Ram 1500 is listed as a half-ton truck, but it has the payload capacity of 2,100-pounds for standard and 1,900-pounds in all-wheel-drive. However, the Ram 1500 isn’t limited to just what it can fit in the bed, it has five engines to choose from to maximize your towing capabilities, power, and torque to your desired abilities.
Pick the Right Engine for Your Towing
With the Ram 1500 you have the opportunity to customize your towing capacity with a lightweight truck. Depending on what you typically haul, the power you need, and the amount of torque desired, you can choose any of the five engines to get a Ram 1500 truck to your ideal output.
5.7-liter HEMI® V8 engine
The standard engine for the Ram 1500, offers the same great power and abilities that have made them HEMI engine infamous. With 410-pound-feet of torque, 395-horsepower, and 11,610-pounds of towing capacity, the standard Ram 1500 outperforms any standard expectations.
5.7-liter HEMI® V8 engine with eTorque
The available 5.7L HEMI® V8 engine, with the eTorque mild hybrid technology system, blends performance-enhancing capabilities to produce an additional 130 pound-feet of torque, and towing capacity of up to 12,750-pounds. The powerful V8 engine puts out an impressive 395-horsepower making towing feel effortless.
3.0-liter ECOdiesel V6 engine
Awarded Best-in-Class for its powerful torque in a diesel engine with 480-pound-feet of torque, 260-horsepower, and an unexpected 12,560-pounds of towing capacity. With this engine, you keep the power behind the Ram 1500, but you also get better fuel efficiency.
3.6-liter Pentastar® V6 engine with eTorque
Also a winner for Best-in-Class, the Pentastar® V6 engine with eTorque offers a steady amount of power for smooth driving while towing up to 7,730-pounds. It also delivers 305-horsepower and 269-pound-feet of torque.
Supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI® V8
New for the Ram 1500 this year is the Supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI® V8. This is the big one, the most powerful factory-installed engine for a half-ton truck. Packed with responsiveness and acceleration to deliver a 702-horsepower and can go from 0-60 in only 4.5-seconds. The 650-pound-feet of torque gets up to 14,600 rpm and can withstand nearly 20,000-pounds of force. This is the engine that will offer you the most power when towing up to 8,100-pounds.
Other Towing Considerations
- Axle Ratio
Ram comes with a few axle ratios to maximize towing or efficiency. A higher axle ratio allows more towing power whereas a low axle will make the engine more efficient.
- Hitch Receiver
There are five classes of hitch receivers with class one able to tow around 2,000-pounds and all the way up to class five receivers that can handle up to 23,000-pounds.
- Cab Size
A smaller cab comes in at a lighter weight allowing you to tow more making it a great option if you don’t need as much cabin space.
- Bed Length
A shorter bed length means a more lightweight truck and increases the amount you can tow. However, if you’re towing a fifth-wheel or gooseneck, you’ll want a longer truck bed for better turning.
The Ram 1500 is considered light duty and is best for:
- Boats
- Trailers
- Travel trailers
- ATVs
- Moving trailers
- Cars