2021 Ram 1500 Classic towing capacity
The 2021 Ram 1500 Classic is published in 14 configurations, with tow ratings ranging from 4,000 to 8,000 lb depending on cab, bed, drivetrain, and hitch class. The peak figure (8,000 lb) sits in full-size truck and SUV territory.
The table below lists every trim of the 2021 Ram 1500 Classic 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tradesman 4x2 Regular Cab 6.3 ft. box 120 in. WB | — | 305 | 269 | 3.21 | 4,000 | 6,025 | 4,520 | 1,505 |
| Tradesman 4x2 Regular Cab 8 ft. box 140 in. WB | — | 305 | 269 | 3.21 | 4,000 | 6,600 | 4,697 | 1,903 |
| Tradesman 4x2 Quad Cab 6.3 ft. box 140 in. WB | — | 305 | 269 | 3.21 | 4,000 | 6,800 | 4,877 | 1,923 |
| Tradesman 4x4 Regular Cab 8 ft. box 140 in. WB | — | 305 | 269 | 3.21 | 4,000 | 6,600 | 4,892 | 1,708 |
| Tradesman 4x4 Regular Cab 6.3 ft. box 120 in. WB | — | 305 | 269 | 3.21 | 4,000 | 6,300 | 4,722 | 1,578 |
| Tradesman 4x2 Crew Cab 5.6 ft. box 140 in. WB | — | 305 | 269 | 3.21 | 4,000 | 6,800 | 4,933 | 1,867 |
| Tradesman 4x2 Crew Cab 6.3 ft. box 149 in. WB | — | 395 | 410 | 3.21 | 8,000 | 6,800 | 5,198 | 1,602 |
| Tradesman 4x4 Quad Cab 6.3 ft. box 140 in. WB | — | 305 | 269 | 3.21 | 4,000 | 6,800 | 5,060 | 1,740 |
| Tradesman 4x4 Crew Cab 5.6 ft. box 140 in. WB | — | 305 | 269 | 3.21 | 4,000 | 6,800 | 5,085 | 1,715 |
| Tradesman 4x4 Crew Cab 6.3 ft. box 149 in. WB | — | 395 | 410 | 3.55 | 8,000 | 6,800 | 5,375 | 1,425 |
| SLT 4x2 Quad Cab 6.3 ft. box 140 in. WB | — | 305 | 269 | 3.21 | 4,000 | 6,800 | 4,921 | 1,879 |
| SLT 4x2 Crew Cab 5.6 ft. box 140 in. WB | — | 305 | 269 | 3.21 | 4,000 | 6,800 | 4,971 | 1,829 |
| SLT 4x4 Quad Cab 6.3 ft. box 140 in. WB | — | 305 | 269 | 3.21 | 4,000 | 6,800 | 5,099 | 1,701 |
| SLT 4x4 Crew Cab 5.6 ft. box 140 in. WB | — | 305 | 269 | 3.21 | 4,000 | 6,800 | 5,117 | 1,683 |
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 2020
The 2020 Ram 1500 Classic carried a maximum tow rating of 8,000 lb. The 2021 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 2020 Ram 1500 Classic page for the full per-trim breakdown of the prior year.
Other 2021 Ram models
The rest of Ram's 2021 lineup, ranked by maximum tow rating. Click through for the per-trim breakdown of any of these.
| Model | Max tow (lb) |
|---|---|
| 2021 Ram 2500 Regular CAB | 17,220 |
| 2021 Ram 3500 Regular CAB | 17,120 |
| 2021 Ram 3500 Mega CAB | 16,550 |
| 2021 Ram 2500 Mega CAB | 16,460 |
| 2021 Ram 2500 | 15,000 |
| 2021 Ram 2500 Crew CAB | 14,410 |
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.