A 2026 Ram 1500 is rated to tow up to 11,610 pounds, but only in qualifying configurations. The rating for a particular truck depends on its engine and transmission, axle ratio, drivetrain, cab, and bed. The trailer must also fit within the truck’s remaining payload and weight limits, including the load from the trailer’s tongue.
2026 Ram 1500 towing and payload maximums
Ram’s 2026 model-year guide gives these engine-family headline maximums. They are manufacturer ratings for particular configurations, not ratings that apply to every truck with the named engine. The guide describes its maximum towing chart as SAE J2807 compliant.
| Engine | Maximum towing | Maximum payload |
|---|---|---|
| 3.6L Pentastar V6 with eTorque | Up to 8,130 lb | Up to 2,360 lb |
| 5.7L HEMI V8 with eTorque | Up to 11,320 lb | Up to 1,650 lb |
| 3.0L Hurricane, standard output | Up to 11,610 lb | Up to 1,930 lb |
| 3.0L Hurricane, high output | Up to 10,000 lb | Up to 1,490 lb |
These are Ram Trucks / FCA US LLC manufacturer figures in its 2026 Ram 1500 Payload & Towing guide, issued in 2025. They are not independent real-world test results. Ram says chart weights are rounded to the nearest 10 lb and can change after a product audit or product change.
Why the engine alone does not tell you the tow rating
The published maximum for an engine family is the best-case headline, not a safe estimate for every truck. Ram’s chart assigns ratings to combinations of equipment and layout, including:
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- 【Perfect Fit】- This rear trailer hitch is designed specifically for 2003-2018 Dodge Ram 1500 & 2019-2024 Ram 1500 Classic & 2003-2013 Ram 2500 3500 models. It features a standard 2-inch square receiver, guaranteeing a perfect fit for your vehicle and delivering reliable towing performance.
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- Engine and transmission
- Axle ratio
- 4×2 or 4×4 drivetrain
- Quad Cab or Crew Cab
- Bed length
- Gross combination weight rating (GCWR)
For example, Ram lists the standard-output Hurricane at up to 11,610 lb towing in its 4×2 engine information and up to 11,370 lb in its 4×4 information. Its V6 figures also differ by drivetrain: up to 8,130 lb for 4×2 and up to 7,470 lb for 4×4. The chart’s standard-output Hurricane combinations range from 8,320 lb to 11,610 lb. Those differences are why an engine badge or a model name is not enough to identify a truck’s rating.
How to find the rating for your Ram 1500
- Identify the exact truck. Confirm its model year, engine and transmission, axle ratio, drivetrain, cab, and bed length. Do not use a chart row for a truck that only appears similar.
- Match that configuration in Ram’s model-year towing chart. Use the row’s maximum trailer weight and GCWR rather than the engine-family headline maximum.
- Check the truck’s own certification information and equipment. Options, installed equipment, passengers, and cargo can affect usable payload and towing weight. The truck’s actual ratings take precedence over a general maximum in a summary.
- Compare the loaded trailer and truck loads with every applicable limit. Account for trailer weight, tongue weight, occupants, cargo, and added equipment; stay within the truck’s payload, axle, vehicle, and combined limits.
Ram’s 2026 chart includes a 300 lb passenger-weight assumption in its trailer-weight capacities. Its listed figure therefore should not be treated as permission to add passengers or cargo without checking the truck’s remaining ratings.
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- Rated to 6,000 lbs. gross trailer weight and 600 lbs. tongue weight
- Compatible with weight distribution hitch (10,000 lbs. WD / 1,000 lbs. WDTW)
- Custom-made in an OEM style for specific vehicles
- Concealed main body for OE look and seamless integration with the vehicle
- Tested for safety in accordance with SAE J684
How payload limits towing in practice
Towing capacity is the permitted trailer weight; payload is the weight carried by the truck. Payload is used by people, cargo, accessories, and the trailer’s tongue load. When the trailer is hitched, its tongue weight presses down on the truck, so a trailer can be below the truck’s maximum tow rating and still use more payload than the truck has available.
Ram states in its 2026 guide that “Trailer weight and payload ratings are mutually exclusive.” In practical terms, do not treat the maximum payload and maximum trailer weight as capacities that can both be fully used at once. Determine the actual truck’s available payload, then account for the tongue load along with occupants, cargo, and equipment.
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Rank #3
- Rated to 5,000 lbs. gross trailer weight and 500 lbs. tongue weight
- Engineered with a vehicle-specific design for a custom fit
- Concealed main body for OE look and seamless integration with the vehicle
- Tested for safety in accordance with SAE J684
- Precisely welded for superior strength and fit
Tongue weight, hitch guidance, and other limits
Ram’s chart uses a 10% conventional-hitch tongue-weight calculation for the listed trailer capacities. The guide states that the Class IV hitch receiver’s maximum tongue weight is 1,100 lb. The applicable limit may be lower based on the truck, hitch, trailer, payload, or axle rating; follow the manufacturers’ limits rather than assuming the receiver figure is available in every configuration.
Ram recommends a weight-distributing system for trailers over 5,000 lb. That is equipment guidance, not an increase to the truck’s rated towing or payload capacity. Ram also cautions that the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), gross axle weight rating (GAWR), and GCWR must not be exceeded.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Vehicle Compatibility - Class IV Tow Hitch Receiver Compatible with Ram 1500 2019-2026, Excludes Classic Models
- Heavy-Duty Towing Performance - Features a robust class IV 2-inch receiver with exceptional capacity: handles up to 10,000 lbs gross trailer weight, 1,000 lbs tongue weight, and 12,000 lbs with a weight distribution system. Built for demanding hauling tasks
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Rank #4
- 【 FITMENT 】 - 2 inch Rear receiver hitch Compatible for factory bumper Replacement for Dodge 2003-2018 Ram 1500 & 2003-2013 Ram 2500/3500 (Except with Factory Receiver). Only fits 03 rams made after 11/2002
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- 【 PACKAGE INCLUDED 】 - 1 x Rear Hitch Receiver, 1 x Set of Mounting Hardware, 1 x Fish Wire, 1 x Hitch Cover.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
