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How much weight can a Ram 2500 bed hold?

A Ram 2500 bed doesn’t have a separate fixed weight limit; the load you can carry is dictated by the truck’s payload rating, which typically falls in the 3,000–4,000 pounds range depending on configuration. For an exact figure, check the door placard on your specific truck.

Understanding payload versus bed capacity

In a Ram 2500, the practical limit to what you can haul in the bed is governed by the payload rating. This rating represents the maximum combined weight of cargo, passengers, and any installed options that the vehicle can safely support, as defined by the GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) minus the curb weight. The bed itself is simply the space where cargo sits; the bed weight capacity is not published as a separate figure—the payload rating is the controlling number.

Before you load, it helps to know the typical range and what affects it:

The payload capacity typically ranges from about 3,000 to 4,000 pounds, depending on cab style, bed length, drivetrain, and other options. Variants with heavier equipment (diesel engines, four-wheel drive, or larger cabs) may sit toward the lower end of the range due to higher curb weight.

The vehicle’s GVWR minus its curb weight yields the overall payload capacity you can safely carry, including passengers, cargo in the bed, and any hitch weight.

Always treat the door jamb placard as the official source for your exact value, since it reflects your exact model year and configuration.

Even if the bed looks capable of more, exceeding the payload rating can degrade braking, steering, tires, and suspension, and may violate warranty terms.

In short, the bed can carry up to the vehicle’s payload rating, which varies by configuration. Use the door sticker to confirm your truck’s exact limit.

How to determine your exact payload for a Ram 2500

To translate the general idea into a precise number for your truck, follow these steps:

The following steps help you calculate the exact payload available for cargo in the bed and within the cabin, so you don’t exceed the limits.

Find your Ram 2500’s GVWR and curb weight on the door placard or in the owner’s manual.

Calculate payload capacity: Payload = GVWR − curb weight.

Subtract estimated passenger weight (and driver weight) and any hitch or additional fixed equipment from the payload to determine available bed/cargo weight.

Compare your planned load to that remaining payload to ensure you stay within safe limits.

Keeping these numbers in mind helps you plan loads accurately and avoid overloading the truck.

Practical loading guidelines

When loading the Ram 2500, consider not just the total weight but how it’s distributed and secured. The following points help ensure safety and performance:

Distribute weight evenly across the bed to maintain stable handling and avoid excessive axle loading.

Secure all items with tie-downs, straps, or anchors rated for the load, and use edge protection to prevent shifting.

Avoid exceeding tire or axle ratings; remember the payload interacts with suspension, braking, and steering systems.

For very heavy items or irregular shapes, use proper equipment (e.g., pallets, ramps) and consider professional assistance if needed.

Check the load distribution after the initial drive or after hitting rough roads, as shifting cargo can change handling characteristics.

These practices help you maximize safety and performance while staying within the vehicle’s designed limits.

Summary

The Ram 2500’s bed weight capacity is governed by its payload rating, not a separate bed-spec weight limit. Most configurations sit in the roughly 3,000–4,000-pound payload range, with the exact figure determined by cab style, bed length, drivetrain, and options. Always use the door placard to confirm your truck’s precise payload, calculate available capacity before loading, and secure cargo properly to maintain safe driving performance.

How much weight can a 2017 Ram 2500 carry in bed?

The 2017 Ram 2500 bed capacity varies by configuration, with an 8-foot bed having a cargo volume of up to 74.774.774.7 cubic feet. Payload capacity, which is the maximum weight the truck can carry, ranges from approximately 1,5101 comma 5101,510 to 4,0104 comma 0104,010 pounds, depending on the specific model and options, with an 8-foot bed model having a payload capacity of up to 4,0104 comma 0104,010 lbs. The two bed length options are 6'4" and 8'.
Bed length and volume

8-foot bed: Has a cargo volume of up to 74.774.774.7 cubic feet.
6'4" bed: Available on certain configurations.

Payload capacity

The payload capacity is not a single number but varies by model and drivetrain. It is the maximum weight the truck can carry in its bed, including passengers.
Payload capacity ranges from about 1,5101 comma 5101,510 lbs to 4,0104 comma 0104,010 lbs.
For example, a 2017 Ram 2500 Tradesman with an 8-foot bed has a maximum payload capacity of 4,0104 comma 0104,010 lbs.
Some other configurations have different payloads, such as a 6'4" Crew Cab Power Wagon having a payload capacity of 1,5101 comma 5101,510 lbs.

How much weight can a Dodge Ram 2500 carry in the bed?

4,000 pounds
The Ram 2500 is designed to handle substantial payloads. Depending on the trim and engine configuration, it can carry up to 4,000 pounds (1,814 kg) of in-bed cargo. This means you can load up materials like lumber, gravel, or equipment without worrying about overloading.

How much weight can you put in a Ram 2500?

Dimensions and Bed Configurations

Configuration	Overall Length	Payload Capacity
Regular Cab, 8-ft bed	250.0 inches	4,010 lbs
Crew Cab, 6.4-ft bed	241.8 inches	3,060 lbs
Crew Cab, 8-ft bed	261.9 inches	3,230 lbs

How much weight can you put in the bed of a 2500 truck?

A 2500 truck can carry a significant amount of weight in its bed, with payload capacities typically ranging from approximately 3,000 to over 3,900 pounds, depending on the specific make, model, and configuration. For example, a Ram 2500 can have a payload capacity up to 3,940 lbs, while a Chevy Silverado 2500 HD can have a capacity up to 3,900 lbs. Factors like the engine and drivetrain affect this capacity, so always check the specific vehicle's GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) and payload sticker.

Payload capacity by model (examples)

Vehicle	Typical Payload Capacity	Factors Affecting Capacity
Ram 2500	Up to 3,940 lbs	Varies by trim, engine (Hemi vs. Cummins), and cab/drivetrain configuration.
Chevy Silverado 2500 HD	Up to 3,900 lbs	Varies by engine (gas vs. diesel) and cab/drivetrain configuration.
GMC Sierra 2500 HD	Up to 3,862 lbs	Varies by specific model and options.

Check your specific vehicle: Always consult the payload sticker on the truck's door jamb or the owner's manual for the exact payload capacity of your vehicle. This number accounts for your specific configuration, including engine, drivetrain, and options.
Calculate total weight: The payload capacity is the maximum weight for both the bed and the cab. Don't forget to include the weight of passengers, passengers' gear, and any aftermarket accessories.
Understand GVWR: To find your available payload, subtract the truck's curb weight (including you and a full tank of fuel) from its Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), as shown in this YouTube video.

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.