2008 Dodge Ram 1500 Reg. Cab 2WD Short Bed towing capacity
The 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 Reg. Cab 2WD Short Bed is published in 10 configurations, with tow ratings ranging from 3,300 to 9,100 lb depending on cab, bed, drivetrain, and hitch class. The peak figure (9,100 lb) sits in full-size truck and SUV territory.
The table below lists every trim of the 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 Reg. Cab 2WD Short Bed 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.7L V6 | 3.7L V6 | — | — | — | 3,300 | — | — | — |
| 3.7L V6 | 3.7L V6 | — | — | — | 3,800 | — | — | — |
| 4.7L V8 | 4.7L V8 | — | — | — | 4,250 | — | — | — |
| 4.7L V8 | 4.7L V8 | — | — | — | 5,250 | — | — | — |
| 4.7L V8 | 4.7L V8 | — | — | — | 5,750 | — | — | — |
| 4.7L V8 | 4.7L V8 | — | — | — | 5,650 | — | — | — |
| 4.7L V8 | 4.7L V8 | — | — | — | 6,650 | — | — | — |
| 4.7L V8 | 4.7L V8 | — | — | — | 7,650 | — | — | — |
| 5.7L V8 | 5.7L V8 | — | — | — | 8,100 | — | — | — |
| 5.7L V8 | 5.7L V8 | — | — | — | 9,100 | — | — | — |
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 2005
The 2005 Dodge Ram 1500 Reg. Cab 2WD Short Bed carried a maximum tow rating of 9,250 lb. The 2008 model is rated 150 lb lower — sometimes a real spec change, sometimes a re-test under a stricter standard like SAE J2807. See the 2005 Dodge Ram 1500 Reg. Cab 2WD Short Bed page for the full per-trim breakdown of the prior year.
Other 2008 Dodge models
The rest of Dodge's 2008 lineup, ranked by maximum tow rating. Click through for the per-trim breakdown of any of these.
| Model | Max tow (lb) |
|---|---|
| 2008 Dodge Ram 3500 Quad Cab 4WD Short Bed | 16,900 |
| 2008 Dodge Ram 3500 Quad Cab 4WD Long Bed | 16,800 |
| 2008 Dodge Ram 3500 Reg Cab 4WD Long Bed DRW | 16,750 |
| 2008 Dodge Ram 3500 Mega Cab 4WD | 16,500 |
| 2008 Dodge Ram 3500 Quad Cab 4WD Long Bed DRW | 16,450 |
| 2008 Dodge RAM 3500 Quad CAB | 16,400 |
Notes
- Manual transmission
- Automatic transmission
- Manual transmission
- Manual transmission
- Manual transmission
- Automatic transmission
- Automatic transmission
- Automatic transmission
- Automatic transmission
- Automatic transmission
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.