2012 Ram 3500 Mega CAB towing capacity

The 2012 Ram 3500 Mega CAB is published in 7 configurations, with tow ratings ranging from 16,400 to 18,350 lb depending on cab, bed, drivetrain, and hitch class. The peak figure (18,350 lb) sits in serious heavy-duty pickup territory.

The table below lists every trim of the 2012 Ram 3500 Mega CAB 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

How to interpret the headline tow figure

Ratings in this range are typically achievable with a weight-distributing hitch and the appropriate tow package. The conventional bumper-pull rating without weight distribution will be lower than the headline figure shown here — usually 5,000 to 8,000 lb. Confirm the hitch class on your vehicle's door-jamb sticker before towing at the upper end.

How this year compares to 2011

The 2011 Ram 3500 Mega CAB carried a maximum tow rating of 16,850 lb. The 2012 model adds 1,500 lb on top of that — usually a sign the manufacturer added a tow package option, refreshed the powertrain, or revised hitch class certification. See the 2011 Ram 3500 Mega CAB page for the full per-trim breakdown of the prior year.

Other 2012 Ram models

The rest of Ram's 2012 lineup, ranked by maximum tow rating. Click through for the per-trim breakdown of any of these.

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.