2027 Ram Heavy Duty Towing & Payload Guide
Compare 2027 Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 capability for work trailers, equipment hauling and RV travel around San Leandro, Oakland, Hayward and the Bay Area. The guide lists Ram 3500 towing up to 37,020 pounds and payload up to 7,580 pounds, reached by different properly equipped configurations.
*Different configurations achieve these maximums. Neither figure applies to every Ram Heavy Duty truck.
2027 Ram Heavy Duty Engine Comparison
The manufacturer guide lists a 6.4L HEMI V8 gas engine and a 6.7L Cummins inline-six High Output turbo diesel. Compare their power, then check the specific truck’s cab, bed, rear wheels and weight ratings.
| Engine | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6.4L HEMI V8 | 405 | 429 | 8HP75-LCV 8-speed automatic |
| 6.7L Cummins High Output turbo diesel | 430 | 1,075 | TorqueFlite HD 8-speed automatic |
Ram 2500 vs. Ram 3500: Compare the Configuration
The Ram 2500 and 3500 have separate capability charts. Engine name alone does not establish capacity. Regular Cab, Crew Cab and Mega Cab entries differ, as do 4x2 and 4x4 configurations. Ram 3500 rows also distinguish single rear wheels (SRW) and dual rear wheels (DRW).
Ram 2500: Match the Truck to Your Load
A listed HEMI 4x2 Regular Cab with an 8-foot bed, 4.10 axle and 10,000-pound GVWR has a 17,750-pound trailer rating. A listed Cummins 4x2 Crew Cab short-bed configuration has a 20,000-pound trailer rating. These are examples, not a maximum claim for every 2500.
Ram 3500: Separate Towing and Payload Maximums
The 37,020-pound towing figure belongs to a Cummins High Output DRW 4x2 Regular Cab with an 8-foot bed, 3.42 axle and 14,000-pound GVWR. The 7,580-pound payload figure belongs to a HEMI DRW 4x2 Regular Cab with an 8-foot bed and 14,000-pound GVWR. They are different trucks and different load allowances.
Explore the Detailed Towing and Payload Guides
Manufacturer Towing Chart
Review the manufacturer chart below, then use our Heavy Duty towing capacity page to compare selected configurations in searchable tables. Click the chart to open the full-size image.
Manufacturer Payload Chart
Payload includes occupants, cargo, added equipment and trailer tongue or pin weight. Visit our Heavy Duty payload chart page for selected ratings and a worked loading example.
Conventional, Fifth-Wheel and Gooseneck Towing
The hitch type is part of the capability calculation. The guide requires a fifth-wheel or gooseneck hitch for Ram 2500 trailers over 20,000 pounds and Ram 3500 trailers over 23,000 pounds. The highest 3500 trailer rating is not a conventional receiver-hitch allowance.
The guide lists maximum Class V receiver tongue weight of 2,000 pounds for Ram 2500 and 2,300 pounds for Ram 3500. Fifth-wheel and gooseneck pin loads must remain within vehicle, axle, hitch and manufacturer limits.
Heavy Duty Technology for Trailering
The guide highlights standard Trailer Brake Control and manual telescoping trailer-tow mirrors, with available power telescoping mirror functions, Trailer Reverse Steering Control, trailer monitoring features and a 360-degree Surround View Camera. It also lists an available fifth-wheel/gooseneck tow prep group. Confirm equipment on the truck you select; technology does not increase rated capacity.
Plan Your Truck Purchase Around the Complete Load
For East Bay work, include the crew, tools, materials, added equipment and hitch load. For RV travel, include passengers, luggage, supplies and loaded tongue or pin weight. Our team can help you review a stock number or VIN against your planned use.
Ram Heavy Duty Capability Questions
Does the diesel have the highest payload?
Not in this guide. The highest listed 3500 payload is a HEMI DRW configuration; the highest listed 3500 towing figure is a Cummins DRW configuration.
Can I use the towing maximum and payload maximum together?
No. They are separate ratings. Hitch load also uses payload, and all vehicle and component limits must be met.
Find a Ram Heavy Duty Truck for Your Needs
Tell us what you plan to tow or carry, how many people ride with you and which truck you are considering. Include your trailer’s loaded weight, hitch type and a truck stock number or VIN if available. Our San Leandro CDJR team can help you compare configurations and review vehicle labels.
Source: Ram, “2027 Ram Heavy Duty Payload & Towing — Weight Capacities,” ©2026 FCA US LLC. All ratings are for properly equipped configurations. Source weights are in pounds and rounded to the nearest 10 pounds.
Maximum trailer weight and maximum payload ratings are mutually exclusive; they are not simultaneous allowances. Never exceed GVWR, GCWR, either axle’s GAWR, the vehicle’s loading limit or any tire, hitch or component rating. Trailer ratings follow SAE J2807 with source calculation allowances of 300 pounds for passengers, 100 pounds for options and trailering equipment weights of 75 pounds for conventional, 40 pounds for gooseneck or 250 pounds for fifth-wheel equipment. Account for your actual load and equipment. Verify the exact truck’s labels, owner’s manual and applicable Ram configuration data before loading or towing. Specifications may change.