What is the payload of the Ram 3500 bed?
In short, the Ram 3500’s payload capacity is configuration dependent. Depending on cab/bed setup, drivetrain, and whether the truck is SRW (single rear wheel) or DRW (dual rear wheel), the payload can range from a few thousand pounds to roughly the high end of the mid range—up to about 7,680 pounds in the lightest, best‑case SRW configurations.
Understanding payload on the Ram 3500
The payload rating indicates how much cargo the vehicle can carry, including passengers and any installed equipment. The official payload figure is derived from the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) minus the curb weight of the specific build. Because GVWR and curb weight vary with trim, cab configuration, bed length, drivetrain, and axle setup, the payload for any given Ram 3500 can be quite different from another one on the lot.
The key takeaway is that payload is not a single number for all Ram 3500 models; it changes with how the truck is equipped. For accurate loading limits, use the exact GVWR and curb weight listed on your truck’s door jamb sticker or the factory spec sheet for your specific configuration.
To keep cargo handling safe and within design limits, always consider the weight of passengers and any permanent equipment in addition to cargo in the bed when calculating usable payload.
Factors that influence payload
Before reviewing the specific numbers for your truck, it helps to understand the main factors that shape payload capacity:
- Configuration: Regular cab vs crew cab; short bed vs long bed. Different cabs and beds change curb weight and GVWR.
- Drivetrain and axle setup: 4x2 vs 4x4, and whether the truck uses a single rear axle (SRW) or dual rear wheels (DRW). DRW often reduces usable payload due to added axle weight.
- Engine and transmission: Gas versus diesel powertrains and any associated equipment can affect curb weight and GVWR.
- Installed options and equipment: Toolboxes, bed liners, fuel systems, and other permanent additions increase curb weight and can reduce Payload.
- Base GVWR: Each trim and option package has a different GVWR, which sets the ceiling for payload.
In practice, to know your exact payload, check the door placard (the sticker on the driver's door jamb) for GVWR and curb weight, then perform the simple subtraction: Payload = GVWR − curb weight. If loaded with passengers, also account for their weight as part of the overall payload used.
How to determine payload for your Ram 3500
Follow these steps to calculate payload for your specific truck:
- Locate the GVWR on the door placard or in the owner’s manual. This is the maximum allowable weight for the vehicle when fully loaded, including passengers, cargo, and fuel.
- Find the curb weight (unloaded weight) for your exact configuration, which is typically listed on the same placard or spec sheet.
- Compute Payload = GVWR − curb weight.
- Subtract the anticipated occupant and permanent equipment weight you plan to carry to determine usable payload for the cargo bed.
Note: For precise figures, always refer to the exact GVWR and curb weight of your build. Ram’s official specifications and your window sticker are the definitive sources for payload in your year/model and configuration.
Typical ranges by configuration (illustrative, not a substitute for your exact build)
Since payload varies with setup, here is a general sense of how configurations can influence the numbers. These are illustrative guidelines and should not replace the official figures for your specific truck.
- SRW Regular Cab, Long Bed: Often toward the higher end of the SRW spectrum due to lighter cab/bed weight.
- SRW Crew Cab with shorter or longer beds: Moderate payload, between the high end of SRW and the DRW figures.
- DRW (Dual Rear Wheel) configurations: Typically lower usable payload than SRW variants because of added axle weight, though GVWR may be high; exact payload depends on the specific curb weight and GVWR.
Summary
The Ram 3500’s bed payload is not a single universal figure. It varies widely with configuration, and the maximum payload is typically achieved in the lightest SRW setups, while other configurations will show lower usable payload due to heavier curb weight or DRW axles. To know the exact payload for your truck, check the door placard for GVWR and curb weight, and perform Payload = GVWR − curb weight. For operational planning, always verify the numbers on the specific model year and trim you own or are considering.
Is the Ram 3500 good for heavy hauling?
For drivers who demand maximum power and capabilities, the Ram 3500 is hard to beat. It's designed for: Hauling oversized loads or towing fifth-wheel trailers. Commercial use, such as construction or farming operations.
What is the 80% rule for towing?
The 80% rule for towing is a safety guideline that recommends the weight of a fully loaded trailer should not exceed 80% of a vehicle's maximum towing capacity. This provides a safety margin for unpredictable conditions and reduces stress on the vehicle's engine, transmission, and brakes, helping to ensure better handling and a longer lifespan for components.
How it works
- Calculate your vehicle's limit: Find your vehicle's maximum towing capacity in the owner's manual or on the manufacturer's website.
- Calculate 80% of the limit: Multiply the maximum towing capacity by 0.800.800.80 to find your safe towing limit. For example, if your vehicle can tow 10,00010 comma 00010,000 pounds, your limit is 8,0008 comma 0008,000 pounds.
- Account for all weight: Ensure the total weight of the fully loaded trailer, including cargo and passengers in both the vehicle and the trailer, stays below this 80% limit.
Why it's important
- Safety margin: It provides a buffer for real-world factors like hills, curves, and sudden stops.
- Vehicle longevity: It reduces strain on key components like the engine, transmission, and brakes, which can extend their lifespan.
- Handling: Maintaining a margin helps ensure your vehicle can be steered and controlled effectively, even under load.
How much can a Ram 3500 carry in the bed?
The payload capacity for a Ram 3500 varies by configuration, with a maximum payload of up to 7,590 pounds when equipped with the 6.4L HEMI V8 engine and a lower payload of up to 6,050 pounds for the High-Output Cummins Turbo Diesel. Always check the specific model's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) before loading, as exceeding it is dangerous and illegal.
- Maximum Payload: Up to 7,590 pounds with the 6.4L HEMI V8 engine.
- Payload with Diesel Engine: Up to 6,050 pounds with the High-Output 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 engine.
- Important Note: The maximum ratings are achieved with specific cab, bed, and equipment combinations.
- Recommendation: Before loading, verify the specific payload capacity of your vehicle, as it can be lower depending on the configuration (e.g., crew cab, 4x4, higher trim levels).
What is the payload capacity of the 2026 Ram 3500 dually?
The 2026 Ram 3500 dually payload capacity depends on the engine, with the 6.4L HEMI V8 engine offering a maximum of up to 7,590 pounds and the High-Output 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel engine having a maximum payload capacity of 6,560 pounds. The gas engine (HEMI V8) and the High-Output Cummins diesel have different maximum capacities, so your specific model's payload will vary based on the engine.
You can watch this video to learn more about the 2026 Ram 3500's payload capacity and other features: 1mBen HardyYouTube · Aug 25, 2025
Engine and payload capacity
- 6.4L HEMI® V8: Up to 7,590 pounds
- High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6: Up to 6,560 pounds
Important considerations
- The payload capacity is the maximum amount of weight a truck can carry in its cab and bed.
- The exact payload will vary based on the specific configuration and options of the vehicle, such as cab size, drivetrain, and other added features.
- Always check the specific vehicle's doorjamb sticker for the precise payload capacity.
