How Much Can the 2022 RAM 1500 LIMITED LONGHORN Tow?

The RAM 1500 is a full-size truck re-introduced in 1980. It comes in nine different models, but many different configurations.

But can it tow?

Yes, it sure can!

It can tow up to 12,750 lbs, however the devil is in the detail, so read on to understand what your model of RAM 1500 can tow and any special conditions you need to note.

Main factors that impact towing with a 2022 RAM 1500 LIMITED LONGHORN

When we dive into the details below you will see that there are a few different factors that impact how much the 2022 RAM 1500 can tow. The main factors are:

The engine,
4×2 or 4×4,
Body type; crew cab, quad cab,
bed length, and
Whether it has the Max Tow Package

To find out the details of your own truck you may need to consult the window sticker, the driver’s door jamb sticker, the owner’s manual or RAM’s website.

However, RAM’s website is kinda clunky to have to find the right model and then find the towing specifications.

If only there was an easier way! We got you bud!

We have it set out in a much more straightforward way.

Different models for the 2022 RAM 1500 LIMITED LONGHORN

The list below gives all the different 2022 RAM 1500 LIMITED LONGHORN configurations. There are 4 different configurations for this particular truck and we provide the Tow Rating.

3.6L V-6 engine, 4X4, CREW CAB 6’4″ bed has a tow rating of 6,140 lbs

3.6L V-6 engine, 4X2, CREW CAB 6’4″ bed has a tow rating of 6,290 lbs

3.6L V-6 engine, 4X4, CREW CAB 5’7″ bed has a tow rating of 6,180 lbs

3.6L V-6 engine, 4X2, CREW CAB 5’7″ bed has a tow rating of 6,340 lbs

The towing values we give above are directly from the specification on RAM’s website.

However RAM is not very transparent on its tow ratings and suggests that higher tow ratings are available – “When properly equipped. Contact dealer for details”

This is not very helpful for you the consumer. Why should you have to contact the dealer?

How much can the 2022 RAM 1500 tow with a tow package?

There is a difficult-to-find PDF of RAM specifications available that provides some more details.

If your truck is equipped with the Max Tow Package then you can expect the following

The 3.6L V6 engine can tow 7,710 lbs
The 5.7L Hemi V8 can tow 12,750 lbs
The 6.2L Supercharged Hemi V8 can tow 8,100 lbs

These tow ratings are higher than the specification given on their website but seem to be available only with the Max Tow Package.

Gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the 2022 RAM 1500 LIMITED LONGHORN

We will come back to the trailer shortly. However one key check you need to make is that the weight of the RAM 1500’s cargo does not exceed the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR).

When you’re towing you don’t have an empty truck. You need to consider the weights of the;

Driver,
A tank of gas and other vehicle fluids,
Other passengers,
Specific vehicle options,
Passengers,
Any stuff that you might have in the vehicle.

None of this is in the trailer but it’s important to note that it does count towards the GVWR. The list below gives all the different 2022 RAM 1500 LIMITED LONGHORN configurations and their GVWR values.

3.6L V-6 engine, 4X4, CREW CAB 6’4″ bed has a GVWR of 6,900 lbs

3.6L V-6 engine, 4X2, CREW CAB 6’4″ bed has a GVWR of 6,900 lbs

3.6L V-6 engine, 4X4, CREW CAB 5’7″ bed has a GVWR of 6,900 lbs

3.6L V-6 engine, 4X2, CREW CAB 5’7″ bed has a GVWR of 6,900 lbs

How to check your RAM 1500 is not overloaded

You need to either weigh your fully laden Truck on a CAT scale or estimate the total weight.

Are we done?

Not quite! We now need to check the combined weight of the truck and the trailer.

What is the gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of the 2022 RAM 1500 LIMITED LONGHORN?

There are a few constraints to consider when towing a trailer. First you need to establish whether your trailer and its contents are within limits.

The GCWR is the total allowable weight of the empty RAM 1500, its cargo and the weight of the trailer. It’s the weight of the whole kit and caboodle.

The list below gives all the different 2022 RAM 1500 LIMITED LONGHORN configurations and their GCWR values.

3.6L V-6 engine, 4X4, CREW CAB 6’4″ bed has a GCWR of 11,900 lbs

3.6L V-6 engine, 4X2, CREW CAB 6’4″ bed has a GCWR of 11,900 lbs

3.6L V-6 engine, 4X4, CREW CAB 5’7″ bed has a GCWR of 11,900 lbs

3.6L V-6 engine, 4X2, CREW CAB 5’7″ bed has a GCWR of 11,900 lbs

What is the maximum payload of the 2022 RAM 1500 LIMITED LONGHORN?

RAM provides a handy payload specification for each model of truck. The list below gives all the different 2022 RAM 1500 LIMITED LONGHORN configurations and their GVWR values.

