When it comes to heavy-duty work trucks, the Ram 5500 Chassis Cab is built for serious hauling. Whether you’re pulling heavy trailers, construction equipment, or large machinery, knowing the exact towing limits—and what conditions affect them—is critical.
The Ram 5500 delivers exceptional towing performance, offering a maximum towing capacity of up to 35,150 lbs (diesel models reaching 34,540 lbs to 37,500 lbs depending on configuration), making it one of the strongest commercial trucks in its class for heavy-duty trailering.
This article breaks down the most current specs, compares gas vs. diesel models, shows how real-world factors change the numbers, and gives you guidance to use your Ram 5500 safely and effectively.
Quick Snapshot: Maximum Towing Figures (2025 Models)
- The 2025 Ram 5500 equipped with the 6.7-L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 engine can tow up to 34,540 lbs (about 15,660 kg).
- With the 6.4-L HEMI V8 (gas) engine, the maximum trailer weight rating is 20,930 lbs (≈ 9,500 kg).
- The Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) for the 5500 is 43,000 lbs for top diesel configurations.
These are the top permissible specs, assuming ideal configurations (axle ratio, drive train, cab style) and fully compliant setups (trailer brakes, weight distribution, etc.). Always check the chart for your specific configuration.
How These Numbers Are Determined
The published towing capacity is not a guess—it’s based on a structured process governed by standards and engineering limits. Some key points:
- Ram publishes a detailed towing chart for 2025 that includes all model variants, axle ratios, and configurations.
- The truck must meet the SAE J2807 standard, which ensures consistency in how towing capacity is measured.
- The GCWR includes the weight of the truck, cargo, passengers, trailer, and the trailer’s tongue load.
- The “max trailer weight rating” assumes a driver and minimal cargo load; payload and trailer weight are mutually exclusive.
Because variations in options or factory equipment (heavy duty packages, different drivetrains, extra features) affect baseline weights, your particular rig must be matched exactly to the chart.
Engine Options & Towing Trade-offs
The Ram 5500 comes with two engine paths, each suited for different job profiles.
1. Diesel (6.7 L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6)
- Produces substantial torque (800 lb-ft) in 2025 models.
- Best choice when your priority is maximum pulling strength and consistent heavy-duty hauling.
- In its top configuration (with appropriate axle ratio and gearing), diesel power allows the 34,540 lb rating.
2. Gas (6.4 L HEMI V8)
- Delivers 429 lb-ft of torque (for 2025).
- Less towing power than diesel but typically lower maintenance cost per mile, simpler emissions requirements, and lower initial cost.
- With the right setup, it achieves a solid towing rating of 20,930 lbs.
In many real use cases—not fully loaded, or for mixed job sites—the gas version might deliver adequate performance at lower running cost.
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Towing Capacity by Configuration
Here’s how the numbers shift depending on axle ratio, drive type, and cab style. These are pulled directly from the 2025 towing chart.
| Configuration | Engine | Axle Ratio | Drive | Max Trailer Weight (lbs) |
| 5500 4×4 Regular Cab | 6.7 L Diesel | 4.44 | 4×4 | 34,540 |
| 5500 4×4 Regular Cab | 6.4 L Gas | 4.44 | 4×4 | 20,930 |
| 5500 4×2 Regular Cab | 6.7 L Diesel | 4.44 | 4×2 | 34,540* |
| 5500 4×4 with alternate axle ratio | 6.7 L Diesel | 3.42 | 4×4 | Slightly lower value depending on trade-off |
* The same top trailer rating is valid in some 4×2 diesel setups, depending on other package constraints.
Keep in mind: axle ratio plays a major role. A lower numeric axle ratio (e.g. 3.42) gives better highway mileage but less torque multiplication; a higher ratio (4.44) helps in heavier loads but may reduce speed or fuel efficiency under light load.
Understanding GCWR, Payload, and Practical Use
To fully grasp what your Ram 5500 can handle, you need more than just the towing chart.
- GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating): This is the total allowable mass of the truck + trailer + all cargo. For example, a 5500 diesel model might have a GCWR of 43,000 lbs.
- Payload: You must subtract the truck’s curb weight, passengers, fuel, and any upfits before adding trailer weight. The available payload depends on the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating).
