2021 Ram 3500 Towing Capacity & Specs
TL;DR Summary
The 2021 Ram 3500 heavy-duty pickup represents peak commercial towing performance with conventional towing capacities spanning 18,210 to 37,100 lbs, payload capacities up to 7,680 lbs, and up to 1,075 lb-ft of torque from its High-Output Cummins Turbo Diesel engine.
Trim specifications
All weights in pounds. Ratings depend on the trim and towing configuration.
| Trim / Package | Engine / Fuel | Max Towing | Max Payload | GCWR | GVWR | Curb Weight | Tongue Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tradesman / Big Horn / Laramie Gas SRW/DRW | 6.4L V8 Gas |
18,210 lb | 7,680 lb | 25,000 lb | 10,700 lb | 6,224 lb | 1,821 lb |
| Tradesman / Big Horn / Laramie Standard Cummins | 6.7L I6 Turbo Diesel Diesel |
22,670 lb | 6,840 lb | 30,000 lb | 11,500 lb | 7,000 lb | 2,267 lb |
| Tradesman / Big Horn / Laramie High-Output Cummins | 6.7L I6 Turbo Diesel Diesel |
37,100 lb | 6,570 lb | 43,000 lb | 14,000 lb | 7,420 lb | 3,710 lb |
In-Depth 2021 Ram 3500 Towing Review
The 2021 Ram Ram 3500 towing capacity establishes industry-leading heavy-duty performance, featuring conventional towing limits ranging from 18,210 lbs on 6.4L V8 gas models, to 22,670 lbs on 6.7L Standard Cummins Diesel models, up to a monumental 37,100 lbs on 6.7L High-Output Cummins Turbo Diesel configurations. Gasoline models utilize a 6.4-liter V8 producing 410 horsepower at 5,600 RPM and 429 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 RPM. Standard-output diesel variants feature a 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel Inline-6 yielding 370 horsepower at 2,800 RPM and 850 lb-ft of torque at 1,700 RPM. The high-output diesel variant outputs 420 horsepower at 2,800 RPM and an astounding 1,075 lb-ft of torque at 1,800 RPM, paired with an Aisin heavy-duty 6-speed automatic transmission built for extreme torque transfer. Structural ratings detail a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) spanning 25,000 to 43,000 lbs, a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 10,700 to 14,000 lbs, an unladen curb weight between 6,224 and 8,000 lbs, and certified static tongue weight limits from 1,821 to 3,710 lbs across SRW and DRW configurations.
Extreme commercial utility is highlighted by a Ram 3500 max payload rating ranging from 6,570 lbs on High-Output Cummins setups up to an astonishing 7,680 lbs on gas DRW models. Configuring the truck in compliance with factory tow package specifications adds a Class V 2.5-inch or 3-inch hitch receiver, integrated trailer brake controller, 5th-wheel
gooseneck prep package, and 360-degree surround-view trailer camera system. Dual rear wheels provide exceptional lateral stability, preventing tire squirm and trailer sway when carrying heavy bed loads or supporting massive hitch weights at highway speeds. An integrated diesel exhaust brake provides powerful engine braking on steep mountain downhill descents, safeguarding service brakes under heavy drag. Examining these maximum-tier powertrain and torque specs confirms why the Ram 3500 is the ultimate choice for heavy commercial transport and industrial trailering.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum conventional towing capacity and tongue weight limit for the 2021 Ram 3500?
The 2021 Ram 3500 heavy-duty pickup achieves a conventional towing capacity ranging from 18,210 lbs on 6.4L Gas V8 models, to 22,670 lbs on Standard Cummins Diesel models, up to a maximum 37,100 lbs on High-Output Cummins Diesel models, with tongue weight ratings from 1,821 to 3,710 lbs.
What engine output and torque specs power the 2021 Ram 3500 lineup?
Engine options feature a 6.4L Gas V8 (410 HP / 429 lb-ft), 6.7L Standard Cummins Diesel (370 HP / 850 lb-ft), and 6.7L High-Output Cummins Turbo Diesel delivering 420 HP at 2,800 RPM and an astounding 1,075 lb-ft of torque at 1,800 RPM.
What are the GCWR, GVWR, Curb Weight, and Payload ratings for the 2021 Ram 3500?
The 2021 Ram 3500 features a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of 25,000 to 43,000 lbs, a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 10,700 to 14,000 lbs, an unladen curb weight of 6,224 to 8,000 lbs, and maximum payload capacities from 6,570 to 7,680 lbs.
How do dual rear wheels improve lateral stability when carrying max payload or tongue weight in the Ram 3500?
Dual rear wheels widen the rear axle footprint, suppressing tire squirm and trailer sway when carrying up to 7,680 lbs of bed payload or supporting a 3,710-lb static tongue load at highway speeds.
What heavy-duty factory towing provisions support fifth-wheel and gooseneck trailering on the Ram 3500 High-Output Cummins?
High-Output Cummins models pairing with the Aisin 6-speed heavy-duty automatic transmission feature a factory-installed 5th-wheel/gooseneck prep package, integrated trailer brake controller, Class V hitch receiver, and 360-degree surround trailer camera integration.
Always confirm ratings for your exact configuration with the manufacturer and vehicle certification labels. Passenger, cargo and trailer tongue weight affect payload and towing limits.
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