Ram 1500 and Towing Capacity Differences
Why do people like to buy pickup trucks? Power. They want the power to take jet skis, boats, entire homes wherever they need to go. Did you know the towing capacity a truck has, say a Ram 1500, changes on several components? It’s true. By changing something as simple as the engine or the kind of cab, towing capacity can change quite a bit.
The Ram 1500
The Ram 1500 is a great choice for lightweight pickup trucks, one of the Ram’s finest. It comes in three cab sizes – the two-door regular cab, the four-door quad cab, and the favorite four-door crew cab. It’s also available in four-wheel and two-wheel drive, either of which can come with one of three engine options. Of course, no truck stands alone, and depending on the trim level, drivers can walk away with a number of options.
So which of these factors can change a truck’s towing power/capacity? The power of the engine, the size of the cab, and one we didn’t mention – axle ratio.
Engine Types
The Ram 1500 has a choice of three engines, not all of which are available on every trim. The three engines are the standard 3.6-liter V6 engine, a 5.7-liter V8 engine, and a 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine.
Cab Sizes
How large a truck is will definitely have an effect on its towing capacity. The more stress put on an engine, the harder it has to work, and it can be hampered by the amount of weight it’s already carrying.
Axle Ratio
Now this one is tricky, it’s not about the axle of the wheels. Axle ratio is actually in reference to the gears in a truck and the device that connects the rear axle to the drive shaft (the mechanical component responsible for transmitting torque and rotation), and then to the engine. Axle ratio and towing capacity move in the same direction; the higher the ratio, the higher the towing capacity. This is because axle ratio has a direct effect on torque, and the more torque available, the more force can be generated to lift weight.
The Ram 1500 Towing Capacities vy engine, cab size, and axle ratio
Now that we know this, let’s take a look at the differences in a Ram 1500’s towing capacity based on which engine is powering it, its cab size, and its axle ratio. To make it easier, we’re sticking to one trim, the Ram 1500 Tradesman.
Key:
Engine
Cab Size | Truck Bed Length | Drive train
Axle Ratio
Max Payload
Max Towing
By Engine
3.6-LITER V6 24-VALVE VVT
Regular| 8’ | AUTO | 4X2
Axle Ratio: 3.21
Max payload: 1,900 pounds
Max towing: 4,850 pounds
5.7-LITER V8 HEMI MDS VVT
Regular| 8′ | AUTO | 4X2
Axle Ratio: 3.21
Max payload: 1,720 pounds
Max towing: 8,550 pounds
3.0-LITER V6 ECODIESEL
Regular| 8′ | AUTO | 4X2
Axle Ratio: 3.55
Max payload: 1,510 pounds
Max towing: 8,300 pounds
By Cab Size
5.7-LITER V8 HEMI MDS VVT
Regular | 8′ | AUTO | 4X2
Axle Ratio: 3.21
Max payload: 1,720 pounds
Max towing: 8,550 pounds
5.7-LITER V8 HEMI MDS VVT
Crew | 6’4” | AUTO | 4X2
Axle Ratio: 3.21
Max payload: 1,700 pounds
Max towing: 8,250 pounds
5.7-LITER V8 HEMI MDS VVT
Quad | 8′ | AUTO | 4X2
Axle Ratio: 3.21
Max payload: 1,720 pounds
Max towing: 8,550 pounds
By Axle Ratio
5.7-LITER V8 HEMI MDS VVT
Regular| 8′ | AUTO | 4X2
Axle Ratio: 3.21
Max payload: 1,720 pounds
Max towing: 8,550 pounds
5.7-LITER V8 HEMI MDS VVT
Regular| 8′ | AUTO | 4X2
Axle Ratio: 3.92
Max payload: 1,720 pounds
Max towing: 10,700 pounds
Maximum Towing Capacity for a Ram 1500 Tradesman
5.7-LITER V8 HEMI MDS VVT
Regular | 8′ | AUTO | 4X2
Axle Ratio: 3.92
Max payload: 1,720 pounds
Max towing: 10,700 pounds
Next time you’re in the market for a pickup truck, especially a Ram 1500, take these factors into consideration along with what you need your truck for.