2017 RAM 3500 Towing Capacity

Find out how much the 2017 RAM 3500 can pull, across 26 different trims.

In this article, we'll give you important data and details about the 2017 RAM 3500, including the towing capacity, engine size, gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), curb weight, payload capacity, horsepower, torque, axle ratio, drive type, transmission type, and more.

Select a trim from the list below to view the towing capacity data. The 2017 RAM 3500 trims have been ordered by towing capacity, from the highest value of 17,000 lbs to the lowest value of 16,000 lbs.

If you need any help explaining the terms used in the tables below, you can find a glossary of terms at the bottom of this article.

SLT 4x2 Crew Cab 169.5 in. WB
Maximum Towing Capacity (lbs) 17,000
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) (lbs) 11,000
Curb Weight (lbs) 6,555
Payload Capacity (lbs) 4,445
Horsepower (hp) 383
Torque (lb-ft) 400
Axle Ratio 3.73
Drive Type rear-wheel
Transmission Type 6-spd auto w/OD
Turbocharger intercooled turbo
Wheelbase 169.50
Front Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) (lbs) 0
Rear Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) (lbs) 0
Tradesman 4x4 Regular Cab 140 in. WB
Maximum Towing Capacity (lbs) 17,000
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) (lbs) 10,300
Curb Weight (lbs) 6,370
Payload Capacity (lbs) 3,930
Horsepower (hp) 383
Torque (lb-ft) 400
Axle Ratio 3.73
Drive Type four-wheel
Transmission Type 6-spd auto w/OD
Turbocharger intercooled turbo
Wheelbase 140.00
Front Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) (lbs) 0
Rear Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) (lbs) 0
Tradesman 4x4 Crew Cab 169.5 in. WB
Maximum Towing Capacity (lbs) 17,000
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) (lbs) 11,300
Curb Weight (lbs) 6,909
Payload Capacity (lbs) 4,391
Horsepower (hp) 383
Torque (lb-ft) 400
Axle Ratio 3.73
Drive Type four-wheel
Transmission Type 6-spd auto w/OD
Turbocharger intercooled turbo
Wheelbase 169.50
Front Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) (lbs) 0
Rear Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) (lbs) 0
Tradesman 4x4 Crew Cab 149.5 in. WB SRW
Maximum Towing Capacity (lbs) 17,000
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) (lbs) 10,700
Curb Weight (lbs) 6,732
Payload Capacity (lbs) 3,968
Horsepower (hp) 383
Torque (lb-ft) 400
Axle Ratio 3.73
Drive Type four-wheel
Transmission Type 6-spd auto w/OD
Turbocharger intercooled turbo
Wheelbase 149.50
Front Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) (lbs) 0
Rear Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) (lbs) 0
Tradesman 4x2 Regular Cab 140 in. WB
Maximum Towing Capacity (lbs) 17,000
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) (lbs) 10,100
Curb Weight (lbs) 6,022
Payload Capacity (lbs) 4,078
Horsepower (hp) 383
Torque (lb-ft) 400
Axle Ratio 3.73
Drive Type rear-wheel
Transmission Type 6-spd auto w/OD
Turbocharger intercooled turbo
Wheelbase 140.00
Front Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) (lbs) 0
Rear Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) (lbs) 0
Tradesman 4x2 Crew Cab 169.5 in. WB
Maximum Towing Capacity (lbs) 17,000
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) (lbs) 11,000
Curb Weight (lbs) 6,524
Payload Capacity (lbs) 4,476
Horsepower (hp) 383
Torque (lb-ft) 400
Axle Ratio 3.73
Drive Type rear-wheel
Transmission Type 6-spd auto w/OD
Turbocharger intercooled turbo
Wheelbase 169.50
Front Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) (lbs) 0
Rear Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) (lbs) 0
Tradesman 4x2 Crew Cab 149.5 in. WB SRW
Maximum Towing Capacity (lbs) 17,000
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) (lbs) 10,500
Curb Weight (lbs) 6,412
Payload Capacity (lbs) 4,088
Horsepower (hp) 383
Torque (lb-ft) 400
Axle Ratio 3.73
Drive Type rear-wheel
Transmission Type 6-spd auto w/OD
Turbocharger intercooled turbo
Wheelbase 149.50
Front Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) (lbs) 0
Rear Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) (lbs) 0
SLT 4x4 Regular Cab 140 in. WB
Maximum Towing Capacity (lbs) 17,000
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) (lbs) 10,300
Curb Weight (lbs) 6,384
Payload Capacity (lbs) 3,916
Horsepower (hp) 383
Torque (lb-ft) 400
Axle Ratio 3.73
Drive Type four-wheel
Transmission Type 6-spd auto w/OD
Turbocharger intercooled turbo
