Ram 2500 Towing Guide: The Heavy Duty Sweet Spot

The Engine Dilemma: Hemi vs. Cummins

• 6.4L Hemi V8 (The Payload King):

  • The Stats: 410 hp / 429 lb-ft torque.

  • Max Towing: ~17,730 lbs.

  • The Secret: Because the gas engine is nearly 1,000 lbs lighter than the diesel, the Hemi 2500 often has a massive Payload Capacity (3,200 – 4,000+ lbs). This makes it the superior choice for Truck Campers or heavy 5th wheel pin weights.

• 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel (The Towing King):

  • The Stats: 370 hp / 850 lb-ft torque.

  • Max Towing: ~20,000 lbs.

  • The Trap: The heavy diesel engine eats up your GVWR limits. A fully loaded Cummins 2500 Laramie or Limited might only have a Payload of 2,000 – 2,300 lbs. This is often not enough for a large luxury 5th wheel, even though the engine could easily pull it.

Transmission Talk: 8-Speed vs. 68RFE

• ZF 8-Speed (Gas): A modern, smooth-shifting transmission that keeps the Hemi in its power band. It makes towing with gas surprisingly capable.

• 68RFE (Diesel): The Ram 2500 does not get the Aisin transmission found in the 3500. It uses the 68RFE. While reliable at stock power levels, it is not designed for "hot tunes" or massive 25,000 lb loads. If you plan to tow that heavy, step up to a 3500.

The Suspension Advantage: Coils & Air

• Rear Coil Springs: Ram is the only HD truck to use coils instead of leaf springs.

  • Pros: Incredible unladen ride quality.

  • Cons: Can feel slightly "squishy" or unstable with very top-heavy loads (like a slide-in truck camper) compared to leaf springs.

• Auto-Level Rear Air Suspension: If you can find a truck with this option, buy it.

  • Bed Lowering Mode: Drops the rear to let you reverse under a trailer, then raises up to lift the weight off the jack.

  • Stability: Automatically levels the truck, eliminating the "squat" that blinds oncoming traffic with your headlights.

What Can I Tow With a Ram 2500?

• Luxury Travel Trailers: The Ram 2500 Cummins is the ultimate tow vehicle for a 35-foot Airstream Classic or Grand Design Reflection. You have endless power and stability without the rough ride of a 1-ton.

• Mid-Profile 5th Wheels: Models like the Jayco Eagle HT or Cougar are perfect. Just ensure the pin weight (the weight pushing down on the bed) is under your truck’s payload limit—especially if you have the diesel engine.

• Toy Haulers: You can easily tow a bumper-pull Forest River Grey Wolf Toy Hauler. If you want a 5th wheel toy hauler, verify your pin weight carefully!

Essential Tech for Ram Owners

• Digital Rearview Mirror: When your truck is loaded with gear or you are towing a tall trailer, the rearview mirror is useless. This feature turns the mirror into a high-def screen showing a camera feed from behind the truck.

• Cargo View Camera: A camera mounted in the third brake light lets you watch your 5th wheel hitch connection while you drive, giving you peace of mind that everything is locked in.

Ready to Upgrade?

Your Ram 2500 is a beast—let's find a trailer that matches it.

• Shop Heavy Duty RVs: Browse our inventory of Fifth Wheels and Travel Trailers designed for 3/4-ton trucks.

• Check Your Door Sticker: Open your driver's door and look at the yellow sticker. If your Payload is under 2,200 lbs, let us help you find a trailer that keeps you legal.

• Service Your Rig: Need to activate your "Trailer Tire Pressure Monitoring"? Our Service Team can program your truck to read your trailer's tires on the dashboard.