2018 Dodge RAM 1500 Towing Capacity (& Payload)

The towing capacity in the 2018 Ram 1500 ranges from 4,260 – 10,620 lbs. This is dependent on the cab size, bed size, drive, and most importantly engine. The engine type makes a big difference in the capabilities.

The highest towing capacity in the 2018 RAM 1500 of 10.620 lbs is achieved with the 5.7 L V8 HEMI engine, a regular cab with an 8 ft bed, and 4×2 drive.

You should always use your own data to determine your towing capacity either through the manual or by calculating towing capacity on your own by using the weight capacities listed in your truck door.

2018 Ram 1500 Engine Performance

There are 3 available engines in the Ram 1500. Not every trim is available with each engine, but there are definitely a lot of choices.

We will walk you through the specs of each to help you decide what engine you want, or identify what engine you have if you already have your truck.

These engines are the 3.6 L Pentastar V6, 3.0 L Ecodiesel V6, and the 5.7 L HEMI V8 engines.

5.7 L Hemi V8 Engine

The 5.7 L V8 engine is the available engine in the standard form of the Limited version of the Ram 1500.

But it is available in every trim but the Rebel.

It has a torque of 410 lb.-ft. and 395 hp.

Depending on the compatibility, this engine has a max towing capacity of 10,620 lbs.

This engine, as seen below is labeled very distinctly. You will notice it has bold white lettering on top.

3.6 L Pentastar V6 Engine

The Pentastar engine with eTorque is the primary engine type in the standard trim models.

Unless chosen otherwise, every Ram 1500 truck will have this engine (excluding TRX and Rebel trim levels).

This engine is less powerful than the Hemi with 269 lb.-ft of torque and only 305 hp. Similarly, it can only tow a maximum capacity of 7,600 lbs.

3.0 L Ecodiesel V6 Engine

This engine has 420 lb.-ft of torque and 240 hp.

Towing Packages

There is no specific towing package offered in the 2018 RAM 1500, but there is a trailer hitch package. This package includes a Class IV hitch receiver with Trailer-Tow Mirrors and Brake Group.

Max Towing Capacity by Engine

To determine the towing capacity of your vehicle, you need to know the:

1. engine type
2. bed size
3. cab size
4. drivetrain
5. axle ratio

If you know all of these items, then move on to the next section by engine to determine your towing capacity.

If not:

1. Start with the VIN decoder from Autozone to determine the engine in the vehicle
2. measure the bed size with a tape measure to determine whether you have a 5 ft 7 in, 6 ft 4 in, or 8 ft bed
3. The cab size should be evident by whether or not you have two rows and if the back doors are full-sized
4. Drivetrain should be determined with the VIN as well
5. The axle ratio will be listed on the side of the driver’s door on the certification sticker

You can find the GVWR and usually the axle ratio on the Safety Compliance Certification Label on the inside of the driver’s side door.

Related: What is GVWR?

3.6 L V6

The 3.6 L V6 engine towing capacity in the 2018 RAM 1500 ranges from 4,260 – 7,600 lbs.

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3.0 L Ecodiesel V6

The 3.0 L Ecodiesel V6 engine towing capacity in the 2018 RAM 1500 ranges from 7,560 – 9,210 lbs.

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5.7 L V8 HEMI V8

The 5.7 L V8 HEMI engine towing capacity in the 2018 RAM 1500 ranges from 5,020 – 10,620 lbs.

2018 RAM 1500 Payload Capacity

The 2018 RAM 1500 can carry between 1,270 to 1,880 lbs of cargo.

3.6 L V6

The 3.6 L V6 engine payload capacity in the 2018 RAM 1500 ranges from 1,480 – 1,880 lbs.

3.0 L Ecodiesel V6

The 3.0 L Ecodiesel V6 engine payload capacity in the 2018 RAM 1500 ranges from 1,270 – 1,600 lbs.

5.7 L V8 HEMI

The 5.7 L V8 HEMI engine payload capacity in the 2018 RAM 1500 ranges from 1,350 – 1,760 lbs.

Ram 1500 Trims

The Ram 1500 family has 12 trims.

• Limited
• Rebel
• Laramie Longhorn
• Laramie
• Big Horn
• Lone Star
• Tradesman
• Tradesman HFE
• Express
• Sport
• Night
• Harvest

Each of these models has various options for customization, engine selection, cab size, and bed size.

Not all of these trims come in every option available.

Below are the images of some of the different trims. As you can see there aren’t drastic differences between each trim. Mostly there are differences in the wheels and the front grilles.

For more information about the Trim Levels of the RAM 1500 read RAM 1500 Trim Levels (2022).

Ram 1500 Cab Sizes

The 2018 Ram 1500 has three cab sizes compared to other trucks. These are the Regular cab, Quad cab, and Crew cab.

For more information on the difference between the Quad cab vs Crew cab read here.

Ram 1500 Bed Sizes

The 2018 Ram 1500 has three bed sizes. There is a 5 ft 7 in, 6 ft 4 in, and 8 ft bed.

This is the latest year with an 8 ft cab, all years afterward only have the shorter two options.

Every Quad Cab is equipped with the 6′ 4″ bed, but most trims with Crew Cabs have the option to be in either the short or long length.

The only cab available with the 8 ft bed is the regular cab.

This bed type is a fleetside truck meaning that the wheel wells stick out into the bed of the truck making the shape no longer perfectly rectangular.

This is very common for trucks.

Conclusion

The 2018 Ram 1500 has a towing capacity ranging from 4,260 – 10,620 lbs.

The engine type, drive, cab size, and bed size can all impact the towing capacity.

You should always do your own towing capacity calculations before you ever tow anything, especially those that are close to these limits.

If you need help calculating your towing capacity, I wrote an entire article that walks you through the steps to calculate your towing capacity along with other considerations you need to make when towing.

The resource used for this information was the 2018 RAM 1500 ebrochure.

For more information on towing with your 2018 RAM 1500 truck, check the owner’s manual.