- Mutual exclusivity: You cannot carry full payload and tow full trailer. If you load up the truck with equipment or cargo, your safe trailer weight must drop accordingly.
For example: say your 5500’s curb weight + upfits = 15,000 lbs, and GCWR = 43,000. That leaves ~28,000 lbs available for trailer + cargo + tongue weight. If your cargo & tongue weight consume 5,000 lbs, you have ~23,000 lbs left for the trailer—less than the “max towing” spec.
Real-World Towing: Always Go Below the Max
While specs matter, real-world conditions demand safety margins.
- Most experts recommend staying within 80–90% of published max trailer weight under everyday conditions.
- Environmental factors—steep hills, high altitude, hot weather, or wet/slippery roads—can reduce safe capacity.
- Tire load rating, trailer brake performance, hitch quality, trailer balance, and dynamic weight shifts all influence handling.
- Use of auxiliary cooling systems (transmission coolers, brake cooling), upgraded suspension, or more rigid hitches can help in demanding use cases.
Including these safety buffers ensures longer durability, better handling, and less stress on brakes and drivetrain.
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Diesel vs Gas: Which Should You Choose?
Here’s a head-to-head of the two engine paths for the 5500.
| Feature | Diesel (6.7 L) | Gas (6.4 L HEMI) |
| Max Tow | 34,540 lbs | 20,930 lbs |
| Torque | 800 lb-ft | 429 lb-ft |
| Fuel Consumption (under load) | More efficient | Less efficient |
| Maintenance & Parts | Higher cost (turbo, emissions) | Simpler design |
| Use Case | Heavy-duty fleets, large trailers | Moderate loads, mixed jobs |
| Initial Cost | Generally higher | Lower |
If your work involves pulling very heavy loads regularly, diesel is the safer bet. If you tow occasionally or carry large payloads rather than heavy trailers, gas may offer a more balanced cost. In mixed applications (construction, local utility, etc.), many choose diesel to future-proof capacity.
Conditions & Variables that Impact Towing Capacity
Even with specs on your side, numerous variables can reduce what’s truly safe to tow.
- Axle Ratio: Choosing a lower numeric ratio lowers torque multiplication.
- Drive type (4×4 vs 4×2): 4×4 units may carry more weight in transfer case and drivetrain losses.
- Cab & chassis build: A crew cab and extra components weigh more, cutting payload and therefore safe trailer weight.
- Hitch type & setup: Gooseneck and fifth-wheel setups shift weight differently than conventional hitches.
- Trailer braking & balance: A trailer with poor weight distribution or weak brakes can strain the towing vehicle.
- Tire rating & inflation: Under-rated or under-inflated tires can turn dangerous under heavy load.
- Altitude, temperature, gradient: Each of these reduces engine output or overall performance.
- Accessories/Upfits: Adding bodies, racks, toolboxes, plumbing, or electrical accessories raises the truck’s base weight.
Because of these, even a truck rated for 34,540 lbs may, in practice, safely tow only 28,000–32,000 lbs depending on conditions and load.
Safety Considerations & Regulations
When towing at the upper end of your truck’s spec sheet, safety and compliance become non-negotiable.
- CDL Requirements: If the combined weight exceeds certain thresholds (typically 26,000+ lbs, depending on region), a commercial driver’s license may be required.
- Trailer Brakes & Controllers: Ensure your trailer has an electric or hydraulic brake system that syncs with the truck’s brake controller.
- Breakaway System: A fail-safe mechanism that activates trailer brakes if the trailer separates.
- SAE J2807 Compliance: Ensures consistency and trustworthiness of published towing capacities.
- Load Security & Weight Distribution: Keep ~10–15% of the trailer’s weight on the tongue (unless using gooseneck/fifth-wheel) for balance.
- Regular Inspection: Hitches, wiring, hitch balls, chains, lights, suspension, and tires all need frequent checks.
Neglecting these can make even a spec-compliant setup dangerous or illegal under heavy load.