Wheelbase 140.00
Front Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) (lbs) 0
Rear Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) (lbs) 0
SLT 4x4 Crew Cab 149.5 in. WB SRW
Maximum Towing Capacity (lbs) 17,000
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) (lbs) 10,700
Curb Weight (lbs) 6,784
Payload Capacity (lbs) 3,916
Horsepower (hp) 383
Torque (lb-ft) 400
Axle Ratio 3.73
Drive Type four-wheel
Transmission Type 6-spd auto w/OD
Turbocharger intercooled turbo
Wheelbase 149.50
Front Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) (lbs) 0
Rear Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) (lbs) 0
SLT 4x2 Regular Cab 140 in. WB
Maximum Towing Capacity (lbs) 17,000
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) (lbs) 10,100
Curb Weight (lbs) 6,053
Payload Capacity (lbs) 4,047
Horsepower (hp) 383
Torque (lb-ft) 400
Axle Ratio 3.73
Drive Type rear-wheel
Transmission Type 6-spd auto w/OD
Turbocharger intercooled turbo
Wheelbase 140.00
Front Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) (lbs) 0
Rear Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) (lbs) 0
SLT 4x2 Mega Cab 160.5 in. WB
Maximum Towing Capacity (lbs) 17,000
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) (lbs) 11,000
Curb Weight (lbs) 6,661
Payload Capacity (lbs) 4,339
Horsepower (hp) 383
Torque (lb-ft) 400
Axle Ratio 3.73
Drive Type rear-wheel
Transmission Type 6-spd auto w/OD
Turbocharger intercooled turbo
Wheelbase 160.50
Front Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) (lbs) 0
Rear Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) (lbs) 0
Laramie 4x2 Crew Cab 149.5 in. WB SRW
Maximum Towing Capacity (lbs) 17,000
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) (lbs) 10,500
Curb Weight (lbs) 6,502
Payload Capacity (lbs) 3,998
Horsepower (hp) 383
Torque (lb-ft) 400
Axle Ratio 3.73
Drive Type rear-wheel
Transmission Type 6-spd auto w/OD
Turbocharger intercooled turbo
Wheelbase 149.50
Front Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) (lbs) 0
Rear Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) (lbs) 0
SLT 4x2 Crew Cab 149.5 in. WB SRW
Maximum Towing Capacity (lbs) 17,000
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) (lbs) 10,500
Curb Weight (lbs) 6,458
Payload Capacity (lbs) 4,042
Horsepower (hp) 383
Torque (lb-ft) 400
Axle Ratio 3.73
Drive Type rear-wheel
Transmission Type 6-spd auto w/OD
Turbocharger intercooled turbo
Wheelbase 149.50
Front Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) (lbs) 0
Rear Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) (lbs) 0
Laramie Longhorn 4x2 Mega Cab 160.5 in. WB
Maximum Towing Capacity (lbs) 17,000
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) (lbs) 11,000
Curb Weight (lbs) 6,837
Payload Capacity (lbs) 4,163
Horsepower (hp) 383
Torque (lb-ft) 400
Axle Ratio 3.73
Drive Type rear-wheel
Transmission Type 6-spd auto w/OD
Turbocharger intercooled turbo
Wheelbase 160.50
Front Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) (lbs) 0
Rear Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) (lbs) 0
Laramie Longhorn 4x2 Crew Cab 169.5 in. WB
Maximum Towing Capacity (lbs) 17,000
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) (lbs) 11,000
Curb Weight (lbs) 6,686
Payload Capacity (lbs) 4,314
Horsepower (hp) 383
Torque (lb-ft) 400
Axle Ratio 3.73
Drive Type rear-wheel
Transmission Type 6-spd auto w/OD
Turbocharger intercooled turbo
Wheelbase 169.50
Front Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) (lbs) 0
Rear Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) (lbs) 0
Laramie Longhorn 4x2 Crew Cab 149.5 in. WB SRW
Maximum Towing Capacity (lbs) 17,000
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) (lbs) 10,500
Curb Weight (lbs) 6,576
Payload Capacity (lbs) 3,924
Horsepower (hp) 383
Torque (lb-ft) 400
Axle Ratio 3.73
Drive Type rear-wheel
Transmission Type 6-spd auto w/OD
Turbocharger intercooled turbo
Wheelbase 149.50
Front Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) (lbs) 0
Rear Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) (lbs) 0
Laramie 4x4 Crew Cab 149.5 in. WB SRW
Maximum Towing Capacity (lbs) 17,000
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) (lbs) 10,700
Curb Weight (lbs) 6,819
Payload Capacity (lbs) 3,881
Horsepower (hp) 383
Torque (lb-ft) 400
Axle Ratio 3.73
Drive Type four-wheel
Transmission Type 6-spd auto w/OD
Turbocharger intercooled turbo
Wheelbase 149.50
Front Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) (lbs) 0
