Ram 3500 Towing Guide: The Heavy-Duty King

Know Your Engine: The "High Output" Factor

Unlike the competition, Ram offers two versions of its diesel engine, and they are vastly different towing machines.

• 6.7L Cummins High Output (HO) Turbo Diesel:

  • The Stats: 420 hp / 1,075 lb-ft torque.

  • Max Tow: Up to 37,090 lbs.

  • The Difference: This engine is only available in the 3500 (not the 2500) and comes paired with the commercial-grade Aisin Transmission. It is built for 30,000+ lb loads.

  • Best Match: Luxe Fifth Wheels, DRV Mobile Suites, or 45-foot Toy Haulers.

• 6.7L Cummins Standard Output (SO) Turbo Diesel:

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

  • Max Tow: Up to 22,660 lbs.

  • The Difference: Uses the standard 68RFE Transmission. While capable, it lacks the massive torque and reinforced transmission of the HO model.

  • Best Match: Grand Design Solitude or Jayco Pinnacle.

• 6.4L Hemi V8 (Gas):

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

  • Max Tow: Up to 18,210 lbs.

  • The Secret Weapon: While it tows less, the gas engine is lighter, giving it the Highest Payload Capacity (up to 7,680 lbs). If you haul a heavy truck camper in the bed, the gas model is often the superior choice.

Transmission Wars: Aisin vs. 68RFE

Ram owners obsess over this detail, and for good reason.

• Aisin AS69RC (HO Only): A medium-duty commercial transmission designed to handle the 1,075 lb-ft of torque. It offers aggressive first gears for getting heavy loads moving and is known for bulletproof durability in stock form.

• 68RFE (Standard Output): A smoother-shifting transmission for daily driving, but known to be the "weak link" if you tune your engine or tow heavy loads frequently without upgrades.

SRW vs. Dually (DRW)

• Single Rear Wheel (SRW): Great for daily driving, but limited by rear tire ratings. Max towing is typically capped around 23,000 – 25,000 lbs. If you tow a large fifth wheel, you may run out of payload capacity (pin weight) before you hit your tow limit.

• Dual Rear Wheel (DRW): The "Dually" provides four rear tires to support massive pin weights (payloads over 5,500 lbs) and offers incredible stability in high winds. If your trailer is over 16,000 lbs, we highly recommend a Dually for safety.

The "Auto-Level" Advantage

Ram's class-exclusive Auto-Level Rear Air Suspension is a game-changer for 3500 owners.

• Bed Lowering Mode: You can drop the rear suspension to slide under your fifth wheel, then raise it up to take the weight off the landing gear.

• Ride Quality: When unloaded, the air bags soften the ride of the stiff 1-ton leaf springs.

• Leveling: It automatically keeps the truck level, ensuring your headlights aim down the road even with 4,000 lbs in the bed.

What Can I Tow With a Ram 3500?

Basically, anything you want.

• Mammoth Toy Haulers: With a Dually HO, you can pull a 45-foot Forest River XLR or Raptor toy hauler loaded with a side-by-side, full water tanks, and a fuel station.

• Full-Time Living Fifth Wheels: The Ram 3500 is the standard tow vehicle for "Full-Timers" pulling heavy, wide-body coaches like the Riverstone or Big Country.

• Horse Trailers: The exhaust brake on the Cummins engine is legendary for controlling heavy horse trailers on steep mountain grades without touching the service brakes.

Essential Tech for Big Rigs

• Trailer Reverse Guidance: Uses cameras to show you a split-screen view of both sides of your trailer while backing up, crucial for parking a 40-foot rig.

• Cargo View Camera: A camera mounted in the CHMSL (third brake light) allows you to watch your fifth wheel hitch connection from the driver's seat.

Ready to Go Big?

Your Ram 3500 is the ultimate towing weapon.

• Shop Heavy Duty: Browse our inventory of Fifth Wheels and Toy Haulers—your truck can handle the biggest ones we have.

• Check Your Output: Unsure if you have the High Output or Standard Cummins? Check your VIN or look for the "Aisin" transmission dipstick (yellow handle on driver side vs. standard dipstick on passenger side).

• Get Hitched: Need a B&W Companion or Gen-Y hitch installed in your factory puck system? Our Service Team stocks the heavy-duty hardware you need.