3.6L V-6 engine, 4X4, CREW CAB 6’4″ bed has a max Payload of 1,510 lbs

3.6L V-6 engine, 4X2, CREW CAB 6’4″ bed has a max Payload of 1,650 lbs

3.6L V-6 engine, 4X4, CREW CAB 5’7″ bed has a max Payload of 1,550 lbs

3.6L V-6 engine, 4X2, CREW CAB 5’7″ bed has a max Payload of 1,700 lbs

What is the maximum tongue weight of a RAM 1500?

When you are towing a trailer the weight of that trailer gets transmitted down through two places – the axle and wheels of the trailer and the hitch between the trailer and your RAM 1500.

You need to ensure that there is not too much weight being transmitted through the hitch. RAM recommends that with a hitch receiver the tongue load for the RAM 1500 does not exceed 1,100lbs

How should I measure trailer tongue weight on the Tongue Weight?

You have three options to measure the tongue weight from your trailer.

Use a specialized tongue weight scale such as a Sherline Trailer Tongue Weight Scale.
Weigh your vehicle and trailer on a CAT scale
Estimate the tongue weight

Option 1 is best, followed by 2. However let’s look at option 3.

Your trailer’s manufacturer will usually provide an indication of the tongue weight.; For a travel trailer with batteries and propane you may need to add that weight if the manufacturer has not included it. In addition you need to add the weight of the hitch. Note that this is an estimate since not all the weight of these objects will be transmitted through the hitch, so adding 100% of the weight to your tongue weight will over-estimate it. Also some of the weight of the trailer cargo will get transmitted through the hitch.

Tongue weight rule of thumb

It’s recommended that the tongue weight is between 10%-15% of the gross trailer weight (dry weight plus the weight of the cargo). If the tongue weight is below 10% then that will cause towing instability and the trailer may porpoise, and if the tongue weight is too high then the trailer will be pitched forward and put too much load on the hitch. You want a level trailer and ideally the tongue load will be 12% of the gross trailer weight.

Example: Suppose you have calculated your gross trailer weight as 3,000lb. The ideal tongue load is between 10% and 15% of this amount. That would be between 300lb – 450lb.

Adjusting tongue weight

You have two main methods to adjust tongue weight;

Either add or remove load from the trailer. Adding weight to the trailer will increase the tongue weight, and removing weight will reduce the tongue weight;
Moving weight around the trailer. You can increase tongue weight by moving existing load to the front of the trailer. Similarly, you can reduce tongue weight by moving existing load to the rear of the trailer.

However, you do not want your trailer very unbalanced, and you want a level trailer while towing.

Check the rear axle weight rating

The rear axle weight rating is similar to the tongue weight. All vehicles have a weight limit that they can take on the rear and front axles. Usually the best place to find this information is on the driver’s door jamb sticker. The best way to check you are not exceeding this amount is to weigh your trailer and towing vehicle at a CAT scale.

Or you can just weigh your fully-laden truck and make an allowance for trailer weight that is transmitted to the rear axle – namely the tongue weight.

However, if you’re within the tongue weight guidance, then in all likelihood your rear axle will be within limit but it’s very dependent on the load you are carrying in your truck.

What is the maximum trailer frontal area?

If your trailer and RAM 1500 have passed all the previous tests then you are probably good-to-go. However some manufacturers like Ford give a restriction on the trailer frontal area. However RAM is silent on this aspect and don’t give any guidance.

Putting it all together!

Have you been following everything upto now?

There are a number of checks you need to make to ensure that you have a safe towing experience with your truck.

Check that the gross trailer weight is within the tow rating of the truck
Check that the truck is not overloaded and the gross weight of the truck plus the tongue weight does not exceed the GVWR
Check that the combined weight of the towing vehicle and the trailer does not exceed the GCWR
Check that the tongue weight is between 10% -15% of the gross trailer weight

In theory you also need to check the rear-axle load, front-axle load and trailer frontal area. However if you have passed all the above tests and are within 10% on all of them then you are probably fine.

I’m confused and I have questions!

There is a lot to keep straight here.

However we have now provided you with all the information on the RAM 1500 LIMITED LONGHORN to enable you to input all the key data into our towing calculator. This is the easiest way to check that you have completed all the steps.

Our tool is simple but comprehensive. You won’t miss anything is you follow all the steps, but drop us a note if you are struggling! Stay safe!

Frequently asked questions

What is the towing capacity of the 2022 Ram 1500 Hemi? In a separate PDF RAM says that with the Max Tow Package the 5.7L Hemi can tow upto 12,650 lbs.

What is the towing capacity of a RAM 1500 with tow package? As per RAM’s pdf we have;

The 3.6L V6 engine can tow 7,710 lbs
The 5.7L Hemi V8 can tow 12,750 lbs
The 6.2L Supercharged Hemi V8 can tow 8,100 lbs

Is the 5.7 Hemi good for towing? Yes, “when properly equipped”. We take this to mean when equipped with the Max Tow Package. In this case it can tow 12,750 lbs.