If you’re looking into the Ram trucks for towing, you’re probably in a dilemma on which of these models to pick, and trust me, you’re not alone. The good part is that if Ram is your first choice for towing purposes, you’re halfway there. Ram trucks have built a strong reputation for their towing capabilities. These trucks can handle some of the toughest tow duties like hauling heavy trailers, boats, or construction equipment. There’s a Ram truck that can handle the job. And even when they’ve been working all day, rest assured, you’ll still make it back home.Â
The lineup ranges from the light-duty Ram 1500 to the heavy-duty Ram 2500 and 3500 models. So, when choosing the right Ram truck for towing, there are several factors you should look at. We’re talking about the towing capacity, engine options, and available towing features. While the Ram 1500 is a great choice for lighter loads and everyday use, the Ram 2500 and 3500 step things up for those who need serious towing power. If you want a more souped-up Ram, you can opt for technology features such as trailer brake controllers, adaptive suspension, and 360-degree trailer monitoring.
Are you unsure which one to choose? I’ll review the best Ram trucks for towing and rank them based on their capabilities, features, and real-world towing performance.
1. 2025 Ram 3500 Heavy Duty
If you need best-in-class towing capabilities, the 2025 Ram 3500 Heavy Duty is the truck to beat. With a maximum towing capacity of 36,610 pounds when properly equipped, this powerhouse is built for serious hauling. So what does 36,610 pounds mean? It means you can use it for RV towing and hauling heavy machinery.
Under the hood, the Ram 3500 Heavy Duty has a High-Output 6.7-liter Cummins turbo diesel inline-6 engine. To reach its full towing potential, you’ll need to opt for a dual-rear-wheel (DRW) Tradesman trim, paired with a regular cab, 8-foot bed, four-wheel drive, and the 14,000-pound Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).
Technology also enhances the Ram 3500’s towing capabilities. Available Trailer Tech packages include blind-spot monitoring with trailer detection, power-folding and telescoping mirrors, a surround-view camera system, and trailer reverse guidance. While the Ram 3500 is built for extreme towing, it doesn’t sacrifice comfort. Higher trims, like the Limited and Laramie, offer luxurious interiors, advanced infotainment systems, and premium materials.
Key Specs for Maximum Towing:
- Engine: High-Output 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6
- Max Towing Capacity: 36,610 pounds (with gooseneck)
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Recommended Trim & Configuration: Tradesman DRW, Regular Cab, 8-ft bed, 4WD
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2. 2025 Ram 2500 Heavy Duty
If you’re looking for serious towing power without stepping up to the massive Ram 3500, the 2025 Ram 2500 Heavy Duty is a perfect middle ground. Unlike its big brother, the Ram 2500 has a maximum towing capacity of 20,000 pounds. That means this beast can handle large trailers, boats, and heavy equipment while still being manageable for daily driving.
The Ram 2500’s 6.7-liter Cummins turbo diesel inline-6 engine delivers excellent torque for pulling heavy loads. To unlock the full towing potential, the best configuration is the RWD Tradesman trim with a crew cab, 8-foot bed, and the 8-speed automatic transmission. Towing technology is a key focus for the 2025 Ram 2500. Available features like the Towing Technology Group add trailer reverse guidance, blind-spot monitoring, power-adjustable towing mirrors, and a 360-degree camera system—all designed to make towing safer and more convenient.
Key Specs for Maximum Towing:
- Engine: 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6
- Max Towing Capacity: 20,000 pounds
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Recommended Trim & Configuration: RWD Tradesman, Crew Cab, 8-ft bed
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3. 2025 Ram 1500
The 2025 Ram 1500 is a fantastic option for those who need a balance between everyday usability and strong towing capability. Unlike the Heavy-Duty Ram models, the Ram 1500 is more refined, comfortable, and fuel-efficient. With a maximum towing capacity of 12,750 pounds, it’s more than capable of handling boats, campers, and utility trailers.
Ram offers two engine choices to maximize towing potential. The first option is a 3.6L Pentastar V6 with eTorque, which kicks out 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque. It is ideal for light-duty towing, fuel-efficient daily driving, and smooth acceleration. The more potent Ram 1500 engine is the 5.7L HEMI V8 with eTorque with 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque. The 5.7 Hemi is the best Ram 1500 engine choice for towing, offering the highest capacity of 12,750 pounds with the right configuration.
Both engines pair with an 8-speed automatic transmission and are available in rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). To achieve maximum towing, buyers should opt for the 5.7L HEMI V8 with eTorque, RWD, Quad Cab, and a 6-foot-4-inch bed.
Key Specs for Maximum Towing:
- Engine: 5.7L HEMI V8 with eTorque
- Max Towing Capacity: 12,750 pounds
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Recommended Trim & Configuration: RWD Quad Cab, 6-ft-4-in bed, Trailer-Tow Group
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4. Ram 1500 TRX
The Ram 1500 TRX stands in a league of its own. It carries a 6.2L Supercharged HEMI V8 with 702 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque, making it one of the most powerful production trucks on the market. While this engine delivers great acceleration and off-road dominance, its towing capabilities take a slight backseat compared to other Ram 1500 models.
Despite its off-the-line speed and aggressive stance, the TRX is not the best option for serious towing. It has a maximum towing capacity of 8,100 pounds, which is significantly lower than the standard Ram 1500 (12,750 pounds) and far behind the heavy-duty models. This is due to the soft rear suspension, designed primarily for high-speed off-roading rather than hauling heavy trailers. Real-world towing estimates suggest that the TRX is best suited for light-duty towing, such as Small campers or trailers, utility trailers with light loads, and Jet skis or lightweight boats. For heavier towing needs, a Ram 1500 with the 5.7L HEMI V8 or one of the Heavy-Duty models would be a better choice.
Key Specs:
- Engine: 6.2L Supercharged HEMI V8
- Max Towing Capacity: 8,100 pounds
- Torque: 650 lb-ft
- Best Use Case: Performance, off-roading, and light-duty towing
