Max towing capacity

[Bob Nelson]

Owner's manual for my 2012 Ram 2500 diesel lists a max towing weight of 15,450 lbs but the Ram website lists 12,500 lbs. Can I safely use the higher rating?

 

[Elkman]

Towing capacity for a vehicle can vary based on the gears provided at the factory. Often with the "tow package" lower gears are part of the deal and this increases the towing capacity markedly.

In 2012 the Ram 2500 diesel trucks shipped with 3.42, 3.73, and 4.10 gears and have towing capacities of 10,500, 13,500, and 15,500 respectively, for the 2WD long bed trucks. 4WD reduces these numbers by 450 lbs.

I always look for and download the manufacturer's towing guide as it provides more information than the regular owner manual.

https://www.ramtruck.ca/en_dir/pdf/Ram_Max_Towing_and_Payload_Selector_Sheet.pdf