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Ram 1500 Classic · Trailer towing chart

2021 Ram 1500 Classic towing capacity by configuration

The manufacturer rates the 2021 Ram 1500 Classic to tow between 4,350 lb and 10,610 lb, depending on cab, bed, drive, engine and axle ratio.

Top tow rating
10,610 lb
4X2 Regular Cab 8'0" box, 5.7L HEMI V8, 3.92 axle
Top payload
1,930 lb
4X2 Quad Cab 6'4" box, 3.6L Pentastar V6, 3.21 axle
Configurations
48
2 engines, 3 cabs

Find a configuration

Pick what you know; choices that no configuration offers turn grey. Results are sorted by tow rating.

Cab
Bed
Drive
Engine
48 configurations match10,610 lb trailer1,930 lb payload

Underlined values and tags are what separate configurations that otherwise read the same.

5.7L HEMI V832 configurations · up to 10,610 lb

  • 4X2 Regular Cab · 8'0" box · Tradesman

    8-speed automatic (850RE), 3.92 axle

    Trailer
    10,610 lb
    Payload
    1,680 lb
    GCWR
    15,975 lb
    GVWR
    6,600 lb

  • 4X2 Quad Cab · 6'4" box · Tradesman

    8-speed automatic (850RE), 3.92 axle

    Trailer
    10,520 lb
    Payload
    1,710 lb
    GCWR
    15,975 lb
    GVWR
    6,800 lb

  • 4X2 Quad Cab · 6'4" box · Tradesman

    8-speed automatic (850RE), 3.92 axle

    Trailer
    10,480 lb
    Payload
    1,810 lb
    GCWR
    15,975 lb
    GVWR
    6,900 lb

  • 4X2 Crew Cab · 5'7" box · Tradesman

    8-speed automatic (850RE), 3.92 axle

    Trailer
    10,460 lb
    Payload
    1,650 lb
    GCWR
    15,975 lb
    GVWR
    6,800 lb

3.6L Pentastar V616 configurations · up to 7,660 lb

  • 4X2 Quad Cab · 6'4" box · Tradesman

    8-speed automatic (850RE), 3.55 axle

    Trailer
    7,660 lb
    Payload
    1,930 lb
    GCWR
    12,900 lb
    GVWR
    6,800 lb

  • 4X2 Crew Cab · 5'7" box · Tradesman

    8-speed automatic (850RE), 3.55 axle

    Trailer
    7,580 lb
    Payload
    1,870 lb
    GCWR
    12,900 lb
    GVWR
    6,800 lb

  • 4X4 Quad Cab · 6'4" box · Tradesman

    8-speed automatic (850RE), 3.55 axle

    Trailer
    7,420 lb
    Payload
    1,740 lb
    GCWR
    12,900 lb
    GVWR
    6,800 lb

  • 4X4 Crew Cab · 5'7" box · Tradesman

    8-speed automatic (850RE), 3.55 axle

    Trailer
    7,400 lb
    Payload
    1,720 lb
    GCWR
    12,900 lb
    GVWR
    6,800 lb
About this chart (5 notes)
  • The 1500 Classic is the previous-generation 1500 that Ram kept selling alongside the redesigned truck.
  • Ratings follow SAE J2807 and are estimates, with payload and trailer values rounded to 10 lb.
  • Payload and trailer ratings are mutually exclusive; the trailer rating assumes a 300 lb passenger load plus hitch gear, and tongue weight comes out of payload.
  • The chart prints each V8 row twice with identical numbers (and two GVWR variants, 6,800 and 6,900 lb, for some bodies); each distinct row is listed once here.
  • The chart lists only the Tradesman trim and prints the 850RE transmission code for both engines.

Best tow rating by engine and cab

The highest max-trailer rating for each combination, in pounds. A dash means the factory doesn't offer it.

EngineRegular CabQuad CabCrew Cab
3.6L Pentastar V67,2907,6607,580
5.7L HEMI V810,61010,52010,460

Ram 1500 Classic towing by model year

The highest and lowest max-trailer ratings in each year's chart, in pounds.

YearHighestLowestConfigs
202210,6104,35089
202110,6104,35048
202010,6804,35048

What the numbers mean

Max trailer
The heaviest trailer the configuration is rated to pull, with the right hitch and the vehicle carrying only a driver. Every passenger and every pound of cargo comes off it.
Payload
What the vehicle can carry inside and in the bed, including people and the trailer's tongue or pin weight. It is GVWR minus the vehicle's own weight.
GVWR
Gross vehicle weight rating: the most the loaded vehicle may weigh, itself plus everything in it.
GCWR
Gross combined weight rating: the most the loaded vehicle and loaded trailer may weigh together. It is often the number that runs out first.
Axle ratio
A higher number (3.92 against 3.21) turns the engine faster at a given speed. It costs some fuel economy and usually raises the tow rating.

2021 Ram 1500 Classic towing questions

What is the most a 2021 Ram 1500 Classic can tow?

10,610 lb, for a 4X2 Regular Cab 8'0" box, 5.7L HEMI V8, 3.92 axle. Other configurations are rated lower, so check the exact engine, drive and equipment.

What is the lowest tow rating for a 2021 Ram 1500 Classic?

4,350 lb, for a 4X4 Crew Cab 5'7" box, 3.6L Pentastar V6, 3.21 axle. Across the 48 ratings the manufacturer lists, they run from 4,350 lb to 10,610 lb.

Which 2021 Ram 1500 Classic has the most payload?

A 4X2 Quad Cab 6'4" box, 3.6L Pentastar V6, 3.21 axle, rated for 1,930 lb of payload. Payload falls as trims add equipment and weight.

How much does the engine change the Ram 1500 Classic's tow rating?

3.6L Pentastar V6: 4,350 lb to 7,660 lb; 5.7L HEMI V8: 8,000 lb to 10,610 lb.

Has the Ram 1500 Classic's tow rating changed over the years?

2022: up to 10,610 lb; 2021: up to 10,610 lb; 2020: up to 10,680 lb.

Source: 2021 Ram 1500 Classic Trailer Tow Weight Chart (ramtrucks.com), Stellantis North America. Ratings assume a properly equipped vehicle with a driver only. Confirm the exact ratings on the door-jamb label and in the owner's manual before you hitch up.