Towing With the 2018 Ram 1500: Your Questions Answered

The 2018 Ram 1500 is a light-duty truck that’s built with heavy-duty capabilities. With powerful under-the-hood hardware and a body to withstand bulky loads, this pickup has an admirable towing capacity. Here’s everything you need to know about towing with the 2018 Ram 1500.

How Much Can You Tow With the Ram 1500?

Standard towing capacity for this pickup is 4,770 pounds. However, the Tradesman, Lone Star, and Big Horn trims with a regular cab, 8-foot bed, and 4×2 drivetrain will get you optimal towing power when attached with a 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine. The result: a towing rating that hits 10,620 pounds when properly equipped.

Which Features of the Ram 1500 Affect Towing?

Cab size, engine, powertrain, and transmission type are some of the main factors that affect how well the 2018 Ram 1500 can haul and tow equipment. This truck is available in a regular cab that seats three or a quad or crew cab that can seat six. A smaller cab means less passenger seating and passenger weight, which lets you focus more on towing and hauling.

Engine type and size affect towing capacity as well. A truck with a larger engine can generally tow more, though it also depends on fuel type and torque output.

The Ram 1500’s base engine is a 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 that pushes out 305 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque. It can tow up to 7,600 pounds.
An optional 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 produces 240 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque, which allows for towing up to 9,210 pounds.
The biggest engine on offer is a 5.7-liter HEMI V-8, which sees up to 395 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque. And 10,620 pounds of towing capacity.
Transmission type is also a key factor. Fortunately, the 2018 Ram 1500 packs a TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission under the hood, helping it reach its 10,620-pound towing potential.

What Is the Axle Ratio Rating of the Ram 1500?

A higher axle ratio offers more towing power due to greater torque output and quicker acceleration at lower speeds. Meanwhile, a lower axle ratio doesn’t get you as much towing power but compensates with better fuel efficiency and less vehicle operation noise.

The 2018 Ram 1500 offers three rear axle ratios: 3.21, 3.55, and 3.92. Certain trims come standard with a 3.92 axle ratio, but it’s optional for all other trims. On a scale where a ratio of 3.21 is low and 4.44 is high, 3.92 rates fairly well on this front.

What Type of Equipment Can the Ram 1500 Tow?

If you need to tow a boat, ATV, or small camper, the 2018 Ram 1500 can handle everything you throw its way. If you need to tow something heavier, such as a horse trailer or RV, the Ram 2500 or 3500 is better suited to the task.

If you’re on the search for a light-duty towing pickup, the 2018 Ram 1500 has the body and brawn to keep up with your demanding lifestyle.