Rear Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) (lbs) 0
Laramie 4x2 Mega Cab 160.5 in. WB
Maximum Towing Capacity (lbs) 17,000
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) (lbs) 11,000
Curb Weight (lbs) 6,720
Payload Capacity (lbs) 4,280
Horsepower (hp) 383
Torque (lb-ft) 400
Axle Ratio 3.73
Drive Type rear-wheel
Transmission Type 6-spd auto w/OD
Turbocharger intercooled turbo
Wheelbase 160.50
Front Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) (lbs) 0
Rear Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) (lbs) 0
Laramie 4x2 Crew Cab 169.5 in. WB
Maximum Towing Capacity (lbs) 17,000
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) (lbs) 11,000
Curb Weight (lbs) 6,588
Payload Capacity (lbs) 4,412
Horsepower (hp) 383
Torque (lb-ft) 400
Axle Ratio 3.73
Drive Type rear-wheel
Transmission Type 6-spd auto w/OD
Turbocharger intercooled turbo
Wheelbase 169.50
Front Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) (lbs) 0
Rear Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) (lbs) 0
Laramie Longhorn 4x4 Mega Cab 160.5 in. WB
Maximum Towing Capacity (lbs) 16,000
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) (lbs) 11,300
Curb Weight (lbs) 7,147
Payload Capacity (lbs) 4,153
Horsepower (hp) 383
Torque (lb-ft) 400
Axle Ratio 3.73
Drive Type four-wheel
Transmission Type 6-spd auto w/OD
Turbocharger intercooled turbo
Wheelbase 160.50
Front Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) (lbs) 0
Rear Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) (lbs) 0
Laramie Longhorn 4x4 Crew Cab 169.5 in. WB
Maximum Towing Capacity (lbs) 16,000
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) (lbs) 11,300
Curb Weight (lbs) 7,081
Payload Capacity (lbs) 4,219
Horsepower (hp) 383
Torque (lb-ft) 400
Axle Ratio 3.73
Drive Type four-wheel
Transmission Type 6-spd auto w/OD
Turbocharger intercooled turbo
Wheelbase 169.50
Front Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) (lbs) 0
Rear Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) (lbs) 0
Laramie Longhorn 4x4 Crew Cab 149.5 in. WB SRW
Maximum Towing Capacity (lbs) 16,000
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) (lbs) 10,700
Curb Weight (lbs) 6,913
Payload Capacity (lbs) 3,787
Horsepower (hp) 383
Torque (lb-ft) 400
Axle Ratio 3.73
Drive Type four-wheel
Transmission Type 6-spd auto w/OD
Turbocharger intercooled turbo
Wheelbase 149.50
Front Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) (lbs) 0
Rear Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) (lbs) 0
SLT 4x4 Crew Cab 169.5 in. WB
Maximum Towing Capacity (lbs) 16,000
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) (lbs) 11,300
Curb Weight (lbs) 6,946
Payload Capacity (lbs) 4,354
Horsepower (hp) 383
Torque (lb-ft) 400
Axle Ratio 3.73
Drive Type four-wheel
Transmission Type 6-spd auto w/OD
Turbocharger intercooled turbo
Wheelbase 169.50
Front Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) (lbs) 0
Rear Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) (lbs) 0
SLT 4x4 Mega Cab 160.5 in. WB
Maximum Towing Capacity (lbs) 16,000
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) (lbs) 11,300
Curb Weight (lbs) 6,945
Payload Capacity (lbs) 4,355
Horsepower (hp) 383
Torque (lb-ft) 400
Axle Ratio 3.73
Drive Type four-wheel
Transmission Type 6-spd auto w/OD
Turbocharger intercooled turbo
Wheelbase 160.50
Front Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) (lbs) 0
Rear Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) (lbs) 0
Laramie 4x4 Mega Cab 160.5 in. WB
Maximum Towing Capacity (lbs) 16,000
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) (lbs) 11,300
Curb Weight (lbs) 7,050
Payload Capacity (lbs) 4,250
Horsepower (hp) 383
Torque (lb-ft) 400
Axle Ratio 3.73
Drive Type four-wheel
Transmission Type 6-spd auto w/OD
Turbocharger intercooled turbo
Wheelbase 160.50
Front Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) (lbs) 0
Rear Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) (lbs) 0
Laramie 4x4 Crew Cab 169.5 in. WB
Maximum Towing Capacity (lbs) 16,000
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) (lbs) 11,300
Curb Weight (lbs) 7,013
Payload Capacity (lbs) 4,287
Horsepower (hp) 383
Torque (lb-ft) 400
Axle Ratio 3.73
Drive Type four-wheel
Transmission Type 6-spd auto w/OD
Turbocharger intercooled turbo
Wheelbase 169.50
Front Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) (lbs) 0
Rear Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) (lbs) 0