Competitor Comparison: How Ram 5500 Stacks Up
It helps to know how the 5500 compares to rival trucks in real terms (using 2025 data where available).
| Model | Max Towing (lbs) | Notes / Engine |
| Ram 5500 (diesel) | 34,540 | High edge among chassis cab trucks |
| Ford F-550 | ~31,600 | Slightly lower; but wide brand support |
| Chevy Silverado 5500 HD | ~26,000–28,000 (varies) | Less towing in many configurations |
These numbers change based on optional packages, so always compare trucks with identical specs (axle ratio, cab type, drive). But in many heavy-duty use cases, the 5500 leads.
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Ram 6500 Towing Capacity
The Ram 6500 is built for the toughest jobs, offering a towing capacity of up to 35,220 lbs when properly equipped. Its powerful Cummins diesel engine and strong chassis make it perfect for hauling heavy trailers, machinery, and large commercial loads.
Ram 3500 Towing Capacity
The Ram 3500 can tow up to 37,090 lbs with the available 6.7-L Cummins High-Output Diesel engine. This heavy-duty pickup blends strength and reliability, making it ideal for pulling RVs, large boats, or heavy work trailers with smooth control and confidence.
2022 Ram 5500 Towing Capacity
The 2022 Ram 5500 offers a maximum towing capacity of 35,220 lbs with its 6.7-L Cummins Diesel engine. It’s designed for serious towing and hauling, giving fleet operators and business owners dependable performance and smooth handling even with heavy, commercial-grade trailers.
2021 Ram 5500 Towing Capacity
In 2021, the Ram 5500 could tow up to 35,150 lbs when equipped with the Cummins Turbo Diesel I6. It provided the balance of power, durability, and smooth towing that heavy-duty truck buyers need for demanding construction, hauling, and industrial transport jobs.
Ram 5500 Payload Capacity
The Ram 5500 can carry a payload of up to 12,510 lbs, depending on configuration. This means it’s great for hauling equipment, building materials, or cargo loads without sacrificing performance, offering both strength and stability for demanding commercial tasks.
2025 Ram 5500 Towing Capacity
The 2025 Ram 5500 reaches a maximum towing capacity of 34,540 lbs with the 6.7-L Cummins Diesel engine.
Designed for reliability and endurance, it handles long-distance hauls and commercial trailers effortlessly while offering improved efficiency and advanced safety technology.
Ram 5500 GVWR
The Ram 5500 has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of up to 19,500 lbs, showing its ability to manage heavy payloads safely. This rating includes the truck’s own weight, passengers, cargo, and trailer tongue load for total load management.
FAQs
What is the towing capacity of a Ram 4500 vs 5500?
The Ram 4500 tows about 29,000 lbs, while the Ram 5500 handles up to 35,150 lbs, offering stronger towing power.
What is the towing capacity of the F550 vs Ram 5500?
The Ford F-550 tows around 31,600 lbs, while the Ram 5500 can pull up to 35,150 lbs, giving Ram more strength.
What is the difference between RAM 3500 and 5500?
The Ram 3500 is a heavy-duty pickup, while the 5500 is a chassis cab built for commercial towing and hauling.
How much weight can a 6.7 Cummins tow?
The 6.7-liter Cummins diesel engine can tow up to 37,000 lbs, depending on the truck model and configuration chosen.
How much can a Ram 5500 Cummins tow?
A Ram 5500 with a Cummins diesel engine can tow up to 34,540 lbs, depending on axle ratio and setup.
What is the difference between the Ram 5500 and the F-550?
The Ram 5500 generally tows more weight, while the Ford F-550 offers more configurations and slightly different powertrain options.
Is a Ram 5500 a 1-ton truck?
No, the Ram 5500 is beyond a 1-ton truck—it’s a Class 5 commercial vehicle built for serious heavy-duty work.
What is a good trailer weight for Ram 5500?
For safe towing, a 25,000 to 30,000-lb trailer is ideal, staying well within the Ram 5500’s maximum towing capacity.
What affects the Ram 5500’s towing?
Axle ratio, trailer weight, cargo load, terrain, and weather all affect how much your Ram 5500 can safely tow.
Conclusion
The Ram 5500 stands out as a true heavy-duty performer, built to handle massive loads with strength and reliability. With a towing capacity reaching up to 35,150 lbs, it’s ideal for demanding commercial and industrial use. Whether equipped with a diesel or gas engine, the Ram 5500 delivers consistent power, durability, and control—making it a trusted partner for any serious hauling or towing job.