The Ultimate Towing Guide: Which Ram Heavy Duty Truck Is Right for Your Job?

Picking a heavy duty truck isn’t about grabbing the biggest number on the brochure. It’s about the heaviest thing you’ll actually hook up, how often you tow it and where you’re driving it. For most people around Claremont, that comes down to one question: Ram 2500 or Ram 3500? Here’s how to figure out which one fits your job.

Start with what you actually tow

Before you look at trucks, get real numbers on your trailer. Check the loaded weight, not the empty weight on the sticker. Add everything you put in it, like tools, water, gear and fuel. Then think about the hitch. A conventional bumper pull trailer and a fifth wheel or gooseneck put weight on the truck in very different ways.

A good rule of thumb is to leave yourself some breathing room. If your trailer sits right at a truck’s max rating, you’ll feel it on every grade. Buying a little more truck than you need makes towing safer and a lot less tiring.

Ram 2500: the heavy duty truck most people need

The Ram 2500 covers a ton of ground. With the available High Output 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel, the 2026 Ram 2500 can tow up to 20,000 lbs when properly equipped. The 6.4L HEMI V8 gas engine tows up to 17,750 lbs, and gas models can carry up to 3,930 lbs of payload.

That’s plenty for big travel trailers, toy haulers, car haulers and most equipment trailers.

Ram 3500: when the load gets serious

If you’re pulling a big fifth wheel, a loaded gooseneck or you tow heavy for a living, look at the Ram 3500. The 2026 Ram 3500 with the High Output Cummins tows up to 36,610 lbs when properly equipped. Max payload is up to 7,590 lbs on gas models, and max GVWR goes up to 14,000 lbs.

The extra payload is the part people overlook. Fifth wheel and gooseneck trailers put a lot of weight right over the rear axle, and that eats into payload fast. If your pin weight is high, the 3500 is usually the smarter call.

Gas or diesel?

Here’s the quick version:

• 6.4L HEMI V8: A good fit if you tow on weekends or haul moderate loads and want a lower upfront cost.
• High Output 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6: Makes 430 horsepower and 1,075 lb-ft of torque and is paired with the TorqueFlite HD eight-speed automatic. It’s the pick if you tow heavy, tow often or tow long distances.

Think about how many miles you’ll put on with a trailer behind you. If it’s a lot, the diesel earns its keep.

Features that make towing easier

Ram HD trucks have some features worth asking about when you shop:

• Trailer Reverse Steering Control: Use a knob to steer the trailer while you back up and the truck handles the steering wheel.
• Trailer tire pressure monitoring: Get live readings for up to four trailers on the available 12 inch digital cluster with the Tow Tech Package.
• Auto level rear air suspension: Available to help keep the truck level when the load is heavy.
• Fifth Wheel/Gooseneck Prep Package: A factory installed crossmember with mounting hardware so you can add a hitch.
• Automatic Smart Exhaust Brake: Available on diesel models, and a big help on long downhill grades.
• Bigger fuel tank: Crew Cab models with the 8 foot bed can get a 50 gallon tank.

Towing out of the Inland Empire

A lot of trips from Claremont mean climbing a grade with a trailer, whether that’s the Cajon Pass on the 15 or the mountain roads up toward the lakes. That’s where engine choice, the exhaust brake and staying under your ratings really pay off. Grades are hard on brakes and transmissions, so plan your setup around the toughest stretch of your route, not the flat part.

Buying a truck for your business?

If the truck is going to work, check out our commercial vehicle page and ask about the On The Job program. Eligible business buyers may qualify for upfit or equipment allowances on certain Ram models. Program terms change, so ask us what’s current when you’re ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much can a Ram 3500 tow?
The 2026 Ram 3500 can tow up to 36,610 lbs when properly equipped with the High Output Cummins diesel.

How much can a Ram 2500 tow?
Up to 20,000 lbs with the available High Output Cummins diesel, or up to 17,750 lbs with the 6.4L HEMI V8, when properly equipped.

Can a Ram 2500 pull a fifth wheel?
Yes, as long as the trailer’s weight and pin weight stay within the truck’s ratings. The available Fifth Wheel/Gooseneck Prep Package makes adding a hitch easier.

Where do I find my truck’s exact ratings?
Max numbers depend on cab, bed, axle ratio and drivetrain. Check the sticker in the driver’s door jamb, and our team can help you match a truck to your trailer.

Find your Ram HD in Claremont

Browse our new Ram truck inventory or contact our team with your trailer weight and we’ll help you pick the right truck. You can also apply for financing online before you visit. Knight Claremont Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram is at 620 Auto Center Drive in Claremont.