2017 RAM 3500 Towing Capacity Terms

In the tables above, you'll see a lot of terms that you may not be familiar with. Here's a quick rundown of what they each mean and why each of them is important when it comes to towing capacity.

Maximum Towing Capacity

This is the maximum weight that the 2017 RAM 3500 can tow.

If you are driving at altitudes above 3,280ft (or 1,000m) of sea level, the weight you can tow needs to be reduced by about 10% for every additional 3,280ft (or 1,000m) of altitude. This is because the air is thinner at higher altitudes, which means that the engine has to work harder to pull the same weight.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)

The GVWR the maximum weight of the 2017 RAM 3500 when fully loaded. This includes the weight of the vehicle, passengers, cargo, and any accessories or equipment that you have added to the vehicle.

You can find this number in the vehicle owner's manual, or on a sticker on the driver's side door jamb.

Curb Weight

The curb weight of the RAM 3500 is the weight of the vehicle with a full tank of gas, but with no passengers or cargo and the standard options that come with the vehicle.

Payload Capacity

The term "payload" is the weight of all the things that you put in the vehicle, including passengers, cargo, and any accessories or equipment that you have added. It can be increased by upgrading certain options, for example:

  • Better suspension springs
  • Coil-over shock absorbers
  • A longer truck bed
  • Attached a trailer to the vehicle
  • Adding bed rails

Horsepower

Horsepower is a measure of the power of the engine. It is the amount of work that the engine can do in a given amount of time.

In simple terms, the more horsepower a vehicle has, the more weight it can pull.

Torque

Measured in lb-ft, torque is the amount of force that the engine can apply to the wheels. This is an important metric for towing because better torque means you can pull weight at lower RPMs, which is better for the engine.

Axle Ratio

The axle ratio is the ratio of the number of turns of the drive shaft for every one turn of the wheels. The higher the axle ratio, the more torque is applied to the wheels.

Drive Type

The drive type is the type of transmission that the 2017 RAM 3500 has. There are three main types:

  • Front-wheel drive (FWD)
  • Rear-wheel drive (RWD)
  • All-wheel drive (AWD)

All-wheel drive is the best type of drive type for towing because it distributes the weight of the vehicle evenly across all four wheels. Rear-wheel drive is also acceptable, but front-wheel drive is not recommended because they aren't able to pull as much weight.

Transmission Type

Transmission usually means manual or automatic. Some vehicles have a towing mode that will protect the transmission from damage when towing heavy loads - which can cause overheating and failure.

Turbocharger

A turbocharger is a device that forces more air into the engine, which increases the amount of fuel that can be burned. This increases the amount of power that the engine can produce.

If your vehicle has a turbocharger, it will be able to tow more weight than a vehicle without one.

Wheelbase

The wheelbase is the distance between the front and rear wheels. The longer the wheelbase, the more weight the vehicle can tow.

Front Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)

The front GAWR is the maximum weight that the front axle can support. This is usually a number that is stamped on the axle itself.

Rear Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)

The rear GAWR is the maximum weight that the rear axle can support. This is usually a number that is stamped on the axle itself.

More RAM 3500 Vehicles by Year

The list below will let you compare the 2017 RAM 3500 towing capacity to previous years.