How much towing capacity does a 3500 SRW have?
The 3500 SRW’s towing capacity varies by engine, configuration, and hitch type. With the diesel engine and proper hitch, you can approach the upper 30,000-pound range (and higher with gooseneck or fifth-wheel setups), while gasoline variants are generally lower, around the high teens to about 20,000 pounds. These figures reflect current Ram 3500 SRW ratings for model years around 2020–2024 and can change by year and configuration.
To understand the numbers for a specific truck, you must consider the engine choice, cab/bed configuration, axle ratio, hitch type, and whether you’re towing with a conventional bumper hitch or a gooseneck/fifth-wheel setup. Always verify the exact rating on the vehicle’s door sticker and in the owner’s manual for your exact build.
Towing capacity by engine configuration
The following figures illustrate typical factory ratings by powertrain for a single-rear-wheel Ram 3500. They are intended as a general guide and can vary by model year, cab/bed, and options.
- Diesel engine: 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel
- Conventional bumper-tow rating: up to about 35,100 pounds
- Gooseneck or fifth-wheel towing: up to about 37,100 pounds
- Gasoline engine: 6.4L Hemi V8
- Conventional bumper-tow rating: typically in the mid-to-high teens thousands, roughly 17,000–20,000 pounds depending on cab/bed and options
- Gooseneck or fifth-wheel ratings: generally not offered at the diesel level; maximums align with conventional towing capabilities for gas configurations
These figures summarize common published ranges, but exact numbers depend on the specific year, cab/bed configuration, axle ratio, transmissions, and any towing enhancements or options installed on the truck.
Important caveats and how to verify
To ensure you’re using the correct limits for your vehicle, take these steps:
- Check the door jamb sticker on your truck for GVWR, GCWR, and the maximum tow rating for your exact configuration
- Confirm hitch type (conventional bumper hitch vs. gooseneck/fifth-wheel) since ratings differ significantly
- Refer to the model-year-specific owner's manual and Ram’s official specifications for that year
- Consider payload and GCWR together with hitch rating to avoid exceeding safe limits
Understanding these factors helps prevent overestimating what your 3500 SRW can haul and ensures safe, compliant towing.
Other factors that influence towing
Beyond the engine and hitch, several elements affect real-world towing capability, including transmission, brakes, suspension upgrades, trailer type, and payload distribution. Always factor the weight of passengers, cargo, fuel, and the trailer into the overall calculation to maintain safe handling and braking performance.
Practical tips for planning heavy-tow trips
Plan conservatively, use proper towing equipment (weight-distributing hitches for conventional towing, or gooseneck/fifth-wheel setups where rated), and regularly check tire and brake health. When in doubt, consult a professional or the dealer to confirm the exact capacity for your specific truck and trailer combination.
Summary
In short, a 3500 SRW can tow from roughly 17,000–20,000 pounds with a gasoline 6.4L Hemi configuration up to about 35,000–37,100 pounds with a diesel 6.7L Cummins, depending on hitch type and year. Always verify the exact towing capacity for your exact build via the door sticker, manual, and Ram’s official specifications for that model year.
