What is the highest 3500 towing capacity?
Across 3500-class heavy-duty pickups, the top published towing figure is about 37,100 pounds, reached by select Ram 3500 configurations with the 6.7L Cummins turbo diesel and a max tow setup. Other brands—Ford and GM—offer very close numbers in certain hitch configurations, but the Ram currently holds the upper end for gooseneck/fifth-wheel towing.
The question centers on heavy-duty pickups designated as 3500-class vehicles (such as Ram 3500, Ford F-350, and GM’s Silverado/Sierra 3500HD). Towing capacity in this segment depends heavily on configuration: the type of hitch (gooseneck or fifth-wheel versus conventional), engine choice, axle ratio, cab/bed layout, and whether you’re counting the conventional tow rating or the higher gooseneck/fifth-wheel rating. This article surveys the latest official figures and explains how to compare them across models and setups.
How 3500-class towing is measured
Manufacturers publish different towing figures depending on hitch type and configuration. The most relevant numbers for heavy-duty buyers are gooseneck/fifth-wheel ratings, which are typically higher than conventional towing figures. It’s also common for ratings to vary with cab/bed combinations, rear-axle ratios, and whether the truck uses diesel or gasoline powertrains.
Top contenders in 3500-class towing
Before listing, note that the figures below reflect maximum published ratings for select configurations. Actual towing capability for a given buyer will depend on the exact truck setup and the trailer being towed.
- Ram 3500 (6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel) — up to about 37,100 pounds for gooseneck/fifth-wheel towing in specific max-tow configurations.
- Ford F-350 Super Duty (6.7L Power Stroke or other engines) — up to roughly 37,000 pounds with gooseneck/fifth-wheel in certain configurations; precise numbers depend on cab/bed and equipment.
- GM Silverado 3500HD / GMC Sierra 3500HD (Duramax diesel or gas options) — up to around 36,000 pounds in selected gooseneck/fifth-wheel setups; conventional towing ratings are lower.
These figures illustrate a tight range at the top of the class, with Ram often cited for the highest gooseneck/fifth-wheel rating in its most capable 3500 configuration. Always verify the exact rating for your intended cab/bed, drivetrain, and hitch type on the manufacturer’s site or in the dealer configuration tool.
What affects the towing rating the most?
Several factors determine the listed maximums beyond the basic model name. The most influential are engine/turndown characteristics, drivetrain (2WD vs. 4WD), axle ratio, transmission, and the hitch configuration being used. The difference between gooseneck/fifth-wheel and conventional towing can be substantial, sometimes varying by tens of thousands of pounds. Payload capacity and GVWR also cap what you can tow safely, even if the gooseneck rating is high.
- Engine and powertrain: diesel engines with higher torque typically deliver the best gooseneck/fifth-wheel ratings.
- Axle ratio and gearing: taller ratios can improve towing ability for heavy trailers but may affect braking and driveability.
- Hitch type: gooseneck and fifth-wheel setups generally yield higher ratings than conventional bumper-hitch towing.
- Cab/bed configuration: crew cab vs. single cab and the length of the bed can influence the available hitch geometry and rating.
When planning a heavy-haul setup, it’s essential to match the trailer type, hitch and trailer brakes to the vehicle’s rated capacity. Misalignment between the trailer’s weight distribution and the truck’s rating can compromise safety and performance.
How to compare 3500-towing figures
To compare apples to apples, look at the exact rating type (gooseneck/fifth-wheel vs conventional), the specific drivetrain and cab/bed combination, and the year/model. Don’t rely on a single number; weigh the rating against average loads you expect to tow, trailer braking requirements, and the truck’s payload capacity. If you’re planning extreme towing, consult the manufacturer’s payload and hitch guidelines for the exact configuration you intend to buy.
Summary
In the current market, the highest published 3500-class towing capacity rests at about 37,100 pounds for select Ram 3500 configurations using gooseneck/fifth-wheel towing. Ford F-350 and GM Silverado/Sierra 3500HD approach similar top-end numbers in their own gooseneck/fifth-wheel setups, but the Ram often leads the class on the uppermost rating. Always verify the precise rating for your exact truck configuration and hitch choice, and consider how your real-world towing needs—such as trailer length, brakes, and payload—will interact with those numbers.
Final takeaway
For buyers chasing the maximum towing capability in a 3500-class pickup, the Ram 3500 with a diesel engine and max-tow configuration currently offers the strongest published upper limit, closely followed by top-spec versions from Ford and GM. However, the practical choice depends on your specific towing scenario, including trailer type, hitch, and cab/bed configuration.
