verify directly, tied to the exact configuration they apply to.
Verified maximum towing figures by model year (base configuration)
These figures come from published specification sheets for the base 4x2 Regular Cab Tradesman trim with the 6.4L HEMI gas engine - the entry-level configuration, not the maximum-tow build.
| Generation / years | Engine and configuration | Max towing (lb / kg) |
|---|---|---|
| 5th gen, 2019 | 6.4L HEMI V8 gas, 4x2 Regular Cab, base Tradesman | 15,080 lb weight-distributing hitch (6,840 kg); 14,900 lb gooseneck/5th wheel (6,760 kg) |
| 5th gen, 2020 | 6.4L HEMI V8 gas, 4x2 Regular Cab, base Tradesman | 15,040 lb weight-distributing hitch (6,822 kg); 14,860 lb gooseneck/5th wheel (6,741 kg) |
| 5th gen, 2022 | 6.4L HEMI V8 gas, 4x2 Regular Cab, base Tradesman | 15,540 lb maximum trailering (7,049 kg) |
| 5th gen, 2024 | 6.4L HEMI V8 gas, 4x2 Regular Cab, base Tradesman | 15,620 lb weight-distributing hitch (7,085 kg); 15,450 lb gooseneck/5th wheel (7,008 kg) |
| 5th gen, 2019-2024 | 6.7L Cummins turbo-diesel with Max Tow Package (cab, bed and axle ratio vary by build) | Rated notably higher than the gas figures above - we could not corroborate one exact number that applies across every diesel build, so check your build sheet or door placard for the precise rating |
Why the diesel and Max Tow Package numbers are not listed as one figure
Ram's own towing guides publish different maximum ratings for the Cummins diesel depending on cab style, bed length, rear axle ratio (such as 3.42 versus 4.10) and whether the Max Tow Package is ordered. Quoting one diesel maximum as if it applied to every 2500 would overstate what most buyers actually get, so this page intentionally does not state an unverified diesel figure - it flags where the higher numbers live instead.
Where to find your exact truck's rating
Your specific Ram 2500's certified towing capacity, gross combination weight rating (GCWR) and payload are on the driver's door jamb placard and in the tire and loading information label, and are also detailed in your owner's manual. The build sheet or window sticker (if you still have it) lists your exact engine, axle ratio, cab, bed and tow package combination, which is what actually determines your truck's number - not a generic model-wide figure.
- Driver's door placard - certified GCWR and payload for your exact truck
- Owner's manual towing section - full explanation of hitch types and limits
- Manufacturer towing guide (by model year) - published maximums by configuration
- Dealer build sheet or window sticker - confirms your engine, axle ratio and package
Summary
| Base engine | 6.4L HEMI V8 gasoline |
|---|---|
| Optional engine | 6.7L Cummins turbo-diesel inline-6 |
| Verified max trailering (2024, base 4x2 gas) | 15,620 lb (7,085 kg) |
| Verified max gooseneck/5th wheel (2024, base 4x2 gas) | 15,450 lb (7,008 kg) |
| Verified max payload (2024, base 4x2 gas) | 3,999 lb (1,814 kg) |
| Verified 5th-wheel tongue weight (2019 base config) | 3,725 lb (1,690 kg) |
| Diesel + Max Tow Package | Rated higher - confirm exact figure on door placard |
Full diagnostics
For the complete step-by-step diagnostic and repair guide, see Ram 2500: Common Problems, Fault Codes & Repairs.
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum towing capacity of a Ram 2500?
It depends on configuration. Verified base 4x2 Regular Cab HEMI-gas figures run about 15,000 to 15,620 lb depending on model year. Cummins diesel trucks ordered with the Max Tow Package are rated meaningfully higher, but the exact number depends on cab, bed length and axle ratio, so it should be read from your own door placard rather than assumed from a single headline figure.
Does the Cummins diesel tow more than the gas HEMI?
Generally yes - the 6.7L Cummins turbo-diesel, especially paired with the Max Tow Package and the right axle ratio, is rated to pull more than the base 6.4L HEMI gas configuration. We were not able to independently verify one single diesel maximum figure that applies across all cab and bed combinations, so treat any single diesel number you see elsewhere with caution and confirm it against your truck's placard.
What is the tongue weight limit on a Ram 2500?
On a verified 2019 base 4x2 Regular Cab configuration, the 5th-wheel/gooseneck tongue weight limit was 3,725 lb, the weight-distributing hitch tongue limit was 1,508 lb, and the dead-weight (conventional) hitch tongue limit was 500 lb. These limits change with cab, bed, axle ratio and tow package, so always check your own door placard or owner's manual for the figure that applies to your truck.
Where can I find my specific truck's towing capacity?
Check the certification label on the driver's door jamb, the tire and loading information placard, and your owner's manual - these reflect your truck's actual built configuration (engine, axle ratio, cab, bed length and any tow package), which is the only reliable source for your real towing and payload numbers.