Tow Ratings Towing capacity for every US vehicle, 1991 to today

2003 Dodge RAM 1500 towing capacity

The 2003 Dodge RAM 1500 is published in 16 configurations, with tow ratings ranging from 7,850 to 8,650 lb depending on cab, bed, drivetrain, and hitch class. The peak figure (8,650 lb) sits in full-size truck and SUV territory.

The table below lists every trim of the 2003 Dodge RAM 1500 with the engine, drivetrain, axle ratio, horsepower, torque, GVWR, curb weight, and payload that go with that trim's headline tow rating. Manufacturers often publish more than one tow figure per truck — a conventional bumper-hitch rating, a weight-distributing rating, and a gooseneck or fifth-wheel rating — so the highest number here is the maximum across all hitch classes the source carries for the trim.

Per-trim breakdown

Configuration Engine HP Torque Axle Tow (lb) GVWR Curb Payload
ST 4x2 Regular Cab 120.5 in. WB — 215 235 3.55 8,650 6,350 4,499 1,851
SLT/Laramie 4x2 Regular Cab 120.5 in. WB — 240 300 3.55 8,650 6,350 4,499 1,851
ST 4x2 Regular Cab 140.5 in. WB — 215 235 3.55 8,500 6,550 4,700 1,850
SLT/Laramie 4x2 Regular Cab 140.5 in. WB — 240 300 3.55 8,500 6,550 4,700 1,850
ST 4x2 Quad Cab 140.5 in. WB — 215 235 3.55 8,350 6,650 4,884 1,766
SLT/Laramie 4x2 Quad Cab 140.5 in. WB — 240 300 3.55 8,350 6,650 4,884 1,766
ST 4x2 Quad Cab 160.5 in. WB — 240 300 3.55 8,150 6,650 5,082 1,568
SLT/Laramie 4x2 Quad Cab 160.5 in. WB — 240 300 3.55 8,150 6,650 5,082 1,568
ST 4x4 Regular Cab 120.5 in. WB — 240 300 3.55 8,400 6,350 4,813 1,537
SLT/Laramie 4x4 Regular Cab 120.5 in. WB — 240 300 3.55 8,400 6,350 4,813 1,537
ST 4x4 Regular Cab 140.5 in. WB — 240 300 3.55 8,200 6,550 5,020 1,530
SLT/Laramie 4x4 Regular Cab 140.5 in. WB — 240 300 3.55 8,200 6,550 5,020 1,530
ST 4x4 Quad Cab 140.5 in. WB — 240 300 3.55 8,100 6,650 5,133 1,517
SLT/Laramie 4x4 Quad Cab 140.5 in. WB — 240 300 3.55 8,100 6,650 5,133 1,517
ST 4x4 Quad Cab 160.5 in. WB — 240 300 3.92 7,850 6,800 5,350 1,450
SLT/Laramie 4x4 Quad Cab 160.5 in. WB — 240 300 3.92 7,850 6,800 5,350 1,450

How to interpret the headline tow figure

Tow ratings at this level are normally achievable with a conventional Class II or Class III receiver hitch. Always verify your vehicle has the manufacturer's tow package installed if you intend to tow at the upper end of the rating, and inspect the door-jamb sticker for the actual maximum permitted on your specific configuration.

How this year compares to 2002

The 2002 Dodge RAM 1500 carried a maximum tow rating of 8,650 lb. The 2003 model carries the same headline figure — manufacturers usually leave the rating alone year-over-year unless there's a powertrain or hitch change. See the 2002 Dodge RAM 1500 page for the full per-trim breakdown of the prior year.

Other 2003 Dodge models

The rest of Dodge's 2003 lineup, ranked by maximum tow rating. Click through for the per-trim breakdown of any of these.

Model Max tow (lb)
2003 Dodge RAM 3500 16,300
2003 Dodge Ram 3500 Quad Cab 2WD, Short Bed 16,300
2003 Dodge RAM 3500 Regular CAB 16,200
2003 Dodge Ram 3500 Regular Cab 2WD DRW LB 16,200
2003 Dodge Ram 3500 Quad Cab 2WD, Long Bed 16,200
2003 Dodge RAM 3500 Quad CAB 16,130

All figures sourced from manufacturer documentation. See our methodology for how the dataset is compiled. Always confirm against your vehicle's door-jamb sticker before towing.