How much weight can a 5.7 hemi pull?
The towing capacity of a vehicle with a 5.7-liter Hemi depends on the specific model and how it’s equipped. In practical terms, Ram 1500s with proper towing gear can reach around 11,600 pounds, while SUVs like the Grand Cherokee and Durango generally tow in the 7,200–7,400 pound range. The engine alone doesn’t determine towing capability—the complete vehicle setup does.
Understanding the numbers
Towing ratings are the maximum weight a vehicle can pull when equipped with the right towing package and configuration. Real-world towing also depends on payload, gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), gross combined weight rating (GCWR), axle ratio, brake systems, and cooling. Always verify the exact rating for your year, trim, and equipment on the window sticker or manufacturer site.
Official maximum tow ratings for common 5.7 Hemi-powered models
Below are typical official maximum towing figures for popular 5.7-liter Hemi vehicles when properly equipped with the necessary towing package. Individual configurations can cause slight variations.
- Ram 1500 (5.7L Hemi) — up to about 11,610 pounds with the Max Tow package and appropriate gearing
- Dodge Durango (5.7L Hemi) — up to about 7,400 pounds
- Jeep Grand Cherokee (5.7L Hemi) — up to about 7,200 pounds
These figures reflect common, factory-recommended maximums for standard configurations. Always confirm the exact rating for your vehicle’s year, trim, and equipment.
Key factors that influence towing with a 5.7 Hemi
The following factors can affect the practical towing capacity for any 5.7 Hemi-equipped vehicle. The numbers shown are guidelines to help you assess typical outcomes.
- Vehicle configuration: axle ratio, cab/bed setup, and drivetrain influence max tow.
- Towing package and hitch: included options like trailer hitch class and electronic stability controls.
- Brakes and cooling: trailer brakes, engine cooling, and transmission cooling affect sustained towing capability.
- Payload and GCWR: the vehicle’s payload capacity and combined weight rating constrain how much you can tow.
- Altitude and weather: hot weather and steep grades reduce practical towing performance.
In practice, these factors mean your real-world tow rating may be lower than the theoretical maximum depending on equipment and conditions.
Tips for safer towing with a 5.7 Hemi
To maximize safety and performance when towing with a 5.7 Hemi, consider these best practices.
- Use a weight-distribution hitch where recommended and ensure trailer brakes are installed for heavier loads.
- Verify tongue weight is appropriate (typically about 10–15% of the tow weight).
- Check wiring, mirrors, and brake controllers; ensure braking is adequate for the load.
- Keep within the GCWR and do not exceed the vehicle’s payload capacity.
Adhering to these guidelines helps prevent overheating, reduced steering efficiency, and other towing-related safety issues.
Summary
The 5.7-liter Hemi’s towing capability varies by model and equipment. The highest official rating is roughly 11,610 pounds on the Ram 1500 with the appropriate Max Tow setup. SUVs such as the Grand Cherokee and Durango typically top out around 7,200–7,400 pounds. Always check your exact year, trim, and towing package on the window sticker or manufacturer site, and follow proper towing practices to stay within safe limits.
How much can a 2016 Ram 1500 5.7 Hemi tow?
Opt for the available 5.7L HEMI® V8, and you'll enjoy up to 12,750 pounds of RAM truck towing capacity—more than enough capability for virtually any job.
What is the 80% rule for towing?
The "80% towing rule" is a popular guideline suggesting that the weight of a fully loaded trailer should not exceed 80% of your vehicle's maximum towing capacity. This provides a safety margin for factors like passengers, cargo, and adverse road conditions, helping to minimize wear and tear on your vehicle's components and ensuring more stable and controlled towing.
This video explains the 80/20 towing rule and its importance: 1mDrivin' and Vibin'YouTube · Nov 23, 2021
Why follow the 80% rule?
- Safety Margin: The 80% rule creates a buffer for factors you might not account for, such as passengers, gear, miscalculating weight, and poor weather.
- Component Protection: Towing at the full capacity puts significant stress on your vehicle's engine, transmission, brakes, and suspension. Staying under the 80% limit can help prevent premature wear and damage.
- Vehicle Control: By not maxing out your towing capacity, you maintain better control of the vehicle, which is crucial for safety, especially in emergencies or less-than-ideal driving conditions.
- Peace of Mind: It provides a more comfortable and confident towing experience, knowing you aren't operating at the absolute limit of your vehicle's capabilities.
How to apply the 80% rule
- Find your vehicle's max towing capacity: This is the maximum weight specified by the manufacturer, often listed on a sticker on the driver's side door jamb or in the owner's manual.
- Calculate 80% of that capacity: Multiply your vehicle's maximum towing capacity by 0.80. For example, a vehicle with a 10,000 lb towing capacity should not pull a trailer weighing more than 8,000 lbs.
- Determine your fully loaded trailer's weight: This includes the trailer's dry weight plus the weight of all cargo, water, and propane.
- Compare: Ensure your fully loaded trailer's weight is at or below the 80% limit you calculated.
Is the Ram 5.7 Hemi good for towing?
How much can a Ram 1500 5.7-liter HEMI tow? The maximum Ram 1500 towing capacity with the previously available 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine is 12,750 pounds when properly equipped. While this engine is no longer an option for the 2025 Ram 1500 model, you can explore our pre-owned selection for any truck with this V-8.
How much weight can a 5.7 Hemi tow?
12,750 pounds
TOW WITH CONFIDENCE
Boasting a towing capacity of up to 12,750 pounds 1 when outfitted with the available 5.7L HEMI® V8 engine with eTorque, the 2023 Ram 1500 has plenty of strength for both work and play.
